A Blooming Adventure: Flower Hunting at House on Metolius
This is a short guide to some of the many flowers that you will see along the banks of the Metolius and particularly on the property at House on Metolius. Please let us know if there are others that we should include!
We often play a game when we are out on hikes or just exploring around the property, counting how many different flowers we see. Extra credit if you remember the name!
The Starflower, as species of Loosestrifes, is a common but lovely wildflower.
Orange Honeysuckle is a favorite of hummingbirds, as their beaks fit perfectly inside.
The Spotted knapweed. The flower is rather pretty, but this plant is a bit of a pest. It crowds out native grasses and other plants, so we remove it whenever we find it. Please do let us know if you happen to see any on the property!
Always a favorite, the Giant red Indian paintbrush. These plants are beautiful and… interesting! They are have a parasitic dependence on other plants, attaching to their roots and taking the nutrients that they need. A bit like vampires, which may explain their bright red hue.
Missouri goldenrod is another common but very helpful plant that grows in dry and open areas, and attracts butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers and bees.
Poet’s narcissus is a delightful flowers, but beware! This is the plant that Persephone was picking when she was swept away to the underworld by Hades. So obviously, best not to pick them…
Golden ragwort is a delightful addition to the landscape, both in color and its ability to attract small bees and other pollinators.
Wild daffodil is one of our favorites!
OK, yes, morels are not flowers. But they are delicious! And from time to time, there are quite a few both on the property and in the surrounding area. May is a good month. No further hints…