The canopy is filling out and the forest floor is becoming shaded. Large-flowered trillium is still blooming in the Woodland Garden, but you will notice several flowers beginning to turn pink. This happens as the flowers age.
Jack-in-the-pulpit is a unique plant that can be found in our forested areas. It is a member of the arum family and like other arums the inflorescence is made up of a spadix (the spike in the center that will bear the flowers) and a spathe that wraps around it.
The ramps are no longer the same lush green that they were earlier in the spring. The leaves have begun to die back but this is completely normal. When the leaves decompose, their nutrients are returned to the soil. Although the leaves will be gone, watch for the flowers to pop up in the summer!
The eastern red columbine has begun to bloom in the Bird Watching Garden. This species has intricate red and yellow flowers dangling from the stems. The shape and color of the flower is well suited for hummingbirds.
The Azalea Glen is currently bursting with color with many more blooms to come! While walking through the Azalea Glen you will find bumblebees going from flower to flower in search of nectar.
This tiger swallowtail butterfly was also visiting each azalea flower one by one. Tiger swallowtails spend the winter in a chrysalis, only to emerge as an adult once the weather is warm enough. Butterflies are important pollinators for Ohio native species of azalea as well.
The Azalea Glen is a great place to see migrating birds. We are currently seeing large groups of songbirds migrating through Arboretum grounds on their way north to their breeding range. Pictured here is a white-throated sparrow, a winter resident of The Arboretum. This is the last chance to see them until October! There’s still plenty of time to spot some warblers, vireos, and other neotropical migrants that are just returning to the area.
Watch your step out there! This small American toad was almost a perfect match with the leaf litter in the Azalea Glen.
-Hannah Dillemuth, Learning & Engagement Educator and Camp Coordinator
