Before we collect any wild seeds, we need to make sure we do no harm! Check these resources for more information on careful and sustainable practices (READ TO END): www.wildflower.org/learn/collect-store-seeds xerces.org/publications/guidelines/collecting-and-using-your-own-wildflower-seed nanps.org/plant-rescues/ nanps.org www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/Native_Plant_Materials/developing/collecting.shtml One of you posted this very important list of considerations and concerns that should be understood before attempting plant conservation: PLEASE keep in mind the core tenets of sustainable conversation. Even professionals who do plant conservation of endangered species are well aware that even well-meaning attempts at conversation can actually backfire and cause plant populations to decline or go extinct. And many specialist pollinators may depend upon that plant population reproducing and surviving in order to live. Many native bees can ONLY survive feeding on ONE SPECIES OF PLANT, and may only live their entire lives within A FEW HUNDRED FEET of that plant population. - NEVER collect more than 50% of the seed of any wild populations you find. Realistically you should only be collecting around 10% at best. Frequently a tiny pinch of seed can germinate dozens or even hundreds of plants, which you may not have the energy or resources to grow out and care for. - If you find a population of a species that is uncommon in the wild or not easy to find, consider NOT collecting from that population, or collecting as little seed as you can. I keep track of several populations of plants in my area and if there's any sign of construction I'm ready to jump. - Know if the seed is ready to harvest. Some species, like milkweeds, if the seed pod is collected too early the seed will not be mature enough to be able to germinate. Preferably in most cases when the seed head is dry or beginning to open, the seed is ready. - Learn about the germination needs of the species before you collect seed. Some seeds can take years to germinate, needing interchanging warm and cold stratifications, which may be beyond your skill. - Know state and federal laws, and your state engangered lists. It can be illegal to harvest seed from threatened or endangered populations
I’m always so excited when you post. I’m going to check Steve out now. What a beautiful testament for you to share his life with us. I’ve looked high and low for related videos and never came across his, but can’t wait to check them out . As always, thank you for sharing .
Definitely check him out! He was easy going and full of knowledge - and had a lot of plants that he showed in his gardens to give a sense of what they look like in a garden setting, which I’ve found super helpful over the years!! Thank you so much for watching! 💓
I love BONAP and WildflowerOrg: Lady Bird Johnson wildflower database. In Texas there’s very little conservation efforts. Thank you for sharing your story of inspiration from Steve’s channel, our plant loving communities are a source of knowledge and support. It’s disheartening to see the lack of conservation as bulldozers raise the ground, it’s an oxymoron label as “land improvement or land management”. We can make a difference even in a small space, a lot native plants do extremely well in pots. We may not be able to change the world but our planting choices in our own spaces can provide a wonderful opportunity of a thriving micro-ecosystem 😊
Yes, Lady Bird Johnson is another great resource! You’re totally right about the development misnomers - I think in many cases it comes from a genuine lack of understanding, we’ve become so disconnected in so many ways. Thank you for what you’re doing in your corner of the world! When you look at how many bugs and critters a garden can support, one garden can be a true life saver for some little lives!! 💓
I watched Steve's videos, too. I especially like the spicebush swallowtail videos. I planted a spicebush this year, thanks to him bringing the shrub to my attention.
I was hoping to meet some fellow subscribers of Steve’s 💓 I probably watched that Spicebush episode 5 times. I actually had a piece on that episode planned for this video, but ended up cutting it for length - but that episode is the reason I was able to ID a patch of spicebush growing near me. Going to try to collect seeds (berries) next year!
Love, love, love this video! 🥰 Edit: Just made it to the end. So sad about Steve! 😭 But his work lives on through the people he reached, and now the people you've reached.
I recently joined the North Carolina Native Plant Society, because I would like to include native plants to my permaculture food forest in order to create biodiversity. I was not aware of this aspect of conservation and plant rescue. Thank you for this information. It will take my native planting to a whole new level.
Watching this video gave me an idea! In our yard there are so many asters, white snakeroot and ironweed plants in seed just now. In a park nearby they hauled in lots of topsoil from a wetland restoration project. I noticed that when they spray- seeded the backside of the ridge didn’t get great coverage. I’ll collect some of the seeds from here and cast them there. I can be a bit of a Johnny Appleseed. 😁 I think you’re doing an amazing work. Thanks for introducing us to Steve. Just watched his video. I see why you wish you could have met him in person. Keep up your great work too! Love what you do. Thx!
