September's Floral Wave

Waiting for liftoff - Pilewort or Fireweed (Erechtites hieracifolia)

 Each September, I am reinspired by the wave of new wetland and trailside fuits and blossoms that crowd the edges of the Dike Trail at Great Meadows NWR.  While many of these early fall beauties can be found throughout Concord, they are all easily seen here in a virtual glossary of late blooms that stretches along the trail that runs from the parking lot to the Concord River's edge.  Here is a sampling to whet your curiosity!

Small-flowered gerardia (Agalinis paupercula)

Jewelweed or Touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis)

Buttonbush fruit (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Sweet everlasting (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium)

Nodding bur-marigold (Bidens cernua)

Calico aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum)

Climbing false buckwheat (Polygonum scandens)

Tall lettuce seed cluster (Latuca canadensis)

Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)

A late blooming meadowsweet (Spirea alba)