Bloomlist notes for July 12th, 2018

    This week's bloomlist for Wildflower Island is at the end of the post, and Bonnie's
    pictures can be found HERE. Peterson names are used for consistency wherever possible,
    and comments and clarifications are welcome in the comments section.

Today was a kind of rest period for the Island, before the vibrant summer colors come in. It was also a particularly "white" day, though the Sweet Pepperbush buds weren't yet open or releasing their scent.

A couple of points ...
Here's Curled Dock in bloom, and according to the Illinois site, the blooming period lasts about a month. They turn dark brown as they turn more and more to seed.


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I think the plant that looks so much like Lady's-thumb, but whose small blooms are more white than pink is Pennsylvania Smartweed. Here's Bonnie's picture of it.

The generally missing dark thumbprint (chevrons) on the leaves is a significant characteristic of this Persicaria.

I would be more secure calling this the Pennsylvania Smartweed if I had remembered to check the leaf sheathes, which do not have hairs.

Below are pictures of the Lady's-thumb and Pennyslvania sheathes, along with the Peterson illustrations.

We welcome any clarifications or updates on these species.

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