The bee on this thistle is a male solitary bee in the genus Melissodes. They are bumblebee mimics. They have much longer antennae than bumblebees do.
In the August edition we showed pictures of a blooming tree which we hadn't identified. It is a "Golden Rain Tree". About fifty years ago there was a popular book and movie titled "Rain Tree County" which was set in neighboring Henry County, Indiana. Below are the fruits of these blossoms in the form of seed pods.
This is the blossom of the Smartweed, growing near the Killbuck Wetlands. Notice the small insect.
This is an Evening Primrose in bloom.
This beautiful purple flower is an Aster. The leaves are seen below.
