Was introduced to the eastern U.S. in 1866 as rootstock for ornamental roses. Then was widely used as living fences, for erosion control, etc. til it became considered a pest in natural ecosystems. Hm. Designated a noxious weed in several states. The fruits (hips) are eaten by many kinds of birds. Beautiful.
Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
The little leaves for these just stand vertically right out of the ground and have been up for quite a while. Now at last they’re blooming. (I notice it’s also called Two-leaved Solomonseal — another Solomonseal to confuse us.)
Canada Mayflower ((Maianthemum canadense)
Also called Mandrake. The leaves are like little umbrellas hiding the flowers. Fruit is a yellow berry — the pulp is edible when ripe. Name refers to the May blooming and the flower resembling an apple blossom. These plants are in Alert Flowerophile Donna’s garden. Barberry family.
May-apple, Mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum)
At Centennial, I saw only one single bloom of this, but down the street by Walker Pond, there is quite a colony. They’re beautiful — the color so subtle. Cannot find why they are called Quaker Ladies!
Bluets, Quaker Ladies (Houstonia caerulea)