Fall’s Other Spectacular Show

As the weather begins to cool and leaves begin to change, obvious signs of fall are all around us. We often think of this time of year as the beginning of the end for many of our native plants, before the dormancy and quiet of winter changes our natural landscape. But to do this would be ignoring the many species that step into the spotlight and fill a critical role during this time of great transition. Fortunately, there is still much to observe and enjoy as we savor the glorious days of autumn.

Nowhere are we more rewarded for our patience than in the prairie. What was once a sea of green, quickly shifts to include a wide range of colors and textures. Prairie grasses such as Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardi) and Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) dazzle us with beautiful shades of purple and orange. Seed heads that top these grasses also reach their peak, providing both interest and a source of food for many birds well into winter.

Within the prairie, we also see the emergence of many of our most critical wildflowers. A quick check of New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) illuminates this, with a variety of bees and tiny pollinators still busy as ever moving between flowers. We may also be lucky enough to stumble upon one of our local species of gentian (Gentiana spp.), who favor wet conditions and show off their signature shade of blue as one of the last plants to bloom. Then there is of course the golden glow of our native goldenrods (Solidago spp.), which provide us with a spectacular show and an abundance of nectar.

By providing a late food source, all of these plants ensure the survival of our many native insects. Consider the now internationally endangered migratory Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). We often think of milkweed (Asclepias spp.) as an essential part of their lifecycle, however, they also need flowers to visit as adults. This is especially true late in the year, as they begin their long trip back to their wintering grounds.

So the next time you are out enjoying the comfortable fall weather, take the time to stop and notice the many native plants that play a vital role in our ecosystems. Just a quick hike can illustrate both the beauty and importance of this time of year.