Canada Goldenrod

(Solidago canadensis)

Because of its medicinal qualities Canada Goldenrod received the scientific name ’solidago’ from the Latin words ’solidus’ and ‘ago’, meaning ‘to restore or cure’.

Canada Goldenrod is a perennial of the sunflower family that grows from 30-175 cm. It’s stems grow alone.

LEAVES:

Canada Goldenrod

Canada Goldenrod leaves are:

• dark green;
• lance shaped;
• very pointed at the tip;
• usually toothed;
• crowded and numerous on the stem, fewer as progress up the stem.

FLOWERS:

• small heads (2 cm.) of 10-17 ray and disk flowers;
• yellow heads clustered in a plume shape at the top of the stem;
• Canada Goldenrod blooms in late summer and fall.

FRUIT:

• dry;
• one-seeded;
• nut-like;
• hairy have white bristles – like tufts of hair – help in their dispersal.

HABITAT:
Canada Goldenrod is found in low to mid elevations abundant throughout the southern interior many habitats; disturbed areas or forest openings.

FASCINATING FACTS:
there are many species of the goldenrod found all over North America. usually grows near the aster. dried seeds area used in flower arrangements. Canada Goldenrod flowers used in potpourris and in dyes the leaves are eaten as a green.

(information thanks to http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/wilderness/wildflowers/canada.htm) more…

Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea (Asteraceae)

Purple Coneflower

A robust, drought tolerant perennial, native to the midwestern and southeastern United States. flowers are arranged individually on sturdy, elongated stems with soft lavender or purple petals surrounding an iridescent red-orange, coned center. Prefers full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soils. Absolutely stunning!!!

Average planting success with this species: 70%
Height: 2-3 feet
Germination: 15-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 70-75F
Sowing depth: 1/8″
Blooming period: June-October
Average seeds per pound: 117,000
Seeding rate: 12 lbs. per acre
Suggested use: Borders, meadows, mixtures, floral gardens.
Miscellaneous: An excellent variety for cut flower arrangements with a vase life of 5 to 7 days. Propagation from root cuttings is reliable if performed in the fall.

(Information thanks of http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/Wildseed/33/33.1.html)

Queen of the prairie

Sun Exposure:Full Sun

Bloom Color:Pink

Bloom Time:Late Spring/Early Summer/Mid Summer
Foliage:Herbaceous

Other details:
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

Seed Collecting:Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry. Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds.

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Round headed bush clover

Also called:Bush clover, Rabbit foot, Dusty clover
Botanical name:Lespedeza capitata

Description: numerous small white flowers occur on dense rounded heads and grow on branching slender stalks at the top of the plant. These perennial, open, branching plants are up to 3 feet tall, with alternate compound leaves of three.

Round headed bush clover

Attracts:Wildlife, Butterflies and Honeybees.
Bloom time:From August through September.
Range:Northern U.S. and south.
Sunshine:Full sun.
Moisture:Middle to dry prairies.
Soil types:Sandy loam best.

Yellow coneflower

Also called: Prairie coneflower, Gray headed coneflower
Botanical name:Ratibiba pinnata

Description: drooping yellow flower petals with dark center cone which grow on a long stalk at the top of the plant. These perennial, plants are up to 5 feet tall, with leaves that are deeply lobed and toothed on the edges. The leaves are a dull green and are 2 to 8 inches long.

Yellow Coneflower

Attracts: Butterflies and Honeybees.
Bloom time: From July through
Range: Common throughout the tall grass prairie.
Sunshine: Full sun to partial shade.
Moisture: Middle to fairly dry.
Soil types: Sandy loam best.