galls on goldenrod

 

Now, in June, the typical insects are laying their eggs in the goldenrod stems.  The eggs will hatch larvae who will feed and grow inside the bulge or 'gall'.

By autumn, the swelled galls with be more noticeable on the dried thinner stems.  The larvae will stay in the gall through winter, unless a bird pecks through to feast on them.  In Spring, those who stay hidden will emerge as adults.

The most typical insect causing galls are the Goldenrod Gall Flies Eurosta solidagnis, who completes its entire life cycle only on goldenrod. 

Last fall, I gathered several dried stems with galls.  They are such interesting shapes and colors, so they deserved to be in a drawing or painting!

golden alexanders

Wildflowers are blooming in the pond area.  Zizia aurea Golden Alexanders feed bees, wasps, flies, and beetles with pollen and nectar.  The larvae of some butterflies also feed on this native plant.

golden alexanders

Many native plants are coming up through their winter blankets of grasses and mulch.  The Golden Alexanders Zizia aurea will be displaying their golden yellow flowers in just a few weeks.