Interesting! Did they seed with just turf grass? Sounds like the topsoil was extra from a project, and not soil harvested from a wetland? I was thinking about how to return some of those New England Asters to their original site - first would need to communicate with the county to make sure they don’t just get murdered again though! 😣
The soil came from a stream area being made into a wetlands. In the park where it is deposited a bulldozer shaped it into a ridge and then sprayed with a native grass and wildflower mix. It sounds good but the seed bank in the introduced soil is not known. It will be fun to watch the surprises. Maybe good. Maybe bad. This is a second mound introduced. In the first one we now have some Blue Vervain and several other wildflowers that I hope will spread. The grass I tried identifying with Seek App says it was introduced, not native. Disappointing. Lots of mugwort, which is introduced and invasive, had come up. There is Canada goldenrod which is a great fighter. All fascinating. I will continue spreading native seeds on the new mound hoping for a strong, predominantly native vegetation.
My mom's doing this to her garden :D she has those heath asters and purple asters interspersed with her roses. She also has a few golden rods planted everywhere. They look gorgeous in flower arrangements and the bees love them. And since we got so many bees, we ended up with an over abundance of produce from the backyard garden
That’s so awesome! And I love that you had more food production as a result, noticing how everything is connected, and how your mom’s approach to gardening is mutually beneficial is so rewarding!
I live in Alberta Canada and even though we are not in the same country, region or growing zone…I have learned so many things from your videos. I have been converting (every year I add more Native Alberta Plants) and expanding my flower beds (enlarging and making new flower beds…less lawn more plants ❤). Thank you for your great videos and helping the pollinators and birds.
Ok, you’ve inspired me. I will be in my yard tomorrow collecting some of my volunteer aster seeds to try and help them along some. I appreciate your videos. I’m learning and trying to be more native. I live by wildlife management areas, and it’s really sad to see how many invasives are everywhere!
Awesome!! 🙌 The invasives can be pretty depressing for sure, as if things weren’t already bad enough without them 😣 Thanks for what you’re doing in your garden, every little bit is so important!!
wow, this video made me stop. What a beautiful way of continuing his impact in nature! thank you for what you do, and now I feel inspired! I'm also in Maryland and would love to join you on any garden adventures you may seek!!
We have converted about 30% of our yard to native plants so far. I find myself and my kids spending so much more time outside. I used to love to go to the local botanical gardens. Now I just go into the backyard.
Yes, that's awesome! I've found the same - an engaging outdoor space is pretty hard to resist! (And I believe everyone momentarily turns back into a kid when they see an interesting bug! 😃)
This was inspiring! Steve inspired you, now you are passing it on. This is perfect timing too. I think I will get the children around me involved, at least on our property. Thanks for sharing this.
Yes, that's a great suggestion! Vacant lots feel like they're just waiting for someone to come in and build something, which usually means they'll clear out everything that's growing there. 😕
Hello, for South Wales. How sad, when beautiful plants in the wild are killed with no thought or care. And it`s not just the plants - the invertebrates that depend on them are killed too, and the larger birds and animals that depend on them, up the food chain. The same thing happens in the UK all the time.
Just subscribed because I’m doing the same in my local area. Mainly just for a hobby but trying to find the lots that will be developed soon first to try and get the various native and even non native species I noticed the pollinators flock too. 2:34 as I type this is all so awesome!! Can’t wait to deep dive and watch more videos!! 🤙
I've had the same issue in Connectict - bunnies ate so many of my native pollinators. I have everything behind fence now because they otherwise eat them!
@@gardenforbirds It feels diabolical to me because we have many edible plants for bunnies, but I also get it - the leaves are small and tender. It's like a delicious salad of baby spinach or kale vs bigger, more bitter leaves! By the way, you inspired me to plant snap the asters and goldenrods in my yard, and they are native! I'm wondering if I should collect their seeds or just leave them for the birds.
