Flora Pittsburghensis

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Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis)

Photographed May 22.

Also known as Meadow Anemone, and by some botanists placed in the genus Anemonastrum (making it neuter, Anemonastrum canadense). This is a rare plant in the Pittsburgh area; here in the southern extremity of its range, the stations are sparse and widely separated. This plant was blooming in Bird Park, Mount Lebanon. There is a possibility that it was intentionally introduced, but the USDA PLANTS database does record Anemone canadensis as native to Allegheny County.

For a description of the species, see the Anemone canadensis reference page.

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Giant Chickweed (Stellaria aquatica)

Photographed May 22.

Also known as Myosoton aquaticum, depending on the mood of the botanist. This is a beautiful large-flowered Chickweed that would make a good shade-garden planting. When we say “large-flowered” or “giant,” of course, we mean in relation to most other chickweeds. By other standards this is a smallish flower. These plants were blooming in open woods in Bird Park, Mount Lebanon.

For a description of the species, see the Stellaria aquatica reference page.
Blue Flag (Iris versicolor)

Photographed May 18.

A water-loving native Iris with spectacular blue to violet or purple flowers marked with white and yellow. These plants were growing by a stream in Bird Park, Mount Lebanon.

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Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Photographed May 8.

Racemes of little white flowers cover the trees in the spring, followed by tiny but delicious black cherries. Similar to the Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana), but with narrower, glossier leaves; and the Black Cherry grows into a large tree with ragged bark, whereas the Choke Cherry seldom exceeds a large shrub and has smooth bark. This tree was growing in Bird Park, Mount Lebanon.

For a description of the species, see the Prunus serotina reference page.

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Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens)

Photographed May 4.

The common buttercup that invades our lawns and delights children. These were growing in Beechview.

For a description of the species, see the Ranunculus repens reference page (and try saying “Ranunculus repens reference” three times fast).

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Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis)

Giant Chickweed (Stellaria aquatica)

Blue Flag (Iris versicolor)

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens)