Growing by the water. A variety of bugleweed. The genus name Lycopus means wolf foot, and the plant is so named because some varieties have leaves that resemble a wolf’s foot print. (Seems unlikely!) This species has many historical medical uses, especially as a sedative. Sessile-leaved means the leaves are attached to the main stalk without any stem. Mint Family.
Sessile-leaved Water Horehound, Clasping Water Horehound (Lycopus amplectens)
Grows in bogs and near water, blooms til first frost. Beautiful. Notice how the petals are not separate, but kind of pleated. Borage family. Native to Europe and Asia.
True Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides)
Growing at water’s edge at Longfellow and at the Needham Town Forest. Blooms late summer through fall. Aster Family. Native.
Flat-top Goldenrod, Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia)
I need enhanced macro power! Anyway, thanks to A.F. Donna for suggesting I check out Longfellow Pond. There are several new finds there. This is swamp milkweed—the flower clusters are not as spherical as common milkweed, and the color is brighter. Has specialized roots for swamp living. Attracts Monarch butterflies.
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Tall with 4 to 5 whorled leaves. I’ll have to go back when they’re open.
Spotted Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatoriadelphus maculatus)
Update: Here is some in bloom at Longfellow Pond, Late July.