I have found the asters and goldenrods generally germinate pretty readily - if you know where you want them to grow, you could probably just spread the seeds directly into your gardens this fall and I'd bet they'd come up next year! The wind might do this for you too :D and I expect the birds might happily eat them as the winter progresses! So you can't really go wrong :D
Are you sure that is heath aster? I thought heath aster was pretty much ground-hugging. I have this aster and thought it was frost aster. Mine begins to bloom in mid-October.
Haha, I’m never sure of anything 😅 I’ve been seeing “Frost Aster” and “Heath Aster” used interchangeably - do you know the Latin name of your plant? Would love to add more Aster with a lower stature in my own garden!
Man, asters are so hard to identify! I have 2 aster volunteers in my yard, fairly close to each other and look to be identical so one would assume to be the same species, but one is about 12" tall and the other is at least 30". I'm still trying to figure out a confident ID on these.
So interesting! Some apps will let you upload a few pictures - you might also need to try the "versus" search to get some clues about distinguishing, it can sometimes be extremely subtle!
PLEASE keep in mind the core tenets of sustainable conversation. Even professionals who do plant conservation of endangered species are well aware that even well-meaning attempts at conversation can actually backfire and cause plant populations to decline or go extinct. And many specialist pollinators may depend upon that plant population reproducing and surviving in order to live. Many native bees can ONLY survive feeding on ONE SPECIES OF PLANT, and may only live their entire lives within A FEW HUNDRED FEET of that plant population. - NEVER collect more than 50% of the seed of any wild populations you find. Realistically you should only be collecting around 10% at best. Frequently a tiny pinch of seed can germinate dozens or even hundreds of plants, which you may not have the energy or resources to grow out and care for. - If you find a population of a species that is uncommon in the wild or not easy to find, consider NOT collecting from that population, or collecting as little seed as you can. I keep track of several populations of plants in my area and if there's any sign of construction I'm ready to jump. - Know if the seed is ready to harvest. Some species, like milkweeds, if the seed pod is collected too early the seed will not be mature enough to be able to germinate. Preferably in most cases when the seed head is dry or beginning to open, the seed is ready. - Learn about the germination needs of the species before you collect seed. Some seeds can take years to germinate, needing interchanging warm and cold stratifications, which may be beyond your skill. - Know state and federal laws, and your state engangered lists. It can be illegal to harvest seed from threatened or endangered populations.
100% Thank you for this important comment and the time it took to write it! (And you reminded me that I forgot to put my resources list in a pinned comment - just fixed that and if you have any other suggested resources, I’d be glad to add them!)
@@gardenforbirds Thanks! I just love spreading information and love your channel! I forgot to mention that misidentification is really easy. Misidentification with non-natives too. Grasses are very difficult even for specialists to identify. Jerusalem artichoke is not native to my area, but found commonly with and (hybridizes with) my native helianthus species. When plants go dormant in fall, it becomes harder to identify.
Yes, another good point! Grasses are tough, I’m glad there’s a few with more obvious characteristics like Little Bluestem and Prarie Dropseed - makes me feel less hopeless at grass ID 😅 I found both near my home and will try to propagate those this winter as well!
Really enjoyed this video! You've put in impressive effort, and it’s great to see the quality here. I know how much effort goes into making videos like this, and it's inspiring to see your dedication. I work on RUclips and offer services to help channels like yours grow even faster. If you’re interested in some tailored tips, feel free to replay. Keep up the awesome work!
@@gardenforbirds Great connecting with fellow creators here! If you're curious about strategies or just want to chat, you can catch me on the usual creator spots. Keep thriving!
Native wildflowers provide a place to lay eggs, a meal for caterpillars, pollen for insects and seeds for birds. Using a chemical spray on public land should be illegal. If the Department of Transportation needs work for their employees, perhaps they could hand weed or collect seeds, not just mow and spray chemicals.
