Whats Blooming

Shooting stars are starting to pass their peak.  Some are purple and some are white.  There a several between the two bridges along the creek.  

Bees are enjoying Golden Alexanders in abundance.


















Wild Geraniums are at peak right now on the forested hillside.

Also, Virginia Waterleaf can be be found along the marsh road.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Nodding Trillium

Nodding Trillium are in full flower along the first forest trail.

This flower is difficult to see because it hangs down under the large canopy leaves.  

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Billions

There are several tall green plants blocking the view along the creek path.  These giants are producing gold dust by the billions.

One Giant Ragweed plant can produce a billion pollen, and the path is lined with them.  Those prone to hay fever may want to keep away for a while.  

Enjoy! (or try to)

~ Robin

White Edging

White Snakeroot is starting to line the edge of some sections of the forest.  Be careful in the heat this week.  Record high temperature today and expected high through the week.  

Stay safe!

~ Robin 

Milkweed Starting to Bloom

Common Milkweed along the creek path have started to flower.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Sweet Cicely

Found a new-to-me flower along the forest edge at the first bridge.  I believe this is a Sweet Cicely, also known as a Clayton's Sweetroot.

It's fun to discover something new!

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Meanwhile in the Meadow ...

The meadow on the corner lot (Boone and Rockford) has her new arrivals too.  Like a species of Vetch above and the common Cinquefoil beside.  Be careful walking near the meadow, there is a thick infestation of poison ivy on the southern edge.

Otherwise ... Enjoy! 

~ Robin

Shooting Stars

The Shooting Stars are beginning to 'shoot' up.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Pussytoes!

Found some Pussytoes in the meadow along the vacant lot on the corner of Boone and 42nd Avenue.  This intriguing wildflower is one of the few that is either male or female, not both.  If I'm not mistaken, these are female.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Symphyotrichum Laeve

Early morning light fought to bring brightness through a hazy horizon.  Sounds like a mouthful doesn't it!  Just like the scientific name of this little blue beauty.  Symphyotrichum Laeve.  Kind of romantic sounding.  Most people know her as Smooth Blue Aster.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

"Anti-Divorce" Remedy

Blue Lobelia are in bloom around the creek.  They are not easy to find, hidden below the brush.  This plant has had many interesting uses among Native Americans.  Perhaps the most unusual is that of the Meskwaki Native Americans.  They believed this plant to be an anti-divorce remedy.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

White Snakeroot

White Snakeroot is progressing in the shaded areas.  These were found along the marsh road.  Although many are just starting, some have already gone to seed.  This plant is poisonous to animals and humans.  American Indians used this plant in a poultice to treat snakebite, maybe that is how it got its name.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Blazing Stars and Banded Wings

The Prairie Blazing Stars are starting to open.  Some say this native wildflower resembles a fairy wand.   
I think this Eastern Band-winged Meadowhawk just finds it a nice place to perch.


Enjoy!


~ Robin


Photos taken July 14, 2012

Evening Primrose - Sunshine in the Night

In the early morning or evening, you might find this sunshine yellow flower open.  This is a Common Evening Primrose.  She opens in the evening and closes in the day.  Some people claim the oil from her seeds is a help for a variety of ills including ezcema, osteoporosis, MS, cancer, high cholesterol, and many other things.  For some time, Britain approved this oil for treating eczema and breast pain, it has since been taken off the list, claiming the effectiveness is in question

Be careful of the heat, but enjoy!


~ Robin  




Photos taken June 22, 2012

Prairie Clover

Along the creek path Purple Prairie Clover are starting to bloom - from the bottom up.  When it first blooms it looks like it might be wearing a purple and orange tutu.  This native plant is hardy and highly nutritious.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Canada Anemone

Canada Anemone have been popping up along the lake shore near the outlet.  Bet you didn't know we had some Canada at Northwood Park.      


Enjoy!


~ Robin




Photos taken 5/21/12.

Beardtongue

Early morning dotted everything with dew, including this Slender Beardtongue.  This flower appears to have a rather hairy 'tongue'.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

"Bear Claw" Found in Forest!

This odd looking plant is called a Smooth Carrion Flower.  It grows along the forest trail.  The Chippewa name for this plant is translated "Bear Claw".  It has been used for medicinal purposes. It is a vine that climbs other plants.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Purple Stars and Golden Alexanders

Along the nature walk on the east side large clumps of Golden Alexanders are starting to blossom and color.  Among them I found a Purple Shooting Star.

Enjoy!

~ Robin