7 Observations

This species was spread throughout the forest, they produce the largest edible fruit native to North America. They provide food for many forest creatures. The trees grow in clusters and pollen produced from the plant cannot pollinate that same plant. www.nps.gov/articles/pawpaw.htm

These plants were spread out around the forest floor, and this type of ginger is native to Missouri. The plant isn’t used for culinary purposes, even though it has a reminiscent scent. This plant occurs in rich woods. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b460

I was out on a hike last year at the nature preserve near starved rock, I found this mushroom growing on this old log and was interested in how large and cool looking it was. This mushroom has a variety of health benefits and can boost the immune system. Some even say it helps fight cancer and ease the pain that chemo patients go through! Draxe.com/turkey-tail-mushroom/

This was probably the third bug of this kind I saw that day. I was at my grandmas house which is located right by Matthiessen state park. He chilled on my hand for a little bit then flew around our porch checking everything out. These stink bugs are a nuisance and love to eat fruits veggies and other crops. They were accidentally introduced from east Asia. If the bug is crushed or smashed on exposed skin, they produce dermatitis in a percentage of the population. Extension.psu.edu/brown-marmorated-stink-bug

This flower grows in full to partial sun and is fairly common throughout Illinois. It is used in prairie restorations even though it is typically found in wooded areas. www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/fs_sunflowerx.htm

These flowers can be found around rivers and streams in the park during spring and throughout the summer, they look like a bright sea of blue. It can’t not partake in self-fertilization and is pollinated by bumblebees but due to its shape bumblebees have to hover, making it a rare occurrence. Butterflies are more common around the flowers. www.lakeforest.edu/academics/programs/environmental/courses/es203/mertensia_virginica.php