Yeah, sadly it seems like they do these broadcast treatments probably to save time - along the same strip that was sprayed, you could also see where they'd done a deep cut back of the taller vegetation. It hardly made a dent in the invasive species, but the natives sure got knocked back. 😕
I do not get why people like the golden-rod 'flower'. It's ugly af and makes for very unpleasant-flavoured honey. But you should definitely contact your local city councilor and complain that they are spending money to kill back the flowers along the side of the road. It's a lose-lose scenario. Tax payer's burden to pollute the land. Boo. (...not that your councilor will care, since, y'know, you are not a mega-rich corporate money launderer--I mean "political donor")
Haha, you might like some of the less common species better - but if you’re keeping bees then that’s a separate story! 😅 That’s a good idea to contact the county and see if I can explain what was there. It is unfortunately also an area being invaded with foreign species - which frustratingly seemed to survive the herbicide better, so maddening 😣
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Before we collect any wild seeds, we need to make sure we do no harm! Check these resources for more information on careful and sustainable practices (READ TO END):
www.wildflower.org/learn/collect-store-seeds
xerces.org/publications/guidelines/collecting-and-using-your-own-wildflower-seed
nanps.org/plant-rescues/
nanps.org
www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/Native_Plant_Materials/developing/collecting.shtml
One of you posted this very important list of considerations and concerns that should be understood before attempting plant conservation:
PLEASE keep in mind the core tenets of sustainable conversation. Even professionals who do plant conservation of endangered species are well aware that even well-meaning attempts at conversation can actually backfire and cause plant populations to decline or go extinct. And many specialist pollinators may depend upon that plant population reproducing and surviving in order to live. Many native bees can ONLY survive feeding on ONE SPECIES OF PLANT, and may only live their entire lives within A FEW HUNDRED FEET of that plant population.
- NEVER collect more than 50% of the seed of any wild populations you find. Realistically you should only be collecting around 10% at best. Frequently a tiny pinch of seed can germinate dozens or even hundreds of plants, which you may not have the energy or resources to grow out and care for.
- If you find a population of a species that is uncommon in the wild or not easy to find, consider NOT collecting from that population, or collecting as little seed as you can. I keep track of several populations of plants in my area and if there's any sign of construction I'm ready to jump.
- Know if the seed is ready to harvest. Some species, like milkweeds, if the seed pod is collected too early the seed will not be mature enough to be able to germinate. Preferably in most cases when the seed head is dry or beginning to open, the seed is ready.
- Learn about the germination needs of the species before you collect seed. Some seeds can take years to germinate, needing interchanging warm and cold stratifications, which may be beyond your skill.
- Know state and federal laws, and your state engangered lists. It can be illegal to harvest seed from threatened or endangered populations
I’m always so excited when you post. I’m going to check Steve out now. What a beautiful testament for you to share his life with us. I’ve looked high and low for related videos and never came across his, but can’t wait to check them out . As always, thank you for sharing .
Definitely check him out! He was easy going and full of knowledge - and had a lot of plants that he showed in his gardens to give a sense of what they look like in a garden setting, which I’ve found super helpful over the years!! Thank you so much for watching! 💓
I love BONAP and WildflowerOrg: Lady Bird Johnson wildflower database. In Texas there’s very little conservation efforts. Thank you for sharing your story of inspiration from Steve’s channel, our plant loving communities are a source of knowledge and support. It’s disheartening to see the lack of conservation as bulldozers raise the ground, it’s an oxymoron label as “land improvement or land management”. We can make a difference even in a small space, a lot native plants do extremely well in pots. We may not be able to change the world but our planting choices in our own spaces can provide a wonderful opportunity of a thriving micro-ecosystem 😊
Yes, Lady Bird Johnson is another great resource! You’re totally right about the development misnomers - I think in many cases it comes from a genuine lack of understanding, we’ve become so disconnected in so many ways. Thank you for what you’re doing in your corner of the world! When you look at how many bugs and critters a garden can support, one garden can be a true life saver for some little lives!! 💓
I watched Steve's videos, too. I especially like the spicebush swallowtail videos. I planted a spicebush this year, thanks to him bringing the shrub to my attention.
I was hoping to meet some fellow subscribers of Steve’s 💓 I probably watched that Spicebush episode 5 times. I actually had a piece on that episode planned for this video, but ended up cutting it for length - but that episode is the reason I was able to ID a patch of spicebush growing near me. Going to try to collect seeds (berries) next year!
Love, love, love this video! 🥰 Edit: Just made it to the end. So sad about Steve! 😭 But his work lives on through the people he reached, and now the people you've reached.
Thank you so much for the kind words - and for the continued support! His work lives on for sure 💓
Thank you for your videos. They’re changing how I look at my roadsides.
