By Bernheim
Sabatia angularias, commonly known as rosepink or rose gentian, is a North American biennial wildflower that grows 1-3 feet tall and thrives in well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It is native to various habitats, including open woods, fields, and roadsides, often in acidic soils from Ontario to Florida and New Mexico. The plant forms a basal foliage rosette in the first year and produces fragrant rose pink flowers on multi-branched, four-angled stems in the second year, blooming from June to September and easily self-seeding to form perennial-like colonies.
Hyphantria cunea, commonly known as the fall webworm, is a moth native to North America, known for the distinctive silk webs it creates in the late summer and fall. The native caterpillars are usually pale yellow to greenish, with tufts of long, fine hairs and black spots along their bodies. They feed on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, forming large, unsightly webs over the foliage. While considered a pest due to its defoliation of trees, the fall webworm rarely causes lasting damage to healthy trees. The adult moths are white and are often seen around lights at night. Despite their impact on aesthetics, they play a role in the ecosystem by providing food for birds and other predators.
Chamaecrista fasciculata, commonly known as partridge pea, is a showy annual wildflower that thrives in well-drained soils under full sun, tolerating light shade. Native to various habitats across the eastern and midwestern U.S., this plant grows 1-3 feet tall and blooms with large yellow flowers from late June to September. Its sensitive leaves, which fold when touched, and its ability to self-seed in dry areas make it an excellent choice for attracting pollinators and providing cover for wildlife.
Oenothera biennis, commonly known as evening primrose, is an upright biennial native to most of Canada and the U.S., except for a few western states. In the first year, it forms a basal rosette of lanceolate, green leaves, while in the second year, it produces a 3-5 foot tall, rough-hairy stem with spirally arranged leaves and lemon-yellow, four-petaled flowers that bloom from June to September. Known for its flowers that open at dusk and close in the morning, this plant self-seeds easily and is attractive to night-flying moths and early-morning bees, making it a striking addition to gardens and a valuable wildlife attractor.
Micrathena gracilis, commonly known as the spined micrathena, is a small orb-weaving spider native to North America. Recognized for its distinctive spiny, triangular abdomen, which is often white or cream with black markings, this spider is commonly found in wooded areas where it spins its webs between trees and shrubs. The spined micrathena plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations by capturing small flying insects in its web. Despite its fearsome appearance, it is harmless to humans and adds to the biodiversity of forest ecosystems. Its webs are typically rebuilt daily, showcasing the spider’s impressive architectural skills.
Vernonia fasciculata, commonly known as ironweed, is a native perennial found from Ohio to Texas, including northern and western Missouri. This upright plant grows 2-4 feet tall on stiff, leafy stems with glabrous leaves and produces dense clusters of fluffy purple flowers from late summer to fall. While it thrives in moist soils, smooth ironweed adapts well to average garden conditions, making it easy to cultivate from seed. Its attractive flowers are a magnet for butterflies, though cutting back stems in late spring can help control its height. The plant’s name is derived from its “iron-like” qualities, such as tough stems and rusty seed clusters.
Impatiens capensis, commonly known as jewelweed, is a Missouri native annual that thrives in wet, shady areas such as low woodlands and stream banks. Growing 2-5 feet tall on watery stems, it features cornucopia-shaped orange flowers with reddish-brown spots that bloom throughout the summer. The plant self-seeds aggressively under ideal conditions, forming large colonies. Its seed capsules explosively release seeds when touched, giving it the name “touch-me-not.” Native Americans used its juices to soothe skin irritations. The sparkling droplets that form on its bluish-green leaves after rain or dew inspired the common name “jewelweed.”
