Deep beneath the flowing forest canopy of these Berkshire hills, a succession of spring-flowering shrubs blooms in the understory, and ephemeral spring wildflowers flourish on the forest floor. A recent “Nature’s Turn” column highlighted a sampling of native shrubs. In this edition, native wildflowers appear in our region’s May landscape, their uniqueness enchanting us and urging us to include nursery-grown species native (not cultivars) in our yards and gardens: plants that will nurture co-evolved invertebrates and microorganisms that are being starved by expanses of lawn and pavement.
Exuberant early Azalea, Rhododendron prinophyllum (or does it key out to be Pink Azalea, AKA Pinxterbloom R. periclymenoides aka R. nudiflorum?). At press time, I am questioning common colloquial names I hadn’t doubted previously. I will follow-up! Nonetheless, go out to visit these vibrant, small shrubs in area woodlands. Berkshire Natural Resources Council publishes a list of trails accessible to all fitness levels, find it here. These azaleas can be cultivated as woodland borders, in native plant gardens and foundation plantings. They often live in rocky terrain and tolerate high elevation cold environments. Nurseries that market native plants are listed in “Resources,” below.
Exotic, fantastical Pink Lady’s Slipper, Cypripedium acaule, an orchid, is one of the most astonishing flowers in the world. According to GoBotany, “Contact with the floral bract is known to cause skin irritation in some people; other parts of the plant may also have this effect.” Will this quality protect the Lady’s Slipper from the casual passerby who would pick it?
Exquisite, serene Bunchberry, AKA Dwarf Cornel and Canada dwarf-dogwood, Chamaepericlymenum canadense, forms perfect carpets in association with deciduous azalea, trillium, starflower, and Indian cucumber root. Locate DCR woodland and meadow trails here.
Demure Sessile-leaved Bellwort, AKA Wild Oats, Uvularia sessilifolia, occurs in the company of those listed with Bunchberry.
Our final plants are less endangered by careless human encroachment. Exciting the nose and the palate, Wintergreen, AKA Checkerberry, Gaultheria procumbens, an evergreen groundcover often found at trail’s edge, offers its leathery leaf and plump red berry as a treat. Pure essence of wintergreen pleases the knowing perambulator. Be sure of the identity of the plant! Pick a single leaf, tear it into pieces to release the fragrance, then chew it for a refreshing interlude. If the berries persist on the plant, they are safe to eat, seem airy, like popcorn, when chewed, delicious and safe to swallow. Also in the photograph, charming Bluets, AKA Quaker Ladies and Little Bluet, Houstonia caerulea, are widespread in natural and disturbed environments.
Resources for gardeners, property owners: “Lawns into Meadows,” “Nature’s Best Hope,” and “Nature’s Best Hope, Young Readers Edition.” From my garden, planting milkweed, growing butterflies.
We in the tri-state region have access to native plants at nurseries directed by remarkable plantsmen and women. Go to Salisbury Garden Center in Salisbury, Conn.; Ward’s Nursery and Garden Center in Great Barrington; and Windy Hill Nursery, Orchard, and Garden Shop on Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington.
A word about the Cattle Shed Field, lead photo, above: This scenic and historic overlook offers parking for two cars and informative signage. Watercolor painters enjoy the spot. Bicyclists and motorists proceed to the edge of South Egremont village, the intersection of Route 41 and Mt. Washington Road. Flat road at first, then hilly climb. A few miles out, just past the Egremont Town Line, the view opens out. It is a Massachusetts DCR property.