Now I’m going to watch Steve’s video.
Thank you for the continued support - so glad you'll be checking out Steve's channel too!
The best thing that brought birds to my garden was a tall 10 foot high trellis that the birds constantly use as a perch.
Yes! We made a trellis arch this summer for our tomatoes to climb and I’ve seen everyone from hummingbirds taking a rest to crows taking a snack!
I'm so glad you saved the asters. They are cutting down trees and wildflowers everywhere around my town to build houses.
It’s the same here - hard to watch 😣
let leaf litter lie! Merry Christmas 2024 & Happy New Year 2025. Thanks for posting throughout another great growing year
@@mrstacyj9496 A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Beautiful! I have become a backyard conservationist too!
Awesome!! 🙌 That’s so great!!
You are carrying on Steve's work. I love your channel!
Thank you so much for the kind words 💓 and for the continued support!
I recently joined the North Carolina Native Plant Society, because I would like to include native plants to my permaculture food forest in order to create biodiversity. I was not aware of this aspect of conservation and plant rescue. Thank you for this information. It will take my native planting to a whole new level.
That’s awesome!! I think the combination of growing food for both people and wildlife is so fun and fulfilling!!
@ I am just getting started, but I am very excited about it.
Watching this video gave me an idea! In our yard there are so many asters, white snakeroot and ironweed plants in seed just now. In a park nearby they hauled in lots of topsoil from a wetland restoration project. I noticed that when they spray- seeded the backside of the ridge didn’t get great coverage. I’ll collect some of the seeds from here and cast them there. I can be a bit of a Johnny Appleseed. 😁 I think you’re doing an amazing work. Thanks for introducing us to Steve. Just watched his video. I see why you wish you could have met him in person. Keep up your great work too! Love what you do. Thx!
Interesting! Did they seed with just turf grass? Sounds like the topsoil was extra from a project, and not soil harvested from a wetland? I was thinking about how to return some of those New England Asters to their original site - first would need to communicate with the county to make sure they don’t just get murdered again though! 😣
The soil came from a stream area being made into a wetlands. In the park where it is deposited a bulldozer shaped it into a ridge and then sprayed with a native grass and wildflower mix. It sounds good but the seed bank in the introduced soil is not known. It will be fun to watch the surprises. Maybe good. Maybe bad. This is a second mound introduced. In the first one we now have some Blue Vervain and several other wildflowers that I hope will spread. The grass I tried identifying with Seek App says it was introduced, not native. Disappointing. Lots of mugwort, which is introduced and invasive, had come up. There is Canada goldenrod which is a great fighter. All fascinating. I will continue spreading native seeds on the new mound hoping for a strong, predominantly native vegetation.
Very interesting indeed - it sounds like your local parks are quite active in working on restoration, and so cool that you're a part of that!
Beautiful tribute to Steve. Excited to get into conservation gardening more
Thank you so much 💓 Yay! - Always excited to hear others are becoming habitat gardeners too!
Beautiful and inspiring video 😢
Thank you 🙏
My mom's doing this to her garden :D she has those heath asters and purple asters interspersed with her roses. She also has a few golden rods planted everywhere. They look gorgeous in flower arrangements and the bees love them. And since we got so many bees, we ended up with an over abundance of produce from the backyard garden
That’s so awesome! And I love that you had more food production as a result, noticing how everything is connected, and how your mom’s approach to gardening is mutually beneficial is so rewarding!
I live in Alberta Canada and even though we are not in the same country, region or growing zone…I have learned so many things from your videos. I have been converting (every year I add more Native Alberta Plants) and expanding my flower beds (enlarging and making new flower beds…less lawn more plants ❤). Thank you for your great videos and helping the pollinators and birds.
That’s so wonderful! I hope you’re being rewarded with lots of wildlife moving in as you expand! Thank you for what you’re doing!
This is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your journey. Your continued work is a testament to what an impactful and phenomenal person Steve was.
Thank you so much, truly means a lot. He was definitely impactful, think he left his mark on a lot of people 💓
Beautiful tribute and wonderful video. I love the work you are doing with this channel. Good stuff 😊
Thank you so much! So appreciate the kind words and support!
