Chimaphila Maculata ... Striped Wintergreen

This sweet, delicate little plant was growing just outside our back door.

If you're interested, you can read more about it at the Extension Gardener.

One interesting fact I learned is that it's endangered in Canada. According to Wikipedia, it's also listed as endangered in Illinois and threatened in Maine. In New York, it's considered exploitably vulnerable.

 "The Creek Indians called it 'pipsisikweu' and used it for medicinal purposes as did many Native Americans.

It's amazing to think that something so rare in parts of its range decided to sprout right outside our door!