June in western New York, at Watts Flats Wetland Reserve. I went there to find butterflies. As happened too often in the U.S. northeast this 2016, I found few butterflies. In ’17 I expect this disappointment will see some academic explanation. To date, that is not yet available.
But this June 2016 day brought new acquaintances. Among them was this stand of diminutive elves, boasting their bright white blossoms. Several dozens of them. Crouching down, the thought was immediate. I kind of recognize these flowerheads. It later dawned on me. They resemble the blossoms on my 3 Cherokee Red Dogwood trees, on my Pittsburgh lot.
When I got home, I grabbed my National Audubon Society field guide, Field Guide to Wildflowers – Eastern Region. This is the only herb in the dogwood group.
It is Bunchberry ( Cornus canadensis ). It is uncommon, and difficult to find. We found it here, near Busti, New York. It’s about 4″ tall, and when you happen on it in cool, wooded edges, you s-t-o-p, knowing you have just found something, well, novel.
It makes for a fine, memorable day. Admi$$ion fee here at Watts Flats? Zero.
Jeff
A very healthy bunchberry! We have a bunch growing on our property but they appear more delicate than the one in your photo. I have seen them growing on the floor of the red wood forest in California.
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Have you executed sketches of them? That would be a Joy in 2017? No?
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Yes, Jeffrey and I enjoy our garden that he lovingly planted and nurtures. —his wife, Miriam
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for those who do not “do” photography, they may not realize how difficult it is, in low light with such contrasting colors to catch the fragile details on a white bloom…and as the pro you are, you have done exactly that.
proving once again with all the details intact, that the beauty in the eye of the beholder (in this case Jeff Zablow) can be transferred to those who would never see this 4 ” beauty without your exploring and lens. would have been our loss, and now our gain thanks to your writing and that same lens.
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Thanks you Judgeva. First sight of these extraordinary blooms, milk-white, did stop me, in my tracks.
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