Orchid family Oak Ridge, TN April 22, 2009
Poison ivy leaves are red when they emerge in the spring, due to anthocyanin a "vegetative form of sunscreen". Keep an eye out for these leaves as you enjoy the early spring wildflowers! This picture was taken the first week of April. Perennial Where seen:Just about everywhere!
Buttercup Family This lovely flower was found blooming in mid-February at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, along with a whole hillside of others! It is a garden escape. These flowers bloom in early February. Like other plants in the Buttercup family, Lenten Rose is poisonous if eaten. It is very important to teach children to not eat any plants found in the wild.
