Gaywings (aka Fringed Polygala, Fringed Milkwort, Bird on the Wing, and Flowering Wintergreen) Polygala paucifolia.  • Family: Polygalaceae / Milkwort • Habitat: Dry open woods • Height: 3-6 inches • Flower size: 3/4 inch • Flower color: pink to purple • Edibility:  Not Edible - do not mistake this for Wintergreen • Origin:  Native

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 - Report by

Today was a warm, beautiful, sunny day. However the black flies thought so too.

The flowers of the week were Gay Wings and Bunchberries – oh and Strawberries too. Our goal today was to find Gay Wings and we found more than ever before – on the Meridian Road and Bally Creek Road. Most of the dandelions are white-heads. The lilacs are beginning to bloom and the wild fruits are blooming – mostly Juneberries and Pin Cherries.

Other blooming things are: Clintonia, Starflower, Wild Clematis, Blue-eyed Grass, Mertensia (bluebells), Buttercup, Caraway, Red Osier Dogwood, Lupine, Winter Cress, Lovely Marsh Marigolds – still, Red-berried Elder, Violets, Wood Anemone (bigger flowers this year) Wild Sarsaparilla, Pussy-toes and Labrador Tea.

The ferns are fresh and green as is the whole forest – now we are hoping for rain.

The Jack-in-the Pulpit are blooming in Bette’s yard as well as the Hooker’s Rein Orchid. Lunch in the car at upper Cascade River.