I visited Scioto County in southern Ohio last Wednesday, and high on the priority list was a stop to see the Goldenstar (Erythronium rostratum). This state-endangered plant occurs in only two locales in the state, both close to one another. The motherlode is in the drainage of Rocky Fork, and there it occurs by the tens of thousands. The mass synchronous blooming is a sight to behold, and you've got to be speedy. It only lasts a week or so. The plants were not yet at peak when I was there, and I bet this weekend is prime time. The place to go is the Arc of Appalachia's Gladys Riley Goldenstar Preserve.
This is NOT a Goldenstar. It is a Yellow Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum). This species is really common and occurs throughout Ohio and far beyond. Good chance it is in your local woods. If you see yellow trout lilies somewhere, the odds are astronomically in favor of it being Yellow Trout Lily. It almost certainly WILL NOT be Goldenstar, unless you live in one of the regions shown on the map below.A romp through the diverse flora and fauna of Ohio. From Timber Rattlesnakes to Prairie Warblers to Lakeside Daisies to Woodchucks, you'll eventually see it here, if it isn't already.
Friday, April 1, 2022
The annual eruption of Goldenstar lilies has commenced!
I have learned that I have to mention the species above in no uncertain terms when writing about Goldenstar. Maybe it will stop the numerous reports that ensue of people reporting that they too have Goldenstar in their local patch. Goldenstar blooms about two weeks earlier, has orangish-yellow anthers, and holds its tepals (petals, basically) out on a flat plane. The fruit also has a prominent beak, but hardly anyone notices the fruit. With Yellow Trout Lily, the tepals recurve strongly, sometimes almost touching their tips, and the anthers often become a brownish-purple color.
I hope you can make the trip to the Gladys Riley Goldenstar Preserve and see these beautiful wildflowers with your own eyes. If you do, I'd suggest making a day of it and visiting the Ohio River Bluffs Preserve, another Arc of Appalachia site. The wildflower show there must be seen to be believed, and it will also be nearing peak this coming weekend.
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2 comments:
Thanks, Jim, for this great post. I greatly appreciate your devotion to preserving and sharing all the natural wonders you encounter. You are a blessing to many, many people. Thanks again.
emailed you recently- are you doing any birding programs Spring 2022? The blog is stuck in 2021. Thanks.
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