River Oats
The pattern created by the seed heads of this native grass caught my eye. The arching stems are attractive in all seasons.
Big Bluestem Flower
Grasses flower like other plants, but their blooms are simpler and less showy. Because grasses are wind-pollinated they don’t have to create showy flowers to attract insects. This is the … Continued
Ashy Sunflower
This is one of several yellow wildflowers blooming now in the prairies at the PGT.
Ladies Tresses Orchid
This week I’ve found a few of these tiny wild orchids growing in the mowed paths at the Prairie Garden Trust (PGT). The flower stalks are only ten inches tall, … Continued
Obedient Plant
I found this native plant along Hiller’s Creek last week. It likes to grow in the moist soil along creeks or ponds. It’s called obedient plant because when a flower … Continued
Great Spangled Fritillary
I’m surprised that I’m still seeing Butterflyweed blooming; I usually find it in the spring. The other milkweed that I’m seeing now is Swamp Milkweed.
Thistle
I’m setting a lot of thistles blooming now. They are easy to grow wildflowers and are great for feeding butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and Goldfinches.
Monarch Butterfly
Recent rains have brought out more flowers and with the flowers I’m seeing more Monarchs.
Christmas Fern
The pattern created by this fern caught my eye. This is one of the more common ferns at the PGT and it’s unusual because it stays green though the winter.
Giant Swallowtail
Pickerelweed blooms are a great place to find butterflies feeding. Look for these wildflowers along the edges of ponds.