Natural Lands

Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Photo by Michael Hassler

Wild columbine is commonly found on rocky sills or woodland edges, and displays nodding, bell-like flowers in April or May. Like many of our spring-blooming wildflowers, it belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). In the Arboretum’s Hartley Wood, wild columbine may be found growing on the rock outcrops along the Limestone Trail.

Rue anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides)

Another member of the buttercup family, rue anemone was once found throughout the eastern United States but has become increasingly rare. Plants usually appear individually, and produce dainty white flowers with between five and ten petal-like sepals, held above three-lobed leaves. A true spring ephemeral, rue anemone goes completely dormant in summer.

Spotted geranium (Geranium maculatum)

Photo by Michael Hassler

Spotted geranium can be found blooming in many Pennsylvania forests during May. Its five-petaled flowers range in color from lavender to pink. In the fall, the hand-shaped or “palmate” leaves often turn red or orange before going dormant for winter. Look for it along the edges of the Gerhold Wildflower Trail.

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Photo by Michael Hassler

Witch hazel is most noticeable in mid to late autumn, when it comes into bloom. This large shrub produces fragrant bright yellow flowers, whose ribbon-like petals uncurl as the blossoms mature. Few other native Pennsylvania shrubs bloom in the fall, making witch hazel unique. Look for this plant near the entrances to the Gerhold Wildflower Trail.