What's in Bloom:
As spring evolves into summer, color moves from the forest to the meadow, where pollinators of all kinds- bees, beetles, flies, ants, butterflies, moths, and birds- eagerly visit flower after flower seeking nectar. Take a walk along our sunny trails, and notice not only the color in the fields, but the activity hovering just above.
REMINDER TO VISITORS: Please observe flora in bloom from the trails. DO NOT PICK wildflowers.
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)- The host plant for Monarch butterfly larvae, this species contains glycoside, a compound that when taken in by the larvae, make them and the adults poisonous to birds and other predators. The flowers are clusters of tiny fragrant soft pink blooms. When you see this native, look closely for chewed leaves, and you just might spot a yellow, black, and white striped caterpillar! Look for this plant in meadows, roadsides, and in our courtyard and rain gardens.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)- It’s a rare occurrence to come across a cluster of these plants in the meadow and not see some species of butterfly floating nearby. The original “butterfly magnet”! Butterfly weed inhabits dry meadows and roadsides and provides nectar for a number of adult butterfly species. At SCEE, this native can be found in trail and roadside meadows.
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)- One of the first woodland shrubs to announce the arrival of spring, spicebush grows in low woods where there is ample moisture. A large open shrub, this plant can reach 15’ tall and as wide at maturity,. Soft yellow fragrant blooms dot the stems before leaves appear. Fruit is readily eaten by birds in fall as foliage turns golden yellow. Larval host plant for several species of butterfly and a favorite nesting site for the Kentucky warbler. Easily identified, as the young stems are aromatic (spicy). Spicebush is found throughout the SCEE property, in low woodlands and moist areas.
Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora)- A rare find at SCEE, this milkweed lacks the showiness shared by other milkweeds, yet it’s a true beauty just the same. As with other milkweeds, this species contains the toxic compound glycoside, making it unfavorable to many insect herbivores, with the exception of the monarch butterfly larva. Look for this species in our Butterfly Meadow.
Wood Violet (Viola spp.)- Blooming from early to late spring, violets range in color from deep purple to lavender-blue to white streaked with purple veins. This genus is common throughout woods, roadsides, and even sunny, open areas (lawns and meadows). The heart-shaped leaves of violets form a mat-like groundcover. When the fruit ripens, the seed is dispersed in an explosive manner! Found throughout the woodlands and meadows of SCEE.
Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium fistulosum)- Beautiful panicles of mauve-colored flowers top this stately native perennial. Growing in wet meadows and clearings, Joe-Pye Weed can reach a height of 4-8’. The large green leaves are a favorite food of some insects, while the blooms provide nectar for others. Look for this native in SCEE’s courtyard garden.
Ox-Eye (Heliopsis helianthoides)- Golden yellow daisy-like blooms adorn this highly adaptable plant, which grows in sun to part shade, in open fields to partially wooded streambanks. The Latin species name helianthoides translates to “false sunflower.” At SCEE, ox-eye is abundant in the Butterfly Meadow.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)- Native to dry fields and sunny areas, this native attracts a number of insect pollinators, as well as hummingbirds. The leaves of this species are highly fragrant, and often used to make mint tea. Look for this species in our Butterfly Meadow and by the solar array.
Broad-Leaved Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum muticum)- This native may go unnoticed on the woodland edge or in the moist meadow until it is ready to bloom. The upper-most leaves become silvery green and violet/ white flowers (bracts) appear at the tips of the stems, providing nectar for a number of different insects. As an added bonus, the foliage is mint-scented, hence the name.
Virginia Rose (Rosa virginiana) - A rose untouched by cultivation, this species is as wild as they get! Clear pink flowers appear in late spring/ early summer. Towards the end of the summer, the rose hips mature and become reddish in color. The hips can be harvested for use in jams or tea. Virginia rose grows in open fields and clearings. At SCEE, Virginia rose can be found in our rain garden just outside our front entrance.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)- This native biennial completes its life cycle in 2 years; the first year is spent as a rosette, the second in flower, producing seed for the following year. Black-eyed Susans are common in moist to dry old fields and along roadsides. Look for golden yellow and brown blooms throughout the sunny areas of SCEE.
New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)- A member of the sunflower family, this native forb stands tall along streambanks, wet meadows, and sunny fields. In mid summer, its blooms appear as a cluster of small magenta flowers over 4-6’ tall stems. The common name stems from the rust colored seed-spreading structures. At SCEE, ironweed can be found in the courtyard garden and low lying areas.
