Sumac and Goldenrod
During this past week, the most notable color changes on our natural landscape have been provided by red leaves on the staghorn and smooth sumac. This was a very poor summer for making sumac lemonade from the red clusters of berries on the smooth sumac. The frequent rains in August have washed away the white sticky sap necessary for this refreshing natural beverage.
Yellow hues in the local areas have been a result of several species of goldenrod now in bloom. Goldenrod is mistakenly thought to cause hay fever. However, the heavy sticky pollen cannot be transported by the wind. These plants also produce abundant amounts of nectar and are visited by a variety of bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Soybean field
On the other hand, our agricultural landscape color changes can be attributed to soybean leaves turning yellow. These plants were first introduced into the United States from China and Japan as early as 1804. They did not become very popular until the early 1900's. Now soybeans are one of Goodhue County's foremost crops due to it's adaptability to our area.
Black Walnuts
Blank walnuts are one of the first trees in our area to drop their leaves. In many cases, the leaves drop before providing much color or having the nuts fully ripen. Every fall I will gather and process a 5 gallon pail of walnuts to provide a supply of tasty and unique flavoring for winter bowls of oatmeal or batches of chocolate chip cookies. For those of you who might be interested, the walnut drop is happening now!
Polyporus fungi
With the frequent and abundant rains of August, now is a good time to hunt for one of the most choice edible fall mushrooms, Sulphur shelf. The bright yellow to salmon colored fungi are found in large masses usually on dead hardwood trees. When collecting for eating, simply trim off the fresh-growing margin about 2 inches back from the edge. They are wonderful cut in small cubes, sauteed in butter and added to a veggie omelet.