ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT
05-21-2021
Chicago Nature NOW! Alert
May 21, 2021
“Weekly Wildflower Reports Featuring
Chicago’s Best Weekend Getaways & Nature Trips”
Plan the Best COVID-19 Walks & Getaways Around Chicago!
Don’t miss one beautiful moment.
Click here to subscribe to receive FREE nature alerts!
Each week, we offer you opportunities to find peace during this trying time!
PLEASE DONATE IF WE’VE HELPED YOU FIND SOLACE IN NATURE.
Donate to Our GoFundMe Campaign
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE VISITING OUR SHOWCASE PRESERVES DURING THIS TIME OF INCREASED INTEREST IN NATURE:
ChicagoNatureNOW! preserves are Sacred Cathedrals of Nature, NOT playgrounds or amusement parks. Please treat these sanctuaries with reverence, and behave as you would in any house of worship:
-
- Stay on the trails.
- Walk, don’t run.
- If your kids need to run around, there are THOUSANDS of more appropriate places to play.
- Speak quietly as to not interfere with the spiritual experiences of others.
- Don’t pick flowers or remove anything from a preserve.
- Share cherished moments through photography, drawing, painting, and writing.
- Many of these preserves do NOT allow pets, even if they’re leashed.
- If a rule isn’t listed here, then ask yourself, “Would I do this in church?”
IMPORTANT COVID-19 SITE ACCESS & SAFETY TIPS
(which I hope to remove as more people are vaccinated)
SITE ACCESS:
Most sites and trails that are owned by Chicago-area counties and Indiana Dunes National Park are open, except for visitor centers, buildings, and bathrooms. Fermilab Prairie woodland (Fermilab Natural Areas) in Batavia is closed. Period. And Shoe Factory Road Prairie will be closed for a little while longer because the public abused the site, last year. Check out these websites before you go:
- Forest Preserve District of Cook County
- Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- McHenry County Conservation District
- Forest Preserve District of Will County
- Indiana Dunes National Park
BE SAFE:
- Wear a mask if you’re not vaccinated.
- Give each other some space.
- Don’t block people’s progress by gathering along trails, trailheads, or intersections.
WILDFLOWER HIGHLIGHTS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES INTO CHICAGO’S WOODLANDS:
This is the time when the blooming moves out from shade of the woodlands and into the open skies of the prairies and savannas.
At the famous Chiwaukee Prairie, shooting star (our Plant of the Week) is reaching peak bloom. The prairie is situated on the Lake Michigan shoreline on the Wisconsin side of the Illinois/Wisconsin border. The celestial white and pink flowers of shooting star span the prairie panorama alongside beautiful blooms of birdfoot violet. If you cannot make the trip to the cheese state, you can also head to the Hoosier State to experience the breathtaking performance of wild lupine at Miller Woods, Tolleston Dunes, and West Beach in Indiana Dunes National Par. During the best years, the green dunes of the savanna are covered in blue. Many other species add to the mix, including the golden hoary puccoon and hairy puccoon. These puccoons, and quite possibly the sublime fringed puccoon, are blooming at many of our prairies and savannas as well, including Illinois Beach Nature Preserve, Somme Prairie Grove, Bluff Spring Fen, Chiwaukee Prairie, and Wolf Road Prairie.
The best show in Illinois comes from the dramatic show of wild hyacinth at Wolf Road Prairie, where a savanna of feathery plumes greets you as you hop out of your car (along 31st Street). You can also find these flowers at sites like Somme Prairie Grove, Oldfield Oaks, and Black Partridge Woods, but the show is not nearly as dramatic.
Somme Prairie Grove offers a whimsical array of flowers amidst a fresh, green, and clean backdrop, thanks to a recent prescribed fire that cleared away last year’s brambles.
Pembroke Savanna, near Kankakee, is calling out for conscientious human visitors, as the blue birdfoot violet carpets large areas of the savanna where it is often joined by sand phlox that varies in color from white to lavender to blue. And stout blue-eye grass will make your heart sing. Another phlox to look for, this week, is the fragrant blue woodland phlox. You can find it in all of our featured woodlands, including Black Partridge Woods, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, and Heron Rookery Trail.
This is still a big week for wild geranium, with flowers that float above the forest floor. Lucky for us, this pink flower with star-shaped foliage is a popular plant at all of our black soil woodlands. The best shows are taking place at Raccoon Grove and high atop the bluffs of Black Partridge Woods. The waxy, white flower of mayapple is fading, but you may still be able to catch it. Look for a single flower under any plant with two “umbrella” leaves.
As the curtain sets, you may still find some final performances of the alabaster large-flowered trillium. They take their final bow, aged with pink faces. The best preserves to try are Harms Woods, Captain Daniel Wright Woods, and possibly Meacham Grove. These preserves are not on our feature preserves list. If you live near any of these preserves or you’re a regular visitor, this is your chance to become a scout. Learn about how to scout for us.
And finally, you can still immerse yourself, head to toe, in the emerald tones of our woodlands. In the shade of the chartreuse canopy, you’ll rarely see your shoes under a jade carpet of wild ginger, mayapple, wild leek, and skunk cabbage. Black Partridge Woods and Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve are perfect examples of this lushness.
Last Saturday, Black Partridge Woods became an emerald dream as the filigree of the tree canopy added a lacey lushness to the woodland.
NOTE: It is illegal to remove this plant, or any other plant or mushroom, from any preserve in the Chicago region.
WHERE TO GO THIS WEEKEND FOR A SPRING WILDFLOWER GETAWAY AROUND CHICAGO:
We’ve ranked the preserves on this week’s list based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best or “Go!” The “Go, if You’re in the Neighborhood” section is for sites that are worth visiting if you can’t get out to our top-rated preserves. And our “Preserves for You to Scout” section for those preserves that we couldn’t get to this week, but that you can help us explore! The date within the parentheses tells you when we last scouted the preserve. After the date, you may see one of these three mathematical symbols: +, –, = (plus, minus, equal). They represent our prediction about how the flowers will look on the coming weekend: “+” is Probably Better; “-” is Probably Less Dramatic; “=” is Probably the Same. Notice the word “probably.”
THIS WEEK’S BEST (“GO!”):
The order of the preserves below is based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best.
Miller Woods in Indiana Dunes National Park (5/21+): The show of wild lupine is at peak bloom. Adding the to the blue hues are the sublime blue-eyed grass and the remaining birdfoot violet. The vibrant yellow blooms of hoary puccoon add a golden sparkle to the savanna as the buttery blooms of wood betony end their run. The red-and-yellow blossoms of wild columbine float above the understory of the savanna. And flashes of white come from wild strawberry and bastard toadflax. Keep your eyes open, and you may even find the gorgeous red Indian paintbrush. While you’re here, take the trail to the lakeshore. Along the way, the path crosses a wide gravel path that goes straight east-west. Head west, and you’ll find beaver lodges and activity. If you arrive early or remain late in the day, chances are you’ll be greeted by a beaver slapping its flat tail against the water to alert others of its kind about that human lurking about. This abandoned railroad right-of-way isn’t as intimate as the official narrow trail, but I like the views better. After your hike, consider checking out the lupines at Tolleston Dunes and West Beach. NOTE: The trail can be covered in water in some area. We recommend high boots. Or just slosh on through!
Chiwaukee Prairie in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin (5/18+): The preserve is putting on its finest show of the year: the performance by the spectacular shooting star. It is joined by a colorful cast: hoary puccoon, wood betony, yellow star grass, blue-eyed grass, birdfoot violet, and wild strawberry. Golden Alexander is just beginning to expose its bright yellow blossoms. And check along the edges for soon-to-bloom wild lupine. While you’re here, you should definitely visit Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Zion, which is easily provides the best nature experience in the region.
Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester (5/14+): Just get out of your car, and there it is, the whitish blue hues of wild hyacinth that cover the floor of the oak savanna. And they’re out in the prairie, too. The floating blossoms of wild geranium adds magical sparks of pink to the Mother Nature’s floral arrangement. And I just love the geometrically shaped leaves of starry false Solomon’s seal and their beautiful ivory plumes. Under the sun, you’ll experience yellow flashes of hoary puccoon, golden Alexander, and fading wood betony. Pretty blossoms of wild strawberry are scattered about. And the new bloom on the block is the bubble-gum pink downy phlox. When I say “block,” I mean it literally. On the south end of the preserve, a grid of concrete sidewalks divides the prairie and savanna into city blocks. The walkways were left behind from home construction that never took place, thanks to The Great Depression, or in this case, The Great Save!
Black Partridge Woods in Lemont (5/16-): This is the week when pink wild geranium has reached peak bloom, with the greatest density atop the bluffs. It’s still a dreamy time to experience the lushness of the woodland. It’s so green—from the new leaves of the tiered tree canopy to the dense carpet of foliage on the woodland floor. Thanks to wild ginger that has fully leafed out, you can hardly see the ground beneath. I love the miniature forests of mayapple with their parasol-shaped leaves where you may still be able to find lonesome waxy white blossom hiding under the plants with two umbrellas. Exciting patches of acrobatic skunk cabbage leaves add to the whimsy. Wild leek‘s emerald swords put up a defense, along with the star-like leaves of wild geranium. And look for the floating filigreed foliage of early meadow rue. A very nice display of wild hyacinth is starting to take off atop the bluffs toward the back. A smattering of white and pink shooting star can also be found above. The fragrant woodland phlox is fading, but still blooming in good numbers. If you find a larger patch of phlox, you may not even have to put nose to petal to detect its fabulous scent. The combination of woodland phlox, wild geranium, and shooting star is wonderful sight.
Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook (5/14+): Visit this week for the variety of flowers and the fresh green look and feel of the preserve. The preserve was recently burned, which cleared away the brambly dead growth from last year, leaving behind verdant emerging sprouts against a backdrop of bare black soil. It’s quite garden-like and pleasing to the eye because all of the new greenery stands out. I especially like the many bright-emerald tufts of prairie dropseed. In the shade, you’ll find some large numbers of wild geranium alongside a smattering of wild hyacinth. And while you’re under the trees, look for three-petaled blossoms of large-flowered trillium in the woodland. The golden blooms of balsam ragwort adds beautiful highlights in many places throughout the preserve alongside the final flowers of wood betony. And golden Alexander is also displaying its yellow blossoms like flat-topped umbrellas. The aptly named shooting star (our Plant of the Week) is scattered about the preserve. And look closely for the small flowers hiding low to the ground, in particular, the white bastard toadflax, the pink violet wood sorrel (with its clover-like leaves) and the purple prairie violet. There’s one spot on a knob where I found a handful of Indian paintbrush, which might just make your day. And then there’s the delicately elegant stout blue-eyed grass that makes my heart skip a beat. Back in the woods, there’s a beautiful pond under a canopy of magical cottonwoods and yellow water buttercup that should be experienced as the rays of sunlight pass through the flowers and the emerald wetland foliage. It’s breathtaking.
GO, IF YOU’RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Pembroke Savanna in Hopkins Park (Unscouted. Last Scouted on 5/8=): A couple of weeks ago, the preserve was putting on a beautiful show of blue and white as carpets of sapphire birdfoot violet and sparkling sand phlox flowed across the savanna. Both were in peak condition. If you go, don’t leave without bending down to enjoy the fragrance of these two jewels. You’ll also find the white of sand cress and starry false Solomon’s seal, and the golds of two-flowered Cynthia and newly flowering hoary puccoon, that should now be much more prominent. On your visit, you’ll notice mysterious sand mounds throughout the preserves. They are the handiwork of the plains pocket gopher. This rarely seen underground gopher excavates tunnels, and the extra sand has to go somewhere.
Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin (Unscouted. Last scouted on 5/13+): During our last scouting mission, the preserve was lush with carpets of green that included colonies of floppy-eared skunk cabbage and mayapple umbrellas. Check under the parasols for mayapple’s poisonous waxy white flower. The most prolific blooms were happening under the sun with shining displays of wood betony and golden Alexander. Then add to that the brilliant yellow blossoms of hairy puccoon and the last of marsh marigold. You’ll also find ivory tones from bastard toadflax in the prairie and fluffy plumes of common cottongrass in the soggy areas. Under the protection of the savanna’s canopy, look for woodland phlox, wild geranium, shooting star, and the sublime stout blue-eyed grass.
Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve in Monee (5/20+): The show of pink wild geranium blossoms is quite prominent, though that’s pretty much the only flower in bloom as we await the dramatic plumes of false Solomon’s seal. The foliage on the woodland floor has fully matured as the trees are pushing out fresh delicate leaves in the canopy overhead. Spread across the woodland floor are the jade hues and lush patterns of wild leek, mayapple, and the omnipresent wild ginger. And you may still be able to catch a glimpse of the shy drooping trillium.
PLANT OF THE WEEK: SHOOTING STAR
If the celestial blooms of shooting star don’t capture your attention, then nothing will. The origin of the name is pretty obvious at first sight, and also for the moniker of “prairie pointer” given to the plant by early pioneers. I once thought that the flowers only grew under the sun of prairies and savannas, like Chiwaukee Prairie, Shoe Factory Road Prairie, Fermilab Prairie, and Somme Prairie Grove, until I found them thriving under the dappled canopy at Black Partridge Woods. Cleansing fires benefit this plant because dead vegetation can smother it. The most common pollinator is the queen bumblebee. It uses “buzz pollination” to dislodge the pollen by vibrating its wing muscles (but not the wings).
PHOTO SECTION
Wild Lupine is nearing peak bloom at Indiana Dunes National Park:
Wild lupine, of species Lupinus perennis, seems to love poor soil,. However, in ancient times, it was believed that the lupines were creating the bad soil by wolfing down the nutrients. Hence, the name comes from the Greek word “Lupus,” or “wolf.” In reality, lupine brings nutrients to the soil just like other legumes, such as leadplant, white wild indigo, scurfy pea, and purple prairie clover. Around Chicago, lupine can be found growing in sandy soil under the trees of black oak savannas, including Miller Woods, part of Indiana Dunes National Park and Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Zion.
Atop this spring dune thrives wild lupine at Miller Woods, part of Indiana Dunes National Park in Gary, Indiana. While you’re in the park, you also can find them at Tolleston Dunes, and West Beach.*
An exploration into the inner world of wild lupine.
Birdfoot Violet & Sand Phlox are putting on a show at Pembroke Savanna:
In May, Pembroke Savanna is home to blooms of white sand phlox and rare birdfoot violet.”
Wild Hyacinth is at peak bloom:
Wild hyacinth at Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, Illinois.*
Each May, wild hyacinth blooms in woodlands and oak savannas across the Chicago region including, here, at Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, Illinois.
