A Bluebell Walk in the Woods

Ephemeral Wildflowers by Woodland Path

This path is lined with masses of Virginia Bluebells, and provides a spectacular show when in full bloom. This is especially true in the Midwest where the plant seems happiest, even though it bears the name of Virginia.

It grows in moist and nutrient rich hardwood forests, not only in Wisconsin, but in the northern and eastern quarter of the United States and in southern Ontario.

Virginia Bluebells in Wisconsin

Virginia Bluebells are fairly large, tall plants that bear clusters of showy, trumpet flower clusters. The flower buds begin tinted a delicate pale pink and then deepen to a medium blue when in full flower. They aren’t as ephemeral as the earlier woodland wildflowers, and stay in bloom several weeks. The entire plant does disappear from the forest floor, though, by mid summer.

This species of bluebell was used medicinally by Native American cultures, usually made into a strong tea for the treatment of consumption and whooping cough, and was also used as a general tonic.

About Bo Mackison

I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Comments

  1. Gandalf says

    The picture of the bluebells is magnificant, but the shot of the path is more intriguing. It’s an enticing view. It makes me want to walk around the bend to see what’s up there.

  2. jeanabaena says

    wow! the second picture is beautiful. i love the colors and the details and the focus of the picture – including the slightly curled leaves just out of focus in the background. once again, very nice job. 🙂 you should make prints of that one. or maybe of both as a set.

  3. Beautiful bluebells. I love their color and how the flowers cascade down as bells. Really nice capture in the 2nd photo. 🙂

  4. That looks like a path I could walk for hours and hours. I LOVE the bluebells! I don’t see them out here very much…they’re really delightful! Looks like a lovely hat for a faery 😉

  5. Pretty color of blue. The picture closeup is cool.

  6. Beautiful images Bo, I absolutely love Bluebells they are one of my favorite wildflowers, and you definitely captured them nicely !!

  7. These bluebells are so pretty. It makes me think that my version must not be far behind in blooming. (I hope) Meanwhile, beautiful shot. It’s amazing how thick they are on that path! I never find them like that over here!

  8. Gandalf – It is a lovely, peaceful walk

    Jeanne – a set would be a fun idea

    Anna – they are a remarkable color of blue, thanks

    Grace – a faery hat, delightful!

    amelia – thanks

    Bernie – seems like we’ve got much of the same flora, Bernie, except you have waterfalls. 🙂

    lori – are yours similar. I’ll look up the western version…

Leave a Reply to Anna Surface Cancel reply

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.