This year, Minnesotans suffered more than the usual amount of winter indignities, including, but not limited to, double-digit subzero temperatures and late-season snow.
But summer’s almost here. Want proof? Look to the prairies, gardens and woods to find sure signs in the form of flowers and berries. Here, let us be your guide to the ecological signs of summer in the Twin Cities.
To find the average date of some of summer’s natural occurrences, MinnPost analyzed data from the Minnesota Phenology Network, a group of naturalists who record the timing of seasonal flora and fauna events across the state of Minnesota. The group formed in 2010 and compiles observations from independent phenologists, with some records going back to the 1940s.
Because the date things happen in a given year can vary wildly based on location, we’ve limited our analysis to observations in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area and to phenomena that have three or more recorded observations over time.
All illustrations by Greta Kaul.
Wild prairie rose blooms
These little pink and yellow beauties are native to much of North America, Minnesota included, and are the state flower of Iowa and North Dakota. They can be found blooming in wild prairies, roadside ditches and in gardens from early June through July.
Showy lady’s slipper blooms
You may recognize the delicate showy lady’s slipper, also known as the pink and white lady’s slipper, as the state flower of Minnesota. The Legislature passed a resolution designating the wild orchid the state’s official flower in 1902, and it was written into law as a symbol of Minnesota in 1967. It’s also a protected plant: it’s illegal to pick the flowers or uproot the plants in Minnesota. The showy lady’s slipper can be found in cool, damp areas, whether bog, wood or prairie, usually starting in June.
Canadian serviceberry fruit
It’s not particularly well-known that Canadian serviceberries are edible, but some people like to make pies and jams out of them. Their small trees flower out in May and tend to start bearing small, crimson berries, also known as Saskatoons, in June.
Harebell blooms
These small, nodding, bell-like flowers start popping up around June and continue to bloom all summer. They can be found in lots of spots, from rocky outcrops to prairie.
Brown-eyed susan blooms
Similar to the black-eyed susan, the brown-eyed susan and its cheery, yellow blooms can be found starting in June in nature and gardens alike. It's considered a species of special concern in the wild because invasive species and agriculture are taking over its turf, according to Minnesota Wildflowers.
Orange day lily blooms
As invasive as they are ubiquitous, the orange day lily is a sure sign the height of summer's coming. These hearty plants are found just about everywhere, from ditches to gardens.
Sunflower blooms
One of summer's most recognizable blooms pops up around late June. It's native to all the lower 48 states, from the Canadian border to Mexico, and favors dry soil.
Bee balm blooms
A favorite of bees and butterflies, this Minnesota native spouts bright, pointy flowers that bloom from about July through September. It's sometimes used in herbal teas.
Prairie blazing star blooms
This fun flower sprouts out of the ground looking like fuchsia-colored rock candy. Found in prairies, fields and gardens, it tends to bloom from July to September. Its spikes bloom from the top down.
Rattlesnake master blooms
Among Minnesota wildflowers, the spiky, mace-shaped rattlesnake master has one of the more curious names, which comes from the erroneous belief that it could be used as an antidote to snake venom, according to the University of Wisconsin. Rattlesnake master is listed as a species of special concern because much of the prairie habitat it's typically found in has disappeared, per Minnesota Wildflowers.
Virginia strawberry fruit
These small, sweet wild strawberries blossom around May in Minnesota, and develop ripe fruit around August. This type of strawberry is one of the breeds that went into the hybrid varieties you’ll find in grocery stores. They’re native to all of the continental U.S., according to the USDA.
New England aster blooms
These late-season bloomers happily grow most places they're planted. Their flowers are an important source of food for bees into the fall.
All data supplied by the Minnesota Phenology Network and its volunteers. For more information about the network, visit http://mnpn.usanpn.org.