Wild hyacinth blooms in abundance at Oldfield Oaks in Darien.*
Wood Betony:
Wood betony (Pedicularis canadensis) is also known as lousewort because it was erroneously thought to bring lice to grazing sheep and photographers who get too close. For some of its nutritional needs, the plant uses its roots to feed off of grasses, mycorrhizal fungi, and possibly other plants. I said “some” nutritional needs. Therefore, that plant is a parasite, but only partially so. Hence, it’s a hemi-parasite, more of a nibbler, as opposed to a full-fledged sap-sucking parasite. Though the leaves at the base exude a beautiful reddish tone, the green color above is the giveaway. The verdant hue shows that it’s not totally lazy, and creates its own energy through sunlight and chlorophyll production. In fact, wood betony can grow just fine even when its host plants aren’t around. Due to its nibbling nature, wood betony is known to stunt the growth of surrounding grasses. This is why it’s sometimes used in habitat restoration to quell the aggressiveness of towering grasses. In May, wood betony blooms in the best open woodlands, prairies, and savannas, like Black Partridge Woods, Bluff Spring Fen, Shoe Factory Road Prairie, Chiwaukee Prairie, Illinois Beach Nature Preserve, and here at Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook, Illinois. *
On this May morning at Shoe Factory Road Prairie, wood betony awakens to the light of a red sunrise.*
Beaver Activity at Miller Woods
On the gravel road that rides a ridge at Miller Woods in Indiana Dunes National Park, beavers created this dark thoroughfare as they moved across the ridge from one swale to another.*
Stout Blue-Eyed Grass
The sublime blooms of stout blue-eyed grass are now being revealed at Pembroke Savanna in Hopkins Park, Illinois. And you can find them at other preserves, including Illinois Beach Nature Preserve, Chiwaukee Prairie, Miller Woods, and Somme Prairie Grove.*
Woodland Phlox is adding some newfound color to our woodlands:
Many of our featured woodlands are home to the blue and purple woodland phlox. Here at Black Partridge Woods, they flow in a serpentine wave up the bluff..*
Wild Geranium is flowering in all of our woodlands:
You can find wild geranium in all of our featured “sandless” woodlands and at many other preserves across the Chicago region. Here at Black Partridge Woods in Lemont, the pink flower hovers above their celestial star-shaped foliage.*
At Raccoon Grove, as evening nears in this beautiful spring woodland, the final streaks of sunlight penetrate the emerald canopy. The shining rays highlight the broad leaves of false Solomon’s seal and animate the soft, pink blooms of wild geranium, making all that is illuminated stand apart from the surrounding foliage.*
May brings glorious displays of wild geranium to Oldfield Oaks in Darien, Illinois, part of Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.*
Shooting Star, including Chiwaukee Prairie’s famous show:
Shooting star, hoary puccoon, yellow star grass, and others are blooming in profusion at Chiwaukee Prairie in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. You can also find the plant at Black Partridge Woods, Shoe Factory Road Prairie, Fermilab Prairie, and Somme Prairie Grove.*
May at Chiwaukee Prairie offers a breathtaking display of shooting star.*
This is a scene of shooting star and woodland phlox from atop a bluff at Black Partridge Woods in Lemont, Illinois.”
Large-Flowered Trillium is at the end of its bloom:
Trillium is Latin for “triple,” and the plant lives up to the word. The showy plant is comprised of three leaves, three sepals, and three petals. The gorgeous white blooms of large-flowered trillium can now be found at our featured preserves of O’Hara Woods Preserve, Pilcher Park, and Messenger Woods and at other preserves like Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Metawa Meacham Grove in Bloomingdale, and, here, at Harms Woods in Glenview. Notice how the flowers turn pink as they fade.*
At Heron Rookery Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park, large-flowered trillium have reached peak bloom. It’s a magnificent sight.*
Large-flowered trillium carpet the floor of Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Mettawa, Illinois.*
Messenger Woods in Homer Glen offers a decent display of large-flowered trillium. But don’t get too excited.. It doesn’t look like the above picture, anymore. Most of the plants have been eaten by deer due to decades of willful neglect by the county.*
This is a scene from J. Timothy Ritchie Nature Preserve, a preserve that supplements our featured preserve. Large-flowered trillium of species Trillium grandiflorum covers the woodland floor in a spectacular annual display here in Chesterton, Indiana.
Mayapple:
In woodlands across northeastern Illinois, like here at Black Partridge Woods, in Lemont, springtime showers bring out the umbrellas in the form of mayapples. And the white flowers of false rue anemone sparkle like raindrops. Soon, a waxy, white flower will appear, like a pedestrian under a parasol. (See the mayapple flower in the photo below.)*
Wild Ginger:
At Black Partridge Woods, the green foliage is the star of the springtime show. Here you see the heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger alongside a single blooming mayapple. The flowers of both plants can be found hiding beneath the leaves. All of our featured woodlands feature both of these plants.*
Skunk Cabbage:
It’s springtime at Pilcher Park and sunlight shines through the enormous fanning foliage of skunk cabbage which, if broken, releases a strong scent reminiscent of skunk, though sweeter and not nearly as overpowering. If you’re someone who, like me, finds the powerful essence of skunk to be an invigorating and life-affirming experience, the skunk inside the cabbage will definitely let you down. You’ll find many at Pilcher Park Nature Center, Black Partridge Woods, Bluff Spring Fen, Trout Park, and O’Hara Woods.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
Donate to Our GoFundMe Campaign
If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT
05-13-2021
Chicago Nature NOW! Alert
May 13, 2021
“Weekly Wildflower Reports Featuring
Chicago’s Best Weekend Getaways & Nature Trips”
Plan the Best COVID-19 Walks & Getaways Around Chicago!
Don’t miss one beautiful moment.
Click here to subscribe to receive FREE nature alerts!
Each week, we offer you opportunities to find peace during this trying time!
PLEASE DONATE IF WE’VE HELPED YOU FIND SOLACE IN NATURE.
Donate to Our GoFundMe Campaign
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE VISITING OUR SHOWCASE PRESERVES DURING THIS TIME OF INCREASED INTEREST IN NATURE:
ChicagoNatureNOW! preserves are Sacred Cathedrals of Nature, NOT playgrounds or amusement parks. Please treat these sanctuaries with reverence, and behave as you would in any house of worship:
-
- Stay on the trails.
- Walk, don’t run.
- If your kids need to run around, there are THOUSANDS of more appropriate places to play.
- Speak quietly as to not interfere with the spiritual experiences of others.
- Don’t pick flowers or remove anything from a preserve.
- Share cherished moments through photography, drawing, painting, and writing.
- Many of these preserves do NOT allow pets, even if they’re leashed.
- If a rule isn’t listed here, then ask yourself, “Would I do this in church?”
IMPORTANT COVID-19 SITE ACCESS & SAFETY TIPS
(which I hope to remove as more people are vaccinated)
SITE ACCESS:
Most sites and trails that are owned by Chicago-area counties and Indiana Dunes National Park are open, except for visitor centers, buildings, and bathrooms. Fermilab Prairie woodland (Fermilab Natural Areas) in Batavia is closed. Period. And Shoe Factory Road Prairie will be closed for a little while longer because the public abused the site, last year. Check out these websites before you go:
- Forest Preserve District of Cook County
- Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- McHenry County Conservation District
- Forest Preserve District of Will County
- Indiana Dunes National Park
BE SAFE:
- Wear a mask. Period. This keeps your exhalations from taking to the air.
- Give each other ten feet of space.
- The wind carries the virus. When people are present, be conscious of the wind and its direction.
- When having a conversation, position yourselves so that the wind is blowing from the left or the right.
- Don’t block people’s progress by gathering along trails, trailheads, or intersections.
WILDFLOWER HIGHLIGHTS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES INTO CHICAGO’S WOODLANDS:
In last week’s alert, I wrote of my emerald dream. And the next morning, I found it (and photographed it) at Black Partridge Woods. This week, I’m starting off with that picture, and to let you know that you can still experience it for yourself.
Last Saturday, Black Partridge Woods became an emerald dream as the filigree of the tree canopy added a lacey lushness to the woodland.
This is my favorite time to visit the woodlands, especially Black Partridge Woods and Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve. Cross the threshold into a world of geometric jade to receive an emerald embrace from a protective canopy of lace. Oh, and there are wildflowers, too!
Our Plant of the Week is wood betony, a beautiful plant that feeds off the sun while also feeding off of other plants and fungi. Right now, the best show is at Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook.
The blue-and-white blossoms of wild lupine are beginning to bloom in Indiana Dunes National Park at Miller Woods, Tolleston Dunes, and West Beach. During the best years, the green dunes turn blue. And many other species add to the mix, including the golden hoary puccoon and hairy puccoon. These puccoons are also blooming at many other preserves including Illinois Beach Nature Preserve, Somme Prairie Grove, Wolf Road Prairie, and Chiwaukee Prairie.
Remote Pembroke Savanna is screaming out for conscientious human visitors, as the blue birdfoot violet carpets large areas of the savanna where it is often joined by sand phlox that varies in color from white to lavender to blue. And stout blue-eye grass will make your heart sing. Another phlox to look for, this week, is the fragrant blue woodland phlox. You can find it in all of our featured woodlands, including Black Partridge Woods, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, and Heron Rookery Trail.
This is also a big week for wild geranium that seems to float above the forest floor. Lucky for us, this pink flower with star-shaped foliage is a popular plant at all of our woodlands, except for the sandy sites. And shooting star is making an appearance atop the bluffs of Black Partridge Woods. See picture under our Photo Section.
The sublime light blue plumes of wild hyacinth are just beginning to emerge at Wolf Road Prairie, Black Partridge Woods, and Oldfield Oaks in Darien. And I expect some very nice performances.
The dramatic shows of large-flowered trillium are ending as their alabaster blossoms elegantly age into a delicate pink. You can experience them at Heron Rookery Trail (at Indiana Dunes National Park), with an even better display at nearby J. Timothy Ritchie Preserve. In Illinois, check out Meacham Grove, Harms Woods, and Captain Daniel Wright Woods. The last four aforementioned preserves are not on our feature preserves list because we remain shorthanded. If you live near any of these preserves or you’re a regular visitor, this is your chance to become a scout. Learn about how to scout for us. Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve is home to the shy drooping trillium and the last of the elegant and understated prairie trillium are also flowering throughout the region.
And let’s not forget the glorious green leaves of spring: the sprawling elephant ears of skunk cabbage, the umbrellas of mayapple, and the heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger. Right now, take a close look underneath the leaves of wild ginger to find their fuzzy burgundy flowers. And the large waxy white blossoms of mayapple are beginning to show. To find them, look beneath the umbrellas of the two-leafed plants. And then there are the spears of wild leek—the plant that gives Chicago its name. In the late 1600s, Potawatomi Indians who paddled the area rivers were commonly heard yelling “Chicagoua!” after catching a strong whiff of chicagoua, or wild leek, growing prolifically along the wooded banks. Wild leek is part of the onion family, hence the Chicago nickname, “The Big Onion.”
NOTE: It is illegal to remove this plant, or any other plant, from any preserve in the Chicago region.
WHERE TO GO THIS WEEKEND FOR A SPRING WILDFLOWER GETAWAY AROUND CHICAGO:
We’ve ranked the preserves on this week’s list based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best or “Go!” The “Go, if You’re in the Neighborhood” section is for sites that are worth visiting if you can’t get out to our top-rated preserves. And our “Preserves for You to Scout” section for those preserves that we couldn’t get to this week, but that you can help us explore! The date within the parentheses tells you when we last scouted the preserve. After the date, you may see one of these three mathematical symbols: +, –, = (plus, minus, equal). They represent our prediction about how the flowers will look on the coming weekend: “+” is Probably Better; “-” is Probably Less Dramatic; “=” is Probably the Same. Notice the word “probably.”
THIS WEEK’S BEST (“GO!”):
The order of the preserves below is based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best.
Black Partridge Woods in Lemont (5/13=): Again, it’s a “Wow!” for the dreamy lushness and the varied cast of flowers. I mean, this place is green—from the new leaves of the tiered tree canopy to the dense carpet of foliage on the woodland floor. Thanks to wild ginger that has fully leafed out, you can hardly see the earth beneath. Check deep underneath the leaves of wild ginger to find a fuzzy burgundy blossom. Currently, my favorite show at this preserve, comes from the miniature forests of mayapple with their parasol-shaped leaves where you can now find a lonesome waxy white blossom hiding under the plants with two umbrellas. Exciting patches of acrobatic skunk cabbage leaves add to the whimsy. Wild leek‘s emerald swords put up a defense, and the star-like leaves of wild geranium give a glimpse into the heavenly pink flower that is now blooming strong. And look for the floating filigreed foliage of early meadow rue. A very nice display of wild hyacinth is starting to take off atop the bluffs toward the back. A smattering of white and pink shooting star can also be found above. The fragrant woodland phlox is blooming in large numbers. If you find a good patch of phlox, you may not even have to put nose to petal to detect its fabulous scent. The combination of woodland phlox, wild geranium, and shooting star is wonderful sight. The shimmering highlights of white false rue anemone, rue anemone, and the pinkish spring beauty add to the springtime experience. You can still find a smattering of prairie trillium and common blue violet. And although the spiraling buttery blooms of wood betony are now fading, the shy yellow blooms of large-flowered bellwort are still hanging on as they cling to the sides of the bluffs.
Miller Woods in Indiana Dunes National Park (We got a tip on 5/14+): The show of wild lupine has begun with peak bloom coming soon. Adding the to the blue hues are the sublime blue-eyed grass and the remaining birdfoot violet. The vibrant yellow blooms of hoary puccoon add a golden sparkle to the savanna as the buttery blooms of wood betony end their run. The red-and-yellow blossoms of wild columbine float above the understory of the savanna. And flashes of white come from wild strawberry and bastard toadflax. While you’re here, take the trail to the lakeshore that starts at the nature center. Along the way, the trail crosses a wide gravel path that goes straight east-west. Head west, and you’ll find beaver lodges and beaver activity. If you arrive early or remain late in the day, chances are you’ll be greeted by a beaver slapping its flat tail against the water to alert others of its kind about that human lurking about. This abandoned railroad right-of-way isn’t as intimate as the official narrow trail, but I like the views better. After your hike, consider checking out the lupines at Tolleston Dunes and West Beach. NOTE: The trail can be covered in water at some places. We recommend high boots. Or just slosh on through!
Pembroke Savanna in Hopkins Park (Updated on 5/8=): The preserve is putting on a beautiful show of blue and white as carpets of sapphire birdfoot violet and sparkling sand phlox flow across the savanna. Both are in peak condition. Don’t leave without bending down to enjoy the fragrance of these two jewels. You’ll also find the white of sand cress and starry false Solomon’s seal, and the golds of two-flowered Cynthia and newly flowering hoary puccoon. On your visit, you’ll notice mysterious sand mounds throughout the preserves. They are the handiwork of the plains pocket gopher. This rarely seen underground gopher excavates tunnels, and the extra sand has to go somewhere.
Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook (5/10+): The preserve has a lush, green look and feel thanks to a burn that cleared away the old gray foliage. The nicest show comes from the beautiful hemi-parasitic wood betony with colonies scattered in patches across the preserve. You’ll also find white and pink shooting star, golden Alexander in early bloom, pink violet wood sorrel (with its clover-like leaves), and prairie violet. Under the trees, look for prairie trillium and miniature forests of mayapple. Park at the main parking lot for this preserve, located at Somme Woods, and then follow the narrow trail to Somme Prairie Grove. To avoid any confusion, visit our web page for complete details or forever hold your peace.
Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve in Monee (5/8+): I love this place, right now, for its springtime lushness amidst a smattering of wild geranium and woodland phlox. The foliage on the woodland floor has fully matured as the trees are pushing out fresh delicate leaves in the canopy overhead. Spread across the woodland floor are the jade hues and lush patterns of wild leek, mayapple, and the omnipresent wild ginger. And the latter two are now blooming! A rich variety of flowers can be found at this preserve. Upon entering, you’re immediately greeted by a nice display of woodland phlox, which is currently the most prominent flower in bloom as the Virginia bluebells have faded away. Like the bluebell, phlox has a wonderful fragrance that you can probably smell as you stroll by. The pink blossoms of wild geranium are now at peak bloom, rivaling phlox as the star of the show. Still adding some sparkle to the forest floor are rue anemone, false rue anemone, common blue violet, common yellow violet, and swamp buttercup. I found a couple of Jack-in-the-pulpit and a handful of the shy drooping trillium. The strange and wonderful prairie trillium is blooming in very large numbers, and you may find some that look yellow. And finally, If you take it slow and remain very quiet as you approach the bridge, you may see frogs resting along the muddy banks.
Heron Rookery Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park (5/2=): On the days of our visits, the large-flowered trillium was at peak bloom here. But it’s now five days later, and I’d estimate that the trillium is on the other-side-of-peak. However, they are no less beautiful, as the alabaster blossoms turn pink as they take their final bows. The display of trillium is even better at the nearby J. Timothy Ritchie Preserve owned by Shirley Hines Land Trust. The gently rolling landscape and river appeal to me at Heron Rookery Trail. But Timothy Ritchie, our new supplemental preserve to Heron Rookery Trail, is the big winner this week for trillium displays. At Heron Rookery Trail, you’ll also find blooms of sparkling spring beauty, rue anemone, and false rue anemone. The otherworldly prairie trillium is flowering, but fading. Woodland phlox is scattered about. And large numbers of bright-yellow swamp buttercup wade in wet and muddy areas. The lush, green springtime experience is further enhanced by the spreading foliage of wild leek, mayapple, and wild ginger.
