May Prairie Wildflower Hike

On Saturday, May 29th, 2021, I got to explore May Prairie for the first time with the Tennessee Native Plants Society. The hike was led by Mr. Dennis Horn, charter member of the TNPS and author/photographer of Wildflowers of Tennessee: The Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians. The day included an orchid excursion at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC), as well as an escapade through Coffee County’s Oak Barrens and tall grass prairie community at May Prairie. Here are some of the wildflowers we encountered.

rose pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides)

The adventure began with a roadside excursion along Wattendorf Memorial Highway. The fern-covered field was dotted with Rose Pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides), the rare Slender Blue Flag (Iris prismatica), and the lethal Tennessee Death Camas (Stenanthium tennesseense), to name a few.

Slender Blue Flag (Iris prismatica)

Also known as Cubeseed Iris Bareroot, the Slender Blue Flag is only found in Coffee County and Warren County in Middle Tennessee.

Tennessee Death Camas (Stenanthium tennesseense, formerly Zigadenus leimanthoides)

Tennessee Death Camas contains a highly toxic alkaloid that may be twice as potent as strychnine, according to Wildflowers of Tennessee: The Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians. All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the leaves and roots.

sweetspire or Virginia willow (Itea virginica)

Along the tree line, we found Sweetspire (Itea virginica). This shrub is the only species of its genus in North America. Sweetspire is frequently cultivated because it attracts pollinators, provides cover for birds and other wildlife, and sports a long-lasting fall foliage display. Learn how to grow it here!

Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens)

As we explored the woodland, we found patches of Partridgeberry peeking out through the leaves and moss on the forest floor. I’m always excited when I happen across a patch of Partridgeberries. The flowers grow in pairs, and both flowers must be pollinated in order to form a single, scarlet berry. You can read more about this fascinating little woodland flower here.

Green Adder’s Mouth (Malaxis unifolia)

My favorite discovery at AEDC was this little beauty: Green Adder’s Mouth. These tiny green orchids are easily overlooked in the woods and usually only produce one leaf. I marvel at the diversity of orchids!

Next, we headed down the road to May Prairie where we explored the oak barrens and tall grass prairie community. The oak barrens of Coffee County contain plant species from the Gulf Coastal Plain and prairies of the Midwest. This “island” of diversity makes Coffee County one of the three counties in Tennessee to contain fifty or more native plant species.

White Milkweed (Asclepias variegata)

As we hiked through the oak barrens, we came across a large patch of White Milkweed. The huge globes of flowers stood out like snowballs in the shaded forest.

The raindrops and the pattern of the veins on this leaf caught my eye as we were walking through the woods. I love how nature is filled with beauty on both a small and a large scale.

Hyssopleaf Skullcap (Scutellaria integrifolia)

As the barrens gave way to prairie, my eyes were met with stunning color and diversity, such as this Hyssopleaf Scullcap (above).

Here are just a few of the wildflower species we encountered, most of which were new to me:

• Fernleaf False Foxglove (Aureolaria pectinata)

• American Ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus)

• Wild Blue Indigo (Baptisia australis var. aberrans)

• Swamp Candles (Lysimachia terrestris)

• Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccafolium)

• Coppery St. John’s Wort (Hypericum denticulatum)

• Sampson’s Snakeroot (Orbexilum pedunculatum)

• Hyssopleaf Skullcap (Scutellaria integrifolia)

• Horned Bladderwort (Utricularia cornuta)

• Marsh Pea (Lathyrus palustris)

• Dwarf Sundew (Drosera brevifolia)

Here are some of my favorite snapshots from May Prairie:

Hairy Sunflower (Helianthus mollis) - I think!

Smooth Phlox (Phlox glaborrima)

Mohr’s Rosinweed (Silphium mohrii)

Colicroot (Aletris farinosa)

The perianths (sepals and petals) of Colicroot are unusually rough to the touch. The roots of the plant were ground and used to treat colic and other ailments. However, the roots eaten raw can be mildly toxic.

Horned Bladderwort (Utricularia cornuta)

As the prairie got a bit marshy, we got to see another rarity: Horned Bladderwort (Utricularia cornuta). In Tennessee, this species of bladderwort is only found in Coffee County. Bladderworts are carnivorous plants that trap aquatic organisms in tiny bladder traps.

Wild Blue Indigo (Baptisia australis)

Also known as False Indigo, the Wild Blue Indigo has been used as a dye substitute for true indigo. Wild Blue Indigo makes a great addition to any native plant garden. Learn how to grow it here at growitbuildit.com!

seed pods of Wild Blue Indigo (Baptisia australis)

Scarlet Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea)

I saved my favorite for last! The Indian Paintbrush, also known as Indian Blanket or Prairie Fire, is pollinated by hummingbirds. Though more Castillega species exist, Castillega coccinea is the only species found in Tennessee.

Me at May Prairie next to a Mohr’s Rosinweed (Silphium mohrii)

One of my favorite things about the day was getting to chat with wildflower experts. I also got to meet George Wallace, a seasoned wildflower photographer and blogger. You should check out his wildflower blog, What’s Blooming Now.

That’s all folks! I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!