Wildflower Wednesday-The Invasion of the Invasives

Now, the first Summer installment of Wildflower Wednesday.

Woke up to thunderstorms this morning, but at least the rest of the day wasn't stormy the way it was supposed to. (I feel bad, with my drought stricken readers, even commenting about rain.)

And now to the wildflowers.

This shrub is growing just outside our fence.  Right outside the fence our yard starts sloping down and we have nothing planted there (intentionally, that is).  I am trying to get this identified but I believe it is a type of honeysuckle.  It seems to be blooming a little late than honeysuckle I know, and it is definitely a shrub.  But the scent is heavenly. (Too bad if it is honeysuckle, as it is probably one of the invasive types).  So I would consider this a wildflower.  I took this picture yesterday, the first day of summer.  Since it has scent, it isn't Japanese honeysuckle.  Hope I solve the mystery soon.

And now, I revisit the Vestal Rail Trail, our local rails-to-trails. The first two pictures were taken on Sunday.

This may technically not be a wildflower. This is a young catalpa tree.  It was about 7 or 8 feet tall and had a couple of flowers on it.  These trees have been blooming the last two weeks or so.  They are pretty common around here.  (and no, that isn't my arm).

Here is one of the many sumac plants blooming along the Rail Trail.  Last week I posted a picture of the spikes before they opened.  Here is a sumac in bloom.

And now, taken about 10 days ago, are some more pictures.  These flowers are still in bloom.  I didn't know what they were and had to get them identified, hence the delay.  As I explained last week, this project is as much to help me learn more about wildflowers as it is to post them for your enjoyment.  It turns out that some of what I took pictures of are invasive species.

This first picture was to take a picture of the upright flower in the center. This is Verbascum blattaria, commonly known as moth mullen.  On the left is are some buttercups.

Next, birds-foot trefoil, which also can be invasive.

And finally, I think this is a picture of one more invasive species, Japanese spirea.
However, my knowledgeable friend thinks it may be a cultivated variety, pink spirea Anthony Waterer.

It was dwarf, so my wildflower friend may be right.  I hope so.

Next week-who knows?