Marion
Edsall in her book “Roadside Plants and Flowers” makes a very interesting
point. “Many of the wayside plants . . .
are ‘aliens’ in the biological sense . . .”
They come from the “Old World” either on purpose or by accident. It makes me wonder what was here before we of
European decent invaded the land.
 |
| Ox-Eye Daisy |
Another
great book I checked out from the library gave a more in depth way of
identifying the wild flowers you find on the trail. “Wildflowers of Wisconsin” written by Stan
Tekiela is very well organized. Mr.
Tekiela divides his book by color of flower, size of plant then by the
appearance of the flowers (clustered, bell shaped, etc.). He also looks at the leaf shape and how they
are attached to the stem (opposite, alternately, etc.).
Both books
were very informative but kind of heavy.
I wouldn’t have room for lunch on my backpack if I hauled them on the
trail. Yeah, you’re right I could get a
bigger back pack or eat a smaller lunch.
But doing the research when I get home is more fun for me. I stop every 20 feet to take pictures, which
means it takes me about 45 minutes to hike a mile of trail. It would take me an hour if I looked every
plant up on the trail.
Whether you
decide to lug books with you or do your research later doesn’t
matter just get outside and enjoy the flowers.
Pack out
what you pack in.
Roadside
Plants and Flowers by Marian S. Edsall; University of Wisconsin Press, Madison,
WI; © 1985 Board of Regents UW System.
Wildflowers
of Wisconsin: Field Guide by Stan
Tekiela; Adventure Publications, Cambridge, MN; © 2000
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