Otter Cove Blossoms

My leisurely stroll along the Otter Cove coastline the other day revealed lots of showy plants in bloom and a few inconspicuous ones that are only visible to those taking the time to look more closely. It was an eclectic group of plants – ranging from native to non-native origins.

Rugosa Rose is in full bloom now along coastal Maine – so colorful and boldly withstanding the rigors of life on the edge.

Only those taking the time to get out of their cars or off their bikes would notice the more subtle blossoms of the following seaside plants:

The tiny blue and yellow flowers of this plant are very delicate and pretty. This plant is actually a member of the potato family – Solanaceae.

Lathyrus japonicus grows along the coast and, as you can tell by its flowers and habit, is a member of the legume family – Fabaceae. The young shoots and leaves can apparently be eaten raw in salads. I read that the Dena-ina (a Northwest Native American tribe) ate the seeds of this plant raw or boiled.

While an interesting flower, the Birdsfoot Trefoil is considered an invasive plant in some areas of the country. It was introduced into this country as forage for livestock and has escaped along coastal Maine and can be found along roadside and in meadows.

This plant closely resembles morning glory vine and is considered a noxious weed in some parts of the United States. It is another non-native plant that has adapted to the growing conditions of Acadia and is seen in the harsh coastal environment. I have to admit the flower sure is pretty!

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen this plant before and finally identified it as Rhinanthus minor. The unusual nature of the flower really caught my eye. Apparently, the plant is semi-parasitic – meaning it has the ability to obtain both water and nutrients from the roots of neighboring plants.