Thursday Thirteen 292: Arboretum Walk

Sorry so late today—we had severe storms in the area last night that kept me offline. This week, I thought I'd share a few photos taken at the UW-Madison Arboretum.

I've been up to the Grady Tract of the Arboretum a few times now this spring, by myself and on one guided walk. Free guided walks are offered every Sunday afternoon, alternating between Grady Tract—the small section south of the Beltline Highway—and the main Arboretum. They are great for learning the names of plants, or about the ecology and history of the Arboretum in general. You can visit the Arb every two weeks and see something new each time. Here are a few random pics from recent visits (June 2 and 7).




It's not unusual to see hawks soaring above the Arboretum (June 2).



Small White Lady's-Slipper orchid (endangered)



Leafy spurge



Black Locust Blossoms—there is one in Grady Tract, and several throughout my neighborhood. The blossoms hang down in pretty clusters, and smell devine. Alas, the flowers have all gone now.



Hairy Puccoon. These are taller than the Hoary Puccoon, which also grow in Grady Tract. The Hairy variety seems more common up on the Knoll, while the Hoary seem to prefer Greene Prairie.



Dame's Rocket. These are often mistaken for Phlox, but they are taller and have only four petals, while Phlox has five petals. Dame's Rocket is in the mustard family.



Close-up of Dame's Rocket.



A beautiful June sky over Grady Tract (June 7).




Ragwort. As you may have guessed, they are a member of the Sunflower family.



Wild Lupine is quite abundant throughout the Arboretum, and the color more vivid than in recent years.



Large-flowered Beard-tongue is also more vivid and abundant than in recent years. This is one of my favorite wild flowers, blooming early June to early July. These were not yet in bloom on June 2, but were only a few days later. 



Wild Geranium



Wild Strawberry. Blackberries and raspberries are also common throughout the Arboretum.

LINKING TO: Thursday Thirteen