The extraordinary spread of Pokeweed following the clearing out of low growth and underbrush by Sandy is now coming to a climax as the long purple stems of this plant sprout long sprays of waxy white flowers which turn into green and then purple berries. It all makes a lush display that seems as thought it would be appropriate in a tropical rainforest although in fact Pokeweed is a native plant. The early shoots of Pokeweed can be eaten as a wild green (boiled and with a couple of changes of water) but the mature plant -- supposedly including the berries -- is poisonous. In spite of this, pokeberries are a bonanza for birds. Yesterday morning, a Northern Mockingbird moved in to join the Catbirds, Robins, Cardinals and possibly other species (Flickers, wrens) eating the berries. All four woodpeckers were present plus White-breasted Nuthatch, Baltimore Oriole, and House Sparrows; are they also eating the berries? Also Raccoons frequent the area and are sometimes active in the daytime.
Strangely enough, there are very few Gray Squirrels here or anywhere, even where there is a plentiful crop of nuts to harvest (Hickories and Black Walnut; few acorns). What happened to the squirrels?
Meanwhile, the Pilewort is threatening to bloom with floral heads that will never open. The delicate Sea Lavender is starting to bloom in the marsh and the Seaside Goldenrod is about ready to pop. This latter plant has spread widely since the depredations of Sandy wiped out the original understory. This is a remarkable plant in more ways than one, not only because it is a hurricane survivor but also because if it is trampled or otherwise damaged, it has an ability to recover from the insults and continue its growth towards floresence.
Eric Salzman
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