Butterfly Valley area, Part 2

My previous post included blooming flowers from the forest a half mile or so uphill from the bog area in a northwesterly direction.  This set is from the bog area.  My favorite entry point is a short footpath just north of the main bog.  The first sensation is usually the fragrance of Western Azalea.  At certain times of day it is so strong that we usually smell them before we see them.  Then it's hard to leave.  One of the best fragrances in nature.

The less fragrant but equally picturesque is the Labrador Tea.  These first two are both in the Family Ericaceae, the wintergreens, which includes Manzanita, Madrone, and Prince's Pine.

The most famous resident of the bog itself is of course the Pitcher Plant, often known locally by its scientific name, Darlingtonia.  A reminder of the interconnectedness of things, my wife was born and raised in Darlington County, South Carolina. 

THe less obvious but equally interesting is another carnivorous denizen of the bog, Sundew.  A number of times I have seen insects land on this bright red clump only to find itself trapped.  Last summer, I actually freed a couple of Damselflies who had the misfortune of landing on one while they were in a mating embrace.  When I freed them, they flew off in separate directions, probably blaming each other for the mishap.   When you look at the mating position they assume, it seems the male could be considered a "back seat driver."

A more subtle resident of the bogs is Macloskey's Violet.  It is usually always surrounded by taller vegetation, so it help to know where they are located.  The photo below shows the leaves which are the rounder ones near the bottom right of the photo.

I was walking by a patch of small White Alder trees when a beautiful butterfly landed within camnera range.  They are in a group called Commas.  I don't know the species.

The American Dogwood was blooming in the shade of tall pines on either side of the bog.

This was the only Leopard Lily blooming in the area I explored, but there many others nearby that had buds. 

Finally, a nice patch of Interior Wild Rose.  The Butterfly Valley Botanical Area is a real treasure.  If you visit, please tread lightly.