GO, IF YOU’RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin (5/13+): The preserve is lush with carpets of green that include colonies floppy-eared skunk cabbage and mayapple umbrellas. Check under the parasols for mayapple’s poisonous waxy white flower. The most prolific blooms are happening under the sun with shining displays of wood betony and golden Alexander. Then add to that the brilliant yellow blossoms of hairy puccoon and the last of marsh marigold. You’ll also find ivory tones from bastard toadflax in the prairie and fluffy plumes of common cottongrass in the soggy areas. Under the protection of savanna’s canopy, look for woodland phlox, wild geranium, shooting star, and the sublime stout blue-eyed grass.
Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester (5/14+): The wild hyacinth is nearing peak bloom. The pink flowers of wild geranium add well-needed color under the trees and you can experience flashes of buttery wood betony in the prairie. But there are several other plants that are also about to blossom, including hoary puccoon, golden Alexander, and lots of wonderful starry false Solomon’s seal.
PLANT OF THE WEEK: WOOD BETONY
Wood betony (Pedicularis canadensis) is also known as lousewort because it was erroneously thought to bring lice to grazing sheep and photographers who get too close. For some of its nutritional needs, the plant uses its roots to feed off of grasses, mycorrhizal fungi, and possibly other plants. I said “some” nutritional needs. Therefore, that plant is a parasite, but only partially so. Hence, it’s a hemi-parasite, more of a nibbler, as opposed to a full-fledged sap-sucking parasite. Though the leaves at the base exude a beautiful reddish tone, the green color above is the giveaway. The verdant hue shows that it’s not totally lazy, and creates its own energy through sunlight and chlorophyll production. In fact, wood betony can grow just fine even when its host plants aren’t around. Due to its nibbling nature, wood betony is known to stunt the growth of surrounding grasses. This is why it’s sometimes used in habitat restoration to quell the aggressiveness of towering grasses. In May, wood betony blooms in the best open woodlands, prairies, and savannas, like Black Partridge Woods, Bluff Spring Fen, Shoe Factory Road Prairie, Chiwaukee Prairie, Illinois Beach Nature Preserve, and here at Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook, Illinois. *
On this May morning at Shoe Factory Road Prairie, wood betony awakens to the light of a red sunrise.*
PHOTO SECTION
Birdfoot Violet & Sand Phlox are putting on a show:
In May, Pembroke Savanna is home to blooms of white sand phlox and rare birdfoot violet.”
Wild Hyacinth is the newest dramatic bloom:
Wild hyacinth at Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, Illinois.*
Each May, wild hyacinth blooms in woodlands and oak savannas across the Chicago region including, here, at Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester, Illinois.
Wild hyacinth blooms in abundance at Oldfield Oaks in Darien.*
Wild Lupine is beginning to bloom in our sand savannas
Wild lupine, of species Lupinus perennis, seems to love poor soil,. However, in ancient times, it was believed that the lupines were creating the bad soil by wolfing down the nutrients. Hence, the name comes from the Greek word “Lupus,” or “wolf.” In reality, lupine brings nutrients to the soil just like other legumes, such as leadplant, white wild indigo, scurfy pea, and purple prairie clover. Around Chicago, lupine can be found growing in sandy soil under the trees of black oak savannas, including Miller Woods, part of Indiana Dunes National Park and Illinois Beach Nature Preserve in Zion.
Atop this spring dune thrives wild lupine at Miller Woods, part of Indiana Dunes National Park in Gary, Indiana. While you’re in the park, you also can find them at Tolleston Dunes, and West Beach.*
An exploration into the inner world of wild lupine.
Beaver Activity at Miller Woods
On the gravel road that rides a ridge at Miller Woods in Indiana Dunes National Park, beavers created this dark thoroughfare as they moved across the ridge from one swale to another.*
Stout Blue-Eyed Grass
The sublime blooms of stout blue-eyed grass are now being revealed at Pembroke Savanna in Hopkins Park, Illinois. And you can find them at other preserves, including Illinois Beach Nature Preserve, Chiwaukee Prairie, Miller Woods, and Somme Prairie Grove.*
Large-Flowered Trillium is still in bloom:
This is a scene from J. Timothy Ritchie Nature Preserve, a preserve that supplements our featured preserve Large-flowered trillium of species Trillium grandiflorum covers the woodland floor in a spectacular annual display at J. Timothy Ritchie Nature Preserve in Chesterton, Indiana.
Trillium is Latin for “triple,” and the plant lives up to the word. The showy plant is comprised of three leaves, three sepals, and three petals. The gorgeous white blooms of large-flowered trillium can now be found at our featured preserves of O’Hara Woods Preserve, Pilcher Park, and Messenger Woods and at other preserves like Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Metawa Meacham Grove in Bloomingdale, and, here, at Harms Woods in Glenview. Notice how the flowers turn pink as they fade.*
At Heron Rookery Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park, large-flowered trillium have reached peak bloom. It’s a magnificent sight.*
Large-flowered trillium carpet the floor of Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Mettawa, Illinois.*
Messenger Woods in Homer Glen offers a decent display of large-flowered trillium. But don’t get too excited.. It doesn’t look like the above picture, anymore. Most of the plants have been eaten by deer due to decades of willful neglect by the county.*
Woodland Phlox is adding some newfound color to our woodlands:
Many of our featured woodlands are home to the blue and purple woodland phlox. Here at Black Partridge Woods, they flow in a serpentine wave up the bluff..*
Wild Geranium is now flowering in all of our woodlands:
You can find wild geranium in all of our featured “sandless” woodlands and at many other preserves across the Chicago region. Here at Black Partridge Woods in Lemont, the pink flower hovers above their celestial star-shaped foliage.*
At Raccoon Grove, as evening nears in this beautiful spring woodland, the final streaks of sunlight penetrate the emerald canopy. The shining rays highlight the broad leaves of false Solomon’s seal and animate the soft, pink blooms of wild geranium, making all that is illuminated stand apart from the surrounding foliage.*
May brings glorious displays of wild geranium to Oldfield Oaks in Darien, Illinois, part of Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.*
Shooting Star:
The beautiful blooms of shooting star can be found in prairies and woodlands, alike.
This is a scene of shooting star and woodland phlox from atop a bluff at Black Partridge Woods in Lemont, Illinois.”
False Rue Anemone:
False rue anemone is a beautiful flower that often blooms in clusters. They’re closed up into little white balls at the beginning and end of each day.
Prairie Trillium:
This wonderful flower can be found at most of our featured woodlands. But Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve is my favorite place to see them because they grow in such large numbers. Here at O’Hara Woods in Romeoville, prairie trillium rises as the sun sets.*
Mayapple:
In woodlands across northeastern Illinois, like here at Black Partridge Woods, in Lemont, springtime showers bring out the umbrellas in the form of mayapples. And the white flowers of false rue anemone sparkle like raindrops. Soon, a waxy, white flower will appear, like a pedestrian under a parasol. (See the mayapple flower in the photo below.)*
Wild Ginger:
At Black Partridge Woods, the green foliage is the star of the springtime show. Here you see the heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger alongside a single blooming mayapple. The flowers of both plants can be found hiding beneath the leaves. All of our featured woodlands feature both of these plants.*
Skunk Cabbage:
It’s springtime at Pilcher Park and sunlight shines through the enormous fanning foliage of skunk cabbage which, if broken, releases a strong scent reminiscent of skunk, though sweeter and not nearly as overpowering. If you’re someone who, like me, finds the powerful essence of skunk to be an invigorating and life-affirming experience, the skunk inside the cabbage will definitely let you down. You’ll find many at Pilcher Park Nature Center, Black Partridge Woods, Bluff Spring Fen, Trout Park, and O’Hara Woods.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
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If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT
05-07-2021
Chicago Nature NOW! Alert
May 7, 2021
“Weekly Wildflower Reports Featuring
Chicago’s Best Weekend Getaways & Nature Trips”
Plan the Best COVID-19 Walks & Getaways Around Chicago!
Don’t miss one beautiful moment.
Click here to subscribe to receive FREE nature alerts!
Each week, we offer you opportunities to find peace during this trying time!
PLEASE DONATE IF WE’VE HELPED YOU FIND SOLACE IN NATURE.
Donate to Our GoFundMe Campaign
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE VISITING OUR SHOWCASE PRESERVES DURING THIS TIME OF INCREASED INTEREST IN NATURE:
ChicagoNatureNOW! preserves are Sacred Cathedrals of Nature, NOT playgrounds or amusement parks. Please treat these sanctuaries with reverence, and behave as you would in any house of worship:
-
- Stay on the trails.
- Walk, don’t run.
- If your kids need to run around, there are THOUSANDS of more appropriate places to play.
- Speak quietly as to not interfere with the spiritual experiences of others.
- Don’t pick flowers or remove anything from a preserve.
- Share cherished moments through photography, drawing, painting, and writing.
- Many of these preserves do NOT allow pets, even if they’re leashed.
- If a rule isn’t listed here, then ask yourself, “Would I do this in church?”
IMPORTANT COVID-19 SITE ACCESS & SAFETY TIPS
(which I hope to remove as more people are vaccinated)
SITE ACCESS:
Most sites and trails that are owned by Chicago-area counties and Indiana Dunes National Park are open, except for visitor centers, buildings, and bathrooms. Fermilab Prairie woodland (Fermilab Natural Areas) in Batavia is closed. Period. And Shoe Factory Road Prairie will be closed for a little while longer because the public abused the site, last year. Check out these websites before you go:
- Forest Preserve District of Cook County
- Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- McHenry County Conservation District
- Forest Preserve District of Will County
- Indiana Dunes National Park
BE SAFE:
- Wear a mask. Period. This keeps your exhalations from taking to the air.
- Give each other ten feet of space.
- The wind carries the virus. When people are present, be conscious of the wind and its direction.
- When having a conversation, position yourselves so that the wind is blowing from the left or the right.
- Don’t block people’s progress by gathering along trails, trailheads, or intersections.
WILDFLOWER HIGHLIGHTS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES INTO CHICAGO’S WOODLANDS:
Now that the show of the Virginia bluebell is over, the woodlands are now an emerald dream. This is my favorite time to visit—to cross the threshold into a world of geometric jade to receive an emerald embrace from a protective canopy of lace. Oh, and there are wildflowers, too!
The show of the Virginia bluebell has ended, but don’t panic. Wonderful shows of white large-flowered trillium can be seen Heron Rookery Trail (at Indiana Dunes National Park), with an even better display at nearby J. Timothy Ritchie Preserve. In Illinois, check out Meacham Grove, Harms Woods, and Captain Daniel Wright Woods. The last four aforementioned preserves are not on our feature preserves list because we remain shorthanded. If you live near any of these preserves or you’re a regular visitor, this is your chance to become a scout. Learn about how to scout for us. Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve is home to the shy drooping trillium and the last of the elegant and understated prairie trillium are also flowering throughout the region.
Our Plant of the Week is birdfoot violet. At Pembroke Savanna, the blue flower carpets large areas of the savanna where it is often joined by sand phlox that varies in color from white to lavender to blue. Another phlox to look for, this week, is the blue woodland phlox. You can find it in all of our featured woodlands, including Black Partridge Woods, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, and Heron Rookery Trail.
This is also a big week for wild geranium that seems to float above the forest floor. Lucky for us, this pink flower with star-shaped foliage is a popular plant at all of our woodlands, except for the sandy sites. And shooting star is making an appearance atop the bluffs of Black Partridge Woods. See picture under our Photo Section.
And let’s not forget the glorious green leaves of spring: the sprawling elephant ears of skunk cabbage, the umbrellas of mayapple, and the heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger. Right now, take a close look underneath the leaves of wild ginger to find their fuzzy burgundy flowers. And the large waxy white blossoms of mayapple are beginning to show. To find them, look beneath the umbrellas of the two-leafed plants. And then there are the spears of wild leek—the plant that gives Chicago its name. In the late 1600s, Potawatomi Indians who paddled the area rivers were commonly heard yelling “Chicagoua!” after catching a strong whiff of chicagoua, or wild leek, growing prolifically along the wooded banks. Wild leek is part of the onion family, hence the Chicago nickname, “The Big Onion.”
NOTE: It is illegal to remove this plant, or any other plant, from any preserve in the Chicago region.
WHERE TO GO THIS WEEKEND FOR A SPRING WILDFLOWER GETAWAY AROUND CHICAGO:
We’ve ranked the preserves on this week’s list based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best or “Go!” The “Go, if You’re in the Neighborhood” section is for sites that are worth visiting if you can’t get out to our top-rated preserves. And our “Preserves for You to Scout” section for those preserves that we couldn’t get to this week, but that you can help us explore! The date within the parentheses tells you when we last scouted the preserve. After the date, you may see one of these three mathematical symbols: +, –, = (plus, minus, equal). They represent our prediction about how the flowers will look on the coming weekend: “+” is Probably Better; “-” is Probably Less Dramatic; “=” is Probably the Same. Notice the word “probably.”
THIS WEEK’S BEST (“GO!”):
The order of the preserves below is based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best.
Pembroke Savanna in Hopkins Park (Updated on 5/5=): The preserve is putting on a beautiful show of blue and white as carpets of sapphire birdfoot violet and sparkling sand phlox flow across the savanna. Both are in peak condition. Don’t leave without bending down to enjoy the fragrance of these two jewels. You’ll also find the white of sand cress and starry false Solomon’s seal, and the golds of two-flowered Cynthia and buds of hoary puccoon. On your visit, you’ll notice mysterious sand mounds throughout the preserves. They are the handiwork of the plains pocket gopher. This rarely seen underground gopher excavates tunnels, and the extra sand has to go somewhere.
Black Partridge Woods in Lemont (5/7+): Wow! This place is green—from the new leaves of the tiered tree canopy to the dense carpet of foliage on the woodland floor. Now, thanks to wild ginger that has finally leafed out, you can hardly see the earth beneath. Check deep underneath the leaves of wild ginger to find a fuzzy burgundy blossom. Currently, my favorite show at this preserve, comes from the miniature forests of mayapple with their parasol-shaped leaves where you can now find a lonesome waxy white blossom hiding under the plants with two umbrellas. Exciting patches of acrobatic skunk cabbage leaves add to the whimsy. Wild leek‘s emerald swords put up a defense, and the star-like leaves of wild geranium give a glimpse into the heavenly pink flower that is now blooming strong. And look for the floating filigreed foliage of early meadow rue. A smattering of white and pink shooting star can be found atop the bluffs, and the fragrant woodland phlox is flowering in large numbers. If you find a good patch of phlox, pay attention to its fabulous scent. You may not even have to put nose to petal. The combination of woodland phlox, wild geranium, and shooting star is wonderful sight. The shimmering highlights of white false rue anemone, rue anemone, and the pinkish spring beauty add to the springtime experience. You can still find a smattering of prairie trillium and common blue violet. And although the spiraling buttery blooms of wood betony are now fading, the shy yellow blooms of large-flowered bellwort are still hanging on as they cling to the sides of the bluffs.
Heron Rookery Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park (5/2=): On the days of our visits, the large-flowered trillium was at peak bloom here. But it’s now five days later, and I’d estimate that the trillium is on the other-side-of-peak. However, they are no less beautiful, as the alabaster blossoms turn pink as they take their final bows. The display of trillium is even better at the nearby J. Timothy Ritchie Preserve owned by Shirley Hines Land Trust. The gently rolling landscape and river appeal to me at Heron Rookery Trail. But Timothy Ritchie, our new supplemental preserve to Heron Rookery Trail, is the big winner this week for trillium displays. At Heron Rookery Trail, you’ll also find blooms of sparkling spring beauty, rue anemone, and false rue anemone. The otherworldly prairie trillium is flowering, but fading. Woodland phlox is scattered about. And large numbers of bright-yellow swamp buttercup wade in wet and muddy areas. The lush, green springtime experience is further enhanced by the spreading foliage of wild leek, mayapple, and wild ginger.
Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve in Monee (5/5+): I love this place, right now, for the wild geranium, woodland phlox, but especially for the springtime lushness that I mentioned in the weekly highlights. The foliage on the woodland floor has fully matured as the trees are pushing out fresh delicate leaves in the canopy overhead. Spread across the woodland floor are the jade hues and lush patterns of wild leek, mayapple, and the omnipresent wild ginger. And the latter two are now blooming! A rich variety of flowers can be found at this preserve. Upon entering, you’re immediately greeted by a nice display of woodland phlox, which is currently the most prominent flower in bloom as the Virginia bluebells have faded away. Like the bluebell, phlox has a wonderful fragrance that you can probably smell as you stroll by. The pink blossoms of wild geranium are now at peak bloom, rivaling phlox as the star of the show. Still adding some sparkle to the forest floor are rue anemone, false rue anemone, common blue violet, common yellow violet, and swamp buttercup. I found a couple of Jack-in-the-pulpit and a handful of the shy drooping trillium. The strange and wonderful prairie trillium is blooming in very large numbers, and you may find some that look yellow. And finally, If you take it slow and remain very quiet as you approach the bridge, you may see frogs resting along the muddy banks.
GO, IF YOU’RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook (5/7+): The preserve has a lush, green feel. You’ll find the beautiful hemi-parasitic wood betony scattered in patches across the preserve, often in the sunnier spots. And you’ll also find shooting star, prairie trillium, and golden Alexander in early bloom. Look for yellow water buttercup and miniature forests of mayapple that add to the whimsy. Park at the main parking lot for this preserve, located at Somme Woods, and then follow the narrow trail to Somme Prairie Grove. To avoid any confusion, visit our web page for complete details or forever hold your peace.
PLANT OF THE WEEK: BIRDFOOT VIOLET
In May, Pembroke Savanna is home to blooms of white sand phlox and rare birdfoot violet.”
PHOTO SECTION
Large-Flowered Trillium is still in bloom:
This is a scene from J. Timothy Ritchie Nature Preserve, a preserve that supplements our featured preserve Large-flowered trillium of species Trillium grandiflorum covers the woodland floor in a spectacular annual display at J. Timothy Ritchie Nature Preserve in Chesterton, Indiana.
Trillium is Latin for “triple,” and the plant lives up to the word. The showy plant is comprised of three leaves, three sepals, and three petals. The gorgeous white blooms of large-flowered trillium can now be found at our featured preserves of O’Hara Woods Preserve, Pilcher Park, and Messenger Woods and at other preserves like Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Metawa Meacham Grove in Bloomingdale, and, here, at Harms Woods in Glenview. Notice how the flowers turn pink as they fade.*
At Heron Rookery Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park, large-flowered trillium have reached peak bloom. It’s a magnificent sight.*
Large-flowered trillium carpet the floor of Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Mettawa, Illinois.*
Messenger Woods in Homer Glen offers a decent display of large-flowered trillium. But don’t get too excited.. It doesn’t look like the above picture, anymore. Most of the plants have been eaten by deer due to decades of willful neglect by the county.*
Woodland Phlox is adding some newfound color to our woodlands:
Many of our featured woodlands are home to the blue and purple woodland phlox. Here at Black Partridge Woods, they flow in a serpentine wave up the bluff..*
Wild Geranium is now flowering in all of our woodlands:
You can find wild geranium in all of our featured “sandless” woodlands and at many other preserves across the Chicago region. Here at Black Partridge Woods in Lemont, the pink flower hovers above their celestial star-shaped foliage.*
At Raccoon Grove, as evening nears in this beautiful spring woodland, the final streaks of sunlight penetrate the emerald canopy. The shining rays highlight the broad leaves of false Solomon’s seal and animate the soft, pink blooms of wild geranium, making all that is illuminated stand apart from the surrounding foliage.*
May brings glorious displays of wild geranium to Oldfield Oaks in Darien, Illinois, part of Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.*
Shooting Star:
The beautiful blooms of shooting star can be found in prairies and woodlands, alike.
This is a scene of shooting star and woodland phlox from atop a bluff at Black Partridge Woods in Lemont, Illinois.”
False Rue Anemone:
False rue anemone is a beautiful flower that often blooms in clusters. They’re closed up into little white balls at the beginning and end of the day.
Prairie Trillium:
This wonderful flower can be found at most of our featured woodlands. But Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve is my favorite place to see them because they grow in such large numbers. Here at O’Hara Woods in Romeoville, prairie trillium rises as the sun sets.*
Mayapple:
In woodlands across northeastern Illinois, like here at Black Partridge Woods, in Lemont, springtime showers bring out the umbrellas in the form of mayapples. And the white flowers of false rue anemone sparkle like raindrops. Soon, a waxy, white flower will appear, like a pedestrian under a parasol. (See the mayapple flower in the photo below.)*
Wild Ginger:
At Black Partridge Woods, the green foliage is the star of the springtime show. Here you see the heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger alongside a single blooming mayapple. The flowers of both plants can be found hiding beneath the leaves. All of our featured woodlands feature both of these plants.*
Skunk Cabbage:
It’s springtime at Pilcher Park and sunlight shines through the enormous fanning foliage of skunk cabbage which, if broken, releases a strong scent reminiscent of skunk, though sweeter and not nearly as overpowering. If you’re someone who, like me, finds the powerful essence of skunk to be an invigorating and life-affirming experience, the skunk inside the cabbage will definitely let you down. You’ll find many at Pilcher Park Nature Center, Black Partridge Woods, Bluff Spring Fen, Trout Park, and O’Hara Woods.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
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If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or <a style=”color: #ff00ff;” href=”http://www.ChicagoNature.com/chicago-book/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopene
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT
04-29-2021
Chicago Nature NOW! Alert
April 29, 2021
“Weekly Wildflower Reports Featuring
Chicago’s Best Weekend Getaways & Nature Trips”
Plan the Best COVID-19 Walks & Getaways Around Chicago!
Don’t miss one beautiful moment.
Click here to subscribe to received FREE nature alerts!
Each week, we offer you opportunities to find peace during this trying time!
PLEASE DONATE IF WE’VE HELPED YOU FIND SOLACE IN NATURE.
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE VISITING OUR SHOWCASE PRESERVES DURING THIS TIME OF INCREASED INTEREST IN NATURE:
ChicagoNatureNOW! preserves are Sacred Cathedrals of Nature, NOT playgrounds or amusement parks. Please treat these sanctuaries with reverence, and behave as you would in any house of worship:
-
- Stay on the trails.
- Walk, don’t run.
- If your kids need to run around, there are THOUSANDS of more appropriate places to play.
- Speak quietly as to not interfere with the spiritual experiences of others.
- Don’t pick flowers or remove anything from a preserve.
- Share cherished moments by through photography, drawing, painting, and writing.
- Many of these preserves do NOT allow pets, even if they’re leashed.
- If a rule isn’t listed here, then ask yourself, “Would I do this in church?”
IMPORTANT COVID-19 SITE ACCESS & SAFETY TIPS
(which I hope to remove as more people are vaccinated)
SITE ACCESS:
Most sites and trails that are owned by Chicago-area counties and Indiana Dunes National Park are open, except for visitor centers, buildings, and bathrooms. Fermilab Prairie woodland (Fermilab Natural Areas) in Batavia is closed. Period. And Shoe Factory Road Prairie will be closed for a little while longer because the public abused the site, last year. Check out these websites before you go:
- Forest Preserve District of Cook County
- Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- McHenry County Conservation District
- Forest Preserve District of Will County
- Indiana Dunes National Park
BE SAFE:
- Wear a mask. Period. This keeps your exhalations from taking to the air.
- Give each other ten feet of space.
- The wind carries the virus. When people are present, be conscious of the wind and its direction.
- When having a conversation, position yourselves so that the wind is blowing from the left or the right.
- Don’t block people’s progress by gathering along trails, trailheads, or intersections.
WILDFLOWER HIGHLIGHTS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES INTO CHICAGO’S WOODLANDS:
Our Plant of the Week is the spectacular large-flowered trillium, which is blooming best at Heron Rookery Trail (at Indiana Dunes National Park) and at the nearby J. Timothy Ritchie Preserve owned by Shirley Hines Land Trust. These beautiful flowers are also blooming at Messenger Woods in Homer Glen. In DuPage County, you can find them at Meacham Grove. And if you live up north, you should soon be able to experience these alabaster beauties at Harms Woods in Glenview and Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Mettawa. And speaking of trillium, the elegant and understated prairie trillium is flowering in most of our woodlands.
The Virginia bluebell is still putting on a show. The oceans of blue are proof that Chicago nature offers beauty that rivals the national parks. Experience the magnificence with your eyes, as well as your nose, as the scent of these azure flowers fills the air with a sweet fragrance that some people liken to Froot Loops cereal. Instead of listening to “some people,” I did a little experiment of my own. I took the cereal into the field and compared its scent to the flowers. Click here to learn what I found. The show of bluebells should last for at least another week depending on the location. The bloom at O’Hara Woods Preserve has reached peak, but the scent is fading and the flowers are next. The flowers at Messenger Woods and Pilcher Park are probably at peak bloom.
When the larger, more flamboyant flowers begin to bloom, they tend to draw our attention away from the small, shiny flowers of the past three weeks. They now take on a supporting roles that can be just as breathtaking. For instance, at Heron Rookery Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park spring beauty and false rue anemone create a wonderful show as they carpet the woodland floor. You’ll find these same flowers at all of our other preserves to one degree or another. While you’re walking through the woods, you may also find rue anemone, purple cress, white trout lily, and Dutchman’s breeches. The shy drooping blooms of the yellow large-flowered bellwort can be seen at preserves that include Black Partridge Woods and Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, yellow trout lily (only at Heron Rookery Trail), and swamp buttercup blooming at most, if not all, of our featured woodlands.
And let’s not forget the bright green leaves of spring: the sprawling leaves of skunk cabbage, the umbrellas of mayapple, and the heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger. Take a close look underneath the leaves of wild ginger to find their fuzzy burgundy flowers. And soon, you’ll be able to find the large waxy white flower of mayapple hiding under any two-leafed plants. And then there are the spears of wild leek—the plant that gives Chicago its name. In the late 1600s, Potawatomi Indians who paddled the area rivers were commonly heard yelling “Chicagoua!” after catching a strong whiff of chicagoua, or wild leek, growing prolifically along the wooded banks. Wild leek is part of the onion family, hence the Chicago nickname, “The Big Onion.”
NOTE: It is illegal to remove this plant, or any other plant, from any preserve in the Chicago region.
WHERE TO GO THIS WEEKEND FOR A SPRING WILDFLOWER GETAWAY AROUND CHICAGO:
We’ve ranked the preserves on this week’s list based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best or “Go!” The “Go, if You’re in the Neighborhood” section is for sites that are worth visiting if you can’t get out to our top-rated preserves. And our “Preserves for You to Scout” section for those preserves that we couldn’t get to this week, but that you can help us explore! The date within the parentheses tells you when we last scouted the preserve. After the date, you may see one of these three mathematical symbols: +, –, = (plus, minus, equal). They represent our prediction about how the flowers will look like on the coming weekend: “+” is Probably Better; “-” is Probably Less Dramatic; “=” is Probably the Same. Notice the word “probably.”
THIS WEEK’S BEST (“GO!”):
The order of the preserves below is based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best.
O’Hara Woods Preserve in Romeoville (4/27-): The Virginia bluebells have reached peak bloom at this preserve, so get out there before they fade! Their fragrance has faded, which is a sign that the blooms are also fading. There are a few remaining wildflower species to accompany the bluebells, including cutleaf toothwort, spring beauty, false rue anemone, and prairie trillium. They look especially beautiful amidst the backdrop of the emerald swords of wild leek (Chicago’s namesake), skunk cabbage, and mayapple. The preserve was once called Dynamite Woods because the site stored explosives during World War II. You can still see the crumbling bunkers, but they’re being taken over by woodland plants.
Heron Rookery Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park (Extrapolated report based on our last scouting date of 4/17): The large-flowered trillium is at peak bloom! Waves of flowers are washing over the forest floor, including the omnipresent spring beauty You’ll also find dense displays of sharp-lobed hepatica and false rue anemone, along with rue anemone, Dutchman’s breeches, cutleaf toothwort, purple cress, common blue violet, and common yellow violet. Look for patches of spotted fishlike foliage that resemble trout. In there, you may find magnificent blooms of yellow trout lily The otherworldly prairie trillium is flowering well. And large numbers of bright-yellow swamp buttercup wade in wet and muddy areas. The lush, green springtime experience is further enhanced by the spreading foliage of mayapple, wild leek, and wild ginger.
Black Partridge Woods in Lemont (4/25+): Many flowers are blooming amidst a palette of green formed of swords of wild leek, umbrellas of mayapple, hearts of wild ginger, stars of soon-to-bloom wild geranium, sprawling skunk cabbage, the beautiful floating foliage of early meadow rue. Check deep underneath the leaves of wild ginger to find a burgundy blossom. The Virginia bluebells are at peak bloom, most of which are growing west of the creek. The east side offers the richest biodiversity and where common blue violet and woodland phlox are also adding to the azure tones. You’ll also find dense sparkling areas of spring beauty alongside false rue anemone and some remaining cutleaf toothwort. And look for the shy drooping yellow blossoms of large-flowered bellwort.
Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve in Monee (Extrapolated report based on our last scouting date of 4/17): This pretty place offers a rich variety of flowers that are really putting on a show. Ignore the charred earth from a recent burn. After the first 300 feet, the flowers begin! Experience the whitish pink expanse of spring beauty and myriad other spring wildflowers, including false rue anemone, rue anemone, white trout lily, and surprisingly large colonies of the strange and wonderful prairie trillium. You’ll find a nice show of Virginia bluebells along with the purple-blue blossoms of common blue violet and woodland phlox. And experience the jade hues and lush patterns of wild leek, mayapple, and wild ginger that add to the springtime mix. Look carefully, and you may find the fuzzy burgundy flower hiding under the under the heart-shaped wild ginger leaves. Note that many of the small spring flowers don’t open up at the break of day. They are awakened by the light. On cloudy days, they may remain enclosed safely in their buds.
Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet (Extrapolated report based on our last scouting date of 4/22): Begin your hike at the nature center and you’ll be surrounded a variety of spring wildflowers, including false rue anemone and spring beauty. Continue walking towards the creek to experience the vast seas of Virginia bluebells that should now be at peak bloom. that are looking very good and closing in on peak bloom. Just as beautiful as the flowers are the fresh green leaves of wild leek, mayapple, and skunk cabbage. In the same place, and just about anywhere with mud, look for the large fanning foliage of skunk cabbage. They’re hard to miss.
Messenger Woods in Homer Glen (Extrapolated report based on our last scouting date of 4/22): This preserve is known for its large display of Virginial bluebells, which are at peak. And the gorgeous large-flowered trillium is reaching peak bloom. There are some ephemerals throughout, but not as impressive as some of our other preserves. Blooms include cutleaf toothwort, spring beauty, woodland phlox, and false rue anemone. You’ll also see a carpet of fresh foliage, primarily made of of false mermaid. The foliage of mayapple helps contribute to the lush springtime feel of the place.
GO, IF YOU’RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook (4/27+): To see the most spring ephemerals, remain under the tree canopy. Park at the main parking lot for this preserve, located at Somme Woods, and then follow the narrow trail to Somme Prairie Grove. To avoid any confusion, visit our web page for complete details or forever hold your peace. Along your stroll, you’ll discover the whitish flowers of spring beauty, white trout lily, cutleaf toothwort, and rue anemone. Yellows are also on display with large-flowered bellwort, wood betony, and yellow water buttercup. And miniature forests of mayapples brings an air of whimsy to the landscape.
Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin (4/28-): The big reason to visit the preserve this week is to see the last blooms marsh marigold, which have since faded in the southern preserves. You’ll find large areas of skunk cabbage and nice patches of mayapple, too, plus a handful of rue anemone and woodland phlox. and a small number of spring ephemerals. Golden Alexander and wood betony are just starting to bloom. (For great views of marsh marigold and skunk cabbage, visit Trout Park for dense populations of these plants in an intimate setting. The trail takes you up and down through the bluffs, using a wooden boardwalk that carefully guides you through the extremely sensitive wet areas. When you’re on the boardwalk, look for Chicago’s only native evergreen tree, the rare northern white cedar. Yes, all of those evergreens you see at homes and preserves are not from around here. At the top of the bluff, you’ll also find other spring wildflowers.)
PLANT OF THE WEEK: LARGE-FLOWERED TRILLIUM
Trillium is Latin for “triple,” and the plant lives up to the word. The showy plant is comprised of three leaves, three sepals, and three petals. The gorgeous white blooms of large-flowered trillium can now be found at our featured preserves of O’Hara Woods Preserve, Pilcher Park, and Messenger Woods and at other preserves like Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Metawa Meacham Grove in Bloomingdale, and, here, at Harms Woods in Glenview. Notice how the flowers turn pink as they fade.*
At Heron Rookery Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park, large-flowered trillium have reached peak bloom. It’s a magnificent sight.*
Messenger Woods in Homer Glen offers a decent display of large-flowered trillium. But don’t get too excited.. It doesn’t look like the above picture, anymore. Most of the plants have been eaten by deer due to decades of willful neglect.*
PHOTO SECTION
Virginia Bluebells begin their spectacular must-see performance:
Ah, the Virginia bluebell. This is the April performance that we’ve all been waiting for. This flower not only looks beautiful, but it smells wonderful, as well. When the flowers are blooming, the woodland fills with a fragrance that some say resembles the scent of Froot Loops cereal. So, last year, I put this to a test, in side-by-side comparison. First, I lowered my nose into a small plastic bag filled with the cereal. Wow! I didn’t realize how “sharp” the sweetness was. Then, I cleared my nose by smelling my glove, and moved my nostrils into the fragrant blue trumpets. Here’s what I found. The bluebells do smell like the cereal, but not as sharp. But they also have a floral aroma. Therefore, bluebells smell like a floral Chanel version of Froot Loops cereal. Right now, you’ll find mostly buds and maybe a few open flowers of Virginia bluebell (species Mertensia virginica) at Messenger Woods, Pilcher Park, Black Partridge Woods, and here at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve in Romeoville.*
The bluebells have reached peak bloom at O’Hara Woods and still presents the best show of its kind. Get out now to see them.*
The bluebells have reached peak bloom at O’Hara Woods and still presents the best display of of Virginia bluebells around. Get out now to see them.
Come to Pilcher Park Nature Center for one of the best performance of Virginia bluebell in the region.*
Virginia bluebells bloom en mass along the creek at Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve in Monee, though not in vast expanses like other woodlands on our list.*
Messenger Woods in Homer Glen is also a great site to experience breathtaking expanses of Virginia bluebells.*
Woodland Phlox is adding some newfound color to our woodlands:
Many of our featured woodlands are home to the blue and purple woodland phlox. Here at Black Partridge Woods, they flow in a serpentine wave up the bluff..*
Cutleaf Toothwort is still blooming, but fading in the southern suburbs:
Cutleaf toothwort has small flowers that make a big impact for their size, especially when blooming in large numbers. Even when closes, they still impart a sparkle because the petals are much longer than the sepals. Initially, I thought that the “toothwort” name came the toothed leaves or the closed flowers that look like molars. But I was wrong. It is the rhyzome, a root-like structure located just below the soil between the stem and the root. Most people would not figure this out. I mean, I only discovered it after employing my X-ray vision. However, there was a time when people relied on plants, and often their roots, for survival. And Native Americans ate the tooth-shaped tuber. Now, this isn’t the only plant named after its root. The root of bloodroot, as the name suggest, bleeds a red liquid when broken. Native Americans used this sanguine solution as body paint and to dye clothes and baskets. This shot was taken at O’Hara Woods in Romeoville, but you can find it at any of our featured woodlands.*
In April, cutleaf toothwort blooms in profusion amongst a backdrop of mayapples at every local woodland, including here at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve where they explode like firecrackers. This preserve was previously known as Dynamite Woods because explosives were stored here during World War II. Nowadays, the only thing that blows up are the spring wildflowers.*
April at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve brings a woodland floor sparkling with cutleaf toothwort and the greenery of wild leek and mayapple. You can see all of these plants at all of our featured woodlands.
False Rue Anemone:
False rue anemone is a beautiful flower that often blooms in clusters. Early and later in the day, they close up into little white balls.
Prairie Trillium:
This wonderful flower can be found at most of our featured woodlands. But Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve is my favorite place to see them because they grow in such large numbers. Here at O’Hara Woods in Romeoville, prairie trillium rises as the sun sets.*
Dutchman’s Breeches (or Dutchman’s Britches) are fading:
O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve has a large number of Dutchman’s Breeches. It is one of my favorite spring flowers because the flower is just so kooky and the leaves are a dream. You can find them at Heron Rookery Trail, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, and many of our showcase woodlands.*
I discovered this pink variety of Dutchman’s breeches at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve in Romeoville. Notice the beautiful parts and details.*
Mayapple:
In woodlands across northeastern Illinois, like here at Black Partridge Woods, in Lemont, April showers bring out the umbrellas in the form of mayapples. And the white flowers of false rue anemone sparkle like raindrops. The waxy white flower of the mayapple will soon be blooming under any plant with two “umbrellas.”*
Skunk Cabbage:
It’s springtime at Pilcher Park and sunlight shines through the enormous fanning foliage of skunk cabbage which, if broken, releases a strong scent reminiscent of skunk, though sweeter and not nearly as overpowering. If you’re someone who, like me, finds the powerful essence of skunk to be an invigorating and life-affirming experience, the skunk inside the cabbage will definitely let you down. You’ll find many at Pilcher Park Nature Center, Black Partridge Woods, Bluff Spring Fen, Trout Park, and O’Hara Woods.*
Marsh Marigold:
l love marsh marigold. My heart skips a beat when I see the flowers and the clusters of rounded heart-shaped leaves. The Latin name is Caltha palustris. “Caltha” means yellow flower, and “palustris” means “swampy” or “marshy.” And yes, this yellow flower loves wet and mucky soil. It likes full or partial sun, and grows in the aforementioned swamps and marshes, but also in woodlands, fens, floodplains, seeps and springs, and places where the soil is kept wet by underground seepages. The word “marigold” is a misnomer, as this plant is part of the buttercup family.
On this chilly morning at Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin, happy blossoms of marsh marigold were covered in a magical patina of morning frost. Visit nearby Trout Park for the best view of these plants. And you can also find them at Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Mettawa. The blooms at Pilcher Park Nature Center are gone until next year.*
This beautiful plant can still be found at some locations across the region, but the show is over at the southern preserves, including here at Pilcher Park in Joliet.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
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While some of our neighbors will travel this summer, most will remain at home and be able to experience this dramatic flower show at Wolf Road Prairie in Westchester. Help me share the beauty and healing power of nature with others.
During the pandemic, people have turned to nature to clear their heads and heal their spirits. And as a new blooming season begins, ChicagoNatureNOW! has an important role to play. We have a rare opportunity to connect Chicagoans with nature and to build a constituency to preserve and protect our local preserves.
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Here are some of our dedicated Nature Scouts assembled at O’Hara Woods: (left to right) Charlie Yang, Jim Yassick, Mike MacDonald, and Zeke Wei.
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT
04-23-2021
Chicago Nature NOW! Alert
April 23, 2021
“Weekly Wildflower Reports Featuring
Chicago’s Best Weekend Getaways & Nature Trips”
Plan the Best COVID-19 Walks & Getaways Around Chicago!
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Each week, we offer you opportunities to find peace during this trying time!
PLEASE DONATE IF WE’VE HELPED YOU FIND SOLACE IN NATURE.
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE VISITING OUR SHOWCASE PRESERVES DURING THIS TIME OF INCREASED INTEREST IN NATURE:
ChicagoNatureNOW! preserves are Sacred Cathedrals of Nature, NOT playgrounds or amusement parks. Please treat these sanctuaries with reverence, and behave as you would in any house of worship:
-
- Stay on the trails.
- Walk, don’t run.
- If your kids need to run around, there are THOUSANDS of more appropriate places to play.
- Speak quietly as to not interfere with the spiritual experiences of others.
- Don’t pick flowers or remove anything from a preserve.
- Share cherished moments by through photography, drawing, painting, and writing.
- Many of these preserves do NOT allow pets, even if they’re leashed.
- If a rule isn’t listed here, then ask yourself, “Would I do this in church?”
IMPORTANT COVID-19 SITE ACCESS & SAFETY TIPS
(which I hope to remove as more people are vaccinated)
SITE ACCESS:
Most sites and trails that are owned by Chicago-area counties and Indiana Dunes National Park are open, except for visitor centers, buildings, and bathrooms. Fermilab Prairie woodland (Fermilab Natural Areas) in Batavia is closed. Period. And Shoe Factory Road Prairie will be closed for a little while longer because the public abused the site, last year. Check out these websites before you go:
- Forest Preserve District of Cook County
- Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- McHenry County Conservation District
- Forest Preserve District of Will County
- Indiana Dunes National Park
BE SAFE:
- Wear a mask. Period. This keeps your exhalations from taking to the air.
- Give each other ten feet of space.
- The wind carries the virus. When people are present, be conscious of the wind and its direction.
- When having a conversation, position yourselves so that the wind is blowing from the left or the right.
- Don’t block people’s progress by gathering along trails, trailheads, or intersections.
WILDFLOWER HIGHLIGHTS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES INTO CHICAGO’S WOODLANDS:
BLUEBELLS, BLUEBELLS, BLUEBELLS! The Virginia bluebell is our Plant of the Week, and it’s current putting on the most breathtaking performance of early spring. The oceans of blue are proof that Chicago nature offers beauty that rivals the national parks. Experience the magnificence with your eyes, as well as your nose, as the scent of these azure flowers fills the air with a sweet fragrance that some people liken to Froot Loops cereal. Instead of listening to “some people,” I did a little experiment of my own. I took the cereal into the field and compared its scent to the flowers. Click here to learn what I found. The show of bluebells should last for at least another week depending on the location. As of Thursday afternoon on April 22, the blooming at O’Hara Woods Preserve was at 85 to 100 percent peak, and Messenger Woods and Pilcher Park were at 35 to 60 percent.
The spectacular large-flowered trillium is confirmed to be blooming in great numbers at Heron Rookery Trail (at Indiana Dunes National Park). They can also be found at Messenger Woods. If you live up north, you should soon be able to experience these alabaster beauties at Harms Woods in Glenview and Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Mettawa, both of which are not featured preserves. And speaking of trillium, the elegant and understated prairie trillium is flowering in most of our woodlands.
Usually, spring’s earliest blooms are plentiful, but their flowers are diminutive. Bend down and take a closer look. Marvel at their intricacy. Most of the flowers currently blooming in our woodlands are colored white, like cutleaf toothwort, spring beauty, false rue anemone, rue anemone, spring cress, white trout lily, and Dutchman’s breeches. Spring beauty is white with pink stripes, and hepatica offers a beautiful palette ranging from white to lavender to purple.
When the larger, more flamboyant flowers begin to bloom, they tend to draw our attention away from the smaller, sparkly flowers of the past two weeks. They now take on a supporting roles that can be just as breathtaking. For instance, at Heron Rookery Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park spring beauty and cutleaf toothwort create a wonderful show as they carpet the woodland floor. You’ll find these same flowers at all of our other preserves to one degree or another. While you’re walking through the woods, you’ll also find hepatica, cutleaf toothwort, spring beauty, false rue anemone, rue anemone, spring cress, purple cress, white trout lily, and Dutchman’s breeches. Marsh marigold is still blooming at many preserves, including Pilcher Park, Bluff Spring Fen, and at McClaughry Springs Woods in Palos Park (across the stream from the parking lot). Other yellow flowers that you may find are the spectacular blooms of yellow trout lily (only at Heron Rookery Trail) and large-flowered bellwort.
And let’s not forget the bright green leaves of spring: the umbrellas of mayapple, the sprawling leaves of skunk cabbage, the heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger., and the spears of wild leek—the plant that gives Chicago its name. In the late 1600s, Potawatomi Indians who paddled the area rivers were commonly heard yelling “Chicagoua!” after catching a strong whiff of chicagoua, or wild leek, growing prolifically along the wooded banks. Wild leek is part of the onion family, hence the Chicago nickname, “The Big Onion.” If you pay close attention to your nose in woodlands that do not feature the fragrant bluebell, you may be able to catch its sweet onion scent.
NOTE: It is illegal to remove this plant, or any other plant, from any preserve in the Chicago region.
WHERE TO GO THIS WEEKEND FOR A SPRING WILDFLOWER GETAWAY AROUND CHICAGO:
We’ve ranked the preserves on this week’s list based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best or “Go!” The “Go, if You’re in the Neighborhood” section is for sites that are worth visiting if you can’t get out to our top-rated preserves. And our “Preserves for You to Scout” section for those preserves that we couldn’t get to this week, but that you can help us explore! The date within the parentheses tells you when we last scouted the preserve. After the date, you may see one of these three mathematical symbols: +, –, = (plus, minus, equal). They represent our prediction about how the flowers will look like on the coming weekend: “+” is Probably Better; “-” is Probably Less Dramatic; “=” is Probably the Same. Notice the word “probably.”
THIS WEEK’S BEST (“GO!”):
The order of the preserves below is based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best.
O’Hara Woods Preserve in Romeoville (4/22+): The Virginia bluebells has reached peak bloom at this preserve! And they’re also joined by sparkling white blossoms of cutleaf toothwort which are also putting on a spectacular show of their own. Like fireworks, they sparkle into the distance across the verdant woodland floor. They look especially beautiful amidst the backdrop of the emerald swords of wild leek (Chicago’s namesake). The preserve was once called Dynamite Woods because the site stored explosives during World War II. You can still see the crumbling bunkers, but they’re being taken over by woodland plants. Walk towards the stream along the south end of the preserve, and you’ll find Dutchman’s breeches (that look like white, puffy overalls), spring beauty, skunk cabbage, and mayapple.
Heron Rookery Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park (4/17+): Wow! This national park offers the greatest density of native plants in the entire national park system and, quite possibly, the nation. And now, you definitely need to see the sublime display of large-flowered trillium that is close to peak bloom! Waves of flowers are washing over the forest floor, including the omnipresent spring beauty You’ll also find dense displays of sharp-lobed hepatica and false rue anemone, along with rue anemone, Dutchman’s breeches, cutleaf toothwort, purple cress, common blue violet, and common yellow violet. Look for patches of spotted fishlike foliage that resemble trout. In there, you may find magnificent blooms of yellow trout lily The otherworldly prairie trillium is flowering well. And large numbers of bright-yellow swamp buttercup wade in wet and muddy areas. The lush, green springtime experience is further enhanced by the spreading foliage of mayapple, wild leek, and wild ginger.
Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve in Monee (4/17+): This pretty place offers a rich variety of flowers that are really putting on a show. Ignore the charred earth from a recent burn. After the first 300 feet, the flowers begin! Experience the whitish pink expanse of spring beauty and myriad other spring wildflowers, including Dutchman’s breeches, false rue anemone, rue anemone, white trout lily, and surprisingly large colonies of the strange and wonderful prairie trillium. Also, experience the jade hues and lush patterns of wild leek, mayapple, and wild ginger that add to the springtime mix. And you’ll find a nice show of Virginia bluebells as you approach the creek. Note that many spring flowers don’t open up at the break of day. They are awakened by the light. On cloudy days, they may remain enclosed safely in their buds. Fortunately, when closed, the white petals of toothwort are still visible and continue to twinkle.
