Coltsfoot normally blooms in March, but this plant, sketched on April 21, was only a week old. After an early shower, its yellow flowers hung like a damp mop. These little yellow lilies, erroneously called wild oats, flourish in rich woods. I found an early one near Calkins Creek on April 23. Close by were clumps of Dutchman s breeches, so-named because of their resemblance to white pantaloons hung out to dry.
Red maples produce thousands of tiny flowers that add a red flush to the forest.
The three female flowers in the sketch made in Honesdale on April 24 were setting seed just as the new leaves unfolded. White bloodroot flowers were peaking on April 27. A large leaf that enfolds each flower stem will remain after the petals fall. White flowers of the little shadbush tree are easily mistaken for cherry blossoms, but they open earlier. I hope that readers, who enjoy beautiful scenery and a leisurely afternoon stroll, can join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy for a wildflower walk on Sunday afternoon, May 6.