One often-overlooked wildflower that occurs throughout the Piedmont in open wooded areas--and even within grassy lawns (right)--is Lyre-leafed Sage (Salvia lyrata). Although it began blooming at Hilton Pond Center around the first of April, it reaches a peak toward the end of that month and was in full bloom on the 23rd. It is named for the shape of its irregularly lobed basal foliage (below right), which vaguely resembles a type of ancient stringed musical instrument. As a member of the the Mint Family (Labiatae), Lyre-leafed Sage has a characteristic four-sided (square) flower stem, but it lacks the fragrant aroma of many other mints. At some locations, it is visited in early spring by recently arrived Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.