

On Rock Run Loop, you will find a similar looking wildflower purple cress Cardamine douglassi blooming prolifically. Some authorities now list all members of the genus, Dentaria as Cardamine. Since the flowers of these individuals are so similar in appearance, the key to identifying them is found by examination of the leaves and leaflets.
On Saturday, I found several tiny back beetles crawling about in the heart of these early bloomers. I also watched as several tiny gold and green colored bees visited the blossoms. I’m not sure if they were attracted to the bright petals that the plants use to advertise their nectar and pollen, or some hidden fragrance or both. But suffice it to say the bugs, bees, and I were happy to find these toothsome signs of spring. Come out and see what other wildflowers and signs of spring you can find on our 40 miles of trails. Spring wildflowers march rapidly into and out of our viewing pleasure.
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