The first two pictures are of a small plant known as Bishop's Cap (you can see the resemblance to a fringed cap), or specifically, Mitella diphylla. It flowers in the Smokies from late April to early June. It is a tiny flower best seen from up close. The third plant is Squirrel Corn or properly, Dicentra canadensis. Its common name is derived from the small tubers on the rootstock that resembles grains of yellow corn. Dutchmen's britches look a lot like Squirrel corn except the flower stalk in squirrel corn is erect while it is nodding in dutchmen's britches. Sometimes squirrel corn and dutchmen's britches are found growing side by side. These pictures were taken on the Chimney's Picnic Area Trail in the Smokies. This is the only place I have ever seen squirrel corn growing.
No comments:
Post a Comment