Posted by David Hamilton on December 15th, 2009
…are the laurels you can now garner on the Field Notes blog.
In order to see who’s actually reading our blog, and with what urgency, I offer the following challenge to readers:
The first person to correctly identify this fairly common Virginia native wildflower wins a brand-spanking new Brunton compass, a reliable guide on even the longest of Bundoran Farm’s woodland trails, a choice gift for a budding outdoorsman (my son took his to show-and-tell), and a snappy accessory that says, “I’m listening to the words you’re saying, but the moment we’re done with this meeting, I’m going hiking…”
Common name or Latin are acceptable, but none of this “down in Carolina, we call it…” We’re going with the Wildflower guidebook name here. The correct answer must be entered as a “comment” in the field below this entry. First correct answer gets the compass. Second correct answer gets only the respect of your peers… This one’s pretty easy, so no hints.
If you’d like to learn more about Bundoran Farm’s flora, I highly recommend visiting (and perhaps joining) the Virginia Native Plant Society, an excellent organization that helps folks recognize and propagate native species as a sustainable and conversation-starting alternative to imports.
Filed under: Bundoran Farm Events and Occasions, Education and Inspiration, Nature/Environment
Disclaimer: “This offer not valid for employees or family members of Bundoran Farm.” Darn! I could have used a new compass!
Lobelia cardinalis L.
Cardinal flower
Congratulations!
Diane Lewis has correctly identified this spectacular, sometimes elusive late-summer denizen of Bundoran Farm’s lowlands. The compass is on the way, and you already have the respect of your peers, but we’ll just kick that up a notch.
Cardinal Flower was elected Virginia’s Wildflower of the Year way back in 1991. More information on Lobelia Cardinalis, and its close relatives, can be found at: http://www.vnps.org/woy/lobelia.html
Yes, this truly is a spectacular wildflower. One of our stewards, Dorothy Tompkins, is helping to spread this species at Bundoran Farm by planting seedlings in the riparian zone. This year, several of the plants she propagated bloomed along the creek in Robertson Hollow.
Is it the Cardinal Flower?
Well, we’ve answered the question, “is anybody reading Field Notes?” Affirmative. This challenge was posted at 1am, and we had no fewer than four correct responses by 9am.
Not surprising, really, as Bundoran’s citizenry include some pretty accomplished naturalists. Still, we’ve decided we’re going to have to take the degree-of-difficulty up a notch next time, although the prize will remain modest relative to the knowledge required. Thanks to everyone who responded and emailed, and keep your eyes peeled for Question #2…