Fragrant Blooms

The moisture the last two weeks, combined with some travels has made it tough to get out on the mountain, but there's a real treat for you if you do make it out now.  

Three varieties of flowering trees are in bloom on the mountain--Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), Wild Plum (Prunus americana), and Hawthorne (Crataegus erythropoda). They're full of white blossoms and make the best display of the year for sheer number of flowers.

All three are in the rose family so the individual blossoms look similar. Roses have five petals and many stamens in their native form (including the Wild Rose). Chokecherries have flowers arranged on a stalk (called a spike). Hawthorns have thorns. Of course you can tell them apart later in the year as the fruits ripen, too.

Chokecherry blossom

For the last couple weeks the Wild Plum trees (Prunus americana) have been blooming. If you pass them in full bloom, you'll be able to smell their sweet scent before you get to them. Take advantage of a great weekend and stop to smell the flowers!