Blue Lobelia
Blue Lobelia, Lobelia siphilitica This late blooming wildflower can be found along wooded streams; it thrives in wet soils.
Rose Turtlehead
Rose Turtlehead, Chelone obliqua The pink blooms of this wildflower can be found in places with rich, moist soil. This picture is from the edge of Beaver Lake, just east … Continued
Jerusalem Artichoke
Jerusalem Artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus This tall native plant is one of the many kinds of yellow flowers blooming in the prairie now. Its tuber can be used as a root … Continued
Eastern Pondhawk
Eastern Pondhawk, Erythemis simplicicollis We stop and sit by the edge of Potter’s Lake every day on our way to get the mail. It’s fun watching dragonflies. One moment they’ll … Continued
Pokeweed Berries
Pokeweed, Phytolacca americana This native wildflower usually isn’t planted, it appears on its own wherever there is disturbed soil. The red stems and purple berries are dramatic.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris Fall migration has started and we are seeing fewer hummingbirds at our feeders. This one is feeding on Rose Turtlehead, a native wildflower that’s growing on … Continued
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