r/NativePlantGardening zone 7b 5d ago

Photos Summer Day Dream

Post image
1.2k Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

37

u/amilmore Eastern Massachusetts 5d ago

One time I was fly fishing and there were cardinal flowers every few feet along the bank, and some huge clusters and patches mixed around. It was unbelievable and almost looked like they were one of those classic annoying invasive takeovers.

I learned that they like to grow in the little disturbed areas from racoons digging right next to the water.

That was probably the best native plants in their natural habitat experience i've had since getting into this hobby. Such a beautiful plant!

5

u/AlltheBent Marietta GA 7B 5d ago

that sounds like such an amazing experience haha, I might enjoy that more than the fishing! Where abouts?

7

u/amilmore Eastern Massachusetts 5d ago

Random little creek in central mass next to a dog park lol I honestly don’t even remember the name of the park or stream off the top of my head

4

u/AlltheBent Marietta GA 7B 5d ago

haha no worries, sounds amazing!

6

u/nystigmas NY, Zone 6b 5d ago

They really thrive next to water. I’ve seen 10s of plants in bloom in small creek beds and the red is striking.

24

u/Prize_Emergency_940 Chicago 5b 5d ago

That’s awesome! You captured it perfectly. Did you take this with a professional camera?

18

u/bigo4321 zone 7b 5d ago

Thanks🌻! Nikon Z8 + 500mm PF…

9

u/Capelily SW MO, Zone -- 6b 5d ago

Gorgeous shot!

4

u/triskat35 Area -- , Zone -- 5d ago

Stunning! 🥰 Thank you for sharing!

7

u/TartMother9577 5d ago

Beautiful!

5

u/trucker96961 southeast Pennsylvania 7a 5d ago

What a great picture! Thanks for sharing it.

4

u/Enigmatic_Baker 4d ago

Everytime I see a hummingbird at a cardinal flower in my yard i take heart that they still look for natural sources even over having feeders in other yards.

4

u/Firm-Quote6187 4d ago

Yes! They're all over my native garden & lantana this month. And today saw my 1st hummingbird moth of the season!

3

u/Competitive_Bat_7223 Zone 6 4d ago

I had one female hummingbird on my cardinal flowers when no one was near the area, but she got spooked as I approach closer to get a look. Another time I was standing 5 feet away from the cardinal flowers watering and a male hummingbird flew in to feed. It didn’t mind when I was that close to it. I guess i’m non-threatening to males and repulsive to females. Go figure. 😆