Deciduous Holly
Deciduous Holly, Ilex decidua Lorna pointed out the bright red holly berries on our way to the mailbox today. Bluebirds and Mockingbirds love eating them. This native shrub is also … Continued
Cedar Berries
Eastern Red Cedar, Juniperus virginiana Walking along the edges of the prairie today Lorna pointed out that the cedar trees have a lot of berries this year. I’m surprised to … Continued
Cattail Leaves
Cattail, Typha latifolia The simple pattern created by these cattail leaves caught my eye. Cattails are a native plant that can be found on the edges of many ponds at … Continued
Northern Goshawk
Northern Goshawk, Accipiter atricapillus A falconer let me get in close to the bird he was training at the PGT. That let me get a good look at the face … Continued
Indian Grass
Indian Grass, Sorghastrum nutans Prairie grasses can create subtle but appealing patterns. Look closely at this on and you’ll see a grasshopper on the bottom right.
Beaver Lake
The prairie surrounding Beaver Lake This is prairie above Beaver Lake at the Prairie Garden Trust (PGT). It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the visitor center. You should schedule a … Continued
Aromatic Sumac
Aromatic Sumac, Rhus aromatica This native shrub can have the best fall color. Yesterday I found a good patch along the sidewalk going to Beaver Lake.
Maximilian Sunflower
Maximilian Sunflower, Helianthus maximiliani These bright yellow wildflowers have just started to appear on tall stalks. I found a bunch of them near our mailbox that’s 8-feet tall. That’s not … Continued
Checkered Skipper
Checkered Skipper, Pyrgus communis This butterfly is known as a Checkered Skipper and it’s feeding on a New England Aster. Asters are an important fall nectar source for many kinds … Continued
Sassafras Leaves
Sassafras, Sassafras albidum This week I’m seeing some early fall color on a small native tree. At the PGT you are most likely to find Sassafras trees growing in small … Continued