September 7, 2007
Golden Meadow
Rough-stemmed Goldenrods (Solidago rugosa) are the predominant plants in this shrinking meadow near the Pond Road west of Black's Nook. When the plants are in flower the area is abuzz with bees, butterflies and other nectar-seeking insects. The meadow is being overgrown with Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) and Black Walnuts (Juglans nigra.) Many of the goldenrod plants this year are draped with the vines and seedpods of the introduced invasive Black Swallowwort (Cynanchum louiseae), which may ultimately take over the remaining open area.