June 1, 2024

The prairie is growing rapidly following frequent rainstorms and sunnier days. As the yellow blooms of golden alexander fade away, they are replaced by the vibrant bluish-purple blooms of Ohio spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis).

Golden alexander flowers are developing into tiny seeds.

Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) is growing taller but is still far from its mature height of around eight feet. When it rains, the leaves collect water at the base, creating a cup for thirsty birds and other wildlife.

Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is beginning to open its bright white flowers, which are the perfect shape for bumblebees to pollinate. I enjoy seeing them nestled deep in the flowers, with only their back legs and fuzzy tails visible.

Pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida) will be blooming soon.

Early meadow rue (Thalictrum dioicum) has separate male and female flowers, neither of which have petals. The female flowers are comprised of white pistils, and the male flowers are dangling yellow stamens. This plethora of tiny flowers quivers lightly in the breeze.

I look forward to seeing more foxglove beardtongue blooming and drawing in bumblebees, along with the first blooms of pale purple coneflower adding light pink bursts of color to the prairie.