The previous owner of our home was very clever when she added her perennial gardens; with so many different varieties blooming at different times. Late summer brought another flower that I did not know the name of.
I thought I was going to have to ask for help, but with much research, I finally figured it out! At first I thought it might be what is called “yellow ragwort” which didn’t seem to be a good thing, because that plant is thought to be invasive and toxic to some animals. I definitely want to keep this plant, because look at the interesting way the flowers open up!
The flowers looked similar but the leaves were not right, and I finally found the exact match with “Ligularia dentata” (botanical name), also called “summer ragwort”, “leopard plant”, or “elephant ears”. I’m not sure where “leopard plant” came from, but judging by the leaves, “elephant ears” makes more sense! The first photo shows best just how large the leaves are.
Our late summer/early fall evenings have been so enjoyable, sitting on the deck watching the birds (meaning our chickens and guinea hens, along with the occasional hummingbird who also enjoy the flowers) and looking at the pretty gardens. Luke likes to lie outside there with us as well and keep an eye on things; sometimes chasing a ball, and sometimes chasing the birds if they are near his fence!
Everything is winding down now, but we may get to share just a few more flowers before winter arrives. Even with things starting to die, autumn brings it’s own particular beauty, don’t you think?
We are happy to be joining the Flower Friday blog hop, hosted by Da DB Boyz. Please visit other blogs through the links below for more beautiful flowers!
Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year. It is an award for surviving the hot and humid summer. The colors are spectacular and the weather is amazing. I think those flowers are very pretty. Their shape reminded me of a rose as it opens.
Gosh what a beautiful find!
Dat are so pretty!! Efurytime Mama plants something with cute little flowers the squirrels and hawks eat it.
xoxo,
Matt & Matilda
Aw, that’s too bad! Matt needs to chase those critters away! 🙂
Our autumns on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are more like a continuation of summer, but we have lots of pretty flowers blooming now. we loved the “summer ragwort” we have never seen it before.
I can just picture all the beautiful flowers you must have that I’ve never seen before either!
You are lucky to have such a great variety of flowers that you still have some blooming now! Isn’t it cool how that previous owner can make you smile every year? Happy Friday!
The best thing about it is that I know she would be so happy to know how much we’re enjoying them! They lived in this house over 20 years and they were so happy to sell it to people they knew were going to appreciate it.
Dang, those sure are pretty!
How nice to have flowers so late in the year. Beautiful.
Even if it’s just weeds, I like to enjoy some flowers right up until the first snowfall if possible!
We are huge fans of autumn. The golden light makes what flowers are left bloom in a special glow.
It’s so true! Autumn’s colors are spectacular.
We think the beauty of a flower can be found everywhere!! Starting the second week October, we will change the weekly Flower Friday Hop to a monthly hop(the second Friday of each month) until Spring arrives next year!
Love your late summer blooms!
OK, that will be perfect! I’ve saved a few to share through the winter!
Beautiful flowers! I LOVE autumn – the colors, the crispness in the air, the shedding of leaves like colorful snowflakes. I think every season is beautiful in different ways – even the coldest mid-winter scene has its own beauty. Fall and snowy winters are my favorites.
Fall is definitely my favorite too, though I think I prefer spring over winter (it does have it’s beauty though – as long as I can stay inside and just look out at it). 🙂
Those are so pretty and your yard looks great especially with the chickens wandering around so content.
Thank you! It’s such a peaceful scene, isn’t it?
That is a beautiful garden. Those elephant’s ears are really interesting–I’d never heard of them before. Happy Friday! 🙂
I’ve been learning a lot of flowers since we moved here…but I’ve still got some unknowns left!
It’s pretty much all fall around here now. Those “unknown” flowers are pretty and interesting!
We’re finally getting fall too! It’s so refreshing!
that is a good idea … I sadly never found the trick how to organize flowers to have something colorful the whole year…probably a side effect of my black thumbs LOL
Well, my thumbs are light green at best, I just lucked out finding a house where someone else did most of the work! 🙂