Natives and Novelties

Halibut Point's newly constructed meadow has matured this year into a wide range of grasses and wildflowers that have given a colorful welcome to visitors and pollinators alike.

Most of the new plants have their origins somewhere in North America though not New England. While they make an enjoyable sight and nourish pollinators as intended, they are not necessarily natives in an historic nor ecological sense. This meadow feature is more a renovation than a restoration, the latest in a long series of alterations throughout human history even in pre-colonial times, on forward into lumbering, agricultural, quarrying, and recreational pursuits. Some of the botanical comings and goings over the centuries have been intentional, some inadvertent as migrating plants have found opportunities in disturbed soils. Most of the novelties we are now noticing have resulted from prescribed seed mixes sown in the fall of 2021. Some of them probably hitchhiked in imported loam.

Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta

In late summer the meadow blossomed into a sea of cheerful Black-eyed Susans that originated in the central parts of our continent.

Gloriosa Daisy, Rudbeckia fulgida

The majority of the display consists of Gloriosa Daisies, a close relative of the Black-eyed Susan. They flower into endless patterns, including this one with unique bicolored purple rays.

Butterfly Milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa

Tucked into one corner of the meadow was a single Butterfly Weed. It too has more westerly origins.

New York Ironweed, Vernonia noveboracensis

Another singular specimen just showing its head above the masses of yellow is this Ironweed. Its native range includes New York and much of Massachusetts, but not Essex County.

Dense Blazing Star, Liatris spicata

Liatris has a similar geographic background. It has become a popular garden plant.

Cornflower, Centaurea cyanus

European Cornflowers have naturalized in this country from garden origins to the extent that they may seem native.

Sweet William Catchfly, Atocion armeria

This Sweet William Catchfly has a similar story. It has just made its appearance at Halibut Point, to my knowledge.

Smooth Hawk's-beard, Crepis capillaris

Other herbs like Hawk's-beard that bear a close resemblance to North American wildflowers are less likely to have crossed the ocean as a garden choice.

Foxglove Beardtongue, Penstemon digitalis

A single specimen of this charming native that I had not previously seen at Halibut Point bloomed this summer at the edge of the meadow.

False Sunflower, Heliopsis helianthoides

Robust perennial sunflowers stretched their height here and there above the mass of vegetation.

Common St. John's-Wort, Hypericum perforatum

At the diminutive end of the stature scale twinkled the sweet blossoms of St. John's-Wort.

Indian Tobacco, Lobelia inflata

Another demure first sighting this season is a native member of the lobelia family.

Beach Plum, Prunus maritima

Across the entrance road from the meadow a Beach Plum was added to a traffic island.

Beach Plum fruit ripens

Shortly after ripening its grape-sized plums disappeared, whether to hands, paws, or beaks. The fruit were a success story in the encouragement of pollinators for edible crops.