Tag Archives: Sedge

White-topped Sedge – Rhynchospora latifolia – Added to USWildflowers’ Database

Broadleaf White-topped Sedge, a native species, has been added to the USWildflowers database (01/20/2019.) Scientific name is Rhynchospora latifolia. Photo below was taken in Bradford County, FL on April 10, 2018. Go to the Broadleaf White-topped Sedge detail page for more information and photos.

Broadleaf White-topped Sedge, Sandswamp Whitetop Sedge - Rhynchospora latifolia

Broadleaf White-topped Sedge – Rhynchospora latifolia

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Virginia Cottongrass – Eriophorum virginicum – Added to USWildflowers’ Database

Virginia Cottongrass, a native species, has been added to the USWildflowers database (04/30/2017.) Scientific name is Eriophorum virginicum. Photo below was taken in Grayson Highlands State Park, Grayson County, VA on Aug 3, 2016. Go to the Virginia Cottongrass detail page for more information and photos.

Virginia Cottongrass, Tawny Cottongrass, Rusty Cotton Grass - Eriophorum virginicum

Virginia Cottongrass – Eriophorum virginicum

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#Waterfalls and #Wildflowers – Virgin Falls State Natural Area

We usually just call it “Virgin Falls”, both to refer to the 1,551 acre plot of land, as well as the namesake waterfalls occupying the far end of it. The official name for the land, however, is ”Virgin Falls State Natural Area” at least since the state of Tennessee acquired it in 2012. When I visited it previously it was known as “Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness” and was owned by the Bowater Southern Paper Corporation. Bowater owns and maintains a number of “Pocket Wilderness” areas, and admirable public benefit and, I’m sure, public relations activity. Tennessee acquired the land using a number of funding sources, including a grant from the federal Endangered Species Recovery Land Acquisition Fund. These funds were provided in part due to the presence of Virginia Spirea (Spiraea virginiana), one of the rarest shrubs in North America.

When I heard about Virginia Spirea being in the Virgin Falls area I decided I needed to add that to the USWildflowers Waterfalls and Wildflowers series, and I was fortunate to make an overnight hike into the Virgin Falls State Natural Area on March 8-9 of this year (2013). While many wildflowers were already in full swing down my way in north Georgia, 70 miles north and a bit of elevation gain makes a difference, and this will be more waterfalls and less wildflowers than I expected to report.

Cascade on Big Laurel Creek

Cascade on Big Laurel Creek

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