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Science and Nature
Custom graphic of vibrant colors and John Latimer looking at a plant.
Phenology with John Latimer

Wild bergamot provides oasis for butterflies and hummingbirds

By Heidi Holtan
Published July 31, 2026 at 12:57 PM CDT
A viceroy butterfly sits on a bergamot flower. It has orange and black wings like a monarch buttterfly, but has a black line going through the hind wings that monarchs lack. The flower it is sitting on is purple, and there are green leaves in the blurry background.
Contributed
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Flickr user USFWS Midwest region
A viceroy butterfly sits on a bergamot flower. It has orange and black wings like a monarch buttterfly, but has a black line going through the hind wings that monarchs lack.

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 27, 2026. Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on ripening berries, budding flowers and a bear visitor.

This week on John Latimer's phenology report, late summer is crazy with color across Northern Minnesota. Wild bergamot, goldenrod, asters, Joe Pye Weed and dozens of other wildflowers are blooming, while berries and seed pods remind us of the inevitable shift toward autumn.

What's blooming at your place? Record it here!

John also shares tips for telling plants apart, including the often-confused Canada and tall goldenrods. We also get observations of butterflies defending nectar, ripening chokecherries and hazelnuts, and a black bear that stopped by looking for an evening snack. John and his dog Mila were not thrilled with the visit.

Late summer asters
Late summer asters

If you appreciate John's report on what is happening in nature in Northern Minnesota, keep it going with your support now. KAXE is an independent public radio station with a commitment to telling the stories fof the people and the land of Northern Minnesota.

All are welcome to join the nature conversation: what have you seen this week? Let us know: email us at comments@kaxe.org or text us at 218-326-1234.

For more phenology, subscribe to our Season Watch Newsletter and podcast or visit the Season Watch Facebook page.

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Phenology with John Latimer PhenologyKAXE Morning ShowKAXEPhenology ReportSummer phenology
Heidi Holtan
For more than two decades, Heidi Holtan has helped shape the sound of KAXE. Since joining the station in 2002 as a volunteer music programmer, she has worn many hats including the weekly book program, Realgoodwords, hosting the Morning Show, creation and host of the weekly call-in program Between You and Me, serving as Outreach Producer. Program Director, News Director and currently Director of Content and Public Affairs.
See stories by Heidi Holtan
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