Pipsissewa

 
I got a really nice surprise today while I was out doing cases.

I've only seen this plant a few other times, and I thought it didn't grow this far south. But it does. According to Michigan Flora, it grows throughout Michigan but is rather localized the farther south you go. This is Pipsissewa, Chimaphila umbellata. That means umbrella-like winter lover. The leaves are evergreen, and the flower is like a little umbrella. I've never seen the flower. But I sure know the plant. Here's what I saw.



I said to myself, "That looks like pipsissewa, but here?" See how the leaves grow in stacked whorls around the stem, and how dark and waxy they are, with little teeth?



Then I saw the seed pods, and I knew that's what it had to be. The pods look very much like those of Spotted Wintergreen, another species in the same genus.



If you follow the link below you can see when I saw it in bud. But now. NOW! I can maybe track it down when it's blooming. This is only about 30 minutes from my house. Made my day!

	See The Road Beckons
if you like this blog, click the +1   or