Northern Sweet Coltsfoot

Although it rained last night, the clouds dissipated by 10 am, just as we began our Sunday walk at the Hoyt Arboretum, the trails still are open to the public. However there were very few people there - we just about had the place to ourselves (a good thing most likely). I had Miranda1008's Wildflower Challenge on my mind and was determined to get a shot, since nothing in my garden can really be considered to be a wildflower! 

We came across this patch (see extra) of Coltsfoot which is native to North America - specifically the northern US States and California through Canada. The native Americans of Alaska and Northern Canada made extensive use of this plant. They made cough medicine, salads from young leaves, stems and flowers, and used the mature leaves to make funnels, or containers for berries, and also to cover larger containers of berries and rhubarb stored over the winter to prevent mold. 

It's certainly an unusual looking flower, and thought you might enjoy seeing it. I'm very much enjoying seeing the entries for this challenge! 

Hope all is well dear Blippers!