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SEPTEMBER
Please scroll down to see more plants that may be featured this month.
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae - New England aster
New England aster produces a profusion of pink to purple flowers on 3- to 5- foot-tall stems in September and October, adding brilliant color to the fall garden and providing nectar for late-flying pollinators. In truth, what we might describe as pink or purple ‘petals’ actually are one of the two types of flowers that comprise the composite heads of the aster family: petal-like ray flowers surrounding numerous tiny, yellow disk flowers. As a result of recent DNA analysis, the more than 30 species in our region that were formerly in the genus Aster have been placed in new genera, such as Doellingeria, Eurybia, Oclemena and, as in the case of New England aster, Symphyotrichum. Look for New England aster in the meadow, and many other familiar asters – with unfamiliar names – throughout the Preserve.
Gentiana clausa - Closed gentian
The beautiful blue-violet flowers of bottle gentians remain closed to protect their precious nectar from rain. Only strong, persistent insects such as bumblebees can open the flower and expand the petals to pollinate it and savor the nectar. But why would they go through the trouble when most flowers don't require so much work? In September, when fewer flowers are blooming, gentians provide above average quantities and more highly concentrated nectar, which is 40% sugar. Amazingly, the tips of the flowers turn from white to purple once the nectar is gone, signaling insects to pollinate other flowers! Gardeners eager to enjoy the 2-foot-high stalks of gentian flowers should be aware that they are sensitive to root disturbance and may take time to adjust after transplanting. Bottle gentians also are facultative wetland plants, which means they usually are found in wetlands, but also can grow in moist woods, low meadows and floodplains. Watch for these gleaming blue bottles as well as the creamy flowers of Gentiana alba around the benches at the Pond.
Solidago spp. - Goldenrod
Goldenrods are a hallmark wildflower signaling the end of summer and onset of fall. They comprise the genus Solidago, which includes over 20 Pennsylvania natives. Although they are familiar plants, goldenrods are the subject of plenty of misconceptions. For example, many still believe that goldenrods cause hay fever. Not so! They are insect, not wind pollinated. Goldenrods also are sometimes dismissed as exclusively weedy plants of open places. Incorrect! Some goldenrods grow in woodlands and some are rare, not weedy. To completely shatter the stereotype, S. bicolor is white, not golden. At the Preserve, several goldenrod species can be found in various habitats. Look for tall and rough-stemmed goldenrods in open meadows, and wreath goldenrod in shady places. Pictured is the lovely S. caesia, wreath goldenrod, a woodland species that deserves a spot in any shade garden.
Sorghastrum nutans - Indian-grass
One of our native, warm-season bunch grasses, Indian grass performs a summer finale with its dangling yellow flowers, fluffy seeds and golden fall color. Warm-season grasses are a great addition to any landscape because they grow tall and green during the hottest summer months and typically require no supplemental water or fertilization. Indian grass can be 4-to 6-feet tall with roots just as deep. The expansive root system helps prevent erosion and soaks up runoff while the tall stems, still upright during winter, provide food and shelter for many species of birds and mammals year-round. During its first growing season, Indian grass mostly works to establish its deep roots, but gardeners can expect luxurious top growth the next year. Native to all but the westernmost states, Indian grass has been planted to reclaim strip-mined soil and as a forage grass for livestock. Look for the golden flowers of Indian grass swaying in the Meadow in August and September.
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