Late summer wildflowers attract butterflies and bees, beetles and flies seeking food and shelter

The Albany Pine Bush is one of the best remaining inland pitch-pine, scrub-oak barrens ecosystems in the world. It is a truly unique place right here in the Capital District. Through this column, I hope to transport you for at least a short time to the Pine Bush to experience some of the seasonal happenings, active projects, and musings of this environmental educator.

It is officially late summer. Rasping katydids and chirping crickets are audible reminders that the end of the summer season is drawing near. Although fall does not officially begin until the autumn equinox on Sept. 22, much of nature has already started preparing for the coming winter.

Woodchucks have been feasting on fruits and leaves, adding to their fat reserves. Birds are gathering in groups in preparation for migration; some have already begun their southward journey. Acorns are ripening and seeds are abundant as plants complete another cycle of life.

While the approaching fall can make some of us wistful for a return to early summer, there is much to enjoy about late summer.

One of the most enjoyable displays this season has to offer is that of late summer wildflowers. These late bloomers wait until the final weeks of the summer season to display their brilliant blossoms.  Many bloom through early autumn, even after the first frost.

Goldenrods are an easily recognizable group of plants that are in bloom right now.  Frequently seen along roadsides and in field and forest alike, these tall sturdy wildflowers are a common inhabitant of the Pine Bush.

Goldenrods are named for the golden yellow hue of their tiny brilliant blossoms, arranged in clusters of varying shapes and sizes. If you look closely you may notice some of the differences among the species: leaf shape, texture, and arrangement of blossoms are great places to start.

Goldenrods belong to the genus Solidago; 32 different kinds of goldenrod have been identified in New York State, 13 of which grow in the Albany Pine Bush. Canada goldenrod, rough goldenrod, and white goldenrod (as its name suggests, this goldenrod has white blossoms) are just a few of the goldenrod species that are found here. Goldenrods spread by seed and by root and can quickly colonize fields and gardens, revealing their identity in late summer with their sunny golden flowers.

Asters are another familiar group of late-blooming wildflowers that come in an even more impressive diversity. The name “aster” originates from the Greek word for star, which describes the star-like flower head of asters.

Asters are actually related to goldenrods and are grouped together in the same family, Asteraceae. In the Albany Pine Bush, 22 species of aster have been identified including stiff-leaf aster and New England aster. Their blossoms range from a deep vibrant purple to brilliant white with yellow to orange centers.

Taking a closer look (with the aid of a magnifying lens), you can see what may have first appeared to be one singular flower is actually an arrangement of many tiny flowers called disc flowers (clustered in the center) and ray flowers (distributed around the edges, each possessing one petal).

Asters are a popular fall landscaping plant for their beautiful shape and color. Keep your eyes open for them at many of the local nurseries and grocery stores this fall. Or, come visit the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and explore the trails or grounds of the Discovery Center to experience asters in bloom.

Perhaps the best show of all is the diversity of animal life that comes to visit fall blooms. Butterflies, bees, wasps, beetles, flies, spiders, and more visit fall wildflowers in search of a meal or shelter.

Nectar attracts pollinators that return the gift of food with the service of pollination, critical for seed development. The heavy pollen of goldenrod is distributed in this way, unlike the allergy-inducing ragweed flower whose pollen is spread by the wind.

Late summer flowers provide vital sources of nectar and pollen to insects as the growing season comes to a close. The seeds that grow following pollination feed both resident and migrating birds as well as small mammals. Seeds also ensure the start of the next generation of fall wildflowers in the coming spring.

Before the chilly winds of autumn blow, take a moment to savor the last hurrah of summer and the brilliant display of life this season brings.

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If you want more information about the Albany Pine Bush Preserve or the Discovery Center go to our website AlbanyPineBush.org, call (518) 456-0655, or visit the Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road in Albany.