Chrysalis ID

Looks like we have a good idea of what our butterfly will be.   Lily did some looking around and found this page of images.   It seems our chrysalis is a Viceroy.    Hopefully we see some actual proof in the next couple of days.  It's starting to change color a bit.

Wildflower Identification

The wildflowers are up everywhere and this is when I turn to my favorite field guides and ID sites so I can find out what I'm looking at.  The flowers above are toad trillium.  

Here are my favorite wildflower ID sites:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Database:  http://www.wildflower.org/plants/

My Wildflowers:  http://www.mywildflowers.com/index.asp

Discover Life:  http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?guide=Wildflowers

As you try to identify your plants, take note of the number of petals and the types of leaves - they are very helpful in distinguishing between two very similar flowers.  In addition, notice whether the leaves are on the stem or base, and whether they are opposite each other on the stem or not.