Flowers in the Autumn

Although, the calendar notes it is indeed autumn, we are still being treated to some days in the 80s. I love the colors of this season but usually focus on the colors of the leaves.

Sugar Maple

Sugar Maple

I always forget that flowers are still blooming this time of year.

Sunchoke

Sunchoke

The other day I took the opportunity to stroll our property barefooted as I love feeling of the earth beneath my feet and I may not get the opportunity again this year.barefoot

Although, leaves have already fallen, the land was bustling with activity and I was delighted by what I found. The pollinators were quite busy and at some moments their hums were incredibly loud, almost meditative.

Goldenrod and a happy bee

Goldenrod and a happy bee

I went over to our old Pitch Pine where we have a robust hive and most of the bees were not home. Not surprising ~ it was a beautiful day in the 80s. I was out too.

Almost everyone is gone

Almost everyone is gone

New England Aster

New England Aster

Smartweed

Smartweed

Motherwort

Motherwort

Hydrangea

Hydrangea

Jewelweed

Jewelweed

Calendula

Calendula

Aster

Aster

Napweed

Napweed

I can’t believe this is the same plant!

When most plants emerge from the ground, they do not look like their mature version at first. They look very different and are quite difficult to identify. This spring, I have been testing myself and attempting to identify plants before they are fully developed. One of the big challengers was Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). When it emerges, all that appears is the cotyledon leaves, which are not considered “true leaves.” The cotyledon is part of the embryo within the seed of a plant. Upon germination, the Jewelweed becomes the embryonic first leaves. Unlike the mature leaves, they are rounded and heart shaped.young jewelweedNotice how the mature plant is quite different.

jewelweed

Jewelweed is one of my favorite plants to teach people to identify (second to Poison Ivy) because it relieves the allergic reaction to Poison Ivy. Recently, I co-led a 5 day hiking course at Mathew’s school. For the most part, it was about hiking and not about identification or understanding ecosystems ~ the kids wanted to hike and explore on their own. Nevertheless, I could not stop myself from teaching them how to identify Jewelweed and Poison Ivy.  On the fourth day, a bunch of the kids did some exploring and then noticed they were in the middle of a patch of Poison Ivy. One fellow shouted, where’s the Jewelweed?! My job was done.

Do yourself a favor, learn how to identify Jewelweed and Poison Ivy, whether you like to hike in the woods or do yard work. You will not regret it.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.