25 people showed up for the wildflower walk today even though it’s been raining on-and-off all week. George Yatskievych entertained us with fun facts about every plant we pointed out. Two plants that I found especially interesting:
• Prairie Milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii) – which I thought was a dark flowered common milkweed. It’s a new species for me and one that the butterflies should love.

• Green-Fringed Orchid (Platanthera lacera) – even though it was over a foot tall I wouldn’t have seen it because the green coloration blends in so well with the surrounding foliage.

George is is the Director of the Flora of Missouri Project at the Missouri Botanical Garden. I can’t imagine someone being better at leading a wildflower walk. Thank you George!