Q: When hiking this past autumn I saw a small, short, blue-purple flower that I haven’t been able to identify. Do you recognize it?
Forked bluecurls grow alongside a hiking trail. (Miri Talabac)
A: Indeed, this is a native wildflower called forked bluecurls (Trichostema dichotomum), and it’s a member of the mint family. Found essentially statewide, these low-growing annuals bloom from late summer into early autumn in a beautiful hue of deep blue-violet. They prefer open habitats (not too much tree cover so they receive some dappled sunlight) with dry, sandy, low-fertility soils, such as around rock outcroppings. I see them with regularity around the Potomac River gorge area, and they always bring me joy.
Q: I have a consistently wet part of the yard that surrounds a natural depression that usually contains some water, like a tiny pond. It’s far enough from the house that I can accommodate trees, and I’d like to plant a few in the area for added interest and wildlife value. What types of trees can handle that consistent moisture? Maybe something more out-of-the-ordinary?
A: A few tree species can handle pond-side soil, and using a mix of species would be a great way to boost their value to wildlife while giving the planting a more natural look. Some of these underused selections may be harder to find at nurseries, though, since they’re not among the mainstream go-to species (which is a pity, as they’re all interesting in their own right). If you’re willing to start small, you can probably root cuttings or start seeds from sources on property where you can get permission to harvest.
Below are some suggestions:
Young Atlantic white cedar trees growing in Berkeley Township, N.J.(AP Photo/Wayne Parry) (Wayne Parry/AP)
If you need easier-to-source species as alternatives or supplements, look to swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), and red maple (Acer rubrum).
University of Maryland Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center offers free gardening and pest information at extension.umd.edu/hgic. Click “Ask Extension” to send questions and photos.
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Garden Q&A: Identifying wildflowers and planting ideas for pond areas – Baltimore Sun
