Sadly we don’t have these beautiful flowers in Maine. I wish we did as the hummingbirds are still here and hungry. I also wish we had someone like you Diane to share similar knowledge and photography of our flora and fauna!
Thank you Bonnie. You should have hyssop flowers still in bloom, as well as ironweed and jewelweed. You might even still have Butterfly Milkweed (though the ones in my Iowa are all done for now).
Rough Blazing Star might have been named Shaggy Buttons by your description of those split waving styles! Do you suppose the hummers are looking for the buttons with the split styles that indicate a nectar treat? Oh the language of flowers!! Now I am wondering just how sensitive to touch those hummer tongues might be? Hard to think of tongues that are so thin and fast perhaps also being able to feel it's way through those shaggy buttons. But, maybe it can. Love knowing of these late blooming treats for the female and young hummers getting ready for their very long flights!
I have recreated prairie area in the roadside ditch and in an area on my place.There are a variety of native flowers and grasses. I'd like to include Rough Blazing Stars.
I always feel sad when my prominent ironweed begins fading. This year I have noticed a few rough blazing star in random places, which have shown up on their own. I must plant more for their beauty but for the hummingbirds and late pollinators too. Thanks for highlighting it!
Five miles south of Ames in Story County. I've found 4 Michigan lilies in a secluded place on my place that I plan to propagate to other places. I do a lot of planting of trees and bushes from the State Forest Nursery every year. Control/elimination of invasives is a big problem, now is the time.
Be sure and plant at least two lilies together, as they are not self fertile. A single plant with no others around will never make a seed pod. I have had Michigan Lilies in my garden for 40 years, but because they all came from a single bulb they have not made one seed pod, ever! I wish I had a lover for them.
I love these photos!
Happy Birthday Diane! As always you have illuminated nature's magnificence with your words and imagery. Thank you!
Thank you Murray. That's very sweet of you.
Sadly we don’t have these beautiful flowers in Maine. I wish we did as the hummingbirds are still here and hungry. I also wish we had someone like you Diane to share similar knowledge and photography of our flora and fauna!
Thank you Bonnie. You should have hyssop flowers still in bloom, as well as ironweed and jewelweed. You might even still have Butterfly Milkweed (though the ones in my Iowa are all done for now).
Rough Blazing Star might have been named Shaggy Buttons by your description of those split waving styles! Do you suppose the hummers are looking for the buttons with the split styles that indicate a nectar treat? Oh the language of flowers!! Now I am wondering just how sensitive to touch those hummer tongues might be? Hard to think of tongues that are so thin and fast perhaps also being able to feel it's way through those shaggy buttons. But, maybe it can. Love knowing of these late blooming treats for the female and young hummers getting ready for their very long flights!
I have recreated prairie area in the roadside ditch and in an area on my place.There are a variety of native flowers and grasses. I'd like to include Rough Blazing Stars.
I always feel sad when my prominent ironweed begins fading. This year I have noticed a few rough blazing star in random places, which have shown up on their own. I must plant more for their beauty but for the hummingbirds and late pollinators too. Thanks for highlighting it!
A noble ambition! I wish you luck. Where are you?
Five miles south of Ames in Story County. I've found 4 Michigan lilies in a secluded place on my place that I plan to propagate to other places. I do a lot of planting of trees and bushes from the State Forest Nursery every year. Control/elimination of invasives is a big problem, now is the time.
Be sure and plant at least two lilies together, as they are not self fertile. A single plant with no others around will never make a seed pod. I have had Michigan Lilies in my garden for 40 years, but because they all came from a single bulb they have not made one seed pod, ever! I wish I had a lover for them.