Flowers of all colors and shapes can be found throughout the warmer months of the year. These small beauties hold big powers and are as essential to the park ecology as the mighty oaks many of them shelter under. They not only provide food for many animals with nectar, seeds, and petals, they also hold the next generation of plants cupped in their centers.

Flowers are beautiful, vibrant reminders that life continues in a timeless cycle.

Like this beautiful Monarda

On a recent visit to Pocahontas State Park I was drawn to the abundance of purple flowers. Even though they are in same color family they are not “one size fits all”. Different flowers shapes attract different pollinators.

As you look through these pictures ask yourself: Do they have a lip for a “landing pad”? Are they better suited to a bumble bee or a butterfly? Is it an “open access” flower used by all kinds of insects?

Next time you visit a Virginia State Park look closely at the flowers you find there, and notice who is visiting them. Take pictures and share, but leave the flowers to feed the animals and to make more seeds.