A small tree or large shrub with smooth leaves that resemble the leaves of Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), but the clusters of flowers lack the showy bracts that make the better-known species such a favorite ornamental tree. Father Pitt is reasonably sure of this identification, but corrections are always received with gratitude. This plant was blooming in Bird Park in Mount Lebanon.
A European immigrant that is considered invasive in some places, but has never been much more than a polite guest in our area. It is found especially in open woods; these plants were blooming in Bird Park in Mount Lebanon.
For a description of the species, see the Chelidonium majus reference page.
Often mistaken by Pittsburghers for a phlox (or “some kind of phlock,” as old Pa Pitt has heard Pittsburghers say), this is actually a member of the mustard family. Its four-petaled flowers give it away. It came to our country as a garden favorite and decided it liked our climate, and now it lights up roadsides and the edges of woods everywhere. These plants were blooming in Bird Park and along Beadling Road in Mount Lebanon.
For a description of the species, see the Hesperis matronalis reference page.
A relative of our garden geraniums, which are now placed in the genus Pelargonium, this is a common and always welcome woodland flower that is also a shade-garden favorite. These plants were growing in the Kane Woods (Scott Township) and Bird Park (Mount Lebanon).
For a description of the species, see the Geranium maculatum reference page.
Our identification is probable, but it is hard to tell the difference between a Choke Cherry and a young Black Cherry (Prunus serotina). Black Cherries grow into substantial trees with ragged bark; this plant was a shrub with rather smooth bark. The leaves were also less glossy than we expect from a Black Cherry. The plant was blooming near the Saw Mill Run Boulevard end of the Seldom Seen Greenway.
