flowers of late summer

The dominant understory plant since Sandy has been Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) whose waxy white flowers have now turned almost completely into lush purple berries. This plant is considered to be poisonous to humans although its early spring shoots are edible (best to boil and change waters at least a couple of times). At this time of the year, it makes a very exotic undergrowth display and the berries are eaten by many animals -- birds in particular -- who are apparently not affected by the poisons. Supposedly deer will not eat the mature plants but one look at the nibbled shoots all along the open paths will put that theory to rest!

The other common post-Sandy understory plant is also unusual. Pilewort or Fireweed (Erechtites hieraciifolius) is a flowering plant in the aster or daisy family that does not seem to actually flower but bursts into dandelion-type seed heads before the flowers ever open. The Fireweed moniker comes from the fact that it is known as a pioneering species after fire but, in our case, we should probably call it Hurricane Weed.

Other flowers of late summer: Sea Lavender, Marsh Aster (both in the marsh), Pearly Everlasting (or a closely related species), one of the thistles (still haven't figured out which one) and at least two different goldenrods (Solidago rugosa or Rough-leaved Goldenrod and Euthemia tenuifolia or Slender Fragrant Goldenrod). But the goldenrod we're anxiously waiting for is the Seaside or Solidago sempervirens, a robust and beautiful plant which is everywhere along the edge between the woods and wetlands and is going to burst into spectacular bloom any day now.

Eric Salzman