By Bill Deaton
April in Northeastern Pennsylvania marks the return of wildflowers to the area. Some are tiny, plentiful, and somewhat undramatic such as the Bluet (aka Houstonia) while others are large, rare, and flashy like the Red Trillium (aka the Wake-Robin, Trillium Erectus.)
Red Trillium are elusive and only pop for a short period. However, at close to 16-inches high and almost a foot in diameter, they are hard to miss when in bloom but only grow in specific locales. Bluets, on the other hand, are delicate little flowers known to hug the ground, light in color, and typically plentiful. These two seemingly very opposite flowers share one great denominator. Both are solid heralds of spring.
Rue Anemone, various Violets, Fringed Polygala, and several species of Phlox also show up early in the spring and are commonly discovered, while Red Columbine, Dames’ Rockets, and numerous lilies tend to arrive later in the month and in early May. Several excellent venues to view the floral pageantry can be found in the Lake Region.
In most cases, finding flowers doesn’t require a massive trek, but be prepared for wet trails. Flower hunts tend to be good family activities as well especially if your party of adventurers likes to take frequent breaks. Take a camera and enjoy the scenery!