October 7, 2018: Closed Gentian

If you didn't see the update to last week's post, the purple flower I couldn't identify on the Whitten Woods farm is a Closed Gentian.

Closed Gentian (Gentiana Andrewsii)

Meredith Conservation Commissioner Paula Wanzer provided the identification. (Thank you!)  This is an unusual flower in that the blossom never fully opens - it was in full bloom when I found - that is as far as it progresses.  [Ref:  New Hampshire Wildflowers]  It is pollinated by bees, but only a few of the strongest bees are able to open the flower to access the nectar and deposit pollen inside.  The plant is widely distributed throughout the northeast, and is used in herbal medicine as well as in angostura bitters and some liquors and schnapps.  [Ref:  USDA Forest Service]  I wonder if the Whittens grew this on their farm for medicinal purposes.  

Paula also identified a plant that I saw at the Whitten Woods trail head; this one is Lady's Thumb.

Lady's Thumb (Polygonum persicaria)

Lady's Thumb is a nonnative species but is not classified as invasive in our area by the US Forest Service as it doesn't aggressively take over indigenous plants, though they will dominate disturbed ground as in the parking lot at Whitten Woods.  The legend goes that a lady with a dirty thumb left a smudge on a leaf and it has been there ever since.  [Ref:  NH Garden Solutions]

Here's a pretty caterpillar I found right outside the house on Friday - this is an American Dagger Moth.

American Dagger Moth caterpillar (Acronicta Americana)

It looks a little scary, but it's harmless.

I find it interesting that such a visually interesting caterpillar turns into a completely drab moth.

Mature American Dagger Moth.   Photo Credit:  Cindy Mead

And here's another cute little creature I found - I'm not sure what kind of spider it is, but it sure looks cool with those four beady black eyes staring at me. 

The fall colors are starting to pick up now, especially maples in the low, cooler, wet areas.  Over the next week there should be some really nice foliage in the Lakes Region.

One of our loons on a fall foliage tour of Lake Wicwas

It will be a perfect time to visit Whitten Woods or any other nice view point in the Lakes Region.