Question: I'm sorting through my field sampling photos from Maine and northern New York taken in May/early summer and found another …
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Question
I'm sorting through my field sampling photos from Maine and northern New York taken in May/early summer and found another set of problem plants. Is there any good way to differentiate between (1) Wild leeks, (2) Bluebead lily, and (3) Trout lily? I only have pictures to go on, and many of our sites (all swampy or wet) contain 1, 2 or all 3 species. Thanks so much for all the help; it's much appreciated!
Answer
kkl234, Erythronium americanum has mottled leaves and a capsular fruit that is triangular in cross-section. Allium tricoccum has green leaves that emerge from a bulb, its fruit is a capsule with black seeds (not appearing until later in summer). It will also smell strongly of onion/garlic when bruised. Clintonia borealis has green leaves that emerge from a slender rhizome and the fruit is a blue berry. I hope this helps.