Ok, you’ve inspired me. I will be in my yard tomorrow collecting some of my volunteer aster seeds to try and help them along some. I appreciate your videos. I’m learning and trying to be more native. I live by wildlife management areas, and it’s really sad to see how many invasives are everywhere!
Awesome!! 🙌 The invasives can be pretty depressing for sure, as if things weren’t already bad enough without them 😣 Thanks for what you’re doing in your garden, every little bit is so important!!
wow, this video made me stop. What a beautiful way of continuing his impact in nature! thank you for what you do, and now I feel inspired! I'm also in Maryland and would love to join you on any garden adventures you may seek!!
Thank you for the very kind words!! Awesome to meet a fellow Marylander!!
Thank you for the work you're doing!
Thank you so much, truly, that's incredibly generous and so appreciated 💓
Thanks for all you do to share your well researched knowledge! You are making this world a better place with your platform ❤
That’s incredibly kind, and so appreciated! 💓
Lovely and info packed. Thank you. A kindred spirit in Mo.
Thank you for the kind words! Always wonderful to find a kindred spirit!
We have converted about 30% of our yard to native plants so far. I find myself and my kids spending so much more time outside. I used to love to go to the local botanical gardens. Now I just go into the backyard.
Yes, that's awesome! I've found the same - an engaging outdoor space is pretty hard to resist! (And I believe everyone momentarily turns back into a kid when they see an interesting bug! 😃)
Great video. I'm glad that in the area where I live the municipality is trying to become a conservationist on the places that are owned by them.
That’s so lovely to hear, gives me hope! Would be curious to hear what kind of things they’re doing!
This was inspiring! Steve inspired you, now you are passing it on. This is perfect timing too. I think I will get the children around me involved, at least on our property. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you so much for the continued support! Steve was definitely an inspiration!
love your videos!!!!!
Thank you so much!
Keep your eye on vacant lots. I found one in September and collected a Solidago and a Eupatorium perfoliatum. 2 weeks later it was mowed.
Yes, that's a great suggestion! Vacant lots feel like they're just waiting for someone to come in and build something, which usually means they'll clear out everything that's growing there. 😕
So grateful for your sharing. Your channel is a breath of fresh air!
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Thank you for sharing your passion and eloquently expressed knowledge ❤
Thank you as always for the support! 💓
I love your channel. ❤
Thank you! I’m glad you’re here! 💓
Thanks!
Thank you so much, that’s incredibly kind!
Excellent video! Thanks for the resources!
Thank you so much!
Hello, for South Wales. How sad, when beautiful plants in the wild are killed with no thought or care. And it`s not just the plants - the invertebrates that depend on them are killed too, and the larger birds and animals that depend on them, up the food chain. The same thing happens in the UK all the time.
Hello from the States! 💓 Yes you’re absolutely right - there’s so much that is hurt by this kind of management.
Just subscribed because I’m doing the same in my local area. Mainly just for a hobby but trying to find the lots that will be developed soon first to try and get the various native and even non native species I noticed the pollinators flock too. 2:34 as I type this is all so awesome!! Can’t wait to deep dive and watch more videos!! 🤙
Awesome! Welcome aboard!! Always excited to hear about other people gardening for habitat!
I've had the same issue in Connectict - bunnies ate so many of my native pollinators. I have everything behind fence now because they otherwise eat them!
They’re diabolical! (or just hungry, but it can feel diabolical!)
@@gardenforbirds It feels diabolical to me because we have many edible plants for bunnies, but I also get it - the leaves are small and tender. It's like a delicious salad of baby spinach or kale vs bigger, more bitter leaves!
By the way, you inspired me to plant snap the asters and goldenrods in my yard, and they are native! I'm wondering if I should collect their seeds or just leave them for the birds.
I have found the asters and goldenrods generally germinate pretty readily - if you know where you want them to grow, you could probably just spread the seeds directly into your gardens this fall and I'd bet they'd come up next year! The wind might do this for you too :D and I expect the birds might happily eat them as the winter progresses! So you can't really go wrong :D
I've been collecting for years :)
Yes! That’s awesome!! 🙌
Thank you for your work.
🙏 Thank you for watching!
Thank you for the video. Good information. I am trying to grow native plants in my yard. Any information is welcome.