Black Partridge Woods in Lemont (4/21+): This preserve makes me happy with its lushness and many patterns and shades of emerald foliage, especially the swords of wild leek, umbrellas of mayapple, hearts of wild ginger, stars of soon-to-bloom wild geranium, and sprawling skunk cabbage. Also look for the beautiful floating foliage of early meadow rue. And right now, the Virginia bluebells are at peak bloom, most of which are growing on the west of the creek. Also pitching in some azure tones are common blue violet and woodland phlox. On the east side, which offers the richest biodiversity and scenery, you’ll also see sparkles amongst the greenery from the shimmering petals of cutleaf toothwort, false rue anemone, rue anemone, spring beauty, and the occasional Dutchman’s breeches. And look for the shy drooping yellow blossoms of large-flowered bellwort.
Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet (4/22+): Begin your hike at the nature center and you’ll be surrounded by a lush understory of spring wildflowers, including cutleaf toothwort, false rue anemone, spring beauty, purple cress, and maybe some remaining Dutchman’s breeches. Continue walking towards the creek to experience the vast seas of Virginia bluebells that are looking very good and closing in on peak bloom. Just as beautiful as the flowers are the fresh green leaves of wild leek, mayapple, and skunk cabbage. In the same place, and just about anywhere with mud, look for the large fanning foliage of skunk cabbage. They’re hard to miss.
Messenger Woods in Homer Glen (4/22+): CALL TO ACTION to save the wildflower population and ecosystem by controlling the overpopulation of deer at Messenger Woods! Contact JOE VANDUYNE, President of the Board of Commissioners with Forest Preserve District of Will County at JVanDuyne@WillCountyIllinois.com. If you have Outlook, you can click this link: jvanduyne@willcountyillinois.com.
If we at ChicagoNatureNOW! don’t something, then what’s the point of ChicagoNatureNOW!? I can’t do this alone. I’ll just look like a raving idiot. I’M COUNTING ON YOU TO HELP, especially if you live in Homer Glen and Will County.
Yesterday, I visited Messenger Woods. At the freshly maintained entrance to the nature preserve, they put up a brand new sign with flowery writing. The words on the sign tell a story of how the preserve is known across the country for its wildflower displays of Virginia bluebell, large-flowered trillium, and blue-eyed Mary. In fact, I used to see pictures of the place in national magazines. The sign also mentions that is a rare preserve because has been spared from grazing. But it’s all a big lie! No longer is Messenger Woods a national treasure. The sign is a disguise to distract you from seeing the results of two decades of purposeful mismanagement that allow the plants to be devastated by an out-of-control deer population that grazes as much as any herd of cows ever could.
When I read the new sign, my hopes were raised. I thought, “Wow! If they’re bragging about the flowers, they must be doing something about decades-long deer problem.” Then I came upon a hill where only three blue-eyed Mary flowers bloomed. Like the wildflower population, I was devastated. At one time, hundreds of flowers created a blue-and-white carpet that covered the hillside. Then I walked to where the large-flowered trillium are known to bloom. Again, the flowers were few, except inside the safety of a terribly ironic deer exclosure—a small fenced-in area where deer cannot reach. A dense population of trillium lived inside. Yet outside, I saw very few trillium. Deer exclosures are used for measuring the impact of deer on the habitat. But at this preserve, it’s really just a cruel joke. They’ve knowingly neglected this preserve for years. At least fifteen years ago, an article by photographer Joe Kayne was published in Chicago Wilderness magazine. He showed before-and-after pictures that illustrated how the trillium population had dramatically declined due to overgrazing by the deer. There was outrage from the nature community, but nothing changed. But we eventually got a new sign!
Five deer per square mile is a healthy population that provides a good balance so that all living things can thrive. Ten deer per square mile is what many biologists would settle for. Twenty is Will County’s standard. But at Messenger Woods, there are many more that that. And it has taken it’s toll. Except for Messenger Woods, every other preserve owned by Will County has a deer-control program to protect the biodiversity and health of the ecosystem. In the absence of predators, humans need to take on that role or the ecosystem collapses.
To deer, flowers are very tasty. But flowers are how plants reproduce. And why do we need flowers? Let’s take one example. Flowers are essential for feeding pollinating insects. And if there are no pollinating insects, then the birds don’t eat. And birds need protein to make eggs and for feeding their hungry chicks. The connections go on and on.
Deer are magical creatures, but too much of a good thing is never a good thing. And it’s a self mistake to allowing deer to exist at the exclusion of everything else.
A famous conservationist told me this story:
As the number of deer increase, they eat and eat, and eventually there are so many deer they’ve killed your nature preserve. Now with so many hungry deer around, they cross the street to devour and kill off everyone’s gardens. Finally, with nothing left to eat, they starve to death and the population decreases to a low and sustainable number. But why let it get that far? You lose so much. Reduce the population to begin with!
Please contact President Joe VanDuyne and others:
Joe VanDuyne
(815) 530-4388 – Cell
JVanDuyne@WillCountyIllinois.com
Rachel Ventura – Vice President
(815) 954-1981 – Cell
rventura@willcountyillinois.com
Ralph Schultz
CEO – Forest Preserve District of Will County
(815) 727-8700 – Office
RSchultz@fpdwc.org
Cindy Harn
Executive Director – The Nature Foundation of Will County
(815) 722-2022
WillCountyNature@fpdwc.org
And now for the report. This preserve is known for its large display of Virginial bluebells, which are at about 40% peak as of this post. My guess is that it’ll reach peak bloom in the next few days. You’ll also see a carpet of fresh foliage, primarily made of of false mermaid. And there are some ephemerals throughout, but not as impressive as some of our other preserves. Blooms include cutleaf toothwort spring beauty, false rue anemone, and some Dutchman’s breeches,. The foliage of mayapple helps contribute to the lush springtime feel of the place.
GO, IF YOU’RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin (4/11+): The transcendent yellow blooms of marsh marigold, are currently at peak bloom. And the large areas of skunk cabbage are refreshingly green. There are also some nice patches of mayapple and a small number of spring ephemerals. Under the trees, you’ll find rue anemone and small patches false rue anemone. For great views of marsh marigold and skunk cabbage, visit Trout Park for dense populations of these plants in an intimate setting. The trail takes you up and down through the bluffs, using a wooden boardwalk that carefully guides you through the extremely sensitive wet areas. When you’re on the boardwalk, look for Chicago’s only native evergreen tree, the rare northern white cedar. Yes, all of those evergreens you see at homes and preserves are not from around here. At the top of the bluff, you’ll also find other spring wildflowers.
Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook (last scouted on 4/7): To see the most spring ephemerals, remain under the tree canopy. Park at the main parking lot for this preserve, located at Somme Woods, and then follow the narrow trail to Somme Prairie Grove. Visit our web page for complete details or forever hold your peace. Along your stroll, you’ll discover spring beauty, white trout lily, cutleaf toothwort, mayapple, and others.
PLANT OF THE WEEK: VIRGINIA BLUEBELL
Ah, the Virginia bluebell. This is the April performance that we’ve all been waiting for. This flower not only looks beautiful, but it smells wonderful, as well. When the flower are blooming, the woodland fills with a fragrance that some say resembles the scent of Froot Loops cereal. So, last year, I put this to a test, in side-by-side comparison. First, I lowered my nose into a small plastic bag filled with the cereal. Wow! I didn’t realize how “sharp” the sweetness was. Then, I cleared my nose by smelling my glove, and moved my nostrils into the fragrant blue trumpets. Here’s what I found. The bluebells do smell like the cereal, but not as sharp. But they also have a floral aroma. Therefore, bluebells smell like a floral Chanel version of Froot Loops cereal. Right now, you’ll find mostly buds and maybe a few open flowers of Virginia bluebell (species Mertensia virginica) at Messenger Woods, Pilcher Park, Black Partridge Woods, and here at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve in Romeoville.*
PHOTO SECTION
Virginia Bluebells begin their spectacular must-see performance:
O’Hara Woods presents the best display of of Virginia bluebells around that fill the air with a floral scent of Froot Loops cereal.
Come to Pilcher Park Nature Center for one of the best performance of Virginia bluebell in the region.*
Virginia bluebells bloom en mass along the creek at Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve in Monee, though not in vast expanses like other woodlands on our list.*
Messenger Woods in Homer Glen is one of the best places to experience breathtaking expanses of Virginia bluebells. See report above for current conditions.*
Large-flowered Trillium is also putting on a show:
At Heron Rookery Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park, large-flowered trillium are reaching at peak bloom. It’s a magnificent sight.*
Very soon, large-flowered trillium will appear at Messenger Woods in Homer Glen. But don’t get too excited. Most have been eaten by deer due to decades of willful neglect.*
I’d say we’re still about a week away from nice displays of large-flowered trillium at Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Metawa and, here, at Harms Woods in Glenview. Notice how the flowers turn pink as they fade.*
Cutleaf Toothwort is blooming strong across Chicago’s woodlands:
Cutleaf toothwort is small flowers makes a big impact for their size of its flowers, especially when blooming in large numbers. Even when closes, they still impart a sparkle because the petals are much longer than the sepals. Initially, I thought that the “toothwort” name came the toothed leaves or the closed flowers that look like molars. But I was wrong. It is the rhyzome, a root-like structure located just below the soil between the stem and the root. Most people would not figure this out. I mean, I only discovered it after employing my X-ray vision. However, there was a time when people relied on plants, and often their roots, for survival. And Native Americans ate the tooth-shaped tuber. Now, this isn’t the only plant named after its root. The root of bloodroot, as the name suggest, bleeds a red liquid when broken. Native Americans used this sanguine solution as body paint and to dye clothes and baskets. This shot was taken at O’Hara Woods in Romeoville, but you can find it at any of our featured woodlands.*
In April, cutleaf toothwort blooms in profusion amongst a backdrop of mayapples at every local woodland, including here at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve where they explode like firecrackers. This preserve was previously known as Dynamite Woods because explosives were stored here during World War II. Nowadays, the only thing that blows up are the spring wildflowers.*
April at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve brings a woodland floor sparkling with cutleaf toothwort and the greenery of wild leek and mayapple. You can see all of these plants at all of our featured woodlands.
False Rue Anemone:
False rue anemone is a beautiful flower that often blooms in clusters. During the day, they close up into little white balls.
Prairie Trillium:
This wonderful flower can be found at most of our featured woodlands. But Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve is my favorite place to see them because they grow in such large numbers. Here at O’Hara Woods in Romeoville, prairie trillium rises as the sun sets.*
Dutchman’s Breeches (or Dutchman’s Britches):
O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve has a large number of Dutchman’s Breeches. It is one of my favorite spring flowers because the flower is just so kooky and the leaves are a dream. You can find them at Heron Rookery Trail, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, and many of our showcase woodlands.*
I discovered this pink variety of Dutchman’s breeches at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve in Romeoville. Notice the beautiful parts and details.*
Bloodroot (catch it before it goes away for another year):
This is bloodroot. The name comes from the fact that breaking the stem or the roots makes the plant bleed red. Please, just take my word for it, and don’t pick the flower to find out. Native Americans used the plant for dying their clothes and baskets, and for body paint. Check them out at most of our showcase woodlands.*
Mayapple:
In woodlands across northeastern Illinois, like here at Black Partridge Woods, in Lemont, April showers bring out the umbrellas in the form of mayapples. And the white flowers of false rue anemone sparkle like raindrops. At the moment, mayapples are either just sprouting or just starting to open their umbrellas.*
Skunk Cabbage:
It’s springtime at Pilcher Park and sunlight shines through the enormous fanning foliage of skunk cabbage which, if broken, releases a strong scent reminiscent of skunk, though sweeter and not nearly as overpowering. If you’re someone who, like me, finds the powerful essence of skunk to be an invigorating and life-affirming experience, the skunk inside the cabbage will definitely let you down. You’ll find many at Pilcher Park Nature Center, Black Partridge Woods, Bluff Spring Fen, Trout Park, and O’Hara Woods.*
Marsh Marigold:
l love marsh marigold. My heart skips a beat when I see the flowers and the clusters of rounded heart-shaped leaves. The Latin name is Caltha palustris. “Caltha” means yellow flower, and “palustris” means “swampy” or “marshy.” And yes, this yellow flower loves wet and mucky soil. It likes full or partial sun, and grows in the aforementioned swamps and marshes, but also in woodlands, fens, floodplains, seeps and springs, and places where the soil is kept wet by underground seepages. The word “marigold” is a misnomer, as this plant is part of the buttercup family.
On this chilly morning at Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin, happy blossoms of marsh marigold were covered in a magical patina of morning frost. Visit nearby Trout Park for the best view of these plants. Pilcher Park Nature Center has a beautiful display. And you can also find them at Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Mettawa.*
In early spring, I come to Pilcher Park to play in the mud. Here, skunk cabbage and marsh marigold thrive in a woodland floodplain of inky water and the blackest muck I’ve ever seen.*
Hepatica:
On the side of a bluff at Black Partridge Woods, sharp-lobed hepatica make their way through a layer of leaves.*
This is short-lobed Hepatica of species Hepatica nobilis acuta. It beacons the start of the blooming season with floral color that ranges from white to pink, blue to purple. They’re fading fast, so get out and find them before it’s too late. Go to Heron Rookery Trail, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, and here at Black Partridge Woods in Lemont, Illinois.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT
04-16-2021
Chicago Nature NOW! Alert
April 16, 2021
“Weekly Wildflower Reports Featuring
Chicago’s Best Weekend Getaways & Nature Trips”
Plan the Best COVID-19 Walks & Getaways Around Chicago!
Don’t miss one beautiful moment.
Click here to subscribe to received FREE nature alerts!
Each week, we offer you opportunities to find peace during this trying time!
PLEASE DONATE IF WE’VE HELPED YOU FIND SOLACE IN NATURE.
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE VISITING OUR SHOWCASE PRESERVES DURING THIS TIME OF INCREASED INTEREST IN NATURE:
ChicagoNatureNOW! preserves are Sacred Cathedrals of Nature, NOT playgrounds or amusement parks. Please treat these sanctuaries with reverence, and behave as you would in any house of worship:
-
- Stay on the trails.
- Walk, don’t run.
- If your kids need to run around, there are THOUSANDS of more appropriate places to play.
- Speak quietly as to not interfere with the spiritual experiences of others.
- Don’t pick flowers or remove anything from a preserve.
- Share cherished moments by through photography, drawing, painting, and writing.
- Many of these preserves do NOT allow pets, even if they’re leashed.
- If a rule isn’t listed here, then ask yourself, “Would I do this in church?”
IMPORTANT COVID-19 SITE ACCESS & SAFETY TIPS
(which I hope to remove as more people are vaccinated)
SITE ACCESS:
Most sites and trails that are owned by Chicago-area counties and Indiana Dunes National Park are open, except for visitor centers, buildings, and bathrooms. Fermilab Prairie woodland (Fermilab Natural Areas) in Batavia is closed. Period. And Shoe Factory Road Prairie will be closed for a little while longer because the public abused the site, last year. Check out these websites before you go:
- Forest Preserve District of Cook County
- Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- McHenry County Conservation District
- Forest Preserve District of Will County
- Indiana Dunes National Park
BE SAFE:
- Wear a mask. Period. This keeps your exhalations from taking to the air.
- Give each other ten feet of space.
- The wind carries the virus. When people are present, be conscious of the wind and its direction.
- When having a conversation, position yourselves so that the wind is blowing from the left or the right.
- Don’t block people’s progress by gathering along trails, trailheads, or intersections.
WILDFLOWER HIGHLIGHTS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES INTO CHICAGO’S WOODLANDS:
The delicate wildflowers of spring are filling up our woodlands, including the sublime yellow blooms of marsh marigold (our Plant of the Week). The flower is at or near peak bloom at Pilcher Park, Bluff Spring Fen, Trout Park, and McClaughry Springs Woods in Palos Park (by the parking lot across the stream). Oh, how I love the flowers and the round-hearted leaves. Spring’s first blooms are plentiful, but their flowers are diminutive, Bend down and take a closer look. Marvel at their intricacy. Most of the flowers currently blooming in our woodlands are colored white, like cutleaf toothwort, spring beauty, false rue anemone, rue anemone, spring cress, white trout lily, Dutchman’s breeches, and bloodroot. Spring beauty is white with pink stripes, and hepatica offers a beautiful palette ranging from white to lavender to purple.
