The Colorful Days of September and October

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September wildflowers are putting on quite the display in fields and woods. As October approaches, the leaves will turn colors, adding yet another dimension of colors. It's a great fun time to get outside and enjoy.
It's an important time of the year for many pollinators as they prepare for the upcoming winter months.
In case you missed the August 24 post, it's all about the importance of goldenrods and some of the unusual insects which thrive on and around the "sun medicine" plant. Boneset and Jewelweed are also blooming in September. Like goldenrods they attract many pollinators and have a fascinating history and medicinal properties.

"Pollinators are essential to our environment. The ecological service they provide is necessary for the reproduction of over 85 percent of the world’s flowering plants, including more than two-thirds of the world’s crop species. The United States alone grows more than one hundred crops that either need or benefit from pollinators, and the economic value of these native pollinators is estimated at $3 billion per year in the U.S. Beyond agriculture, pollinators are keystone species in most terrestrial ecosystems. Fruits and seeds derived from insect pollination are a major part of the diet of approximately 25 percent of all birds, and of mammals ranging from red-backed voles to grizzly bears. In many places, the essential service of pollination is at risk from habitat loss, pesticide use, and introduced diseases." from the Xerces Society at http://www.xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/




Boneset

Boneset, a native North American wildflower can usually be found growing in mist fields and along the edges of a woods. It has large, attractive white blossoms which many bees, butterflies and other small insects find almost irresistible.
For centuries before aspirin came on the markets, the plant was widely used to help treat many ailments such as the cold and the flu. The flowers and leaves were hung to dry and stored for winter use. The dry flowers and leaves were used to make a tea which has a somewhat bitter flavor, so many add a little honey or maple syrup.
For more information on Boneset, The Forgotten Herb 

Jewelweed

Jewelweed can often be found blooming along with the goldenrods and boneset/ Generally the flowers are a brilliant orange although there are some which bloom yellow.
Bumblebees in particular are frequent visitors along with other native bee species and insects.
For centuries the plant was used as a treatment for poison ivy, other skin irritations and mosquioto bites. Simply break the hollow stem and a apply the clear watery substance to the bite or rash. It's amazing how quickly and safely this cures those minor bites of summer.

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Coming Next

September, October and November are all about Maple Syrup at Hurry Hill Maple Farm and Museum. Every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. the Museum is open as well as the Sugar House where in a few months the fires will be roaring to boil the sap. It's a fascinating place, rich in history and repository for the Newbery Medal awarded to author Virginia Sorensen for her children's book, The Miracle of Maple Hill.
We'll be this upcoming weekend to enjoy maple syrup, maple mustard, and even some maple barbecue sauce (and lots of maple candy). More in a few days after the weekend.


And Just for the Heck of It

Interestingly, boneset does have a rather intriguing family tree, I discovered. It is in the same family tree as sunflowers, enchinea and daisy. One of it's closer relatives is another important medicinal plant Joe Pye Weed.