Summary

Late blooming native plants are crucial sources of pollen and nectar for pollinators. One of my favorite species that blooms in October, and often into early November, is Short's aster (Symphyotrichum shortii).

3 things you'll learn from this episode:

• The biology and life history of Short's aster.
• The pollinators and wildlife that use it.
• How to incorporate it into your garden.

Resources mentioned:

• BONAP's range map for Short's aster
• Plant Life of Kentucky: An Illustrated Guide to the Vascular Flora*

* affiliate link – We get paid a small commission for purchases made through this link, but it comes at no extra cost to you. All commissions that we receive through affiliate links goes toward producing Backyard Ecology™ content. We appreciate your support.

Other Backyard Ecology™ resources:

• Black-eyed Susan: A favorite nectar source for butterflies
• Discover Your Next Steps Habitat Creation Quiz
• Backyard Ecology™ Community

Thank you

Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary

"Leave the leaves" has become an increasingly common mantra each fall. However, until recently little to no scientific research had been done to quantify impacts of leaving your leaves in a typical suburban yard. We discuss the results of that research and actionable steps that you can take in your own yard.

Today's guest

Dr. Max Ferlauto is the State Entomologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program. He recently conducted research to quantify the impact of leaving our leaves in our yards.

3 things you'll learn from this episode:

• The impact that leaving your leaves can have on the numbers and diversity of insects and spiders in your yard.
• How removing your leaves can impact soil temperature, moisture, and organic matter.
• Practical, easy steps you can take even if you can't leave all your leaves.

Bonus content

• The Difference That Leaving Your Leaves Makes
  
  

Resources Max mentioned:

• Removing autumn leaves in residential yards reduces the spring emergence of overwintering insects
• Legacy effects of long-term autumn leaf litter removal slow decomposition rates and reduce soil carbon in suburban yards
  
  

Other Backyard Ecology™ resources:

• Discover Your Next Steps Habitat Creation Quiz
• Backyard Ecology™ Community

Thank you

Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a beautiful native plant that can be found throughout most of the eastern U.S. and makes a great addition to pollinator and native plant gardens. It can grow in a variety of sunny to mostly sunny conditions and will provide instant gratification in the form of bright yellow flowers the first year. Those flowers will benefit a wide variety of butterflies, bees, flower flies, and seed-eating insects.

3 things you'll learn from this episode:

• The biology and life history of black-eyed Susan, including how pollinators and wildlife use it.
• How to incorporate it into your garden.
• What to watch out for when purchasing black-eyed Susan.

Other Backyard Ecology™ resources:

• Discover Your Next Steps Habitat Creation Quiz
• Backyard Ecology™ Community

Thank you

Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.