Botanical Name: Chrysogonum virginianum

Range: Throughout the southeast.

Soil: Moist to dryish, well-drained .

Water Requirements: Low but not drought-proof.

Light Requirements: Sun – part shade.

General Description: This is a low-growing, colony-forming, evergreen flower. Growing only 2 – 4 inches tall with leaves that are 1-3 inches long, with yellow daisy-like flowers. This plant grows in woods throughout the southeast and blooms heavily in early spring. This is an excellent choice for a native ground cover.

References:

Mellichamp, L., & Stuart, W. (2014). Native plants of the southeast: A comprehensive guide to the best 460 species for the garden. Timber Press.

Alley, H. (2016). Propagation and characteristics of favorite Georgia Natives: part I thirty perennials for pollinators. State Botanical Georgia at the University of Georgia. Athens.

Chafin, L. G., Nourse, C., & Nourse, H. O. (2016). Field guide to the wildflowers of Georgia and surrounding states. The University of Georgia Press.

Common Name: Common snapping turtle

Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina

Range & Habitat: Canada south to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Rocky Mountains east to the Atlantic coast. The common snapping turtle can be found in any permanent body of fresh water.

General description:  Chelydra serpentina is 8” – 14” and weighs 10 – 35 pounds. This turtle can be recognized by its large head, long saw-toothed tail, and small plastron (bottom of the shell). The common snapping turtle cannot withdraw fully into its shell, like a box turtle. In the water, the snapper is relatively docile but out of the water are aggressive and often open their jaws and lunge forward. April – November is mating season and female turtles may deposit their eggs in concave nests. Snapping turtle nests have been found up to a mile away from the water. Snapping turtles can move long distances over land. If you stumble upon a snapping turtle out of the water it is best to leave them alone and let them go about their business.

References:
Conant, R., & Conant, I. H. (1986). A field guide to reptiles and amphibians: Eastern and central North America. Houghton Mifflin.

Howington, A. (n.d.). Common snapping turtle (chelydra serpentina). Species Profile: Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) | SREL Herpetology.