What's in Bloom: September 2008
As the growing season nears its end, the last species of summer put on a show of flowers. Generally, these plants are found throughout the open meadows and woodland’s edge. These species are of particular value for birds and insects as a late season source of pollen and nectar. Once the weather cools, seeds develop and those which escape foraging from winter wildlife will germinate next spring.
REMINDER TO VISITORS: : Please observe flora in bloom from the trails. DO NOT PICK any wildflowers.
White Wood Aster (Aster divaricatus)- Found along our trails and in the open woodlands here at SCEE, this native is highly adaptable, growing in sun or shade and in moist to dry areas. Reaching a height of 3 feet, the white wood aster self sows readily and will spread if given the room. The blooms are soft white with a golden disk in the center, fading to a rosy hue. Great source of nectar for pollinators.
Smooth Aster (Aster laevis)- One of the showiest asters, this native produces lavender-blue clusters of flowers in early fall. The Latin species name laevis, meaning smooth, refers to the texture of the leaf. Many insects rely on this species as a late season source of nectar. A. laevis grows in fields, open woods, and along the woodlands edge. Look for it in SCEE’s courtyard garden as well as along Ravine Loop.
Large-leaved Aster (Aster macrophyllus)- A sister of the white wood aster, this species produces violet flowers in large clusters on arching stems. The large blue-green foliage at the base of the plant provides a nice contrast as surrounding vegetation begins to change color. Like A. divaricatus, the aster also seeds readily. Another excellent late season source of nectar. Look for this fall bloomer around Springhouse Pond, tucked in amongst the young trees and shrubs.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)- This warm season grass is perhaps the mostly easily recognizable in the middle of winter. Often times, it will remain standing in snow covered fields, with its bronze colored foliage standing out against the stark white of snow. The common name comes from the bluish color of the stems during spring and summer. The seed heads, while not particularly ornamental, are of high value to small birds during the dormant season. Look for little bluestem in our Butterfly Meadow.
Lance-leaved Goldenrod (Solidago graminifolia)- No other plant announces the end of the summer quite like goldenrod! This species lacks the cone shaped blooms so typical of other goldenrods. Instead, the blooms form as flat clusters atop 2-4 foot stems. But the rich yellow color is unmistakable. Look for this goldenrod in our meadows throughout the property.
Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)- Like little bluestem, this native is a warm season grass with striking blue foliage that turns golden yellow in the fall. The brownish-yellow inflorescence appears in late summer above 4-6 foot tall stems. Found in moist to dry meadows, Indian grass provides both a seed source for wildlife and cover during fall and winter. This native can be found in abundance throughout the Butterfly Meadow, where the ongoing drought has only made the foliage a stronger blue.
