Wild Blooms
A Walk Through the Flowers at Point Au Roche
Point Au Roche State Park, with several nature trails bordering on Lake Champlain, is a great place to engage with the region’s undomesticated beauty. The lake’s shores possess a wide range of wildflowers that are on display most of the year. These are just a few of the many species that can be found scattered around the Champlain Valley.
Blue Wood Aster- Symphyotrichum cordifolium
The Blue Wood Aster is a weedy flower commonly found in woodlands, meadows or stream banks in eastern and central North America. This blue flower has a scent similar to Balsam and blooms in late summer. It attracts pollinating insects such as bumble bees and butterflies.
Wild Red Raspberries- Rubus idaeus
The Blue Wood Aster is a weedy flower commonly found in woodlands, meadows or stream banks in eastern and central North America. This blue flower has a scent similar to Balsam and blooms in late summer. It attracts pollinating insects such as bumble bees and butterflies.
Wrinkleleaf GoldenRod- Solidago rugosa
This distinguishable flower can be found in eastern and central North America. They are a hearty plant that will survive in most conditions and habitats. The Wrinkleleaf GoldenRod is a late season plant, meaning that it blooms in the fall causing many pollinating insects to depend on it late in the year.
New England Aster- Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
The New England Aster is a late season perennial known for its bright purple coloring. Many species of wildlife, including bees and mice, use this flower for nutrition. Along with providing food for local wildlife, this flower has medicinal benefits as well. It can be used to help alleviate seasonal allergies due to its decongesting and relaxing properties.
Common Self-heal- Prunella vulgaris
This small, purple flower is commonly found in woodlands and wetlands. As its name suggests, this flower has been used for its medicinal qualities. In the medieval ages, it was considered a heal-all herb and is still used for many ailments. The flower can help alleviate fevers, soothe sore throats and expedite the healing of wounds.
Fall Dandelion- Scorzoneroides autumnalis
This flower originated in Eurasia and was brought to North America in the 1800s. Like many flowers, it has certain medicinal uses, which include being a laxative and treating skin diseases. This is a hearty flower that will grow in almost any condition.
Prairie Fleabane- Erigeron strigosus
This member of the daisy family is native to central and eastern North America. This flower can have many uses including warding off insects when burned and as eye medicine to treat dimness of eye. Do not, however, eat this plant as it is slightly toxic and can cause vomiting if ingested.
Queen Ann’s Lace- Daucus carota
Queen Ann’s Lace, also known as Wild Carrot, is an invasive species in New York. It can overtake surrounding native plants due to its aggressive nature. This flower is, however, edible. The flowers have a vague carrot flavor while the roots can add a woody flavor to recipes when boiled.
Chicory- Cichorium intybus
Native to Europe, this flower was introduced to the Americas and Australia in early settlements. When the roots of the plant are boiled, although it may smell like coffee, it will have a nutty flavor. The flower also provides several health benefits such as improving blood sugar and digestive health.
Red Clover- Trifolium pratense
This edible flower proves to have several health benefits, such as improving blood flow. New studies on the benefits of the flower and its leaves have also found that it can ease menopausal symptoms and reduce cholesterol.
Crown Vetch- Securigera varia
The Crown Vetch is native to Africa, Asia and Europe but has been brought over to the U.S. and Canada in an attempt to decrease erosion on roadsides. This aggressive and poisonous plant has taken over the surrounding native species.
Purple Coneflower- Echinacea
Often found in wooded areas, the Purple Coneflower can be found throughout most of the year. These distinctive flowers can only be found in eastern and central North America. They are often used to reduce flu symptoms such as sore throat, cough and fever.
