A Walk in the Woods

Every time I go hiking in the woods, I realize just how much I don't know. My camera is loaded with pictures of plants I cannot identify. So, maybe you readers out there can help me. I am going to start posting more images of mystery pants and if you know what they are, feel free to share.

Let's start with these two images. They must be fairly common as I have encountered them almost every time I have ventured into the woods. Looking forward to getting to know them! Happy Hunting!

aaaa....aaaaa....ACHOOOO!!!

So, as it turns out, the mystery plant previously posted is Ambrosia trifida, giant ragweed. Many thanks to Tom Wieboldt, Curator at Virginia Tech's Massey Herbarium, for help on the ID! To all of you allergy and hay fever sufferers out there, this plant is your worst nightmare!

Check out the links below for some additional infomation:

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=AMTR
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/giant_ragweed.htm
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=amtr
http://www.biol.vt.edu/digital_atlas/index.php?do=plant&plant=530&search=+trifida

Name that Plant!

Anyone? I am stumped.