Did you know that Pennsylvania has more species of wildflowers than any other state in the entire United States? We are truly blessed in this manner just like the fact that Pennsylvania has the most tree species in the United States. I was told by a local forester that Pennsylvania is the northern most range of the southern soft woods and the southern range of the northern hardwoods.
The most common wildflower by far is the common Dandelion. They bloom all spring and summer. I used to put down mixtures that killed these flowers and fed the lawn; until I read where the dandelion is depended upon by bumble bees as a primary early food source. The dandelion is also food for several species of birds such as the American Goldfinch and many in the sparrow family; so we simply mow them over once a week with the rest of the lawn and they come back in just a few days. Bottom line, we have more birds and less yard work. I kind of like that fact.
We also have many wild strawberry blossoms and common violets in the yard. They both offer a vivid color pattern to the yard; the white petals of the strawberry blossoms and the violet colors.
Another wildflower blooming right now is Dame’s Rocket. It is easy to find since the height of the plant is 3 feet or higher. Dame’s Rocket is a member of the mustard family and an escapee from Europe. Until I learned the facts about wildflowers, we used to refer to this flower as Garden Phlox. Dame’s Rocket has 4 petals; the phlox which comes later in the summer has 5 petals.
Dame’s Rocket blooms in May and June. The Garden Phlox does not bloom until June & August. Both species have the same general look and leaf pattern although the Dame’s Rocket has serrated leaves and the Garden Phlox does not. The colors of the petals of both species range from pink to purple or white. It is a welcome addition to the area.
Jim Collins is an outdoor writer for this newspaper. To contact him, email jimcollinsinsurance@frontiernet.net; or write to him at Outdoors With Jim Collins, 87 Windfall Road, Alba, PA 16910.