The following photos were from a trip in the beginning of September. I revisited Gallagher Fen with my friend Jim Davidson. What an awesome day! This was the first time I had seen many of these plants in bloom. I had seen their vegetation in the past, but now I was seeing them in all their glory. I think you will agree!
Such a beautiful pair. Purple Gerardia, Gerardia purpurea and Kalm's Lobelia, Lobelia kalmii. The Purple Gerardia was everywhere, dotting the fen with lovely splashes of pink. The blossoms almost dwarfed the tiny Kalm's Lobelia. 
Great Blue Lobelia, Lobelia siphilitica, a cousin to Kalm's Lobelia has a large blue spike of flowers. One of my favorites, I was glad to see it in almost full bloom.
Canada Burnet, Sanguisorba canadensis, looks like a highly ornate candle one would buy in a specialty shop. Normally, the blooms start at the bottom and gradually open and close as they progress along the spike. This unique plant was opened up almost along its entire length. It was located in a tricky spot, so I had to straddle a deep puddle in order to take the shot and not fall in the muck. Jim D. was helping by taunting me the entire time. :)
Canada Burnet, Sanguisorba canadensis, looks like a highly ornate candle one would buy in a specialty shop. Normally, the blooms start at the bottom and gradually open and close as they progress along the spike. This unique plant was opened up almost along its entire length. It was located in a tricky spot, so I had to straddle a deep puddle in order to take the shot and not fall in the muck. Jim D. was helping by taunting me the entire time. :)Grass of Parnassus, Parnassia glauca, was in bloom, as well. I had only viewed it leaves in the past. Such a delicate beauty. I love the nectar guides, the faint gray lines on the petals that point the pollinators to the goods.
Gallagher Fen can be visited by permit only. You must contact the Ohio Division of Nature Preserves to ask for a permit. Such a beautiful place, I hope they continue to protect it in the years to come.
Welcome back to blogging, Janet! I agree that the past couple of months have really flown by. I haven't had time to post much lately on my blog or the botany blog, either.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a neat fen! Where in Ohio is it located? I don't think I've ever seen Sanguisorba canadensis; it looks like it's only known from two counties in Indiana. Is the Parnassia really P. palustris, or could it be P. glauca? The Plants database doesn't show P. palustris in Ohio. I've never seen P. palustris, but know that P. glauca is a common element of fens in Indiana and Ohio.
You are right, Scott. I couldn't get into USDA plants last night for some reason, so I took the scientific name off the web. Thanks for catching that.
ReplyDeleteGallagher Fen is near Springfield OH. It is located south of Old Columbus Road, east of Springfield between Bird Road and Redmond Road. One must get a permit to visit, but it is not too difficult and the link is above in the post.
Great post! Is spring here yet? Is it?
ReplyDeleteCan't wait, can you tell? Cheryl
Maybe Rick will lead a field trip there sometime soon. I'd love to see the place.
ReplyDeleteCheryl-Spring is my favorite time of year, so I am with you!
ReplyDeleteScott-I will let you know if I hear of any trips to Gallagher.