THIS WEEK at HILTON POND
22-28 April 2000

LYRE-LEAFED SAGE

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.

(Photos & text © Hilton Pond Center)

BIRDS BANDED THIS WEEK
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
American Goldfinch
Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Blue-winged Warbler
(male, top right)
Gray Catbird (bottom right)
Northern Cardinal
White-throated Sparrow
House Finch
Brown Thrasher
American Robin
Mourning Dove


Photos © Hilton Pond Center
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Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History is a non-profit research & education organization in York, South Carolina USA; phone (803) 684-5852. Directed by Bill Hilton Jr., aka The Piedmont Naturalist, it is the parent organization for Operation RubyThroat. Contents of this Web site--including articles and photos--may NOT be duplicated, modified, or used in any way except with the express written permission of Hilton Pond Center. All rights reserved worldwide. To obtain permission for use or for further assistance on accessing this Web site, contact the Webmaster.