FRIENDS

   OF

   THE

   NATURE

   CENTER

      Spring Issue 2006

      A Quarterly Publication

Species Profile

Sanguinaria canadensis – Bloodroot

Bloodroot is a member of the poppy family and is usually three to six inches tall when in bloom in early to mid April. After flowering, some plants may reach nearly a foot tall. The flowers are solitary on each stem with 8 – 12 pure white petals, the two green sepals fall from the flower after opening. The flowers bloom only when it is warm and sunny, if it is too cold or cloudy the petals will simply fall off without the flower ever opening its blooms.

The stemless leaves fold or wrap around the flowering stem until the flower blooms and then unfold. The light green leaves are roundish to nearly 10 inches in diameter, deeply palmately lobed, with one sinus cutting from the stem outward. The margins are somewhat toothed and wavy; some suggest a “puppy paw” appearance..

The plant spreads by both seed and rhizomes, forming large colonies with dozens of blooms.

A red to reddish-orange juice is found in the stem and roots, hence the common name. The juice from the roots was used by Native Americans for dye and for medicinal uses, which are not supported by the chemicals present. The plant has however proven useful in treating early stages of certain skin cancers and use used by the Cherokee Indians to treat skin aliments. CAUTION: all parts of this plant are poisonous and should never be ingested. This welcome early spring ephemeral is found in rich open woods and thickets.

Email Alerts

If you have a computer and email and would like to receive occasional notices of special sightings, walks or programs as opportunities arise from time to time between mailings just email Craig Elston at wildflower1000@ameritech.net. Put your email address and the phrase “email list” in the body. The list will be kept confidential and only be used to alert you of items of interest as mentioned above.

Calendar of Events

Sunday, March 19, 2:00 pm
Signs of Spring Nature Hike

Come walk the trails looking for and learning about the sings of spring that can be found in the trees, wildflowers, birds and any other natural features that we find of interest. We will also learn to identify some of the trees and shrubs by their bark and buds as they begin to grow and prepare to put out their new leaves.

Tuesday, April 11, 6:00 pm
The Gardens of Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and 3rd president of the United States was also a great naturalist and gardener. Mr. Jefferson grew hundreds of different plant varieties, including many North American native species at his beloved Monticello in Virginia. Come see many plants that Mr. Jefferson grew as photographed by Craig at Monticello and from his own garden here in Hudsonville.
This program will be held in the community room in the lower level of the Hudsonville City Offices building at 3275 Central.

Sunday, April 23, 2:00 pm
Early Spring Nature Hike

Come walk the trails and discover any early Spring Wildflowers and other signs of spring. Although not in bloom, several of the spring flowers should be beginning to show and be identified. A few may also be blooming and the birds beginning to sign and be seen.

Sunday, May 14, 2:00 pm
Spring Wildflower Hike

Come walk the trails looking for and learning about the lovely ephemeral wildflowers of spring. You will learn about and how to identify spring wildflowers. We should have an excellent showing of many flowers. This is also a good time for early warblers migrating through.

All walks at the Hudsonville Nature Center are led by City naturalist, Craig Elston and begin at the end of New Holland St. east of 32nd Avenue.

Come prepared for weather and other elements, as walks will be held except in the case of severe weather.

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