Also known as Bouncing Bet. The flowers have a long blooming season—part of what made them favorites in gardens, from which they escaped to make themselves at home along our roadsides. These plants were growing in great profusion along the Montour Trail in Moon Township.
For a description of the species, see the Saponaria officinalis reference page.
A rambling perennial that can take over a hillside, but rewards us with these gorgeous pea flower all summer long. This vine was blooming on a bank in Beechview.
For a description of the species, see the Lathyrus latifolius reference page.
The only flat-topped goldenrod in the Pittsburgh area, so it is easy to identify. This plant was making bees happy next to a bridge over Montour Run in Moon Township.
For a thorough description, see the Euthamia graminifolia reference page.
Japanese Honeysuckle often puts on a second burst of bloom in early fall. These vines were blooming along the Montour Trail in Moon Township.
For more pictures and a description, see the Lonicera japonica reference page.
These are the hops used to flavor and preserve beer. The plant is one of the relatively few native to both Eurasia and North America, so it is impossible to say with certainty whether these particular vines descended from North American stock or from European hops brought over by brewers. They were growing along the Montour Trail in Moon Township.
The flowers are dioecious, meaning that the plant grows separate male and female flowers. These characteristic cones are the result of the female flowers.
For a thorough description of the species, see the Humulus lupulus reference page.
