Wildflowers of Martha's Vineyard

Having waited ever so patiently for spring to creep in, the warm weather keeps me outdoors almost every day these days, much to my delight.  Though it seems now like the summer is simply flying by, the July and August months are currently providing a brief opportunity to view many of the Vineyard's most beautiful and endangered wildflowers.  

A stroll through the meadow at my house will reveal plentiful Bird's Foot Trefoil, Butterfly Weed and Sandplain Blue-eyed grass, to name a few, but the island plays host to dozens of native species that are in a constant state of peril... for several reasons.  

These flowers are in trouble because, first: they're beautiful, making them quite conspicuous to anyone with eyeballs! Black-eyed Susans and wood lilys are vibrant shades of yellow and orange, which stands out against the lush green background of island summer.  Though gorgeous as they are, their showy petals make them suspect to overpicking, either by deer or by the overzealous passers-by.  This can lead to insufficient propagation and smaller yields in seasons to come.  

Second, these flowers are all rather uncommon.  Pink lady's slipper, Jack-in-the-pulpit, swamp rose mallow all have unique and beautiful flowers and, while they are not endangered, they are rare and should be cherished rather than picked, stepped on, squashed or otherwise ruined.  Some instances of these plants are so small or infrequent that it would take the wind or insect pollinators a massive effort, and a huge stroke of luck to carry the genetic material to the its far-flung brethren.  

Last, the habitats for many of these species are disappearing.  Plants like sea lavender and seabeach knotweed prefer sandy, marshy habitats.  Just like the osprey and piping plovers whose nesting habitats in the sandy dunes and water are often monitored and protected by law, these flowers should not be disturbed or uprooted.  Plants are often the silent victims of the chaotic forces that are human life.  We might like a footpath to the beach in a more convenient spot, or we may want to cut and display the blooms in our homes ... and while the flowers surely won't protest, these simple, selfish actions can lead to less and less growth each year.

Help to preserve and protect the wildflower species of the island, but by all means go out and enjoy them!  Listen to the humming of the enormous bumblebees and agile little wasps as they ensconce the blossoms and pollinate the blooms.  Take as many photos as you like, but just keep in mind one simple phrase: "Leave only footprints, take only memories."  Look, but don't touch!

What sorts of island plant life can you see in your back yard or favorite hiking spots?