Soil: soil tolerant prefers well-drained, medium moisture. Origin: Asia, Central America, North Americaįoliage : dull green, pinnate, serrated, simple leaves 1” to 3” long turn yellow in fallįlowers : small violet, pink or white inconspicuous flowers held in clusters in the axils along stems in early summerįruit: shiny violet bead-like drupes held in clusters that wrap around stemsĮxposure : sun to part shade, too much shade produces leggy plants This news article was written by Mary Elleson, Lincoln Parish Master Gardener.Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub, Pieris japonica Perhaps you have some of these treasured gems in a woodland near your house. Expect to be surprised, delighted and comforted by what you find. In late summer numerous bunches of dark berries form, becoming a magnet for numerous species of woodland birds.Īs we say goodbye to summer and transition into autumn, take a walk in nearby wooded areas or discover the beauty the Rock Island Greenway has to offer. This woody plant is easy to overlook as it blends readily into neighboring undergrowth not to be discounted!Įlderberry (Sambucus) is easy to spot in the spring with its lacy off-white flowers. When cooler temperatures arrive, the leaves turn flame red an amazing sight!ĭevils walking stick (Aralia spinosa) is a tall, slender tree covered with sharp, vicious-looking, stout spines, hence its colloquial name is very apt! The single trunk terminates in a large, leafy umbrella-shaped canopy. Tall and statuesque with a wild appearance, it makes a statement.ĭwarf sumac (Rhus copallinum) is a small tree with abundant clusters of mauve-brown berry fruit drooping from its branches. One can see it in late summer along fence lines, old homesteads or on the edge of woods in filtered sunlight. Swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius) sometimes known as narrow-leaf sunflower is a yellow gem. Known for being invasive, it is, nonetheless, alluring with its oat-like little leaves that turn golden later in the year, making it shimmer and dance alongside a pathway. Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), also known as inland sea oats or river oats, is a grass native to our area. Its bright yellow flower spikes are a show stopper! It does not cause allergies as many mistakenly believe. In Louisiana, one can see it in dry, open woodland landscapes and along roadsides and other sunny locations. Goldenrod (Solidago ludoviciana) is in the sunflower family. Wildlife, especially birds and white-tailed deer, are attracted to this plant. Its most striking feature are the clusters of glossy, iridescent-purple berries in the fall that last into winter. It has dense clusters of yellow flowers in early spring and by early autumn shows off a crown of dusty bluish-black berries.īeautyberry (Callicarpa americana) also known as French mulberry, is a favorite because of its lush, yellowish-green foliage in autumn and arching branches. Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a small evergreen shrub with holly-like leaves. On a recent walk through my favorite natural habitat, Rock Island Greenway, I noted the following plants: ![]() The Rock Island Greenway, for example, is a prime location to find native woodland species. Our town still has wooded tracts where these species can be found. ![]() Most of us in Ruston live near areas where we can discover some of these plants. Many of our woodland species are overlooked. They have endured everything from hot, dry conditions, downpours of rain, and a brush with a hurricane and a tornado! This is the perfect time of year to retreat to cooler, tranquil woodlands and discover unusual plants in which to delight. As the end of summer approaches, most of our garden flowers are beginning to fade.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |