A nice small white wildflower along the Appalachian Trail called Rue Anemone…

Rue Anemone

Large Flowered Trillium

Trillium Flower

If you like seeing blooming wildflowers as far as the eye can see, the display of large flowered trillium is not to be missed. In my opinion, the beauty is equal to the bluebell displays along Bull Run (see here and here).

Lots of Trillium

Normally, I consider early May the ideal time to see the impressive display of trillium at the G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area near Linden, Virginia. This year, the showy flowers may be peaking a bit early. We visited the WMA last Friday (April 23, 2010) and the trillium appeared to be at peak. I recommend visiting soon to see the flowers this year.

Other Wildflowers

In addition to trillium, there are a lot of mayapple and wild geranium. We also spotted some jack-in-the-pulpits. The mayapple buds were not open as of last Friday.

Getting There

From the east, take exit 19 (Markham) off of I-66. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp, then turn right on Rte 55 west (John Marshall Highway) at the stop sign. Turn right on Route 638 (Freezeland Road) just past the Linden Post Office.

From the west, take exit 13 (Linden) off of I-66. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp, then turn left on Rte 55 east (John Marshall Highway) at the stop light across from the Exxon station. Turn left on Route 638 (Freezeland Road) just past the Monterey convenience store.

The Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area is accessible from multiple parking lots on the right side of Route 638 just a short distance past Fox Meadow Vineyards.

See Also: Large Flowered Trillium in Linden

Here’s a new wildflower for my photo collection. These dutchman’s breeches were photographed near the Stone Bridge at Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Dutchman's Breeches

This white wildflower has the unusual name of Black Snakeroot.