The bracts that surround the composite “heads” are key to separating the genera. Overall size of plants and leaves can vary considerably depending on growing conditions. Leaves slowly become smaller as they alternate up the stem. In general, “aster” flower heads display mostly blue, violet, lavender, to white ray flowers surrounding a center of many tiny yellow disc flowers. Most of this differentiation is due to molecular studies, and not necessarily easy-to-see field characteristics. Taxonomically, “asters” have been split into several different genera over the years. A 10x magnifier helps not only to identify the characteristics of the species, but also to reveal how many bugs and grubs are dependent on our native plants for survival. It is fun to botanize on these last lazy summer days. Below, we have tried to help you sort them out if you are so inclined. They provide interesting botanical puzzles. Some of us have made pilgrimages to expansive stands of fireweed others puzzle over goldenrods and aster look-alikes and many applaud yet another yellow composite just beginning to bloom along roadsides. Summer isn’t quite over.īelow are some of the final flowers to look for on your hikes and drives throughout the valley. The nights are becoming cooler and definitely shorter. Insects of all sorts – bees, wasps, beetles, ladybugs, aphids, butterflies, moths, and caterpillars - are flitting, creeping, chomping, and pollinating our native plants as foliage browns and flowers fade. Chipping and white-crown sparrows along with juncos flush up from meadows as we hike through.
0 kommentar(er)
