Enjoy a natural 4th of July explosion of color. The wildflowers are beautiful right now, and tend to be running late this year. Get into the countryside by 7 to 8 am while the light is not yet harsh. I left this morning at 6 am. Lupines are still very much blooming and daisies are only just coming into full blossom. A few Black-Eyed Susans are starting to flower, but the big displays of their color will be towards the end of July.

Remember, if you want to see a particular flower that normally might be past its best phase of blossom, just drive closer to Lake Superior. Every spring it is like a time machine in terms of plants. Lilacs are still in bloom next to the lake. Down south in Minnesota Lilacs blossomed back in mid May. One of my favorite wildflower drives is Lake County 2 leading from Two Harbors to Greenwood Lake.

Purple Power! (video link for email subscribers)

And a few still images taken with my phone. Notice the Hawk Weed vs. The Indian Paintbrush. Most people confuse Hawk Weed for Indian Paintbrush, which is a much more rare wildflower.

Showy Lady Slipper (Minnesota’s state flower)

Hawk Weed

Indian Paintbrush