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
Smooth Sumac
Smooth Sumac, Rhus glabra Fall starts tomorrow, but it will be 3 or 4 weeks before there’s good color in the woods. However, pockets of good color can be found … Continued
Spicebush Fruit
Spicebush, Lindera benzoin The fruits on Spicebush are beginning to ripen and turn red. They won’t last long, because the birds love them. Spicebush is a native shrub that grows … Continued
Virginia Creeper
Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia More early fall color, this time it’s on one of our native vines. At the Prairie Garden Trust (PGT), you’ll find Virginia Creeper vines near the … Continued
Winged Sumac
Winged Sumac, Rhus copallinum Fall doesn’t officially start until next Saturday, but I’m already starting to see fall color. Sumacs always put on a good display.
Monarch Butterfly
Monarch Butterfly on New England Aster, Danaus plexippus, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae New England Asters have started blooming; just in time for the Monarch butterfly fall migration.
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