In some woodlands, you’ll find the shy elongated blossoms of large-flowered bellwort. The Virginia Bluebell is beginning to flower, and we’re not far away from peak bloom. The ocean of blue is the most breathtaking event of early spring.
And let’s not forget the bright green leaves of the vernal season. The leafy umbrellas of mayapple are just opening, along with the sprawling leaves of skunk cabbage and the floppy swords of wild leek—the plant that gives Chicago its name. In the late 1600s, Potawatomi Indians who paddled the area rivers were commonly heard yelling “Chicagoua!” after catching a strong whiff of chicagoua, or wild leek, growing prolifically along the wooded banks. Wild leek is part of the onion family, hence the Chicago nickname, “The Big Onion.” It is illegal to remove this plant, or any other plant, from any preserve in the Chicago region.
WHERE TO GO THIS WEEKEND FOR A SPRING WILDFLOWER GETAWAY AROUND CHICAGO:
We’ve ranked the preserves on this week’s list based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best or “Go!” The “Go, if You’re in the Neighborhood” section is for sites that are worth visiting if you can’t get out to our top-rated preserves. And our “Preserves for You to Scout” section for those preserves that we couldn’t get to this week, but that you can help us explore! The date within the parentheses tells you when we last scouted the preserve. After the date, you may see one of these three mathematical symbols: +, –, = (plus, minus, equal). They represent our prediction about how the flowers will look like on the coming weekend: “+” is Probably Better; “-” is Probably Less Dramatic; “=” is Probably the Same. Notice the word “probably.”
THIS WEEK’S BEST (“GO!”):
The order of the preserves below is based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best.
Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve in Monee (4/14+): This is my favorite preserve of the week. Ignore the charred earth from a recent burn. After the first 300 feet, the flowers begin! A rich variety of flowers is really putting on a show. Experience the whitish pink expanse of spring beauty and myriad other spring wildflowers, including Dutchman’s breeches, false rue anemone, rue anemone, white trout lily, and surprisingly large colonies of the stange and wonderful prairie trillium. Also, experience the jade hues and lush patterns of wild leek, mayapple, and wild ginger that add to the springtime mix. This preserve will soon offer a nice display of Virginia bluebells, but not an overwhelming ocean like other preserves. Note that many spring flowers don’t open up at the break of day. They are awakened by the light. On cloudy days, they may remain enclosed safely in their buds. Fortunately, when closed, the white petals of toothwort are still visible and continue to twinkle.
Heron Rookery Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park (last scouted on 4/4): Begin at the west parking lot. Along the narrow trail, you may still find sparkles of sharp-lobed hepatica,. But you’ll definitely see rue anemone and false rue anemone, Dutchman’s breeches, cutleaf toothwort, purple cress, bloodroot, and spring beauty. Look for patches of spear-like foliage that resemble green spotted trout. In there, you may find magnificent blooms of yellow trout lily. And prairie trillium may be flowering by now. The lush, sprawling foliage of mayapple and wild leek greatly enhance the springtime experience.
O’Hara Woods Preserve in Romeoville (4/14+): The petite white blossoms of cutleaf toothwort are putting on a spectacular show. Like fireworks, they sparkle into the distance across the verdant woodland floor. They look especially beautiful amidst the backdrop of the emerald swords of wild leek (Chicago’s namesake). The preserve was once called Dynamite Woods because the site stored explosives during World War II. You can still see the crumbling bunkers, but they’re being taken over by woodland plants. Walk towards the stream along the south end of the preserve, and you’ll find Dutchman’s breeches (that look like white, puffy overalls), spring beauty, skunk cabbage, mayapple, and soon-to-bloom Virginia bluebells, which are beginning to flower, but only at 5% peak. This should be the top preserve to visit in a week or two, when the bluebells create a sea of blue.
Black Partridge Woods in Lemont (4/13+): This preserve makes me happy with its lushness and many patterns and shades of emerald foliage, especially wild leek, mayapple, the glorious leaves of skunk cabbage, and the small heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger. And right now, you’ll also see sparkles amongst the greenery from the shimmering petals of sharp-lobed hepatica, cutleaf toothwort, false rue anemone, rue anemone, spring beauty, and the occasional Dutchman’s breeches. Virginia bluebells are starting to bloom in the sunnier areas. The beautiful leaves I love the leaves of early meadow rue, and the plant is also just beginning to bloom along with the shy drooping blossoms of large-flowered bellwort.
Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet (4/14+): Begin your hike at the nature center, and you’ll be surrounded by a lush understory of spring wildflowers, including cutleaf toothwort, false rue anemone, spring beauty, purple cress, and Dutchman’s breeches. Just as beautiful as the flowers are the fresh green leaves of wild leek, mayapple, and skunk cabbage. My favorite flower-of-the-moment is marsh marigold, our Plant of the Week, which has reached peak bloom. Look for its yellow flowers in the low, muddy areas of the site. You can find them near the nature center and around the trail after the bridge at this GPS coordinate: 41.532780, -88.016478. In the same place, and just about anywhere with mud, look for the large fanning foliage of skunk cabbage. They’re hard to miss. Virginia bluebells also like the mud, usually along the banks of the creek. This preserve is one of the best places to experience a vastitude of bluebells, which are now beginning to flower and should soon be at peak bloom.
Messenger Woods in Homer Glen (last scouted on 4/4): This preserve exudes that green and luxuriant feeling of spring. Currently, you’ll see a carpet of fresh foliage and blooming ephemerals throughout. The most common blossoms in bloom are spring beauty, cutleaf toothwort, Dutchman’s breeches, false rue anemone. The foliage of mayapple and wild leek greatly contribute to the lush springtime feel of the place. This preserve was known nationwide for its vast display of bluebells, which will probably reach peak in the next week or so.
GO, IF YOU’RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin (4/11+): The transcendent yellow blooms of marsh marigold, are currently blooming. And the large areas of skunk cabbage are refreshingly green. There are also some nice patches of mayapple and a small number of spring ephemerals. Under the trees, you’ll find rue anemone and small patches false rue anemone.For great views of marsh marigold and skunk cabbage, visit Trout Park for dense populations of these plants in an intimate setting. The trail takes you up and down through the bluffs, using a wooden boardwalk that carefully guides you through the extremely sensitive wet areas. When you’re on the boardwalk, look for Chicago’s only native evergreen tree, the rare northern white cedar. Yes, all of those evergreens you see at homes and preserves are not from around here. At the top of the bluff, you’ll also find other spring wildflowers.
Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook (last scouted on 4/7): To see the most spring ephemerals, remain under the tree canopy. Park at the main parking lot for this preserve, located at Somme Woods, and then follow the narrow trail to Somme Prairie Grove. Visit our web page for complete details or forever hold your peace. Along your stroll, you’ll discover spring beauty, white trout lily, cutleaf toothwort, mayapple, and others.
PLANT OF THE WEEK: MARSH MARIGOLD
l love marsh marigold. My heart skips a beat when I see the flowers and the clusters of rounded heart-shaped leaves. The Latin name is Caltha palustris. “Caltha” means yellow flower, and “palustris” means “swampy” or “marshy.” And yes, this yellow flower loves wet and mucky soil. It likes full or partial sun, and grows in the aforementioned swamps and marshes, but also in woodlands, fens, floodplains, seeps and springs, and places where the soil is kept wet by underground seepages. The word “marigold” is a misnomer, as this plant is part of the buttercup family.
On this chilly morning at Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin, happy blossoms of marsh marigold were covered in a magical patina of morning frost. Visit nearby Trout Park for the best view of these plants. Pilcher Park Nature Center has a beautiful display. And you can also find them at Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Mettawa.*
In early spring, I come to Pilcher Park to play in the mud. Here, skunk cabbage and marsh marigold thrive in a woodland floodplain of inky water and the blackest muck I’ve ever seen.*
PHOTO SECTION
Hepatica opens the blooming season:
On the side of a bluff at Black Partridge Woods, sharp-lobed hepatica make their way through a layer of leaves.*
This is short-lobed Hepatica of species Hepatica nobilis acuta. It beacons the start of the blooming season with floral color that ranges from white to pink, blue to purple. They’re fading fast, so get out and find them before it’s too late. Go to Heron Rookery Trail, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, and here at Black Partridge Woods in Lemont, Illinois.*
Cutleaf Toothwort is blooming strong across Chicago’s woodlands:
Cutleaf toothwort is small flowers makes a big impact for their size of its flowers, especially when blooming in large numbers. Even when closes, they still impart a sparkle because the petals are much longer than the sepals. Initially, I thought that the “toothwort” name came the toothed leaves or the closed flowers that look like molars. But I was wrong. It is the rhyzome, a root-like structure located just below the soil between the stem and the root. Most people would not figure this out. I mean, I only discovered it after employing my X-ray vision. However, there was a time when people relied on plants, and often their roots, for survival. And Native Americans ate the tooth-shaped tuber. Now, this isn’t the only plant named after its root. The root of bloodroot, as the name suggest, bleeds a red liquid when broken. Native Americans used this sanguine solution as body paint and to dye clothes and baskets. This shot was taken at O’Hara Woods in Romeoville, but you can find it at any of our featured woodlands.*
In April, cutleaf toothwort blooms in profusion amongst a backdrop of mayapples at every local woodland, including here at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve where they explode like firecrackers. This preserve was previously known as Dynamite Woods because explosives were stored here during World War II. Nowadays, the only thing that blows up are the spring wildflowers.*
April at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve brings a woodland floor sparkling with cutleaf toothwort and the greenery of wild leek and mayapple. You can see all of these plants at all of our featured woodlands.
Dutchman’s Breeches (or Dutchman’s Britches):
O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve has a large number of Dutchman’s Breeches. It is one of my favorite spring flowers because the flower is just so kooky and the leaves are a dream. You can find them at Heron Rookery Trail, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, and many of our showcase woodlands.*
I discovered this pink variety of Dutchman’s breeches at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve in Romeoville. Notice the beautiful parts and details.*
Bloodroot (catch it before it goes away for another year):
This is bloodroot. The name comes from the fact that breaking the stem or the roots makes the plant bleed red. Please, just take my word for it, and don’t pick the flower to find out. Native Americans used the plant for dying their clothes and baskets, and for body paint. Check them out at most of our showcase woodlands.*
False Rue Anemone:
False rue anemone is a beautiful flower that often blooms in clusters. During the day, they close up into little white balls.
Prairie Trillium:
At O’Hara Woods in Romeoville, prairie trillium rises as the sun sets.*
Mayapple:
In woodlands across northeastern Illinois, like here at Black Partridge Woods, in Lemont, April showers bring out the umbrellas in the form of mayapples. And the white flowers of false rue anemone sparkle like raindrops. At the moment, mayapples are either just sprouting or just starting to open their umbrellas.*
Skunk Cabbage:
It’s springtime at Pilcher Park and sunlight shines through the enormous fanning foliage of skunk cabbage which, if broken, releases a strong scent reminiscent of skunk, though sweeter and not nearly as overpowering. If you’re someone who, like me, finds the powerful essence of skunk to be an invigorating and life-affirming experience, the skunk inside the cabbage will definitely let you down. You’ll find many at Pilcher Park Nature Center, Black Partridge Woods, Bluff Spring Fen, Trout Park, and O’Hara Woods.*
Virginia Bluebell:
Right now, you’ll find mostly buds and maybe a few open flowers of Virginia bluebell (species Mertensia virginica) at Messenger Woods, Pilcher Park, Black Partridge Woods, and here at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve in Romeoville.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT
04-09-2021
Chicago Nature NOW! Alert
April 9, 2021
“Weekly Wildflower Reports Featuring
Chicago’s Best Weekend Getaways & Nature Trips”
Plan the Best COVID-19 Walks & Getaways Around Chicago!
Don’t miss one beautiful moment.
Click here to subscribe to received FREE nature alerts!
Each week, we offer you opportunities to find peace during this trying time!
PLEASE DONATE IF WE’VE HELPED YOU FIND SOLACE IN NATURE.
Welcome to the first wildflower report of 2021. I wish you an exciting and uplifting new year. We can all use it!
Without warning, over the last few days, spring erupted in our woodlands. Yet just one week ago, flowers were only beginning to bloom amidst a bronze carpet of 2020’s discarded foliage. In just days, last year’s scattered skeletons have been pushed aside by a verdant filigree of renewal. The door to 2020 is officially closed, and a new door has opened. Cross the threshold into nature wonders, and begin your revival.
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE VISITING OUR SHOWCASE PRESERVES DURING THIS TIME OF INCREASED INTEREST IN NATURE:
ChicagoNatureNOW! preserves are Sacred Cathedrals of Nature, NOT playgrounds or amusement parks. Please treat these sanctuaries with reverence, and behave as you would in any house of worship:
-
- Stay on the trails.
- Walk, don’t run.
- If your kids need to run around, there are THOUSANDS of more appropriate places to play.
- Speak quietly as to not interfere with the spiritual experiences of others.
- Don’t pick flowers or remove anything from a preserve.
- Share cherished moments by through photography, drawing, painting, and writing.
- Many of these preserves do NOT allow pets, even if they’re leashed.
- If a rule isn’t listed here, then ask yourself, “Would I do this in church?”
IMPORTANT COVID-19 SITE ACCESS & SAFETY TIPS
(which I hope to remove as more people are vaccinated)
SITE ACCESS:
Most sites and trails that are owned by Chicago-area counties and Indiana Dunes National Park are open, except for visitor centers, buildings, and bathrooms. Fermilab Prairie woodland (Fermilab Natural Areas) in Batavia is closed. Period. And Shoe Factory Road Prairie will be closed for a little while longer because the public abused the site, last year. Check out these websites before you go:
- Forest Preserve District of Cook County
- Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- McHenry County Conservation District
- Forest Preserve District of Will County
- Indiana Dunes National Park
BE SAFE:
- Wear a mask. Period. This keeps your exhalations from taking to the air.
- Give each other ten feet of space.
- The wind carries the virus. When people are present, be conscious of the wind and its direction.
- When having a conversation, position yourselves so that the wind is blowing from the left or the right.
- Don’t block people’s progress by gathering along trails, trailheads, or intersections.
WILDFLOWER HIGHLIGHTS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES INTO CHICAGO’S WOODLANDS:
Spring has arrived with a celebration of delicate wildflowers in many of Chicago’s woodlands. Spring’s first blooms are plentiful, but their flowers are diminutive, including cutleaf toothwort (our Plant of the Week). Bend down and take a closer look. Marvel at their intricate beauty. At the moment, most of the flowers are white, like cutleaf toothwort, spring beauty, false rue anemone, rue anemone, spring cress, white trout lily, Dutchman’s breeches, and bloodroot. Spring beauty is white with pink stripes, and hepatica offers a beautiful palette ranging from white to lavender to purple. Visit Heron Rookery Trail and Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve to experience hepatica at its finest.
The sublime lemon flowers of marsh marigold are nearing peak bloom at Pilcher Park and McClaughry Springs Woods in Palos Park (by the parking lot across the stream). And the show is just starting at Bluff Spring Fen. Oh, how I love the flowers and the round-hearted leaves. In some woodlands, you’ll find the shy elongated blossoms of large-flowered bellwort. The Virginia Bluebell is still a couple of weeks away from peak. The sea of blue is the most breathtaking event of early spring.
And let’s not forget the bright green leaves of the vernal season. The leafy umbrellas of mayapple are just opening, along with the sprawling leaves of skunk cabbage and the floppy swords of wild leek—the plant that gives Chicago its name. In the late 1600s, Potawatomi Indians who paddled the area rivers were commonly heard yelling “Chicagoua!” after catching a strong whiff of chicagoua, or wild leek, growing prolifically along the wooded banks. Wild leek is part of the onion family, hence the Chicago nickname, “The Big Onion.” It is illegal to remove this plant, or any other plant, from any preserve in the Chicago region.
