What's rare, yellow and finds its home in Ohio? It's not a bird, it's not a plane; it's the Lakeside Daisy.
In the stark landscape of the quarries on the Marblehead Peninsula, this tiny flower stands out amongst the rocky, limestone terrain. Very rare because it grows naturally in just a few places, the Lakeside Daisy ranks as one of Ohio's most endangered plant species.
Delegated to protect the striking yellow flower, the Lakeside Daisy Nature Preserve covers 19 acres of land that brings to mind a tundra. The daisy itself blooms in late-April to mid-May, it's yellow petals following the sun until they slowly begin to fade and drop from their heads. The lime stones scattered about hide the tiny bits of soil that sustain the daisy, which survives in the full sun. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, approximately one million Lakeside daisies continue to thrive in the area. A pair of bald eagles also calls the quarry home.
It's not too early to plan your visit to the Marblehead Peninsula in Ottawa County to view these rare plants. Meander there on your own or plan to arrive when the Nature Preserve has its open house on May 16, 2015, from 1:00-5:00 PM. Be sure to bring good walking shoes and your camera, of course, to document the rare Tetraneuris herbacea, the botanical name for the Lakeside Daisy.
While you are there, but sure to put on your running shoes and join the Lakeside Daisy 5K Run/Walk organized by the Marblehead Bank. The Marblehead Lighthouse is nearby and iconic Cedar Point opens on May 9, 2015. Not too far away toward the west, Kitty Todd and Goll Woods also showcase some of Ohio's other rare plant species. Why not make a weekend of it?
For more information on where to find wildflowers in Ohio, information on the various species, photography tips and more, check out the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Wildflower Bloom Report.
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