when left alone to do it's thing

The other day, at the Baker Wetlands, there was a whole new cast of characters doing their thing. I am not sure what this particular flower is, but it's bright and really stands out.  It might be a type of milkweed? Note to self: consult the chart while you are out there next time. 

Button bush flower. Otherworldly. Fabulous. 

Wild hibiscus. 

While I can always hear the red-winged blackbird, dickcissel, common yellowthroat, Bell's vireo, and northern cardinal (thanks to the merlin app I am learning to identify the calls) the blooming things are ever changing. The prairie, when left alone to do its thing, does quite well.  Imagine that. 

Comments

[Chris Oliveira]

The purple flower looks like bee balm, or monarda to me. There is an app to id plants too similar to Merlin.

[Jeanette sckar]

The purple flower is ironweed , Vernonia species. It’s in the aster family. Here’s a link: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/ironweeds#:~:text=Asteraceae%20(asters%2C%20sunflowers%2C%20daisies,on%20the%20leaves%20and%20stalks.
Jeanette

[Carol]

Thanks Jeanette you master gardener you!!