WHERE TO GO THIS WEEKEND FOR A SPRING WILDFLOWER GETAWAY AROUND CHICAGO:
We’ve ranked the preserves on this week’s list based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best or “Go!” The “Go, if You’re in the Neighborhood” section is for sites that are worth visiting if you can’t get out to our top-rated preserves. And our “Preserves for You to Scout” section for those preserves that we couldn’t get to this week, but that you can help us explore! The date within the parentheses tells you when we last scouted the preserve. After the date, you may see one of these three mathematical symbols: +, –, = (plus, minus, equal). They represent our prediction about how the flowers will look like on the coming weekend: “+” is Probably Better; “-” is Probably Less Dramatic; “=” is Probably the Same. Notice the word “probably.”
THIS WEEK’S BEST (“GO!”):
The order of the preserves below is based on the quality of the wildflower experience, starting out with the best.
Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve in Monee (4/4+): This is my favorite preserve of the week. Ignore the charred earth from a recent burn. After the first 300 feet, the flowers begin! A rich variety of flowers is really putting on a show. Experience the whitish pink expanse of spring beauty and myriad other spring wildflowers, including Dutchman’s breeches, false rue anemone, rue anemone, bloodroot, and surprisingly large colonies of flowering white trout lily. The strange and wonderful prairie trillium may also be in bloom. Also, experience the jade hues and lush patterns of wild leek, mayapple, and wild ginger that add to the springtime mix. This preserve will soon offer a nice display of Virginia bluebells, but not an overwhelming ocean like other preserves. Note that many spring flowers don’t open up at the break of day. They are awakened by the light. On cloudy days, they may remain enclosed safely in their buds. Fortunately, when closed, the white petals of toothwort are still visible and continue to twinkle.
Heron Rookery Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park (4/4+): Begin at the west parking lot. Along the narrow trail, you’ll also find sparkles of sharp-lobed hepatica, rue anemone and false rue anemone, Dutchman’s breeches, cutleaf toothwort, purple cress, bloodroot, and spring beauty. Look for patches of spear-like foliage that resemble green spotted trout. In there, you may find magnificent blooms of yellow trout lily. And prairie trillium may be flowering by now. The lush, sprawling foliage of mayapple and wild leek greatly enhance the springtime experience.
O’Hara Woods Preserve in Romeoville (4/8+): The preserve was once called Dynamite Woods because the site stored explosives during World War II. You can still see the crumbling bunkers, but they’re being taken over by woodland plants. Right now, white flowers of cutleaf toothwort are in full explosion, like sparklers across the woodland floor. Walk towards the stream along the south end of the preserve, and you’ll find Dutchman’s breeches (that look like white, puffy overalls), spring beauty, skunk cabbage, mayapple, wild leek (Chicago’s namesake), and soon-to-bloom Virginia bluebells. This should be the top preserve to visit in a couple of weeks when the Virginia bluebells reach their peak.
Black Partridge Woods in Lemont (4/8+): This preserve makes me happy with its lushness and many patterns and shades of emerald foliage, especially wild leek, mayapple, the glorious leaves of skunk cabbage, and the small heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger. And right now, you’ll also see sparkles amongst the greenery from the shimmering petals of bloodroot, sharp-lobed hepatica, cutleaf toothwort, false rue anemone, spring beauty, and the occasional Dutchman’s breeches. Virginia bluebells are present, but not really blooming yet.
Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet (4/8+): Begin your hike at the nature center, and you’ll be surrounded by a lush understory of spring wildflowers, including sharp-lobed hepatica, cutleaf toothwort, false rue anemone, spring beauty, purple cress, and Dutchman’s breeches. Just as beautiful as the flowers are the fresh green leaves of wild leek, mayapple, and skunk cabbage. My favorite flower-of-the-moment is marsh marigold, which is reaching peak bloom. Look for its yellow flowers in the low, muddy areas of the site. You can find them near the nature center and around the trail after the bridge at this GPS coordinate: 41.532780, -88.016478. In the same place, and just about anywhere with mud, look for the large fanning foliage of skunk cabbage. They’re hard to miss. Virginia bluebells also like the mud, usually along the banks of the creek. This preserve is one of the best places to experience a vastitude of bluebells, which should flower in the next couple weeks.
Messenger Woods in Homer Glen (scouted on 4/4, but interpolated for recent growing spurt): This preserve exudes that green and luxuriant feeling of spring. Currently, you’ll see a carpet of fresh foliage and blooming ephemerals throughout. The most common blossoms in bloom are spring beauty, cutleaf toothwort, Dutchman’s breeches, bloodroot, and false rue anemone. The foliage of mayapple and wild leek greatly contribute to the lush springtime feel of the place. This preserve was known nationwide for its vast display of bluebells, which will probably reach peak in late April.
GO, IF YOU’RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin (4/9+): The transcendent yellow blooms of marsh marigold, are currently blooming. And the large areas of skunk cabbage are refreshingly green. There are also some nice patches of mayapple and a small number of spring ephemerals. Under the trees, you’ll find small patches false rue anemone. For great views of marsh marigold and skunk cabbage, visit Trout Park for dense populations of these plants in an intimate setting. The trail takes you up and down through the bluffs, using a wooden boardwalk that carefully guides you through the extremely sensitive wet areas. When you’re on the boardwalk, look for Chicago’s only native evergreen tree, the rare northern white cedar. Yes, all of those evergreens you see at homes and preserves are not from around here. At the top of the bluff, you’ll also find other spring wildflowers.
Somme Prairie Grove in Northbrook (4/7+): To see the most spring ephemerals, remain under the tree canopy. Park at the main parking lot for this preserve, located at Somme Woods, and then follow the narrow trail to Somme Prairie Grove. Along your stroll, you’ll discover spring beauty, white trout lily, some bloodroot, cutleaf toothwort, mayapple, and others.
PLANT OF THE WEEK: CUTLEAF (or Cut-leaved) TOOTHWORT
Cutleaf toothwort is small flowers makes a big impact for their size of its flowers, especially when blooming in large numbers. Even when closes, they still impart a sparkle because the petals are much longer than the sepals. Initially, I thought that the “toothwort” name came the toothed leaves or the closed flowers that look like molars. But I was wrong. It is the rhyzome, a root-like structure located just below the soil between the stem and the root. Most people would not figure this out. I mean, I only discovered it after employing my X-ray vision. However, there was a time when people relied on plants, and often their roots, for survival. And Native Americans ate the tooth-shaped tuber. Now, this isn’t the only plant named after its root. The root of bloodroot, as the name suggest, bleeds a red liquid when broken. Native Americans used this sanguine solution as body paint and to dye clothes and baskets. This shot was taken at O’Hara Woods in Romeoville, but you can find it at any of our featured woodlands.*
PHOTO SECTION
Hepatica opens the blooming season:
On the side of a bluff at Black Partridge Woods, sharp-lobed hepatica make their way through a layer of leaves.*
This is short-lobed Hepatica of species Hepatica nobilis acuta. It beacons the start of the blooming season with floral color that ranges from white to pink, blue to purple. Right now, you can find them at Heron Rookery Trail, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, and here at Black Partridge Woods in Lemont, Illinois.*
Cutleaf Toothwort is blooming strong across Chicago’s woodlands:
In April, cutleaf toothwort blooms in profusion amongst a backdrop of mayapples at every local woodland, including here at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve where they explode like firecrackers. This preserve was previously known as Dynamite Woods because explosives were stored here during World War II. Nowadays, the only thing that blows up are the spring wildflowers.*
April at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve brings a woodland floor sparkling with cutleaf toothwort and the greenery of wild leek and mayapple. You can see all of these plants at all of our featured woodlands.
Dutchman’s Breeches (or Dutchman’s Britches):
O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve has a large number of Dutchman’s Breeches. It is one of my favorite spring flowers because the flower is just so kooky and the leaves are a dream. You can find them at Heron Rookery Trail, Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, and many of our showcase woodlands.*
I discovered this pink variety of Dutchman’s breeches at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve in Romeoville. Notice the beautiful parts and details.*
Bloodroot (catch it before it goes away for another year):
This is bloodroot. The name comes from the fact that breaking the stem or the roots makes the plant bleed red. Please, just take my word for it, and don’t pick the flower to find out. Native Americans used the plant for dying their clothes and baskets, and for body paint. Check them out at most of our showcase woodlands.*
Marsh Marigold:
My heart skips a beat when I see marsh marigold. At Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin, yellow flowers of marsh marigold were covered in a magical patina of morning frost. Visit nearby Trout Park for the best view of these plants. Pilcher Park Nature Center also has a beautiful display.*
In early spring, I come to Pilcher Park to play in the mud. Here, skunk cabbage and marsh marigold thrive in a woodland floodplain of inky water and the blackest muck I’ve ever seen.*
False Rue Anemone:
False rue anemone is a beautiful flower that often blooms in clusters. During the day, they close up into little white balls.
Mayapple:
In woodlands across northeastern Illinois, like here at Black Partridge Woods, in Lemont, April showers bring out the umbrellas in the form of mayapples. And the white flowers of false rue anemone sparkle like raindrops. At the moment, mayapples are either just sprouting or just starting to open their umbrellas.*
Skunk Cabbage:
It’s springtime at Pilcher Park and sunlight shines through the enormous fanning foliage of skunk cabbage which, if broken, releases a strong scent reminiscent of skunk, though sweeter and not nearly as overpowering. If you’re someone who, like me, finds the powerful essence of skunk to be an invigorating and life-affirming experience, the skunk inside the cabbage will definitely let you down. You’ll find many at Pilcher Park Nature Center, Black Partridge Woods, Bluff Spring Fen, Trout Park, and O’Hara Woods.*
Virginia Bluebell:
Right now, you’ll find the blue and pink buds of Virginia bluebell (of species Mertensia virginica) at Messenger Woods, Pilcher Park, Black Partridge Woods, and here at O’Hara Woods Nature Preserve in Romeoville.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT
03-25-2021
Spring Wildflower Preview
2021 Chicago Spring Wildflower Preview
of a Glorious Future
“Taking a walk in nature is the best medicine for healing our hearts and our spirits during this coronavirus pandemic.”
In May, Pembroke Savanna is home to blooms of white sand phlox and rare birdfoot violet. The miracles of nature are all around us. And ChicagoNatureNOW! brings them to you every week from April through September. The new season is upon us, and this is the perfect time to join our team by becoming a scout. You can even help by donating here.
Experience the healing power of nature during the coronavirus pandemic.
Spring is officially here, and going out into nature is the best medicine. Right now, experience the solitude of nature and find delight in Mother Nature’s whimsical surprises and creations, like the otherworldly skunk cabbage that generates its own heat to melt the late-winter snow. (Learn about where to find it.) And in just a couple weeks, Chicago nature will put on a show in the muddy bottoms of some woodlands, with the emergence of marsh marigolds. Soon after will come performances from an array of diminutive spring wildflowers, like cutleaf toothwort, Dutchman’s breeches, and spring beauty. April’s show concludes in a flourish as endless expanses of Virginia bluebells fill woodlands with a smell that I can only describe as a fragrant, floral Chanel version of Froot Loops cereal. See the slideshow below for a preview of spring wildflowers. (Please be patient, it can take a little time to load.) SUBSCRIBE NOW (for free) to receive our weekly wildflower reports to learn when and where these wonderful events are taking place.
April begins our fifth season of ChicagoNatureNOW! scouting. Each week over the six-month growing season (early April through late September), you can use this website to experience breathtaking displays of wildflowers around Chicago. Our scouts will begin venturing out across the 5,000-square-mile region to find out what’s going on at our twenty-four showcase preserves. That’s a lot of land to cover! Click here to learn about becoming a nature scout.
In the meantime, here’s an interactive slideshow that foretells a beautiful future for us all:
Chicago Nature
Spring Preview
If you find this website of Chicago wildflower information useful, please donate to our GoFundMe campaign or purchase my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike
ChicagoNatureNow! ALERT
02-28-2021
Annual “Searching for Spring” Poem Celebrates Spring’s Arrival
Chicago Nature Now! Alert
February 28, 2021
SEARCHING FOR SPRING
2021 Edition
“Chicago’s Best Nature Outings, Outdoor Adventures,
Wildflower Walks, Nature Hikes, & Weekend Getaways!”
Don’t miss one beautiful moment.
Click here to subscribe to received FREE nature alerts!
BREAKING NEWS: SPRING HAS SPRUNG IN CHICAGO!
In Chicago, spring officially arrives when sprouts of skunk cabbage push up from the muck or snow. And yesterday, February 27, I found sprouts at both Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet and Black Partridge Woods in Lemont. Please join our Friends of ChicagoNatureNOW! Facebook Group to post pictures of your skunk cabbage finds.
Here’s one of my photographs of skunk cabbage from last year’s exploits at Pilcher Park Nature Center:
Spring has officially arrived in the Chicago region when skunk cabbage rises the frozen elements using its own heating system known as thermogenesis. Read more about this remarkable species below.
As is my tradition, I celebrate the emergence of skunk cabbage and the rebirth of a new growing season by posting my poem and educational excerpt the “Searching for Spring” chapter of my book, “My Journey into the Wilds of Chicago: A Celebration of Chicagoland’s Startling Natural Wonders.” I hope that you, too, can get outside and search out the camouflaged skunk cabbage hiding amidst the bronze leaves. (Please watch your step. They’re very hard to see.)
And now, “Searching for Spring.”
Searching for Spring
For me, the beginning of spring does not arrive in a fanfare of color. Rather, it begins subtly. In early March, burgundy spathes of skunk cabbage, dappled with yellow stripes and spots, quietly emerge from beneath a cloak of brown decaying leaves or, by way of a rare heat-generating process called thermogenesis, melt their way to the surface through layers of late winter ice and snow. And when March arrives, snow or not, I meander my way around Black Partridge Woods in a hopeful search for spring:
Winter is waning;
I’ve made it to March.
With eyes to the ground, I search for Spring.
The temperature rises.
The snow slowly melts.
With eyes to the ground, I search for Spring.
Are you under the white
in a warmth all your own?
With eyes to the ground, I search for Spring.
Are you hiding in leaves
or still waiting to rise?
With eyes to the ground, I search for Spring.
Leafing through litter
on the brown woodland floor,
With eyes to the ground, I search for Spring.
Finally up from the mud
sprouts a burgundy curl.
With eyes to the ground, it is Spring I have found.
Thermogenesis is a rare property that is shared by only a few of Earth’s plants, one of which is skunk cabbage. Concealed deep inside this burgundy hood is a tiny “green” furnace, generating heat that can rise as much as 63°F above the ambient air temperature. This easily allows the curling spathe to melt the surrounding snow and break through the surface.*
The speckled maroon spathe of skunk cabbage blends with leaf litter on the woodland floor, making it difficult to find when it first emerges. However, the plant becomes more conspicuous as it grows larger and produces its curious, oval-shaped yellow flower head, known as a spadix. The tiny delicate protrusions you see on the spadix are the flowers.
The spadix emits a foul odor that, to a human, is reminiscent of skunk. However, to flesh flies, carrion flies, and several kinds of gnats, the spadix smells and looks more like a yummy dead animal, a trick the plant uses to lure them in for pollination. The spadix is also where the process of thermogenesis takes place. It warms the confines of the spathe, providing a cozy haven for pollinating insects while transmitting the smell of carrion far and wide.*
These tender leaves of skunk cabbage will soon develop into giants, up to two feet long and one foot wide (like those on page 60). a cabbage leaf is broken, it releases an odor reminiscent of skunk, hence the name.*
It’s springtime at Pilcher Park and sunlight shines through the enormous fanning foliage of skunk cabbage which, if broken, releases a strong scent reminiscent of skunk, though sweeter and not nearly as overpowering. If you’re someone who, like me, finds the powerful essence of skunk to be an invigorating and life-affirming experience, the skunk inside the cabbage will definitely let you down.*
* Photo is representational and was not recorded this year. Bloom times vary from year to year.
If you find this website of Chicago nature information useful, please consider donating or purchasing my nationally-acclaimed book that celebrates all of the preserves featured on this website.
—Mike