Black-eyed Susan; Rudbeckia hirta Blooming Period: June – October Habitat: Fields, prairies, open woods, roadsides, disturbed soils Description: This plant is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, and the name stems from the dark, brownpurple centers of its daisy-like flower heads. The flowers are a brilliant golden yellow that is an added splash of color to any habitat it grows in, including your home garden. Butterflies, bees, and a variety of insects are attracted to the flowers for the nectar. Like Purple Coneflower, the seeds are enjoyed by songbirds in the fall, so seed heads should be left standing over the winter months.
American White Water-lily; Nymphaea odorata Blooming Period: June – September Habitat: Wetland areas with slow-moving or still water such as ponds or marshes Description: A very showy member of the water lily family, the white water-lily is a lovely plant to admire as you walk a boardwalk over a wetland or paddle a boat around a lake. This plant floats on top of the water and can form dense colonies, sometimes completely covering the water’s surface with flat, round leaves. The flowers are large, fragrant, and can either be white or pink. “Nymphaea” is derived from the attractive flower’s similarities to the mythological Greek nymphs, which are beautiful supernatural female beings thought to inhabit glades and springs.
Obedient Plant; Physostegia virginiana Blooming Period: August – Early November Habitat: Prairies, thickets, opening in woodland areas, and moist meadows Description: This spectacular late-blooming plant earns its name because of its ability for a person to gently nudge the blossoms in either direction as if it is obeying you. Its showy blooms, ranging from white to rosy pink or lavender, appear between the onset of summer and fall wildflowers, feeding pollinators steadily for as long as eight weeks. The tubular flowers are attractive to bumblebees, who are its primary pollinator, seemingly designed to fit neatly into the entire flower. Hummingbirds and butterflies are also attracted to the plant.
Night Sky This August, we will be treated to an awe-inspiring celestial event! The Perseid Meteor Showers will be lighting up the night sky when they peak on August 12. This year’s celestial show will be easier to see with the presence of a darker sky. The moon will only be 13% full (waxing crescent), which means very little light coming from the moon. Some tips to help you observe the Perseid Meteor Showers would be to find a viewing location with an open sky and as little light pollution. Look in the northeast sky; the meteor showers will be radiating from
the constellation Perseus, northeast of the Big Dipper. But remember, all good things come to those who wait. Meteors are part of nature and there’s no way to predict exactly how many you’ll see on any given night. Find a good spot, watch and wait. These celestial light shows will be worth the wait! The Black River Astronomical Society will be hosting a public observation session during the Perseid Meteor Showers, so be sure to check their website for details at www.BlackRiverAstro.org.
Nature at Night
Fri., Sept. 10 | 7:30-10:30 pm Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center If you enjoy discovering amazing nature after the sun sets, then join us for a brand-new event at Carlisle Reservation’s Equestrian Center! This program will include night hikes, a campfire, and telescope viewing with Black River Astronomical Society members. Discover nocturnal animals like owls, bats, moths and listen for nocturnal sounds from insects and amphibians. Watch for more information on our website and in the next Arrowhead! LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121
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