Blogs

Field Report- July 11, 2024

It has been so hot lately! Some days I look at the plants along the trails and just want to give them some water. Many plants are struggling right now. Some plants love the heat, though. In the last few weeks the new plants I have seen are goldenrod, creeping water primrose, alternate-leaved seedbox, Drummond’s… Continue reading Field Report- July 11, 2024

July Fourth

In honor of the 4th of July holiday, enjoy this image of a firecracker plant. Happy Independence Day!

A Trip to the Coast

Everywhere we go, we can’t help but be curious about the nature that surrounds us. We recently spent a few days at the beach here in North Carolina. While the star of the show was the Atlantic Ocean, we did take note of the plants and animals that crossed our path. Sea oats are a… Continue reading A Trip to the Coast

What Flowers Will Bloom in July?

The large, showy flowers really start to come out in July. The sunflowers, beebalms, Joe-Pye-weeds and goldenrods start blooming this month. Look carefully in the shady, wet areas and you might find monkey flowers. Don’t forget to check the July Flower page for even more flowers that will bloom in July.

Goldenrod Rosette Gall

Have you ever seen something like this? It’s a goldenrod plant in the late spring, before flowering. The top of the plant is growing a flower-like cluster of leaves. This is called a goldenrod rosette gall. An insect called a goldenrod gall midge (Rhopalomyia solidaginis) has laid its eggs on the top of the goldenrod… Continue reading Goldenrod Rosette Gall

Field Report- June 21, 2024

I have seen a few new flowers this week: bitterweed, spring ladies’-tresses, rough sunflower, poor-joe, smooth rose-mallow, and the pink crape myrtle trees. Both roundleaf and narrowleaf eupatorium are starting to form flowers. This was the first time I’ve seen the poor-joe plant. It’s always exciting to learn a new species! What plants are you… Continue reading Field Report- June 21, 2024

A Closer Look at Queen Anne’s Lace

Take a closer look at Queen Anne’s Lace. Have you ever noticed that the flowers on the outside edges are larger than the others? What about all the ants and other insects that explore the flowers? Have you ever looked closely at the seed head?

Field Report- June 13, 2024

What’s blooming on the trails this week? The crape myrtle, sourwood and mimosa trees are flowering. This year, I’ve noticed that the white crape myrtle flowers come out first, followed by the lavender flowers. I haven’t seen any trees with pink or red flowers yet. Does it always happen that way? For small plants, I… Continue reading Field Report- June 13, 2024