Even in September, as most of the wildflowers go to seed and the leaves await their autumn transformation, you can still find colour along Algonquin’s trails. Booth’s Rock trail definitely had  a greater number and variety of mushrooms and fungi during this particular hike, but we did manage to spot a few beauties along the way.

Buttercups are easy to spot with their shiny flower petals, which also can make them difficult to photography. There are several different species, some are native, like the Swamp Buttercup, while others were brought from Europe, like the Common Buttercup. The Swamp Buttercup, which is also known as the Marsh Buttercup is pollinated by flies and bees.

The Spotted Touch-me-not, or Jewelweed, is a native species in the Impatiens family. These plants can be found in dense stands and prefers shaded wetlands and woods. Hummingbirds are especially attracted to this flower shape but you will also find plenty of other pollinators visiting this native species.

Several species of ferns were still present along the trail. This ‘twice divided’ fern may be the Marsh Shield Fern which prefers swamps and marshes. I did not get a picture of the entire plant, nor did I get a shot of the underside to see if there were anything else that may have helped identify the species.

These gorgeous, speckled berries are the fruit of the False Solomon’s Seal plant. Unlike most Solomon’s Seal species, the false version has their flowers and berries at the end of the plant’s stem, as opposed to hanging underneath and along the stem.

Oxeye Daisy (non-native)

 

There was a beautiful field of goldenrods in bloom in early September. You can see the yellow all behind and it stretched right across a field and up to the edge of the forest.

This White Admiral, or Banded Purple, Butterfly had seen better days. You can see the damage to both of its wings. It may be perched on these leaves to take aphid honeydew or some other liquid on the surface.

There are so many different and fascinating things to see and focus on during nature hikes. Next time you explore a regular or new area, why not pick a topic to focus on? Look for mushrooms, wildflowers, birds, leaves, tree species, geology and so on. Be amazed with everything around you because it truly is awe-inspiring.