I have seen these Bouncing Bet wildflowers all around but never knew what they were called until I did a little research. And I had never heard of their name “Bouncing Bet” before, so this was a first for me!
Bouncing Bet wildflowers, also known as Soapwort, have pale pink or lavender to whitish flowers with 5 petals, each having scalloped edges with an indent at the tip. The petals tend to fold back. The flowers form a cluster on a stiff stalk. They grow on open areas and roadsides, which is where I saw them overlooking Boat Meadow Creek, from July to September.
So pretty, don’t you think? Have you ever seen a Bouncing Bet?
The Monarch butterflies are just gorgeous with all of their beautiful colors. I saw this Monarch feeding on a Butterfly Plant on one of my hikes and just loved the coloring.
The beautiful Zinnias in my backyard garden have really taken a hit this summer. From slugs to insects I have sprinkled and sprayed, hoping for a nice bouquet in my kitchen before summer’s end.
And then a couple of weeks ago I noticed that the flowers themselves, not the leaves, were getting destroyed. What would do that? I guessed it was a rabbit or deer so I put some smelly pellets out to deter them. But he flowers still kept getting eaten… petal by petal.
And then I looked out the window and saw these two little American Goldfinches flitting from Zinnia to Zinnia enjoying each and every petal. Caught!
So now I cut the flowers and bring them inside just as they bloom and the little Goldfinches can have the others to feast on.
Look at those two smiling at me in the first photograph! Ha!
This is one of my favorite places to sit and relax and enjoy the spectacular views of Nauset Marsh and out onto the ocean. There is always so much to see and hear as it is ever-changing.
Have you ever sat on this bench? It doesn’t get much better! I loved the evening sun on the high grass… so pretty!
The purple Climbing Nightshade wildflowers are blooming along the trails at Fort Hill. They are such a pretty wildflower with purple shooting star shaped flowers with 5 violet curved petals swept back from a central yellow “beak.” They grow in round clusters at the end of a long stem. The flowers are tiny, only about 1/2” while the vine climbs to 4 feet.
The berries, which you can see in the photograph are egg-shaped, shiny green and ripen to bright red. Beware: the berries are extremely poisonous. “The unripened berries of this plant have a toxin that can cause death when eaten.”
Enjoy these beautiful, delicate wildflowers from a distance!
Cape Cod daily articles on the wonderful Cape Cod places to hike, experience and photograph. A Cape Cod Outdoor Adventure Series.
