Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v12n07)
Spring wildflowers in bloom at area parks - by Bill Malcolm
posted: Apr. 03, 2015
by Bill Malcolm
Spring has finally sprung and that means the wild flowers are in bloom at BR parks (Marrott Park, Holliday Park, and Broad Ripple Park).
Wood poppy or celandine poppy, Stylophorum diphyllum.
image courtesy of Norma Wallman
For trout lilies, you can't beat Marott Park (75th and College). The display is amazing but hurry-it only lasts a week or two.
Holliday Park also has an explosion of wild flowers -- including the hepaticas on "Hepatica Hill". These early bloomers will be starting any day.
Broad Ripple Park just north of the tennis courts is another place to find the "spring ephemerals". This means the flowers must bloom and go to see before the trees get their leaves.
Join Norma Wallman, author of Wildflowers of Holliday Park on April 11 and May 9 at 10 am for a 90-minute leisurely hike to see what is blooming. (Register at Holliday Park, 327-7180 or www.indy.gov/parks). She'll be on the lookout for shooting stars, Virginia blue bells, Dutchman's breeches/squirrel corn, the beautiful yellow native poppy, wild ginger, and more.
Bill Malcolm is a long time BR resident and former Gazette columnist.