Flowers of

Ever wonder exactly what the beautiful bloom you see while you run, walk or ride through Hitchcock Woods might be?

Now the guessing game is over as one local resident's passion for the woods has led to a pocket guide dedicated to the wildflowers of the woods.

"Trailside Wildflowers of the Hitchcock Woods" includes photographs and descriptions of more than 220 species found within Hitchcock Woods. Author and photographer Kenneth Perrine, Ph.D. compiled the material for the book over a period of many years. The research has been an ongoing project for Perrine's curiosity and passion for nature.

"The book was conceived as an educational resource for use by those who know and love the woods, people who, like me, would like to know the identity of plants and flowers they see in the woods," said Perrine. "This was envisioned as a community service, a tool for those who ride, run, and walk in the woods and who might like to know what they are seeing. I love the woods and the flowers."

Organized by color, the 160 page book includes photographs as well as commentary including scientific and common names of genera and species, botanical families, blooming dates and location of shots. The idea for the book began in 1998 and once Perrine discovered he had collected more than 100 different species for his own enjoyment, he knew it was time to move forward with the book.

"My goal everywhere I go is to know what I am looking at; the photos came secondary as a tool for research," said Perrine.

He visits the woods typically five days a week and often twice each day; the first time to run or walk and the second with his camera.

Perrine fell in love with Hitchcock Woods first as a runner in the 1980s.

"I was forever lost in this place...Only after attempting in 1983 and 1984 to find my way around the meandering trails alone, map in hand, did I begin to discover the many types of wildflowers that grow here," said Perrine. "Dr. Harry E. Shealy, Jr., deserves much credit for making the book possible. He identified many of the species and provided technical (scientific) information and moral support. The book could not have been written without his help."

Books are available online at www.blurb.com. Inquiries about the book may be sent to woodspix@yahoo.com.

The Aiken County Historical Museum will have a few copies of the book on hand.

The hardback edition is $44.95 and the paperback is $35.95.

"The Hitchcock Woods, is a local treasure deserving of public patronage. The Hitchcock Woods Foundation receives no funding from federal, state, or local governments, but depends on the generosity of individuals who wish to see the property maintained for education and recreation on behalf of present and future generations," said Perrine.

Piedmont Roseling

Callisia rosea

Spiderwort Family, Commelinaceae

Greek kallos means beauty, and rosea means rosy.

Description: forb, perennial, native dicot; ca. 3/4"; blooms in summer

Photographed at the eastern end of Cuthbert Ridge Line

Corn Chamomile

Anthemis arvensis

Aster family, Asteraceae

Greek anthemon means flower and arvensis means cultivated

Description: forb, annual, introduced, dicot, fairly common

April-June, ca. 1.5"

Photographed at Palmetto Ride

Maid Marian

Rhexia nashii

Meadowbeauty family, Melastomataceae

Greek rhexio (rupture), referring to purported curative effects;

George V Nash was a horticulturist

Description: forb, perennial, native, dicot

May-October, ca. 1"

Photographed at Gas Line near Fulmer stable

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.