What is it Wednesday: April 22, 2020

Can you identify what's in this photo?

Each Wednesday morning 

on Camp Lutherlyn's Facebook page

 the Lutherlyn Environmental Education Program posts a photo. 

Readers have all morning and afternoon 

to make their best guess about what the photo is. 

Around 6 pm LEEP provides the answer and a brief explanation.

Each week's What is it Wednesday post 

will also be posted on the Nature of Lutherlyn blog, 

 after it is posted on Facebook,

sometimes with additional bonus information. 

In addition to bringing you current editions of What is it Wednesday 

on the Nature of Lutherlyn blog, 

we will be reposting old editions,

creating a What is it Wednesday archive. 

This photo was posted as a What is it Wednesday on

April 22, 2020. 

And the answer is....

This bright flower is marsh marigold, currently blooming at Lutherlyn in the marsh at the upper end of Upper Lake, and in the stream valley of the Semiconon Creek.

Marsh marigolds grow in open wet places with rich soil, and seem to especially thrive along the edges of flowing water in a wetland. They often grow in large patches, making for a stunning display of widespread bright yellow when they bloom in early spring. 

The flowers provide both pollen and nectar to visiting insects. Seeds formed in the flower are dispersed when it rains, as the raindrops splash into the “cup” created by the flower petals, expelling the seeds outward.  The seeds then float on the water until they land on suitable soil.

If you have a chance to explore a wet area near you in the next week or two keep an eye out for marsh marigolds! What other spring wildflowers have you noticed near you?

Like and follow Camp Lutherlyn on Facebook, to see What is it Wednesday posts when they come out and have the opportunity to share your guesses in the comments!