As we head into summer’s heat, the burst of springtime blooms in Wilshire Park’s NatureSpace is behind us, but there is still a lot going on. In early July the goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) should be at its peak, with the drooping white blossoms that inspired its common name.
The bright yellow blooms of our state’s namesake, Oregon sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum), should be approaching their best. This native of the Pacific Northwest thrives in the heat of summer, as the fine hairs on its feathery foliage serve to deflect intense heat and retain water by minimizing transpiration from the plant’s stems and leaves.
Nearby, look for the upright purple and white spires of the native broadleaf lupine (Lupine latifolius), which also is at its best during early summer.
Mid-summer is also peak butterfly season, so keep an eye out for yellow western swallowtails, red admirals, and painted ladies, of which the Oregon sunshine is a favorite host plant for its caterpillars. And if you spend any time just sitting on one of the NatureSpace logs or stone seats you will probably be treated to an up-close-and-personal visit by the red admiral butterfly, which for some reason seems drawn to people!
In college Peter Mogielnicki vacillated between careers in writing or medicine. He chose the safer route, but since retirement has enjoyed writing short essays for his blog at Cereflections.com, reading, working on environmental and biodiversity issues, and birding and identifying insects (bugging??) with his grandchildren.