District Blogs

New England Aster. Photo Courtesy of The Friends of the Wildflower Garden Inc. This month, our native plant spotlight features a blooming species that lasts well into the fall season. The New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is an herbaceous perennial that is commonly found in all parts of Ohio and offers a beautiful pop of purple whilst the landscape is transitioning into shades of red, orange, and yellow. Interestingly enough, last month’s native plant was ano

Our native plant spotlight for September is the Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), also known as the Green-headed Coneflower or Tall Coneflower. A well-known genus within the Aster Family, there are 4 native Rudbeckia species to Ohio; Cutleaf Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Brown-Eyed Susan, and Orange Coneflower. Cutleaf Coneflower. Photo Courtesy of Gene Sturla, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. This perennial species can grow up to 10 feet tall and has beautiful ye

Happy August! Our native plant spotlight for this month is Great Blue Lobelia, or Lobelia siphilitica, and is one of six species of Lobelia native to Ohio. This perennial belongs to the Bellflower Family, showcasing beautiful blue/purple flowers in August and September. Typically, they grow between 1-5 feet tall, with each flower size around 1 inch long. The flower has a tubelike structure with a 2 lobed upper lip and a 3 lobed bottom lip. Their stems have many simple, altern

The native plant in the spotlight for July is Wild Bergamot. Belonging to the Mint Family, Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is an Ohio perennial also commonly known as Bee Balm, Owego Tea, or Horsemint. Members of the Mint Family often have distinguishing traits such as square stems, opposite leaf arrangement, and tubular, bilabiate flowers, however it is important to note that not all species exhibit these traits. Other well-known members of the Mint Family include Rosemary

Welcome to BSWCD’s monthly native plant spotlight! Each month we will share a native plant found in Ohio as well as the important ecological role each has in our ecosystems. Our June native plant spotlight is Golden Alexander. Belonging to the carrot family, Golden Alexander, or Zizia aurea, is an herbaceous perennial native to Ohio and the eastern and central regions of North America. This wildflower typically grows anywhere between 8-24 inches tall, showcasing beautiful yel

As we begin to think about putting our gardens to bed for winter, think about the winter habits of our friends the pollinators. Although...

It’s that time of year when we can see turtles basking in the sun. If you have a pond, or hike at a wetland area such as Gilmore Ponds Metropark, perhaps you will be lucky enough to spot some. Here is some helpful information to assist you with the identification of the shelled critters that you find. Aquatic: Common Musk These tiny turtles, reaching only 3-4.5” in size, look very plain, with the skin and shell often being similar in color. They have a ridge along the length

Milkweed's not just for Monarchs Do you have hordes of hairy black, orange, and white caterpillars munching on your milkweed? If so, congratulations on meeting the milkweed tussock moth, an Ohio native. The caterpillars go through a number of instars, or growth stages, before reaching their largest larvae stage. The first instar for the larvae are often difficult to detect. They are initially pale yellow and bristly with black heads. These young larvae travel in a little fuzz

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is one of the most easily recognizable Spring wildflowers. It is so unique, it is the only species within this genus found naturally outside of Asia. This wildflower has very distinctive foliage. In early to mid-April, when it first emerges from the soil, the unopened, leaves resemble a fat green umbrella ready to open. As it opens, you will be able to tell whether or not it will flower this season. Single-leafed stems will not flower, forked

The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2020 as International Year of Plant Health (IYPH). April 2020 is our FIRST Ohio Native Plant Month, and the 50 Anniversary of Earth Day! (from ohionativeplantmonth.org) Native plants are those that occur naturally in a region in which they evolved. They are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur. They are the ecological basis upon which life depends, including birds and people. These important plant spe