This is the beginning of our 23rd year of looking at wildflowers in Cook County, MN. We are three senior women who just love to get out and explore and learn new things. We are even getting together all winter but don't find too many flowers at that time, but no matter.

June 16th, 2004

Today was the day for Pink Moccasin flowers but first we went out to the point to see the Butterwort in bloom. They are a small plant with a violet flower and yellow-green leaves that are sticky because they catch insects and digest them. Then up the Gunflint Trail. The greens on the trees are so beautiful, finally we have had enough moisture to make them really outstanding. Along the way we saw: Sheep Sorrel, Rock Cress, Tall Buttercup, Caraway, Red-berried Elder and Winter Cress. We had permission to visit some private property on Leo Lake. It is probably the most beautiful forest floor anywhere. We counted 48 Pink Moccasins, Naked Miterwort, Large -flowered Trillium, Bunchberry, Purple Clematis, Forget-me-nots, Clintonia, Wild Sarsaparilla. As we went on we saw a wonderful display of Pale Laures - it was not Pale at all - the brightest pink we have seen. Also on the way we saw Lupine & Mertensia. Then to a Jack Pine forest beyond the Sea Gull Guard Station. We stopped counting after we had seen over 50 Pink Moccasins, also Labrador Tea, Star Flowers, Blueberries and the bright red berries of the Wintergreen. - We were told that the Showy Ladyslippers are just about to open at the Wildflower Garden near Hedstroms. (Someone had told me that the Showy Ladyslippers were about to bloom at the Wildflower Garden. There are no Showy's there she meant Pink Moccasins)  That is our state flower but it does not grow naturally in our county. - Oh - a new flower for us: False Boneset and, for now we have the Twisted-stalk - Solomon Seal problem figured out. It is so much easier when they are in bloom. -The town is full of blooming trees and the lilacs are beginning to show color.

Next Wednesday I will be at Isle Royale looking at Wildflowers.

Click Here to see What you May Find Next Week

Be sure to stop back throughout the Summer 2004 to see our weekly wildflower reports from Lorraine Anderson of Grand Marais, Minnesota.