Awesome! 🙌 Natives have been the gift that keeps on giving, in my own garden
Are you sure that is heath aster? I thought heath aster was pretty much ground-hugging. I have this aster and thought it was frost aster. Mine begins to bloom in mid-October.
Haha, I’m never sure of anything 😅 I’ve been seeing “Frost Aster” and “Heath Aster” used interchangeably - do you know the Latin name of your plant? Would love to add more Aster with a lower stature in my own garden!
Man, asters are so hard to identify! I have 2 aster volunteers in my yard, fairly close to each other and look to be identical so one would assume to be the same species, but one is about 12" tall and the other is at least 30". I'm still trying to figure out a confident ID on these.
So interesting! Some apps will let you upload a few pictures - you might also need to try the "versus" search to get some clues about distinguishing, it can sometimes be extremely subtle!
PLEASE keep in mind the core tenets of sustainable conversation. Even professionals who do plant conservation of endangered species are well aware that even well-meaning attempts at conversation can actually backfire and cause plant populations to decline or go extinct. And many specialist pollinators may depend upon that plant population reproducing and surviving in order to live. Many native bees can ONLY survive feeding on ONE SPECIES OF PLANT, and may only live their entire lives within A FEW HUNDRED FEET of that plant population.
- NEVER collect more than 50% of the seed of any wild populations you find. Realistically you should only be collecting around 10% at best. Frequently a tiny pinch of seed can germinate dozens or even hundreds of plants, which you may not have the energy or resources to grow out and care for.
- If you find a population of a species that is uncommon in the wild or not easy to find, consider NOT collecting from that population, or collecting as little seed as you can. I keep track of several populations of plants in my area and if there's any sign of construction I'm ready to jump.
- Know if the seed is ready to harvest. Some species, like milkweeds, if the seed pod is collected too early the seed will not be mature enough to be able to germinate. Preferably in most cases when the seed head is dry or beginning to open, the seed is ready.
- Learn about the germination needs of the species before you collect seed. Some seeds can take years to germinate, needing interchanging warm and cold stratifications, which may be beyond your skill.
- Know state and federal laws, and your state engangered lists. It can be illegal to harvest seed from threatened or endangered populations.
100% Thank you for this important comment and the time it took to write it! (And you reminded me that I forgot to put my resources list in a pinned comment - just fixed that and if you have any other suggested resources, I’d be glad to add them!)
@@gardenforbirds Thanks! I just love spreading information and love your channel!
I forgot to mention that misidentification is really easy. Misidentification with non-natives too. Grasses are very difficult even for specialists to identify. Jerusalem artichoke is not native to my area, but found commonly with and (hybridizes with) my native helianthus species. When plants go dormant in fall, it becomes harder to identify.
Yes, another good point! Grasses are tough, I’m glad there’s a few with more obvious characteristics like Little Bluestem and Prarie Dropseed - makes me feel less hopeless at grass ID 😅 I found both near my home and will try to propagate those this winter as well!
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Thank you very much for the incredibly kind words!
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Native wildflowers provide a place to lay eggs, a meal for caterpillars, pollen for insects and seeds for birds. Using a chemical spray on public land should be illegal. If the Department of Transportation needs work for their employees, perhaps they could hand weed or collect seeds, not just mow and spray chemicals.
Yeah, sadly it seems like they do these broadcast treatments probably to save time - along the same strip that was sprayed, you could also see where they'd done a deep cut back of the taller vegetation. It hardly made a dent in the invasive species, but the natives sure got knocked back. 😕
I do not get why people like the golden-rod 'flower'. It's ugly af and makes for very unpleasant-flavoured honey. But you should definitely contact your local city councilor and complain that they are spending money to kill back the flowers along the side of the road. It's a lose-lose scenario. Tax payer's burden to pollute the land. Boo. (...not that your councilor will care, since, y'know, you are not a mega-rich corporate money launderer--I mean "political donor")
Haha, you might like some of the less common species better - but if you’re keeping bees then that’s a separate story! 😅 That’s a good idea to contact the county and see if I can explain what was there. It is unfortunately also an area being invaded with foreign species - which frustratingly seemed to survive the herbicide better, so maddening 😣