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Sarsaparilla (aka Aralia, Shot Bush, Small Spikenard, Rabbit Root, Wild Liquourice) Aralia nudicaulis.  • Family: Araliaceae / Ginseng • Habitat: Dry open woods • Height: 15-24 inches • Flower size: 1 1/2 - 2 inches across • Flower color: pale green to white • Edibility:  Roots and rhizomes used in root beer and herbal remedies • Origin:  Native

 

May 15th, 2010 - Report by John Silliman

I hiked from the Gunflint Nature Center to Lonely Lake today and saw many interesting flowers. Prior to arriving at the main trailhead, I saw lots of dandelions. Shortly after coming on to the trail, I came across the tiny strawberry flowers right along the path, followed by large numbers of wood anemone. Near the first trail junction, I spotted the heavily flowered pin cherry trees. Then I came across my first bunchberry flowers of the year, and also found the Canada mayflower, which is also known as the wild lily of the valley or false lily of the valley. On Lookout Point, I came across the blueberry flowers, and the black flies pollinating them. Upon reaching the fen area of Lonely Lake, I saw many tiny white bell shaped flowers on the leatherleaf plant.

On the way back from Lonely Lake, I took a detour down the Big Pine ski trail and found the tiny dog violets. The white Canada violets are also present in the area.

I then took the trail through the Cedar Swamp. The bright yellow marsh marigold, or cowslip was in abundance next to the creek. Also present were the flowers of the skunk currant.

Two flowers I observed today which were budding, but not fully blooming were the clintonia, and the wild sarsaparilla. By next week, they will most likely be showing their full splendor.

Dandelion
Common Strawberry
Wood Anemone
Pin Cherry
Wild Sarsaparilla
Fly Honeysuckle
Bunchberry
Canada Mayflower
Blueberry
Leatherleaf
Dog Violet
Marsh Marigold
Skunk Currant
Clintonia
Canada Violet

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  Be sure to stop back throughout the Summer to see our weekly wildflower reports from John Silliman, Head Naturalist at Gunflint Lodge.