Those of us interested in wildflowers occasionally find floral distribution unusual. These two Leaf-cups belong to the same genus, but their different elevation requirements in Pittsylvania County, Virginia are well defined.
The Small-flowered species is found in rich upland woods in the higher elevations around Smith Mountain. Large-flowered Leaf-cups are characteristically located in woodland edges and fields within low grounds throughout the county. Both species are locally in bloom from July until late October.
Copyright © 2006 William T. Hathaway.