Phenology Report

A common jewelweed blooms in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. The flower is orange with a trumpet shape ending in a fishhook. The leaves are large, thick, and green with slight serrations.

Have you seen the spring-loaded seeds of the spotted touch-me-not?

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 12, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses the exciting explosions of the spotted touch-me-not plant and more.

The spreading dogbane plant turns yellow in anticipation of fall. Spreading dogbane is one of the first plants to turn color. Pictured is a forb with opposite-branched oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are bright yellow. The background shows many green plants, which emphasize the yellowness of the dogbane leaves.

Science and Nature

John Latimer's audit of August's outdoor ambiance

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of August 5, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers what to expect in the long golden days of August.

Goldenrods bloom near Kettle River, Minnesota. They have golden sets of blooms at the top of a green stem, leafy stem. The background is a blurry, golden-tan field bordered by a green forest.

Science and Nature

Asters and goldenrods predominate in late July

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 29, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers the "end of the firsts," asters and more.

Ripe raspberries dangle in bunches from purple stems of raspberry plants.

Science and Nature

Northern Minnesota enjoys a season of natural abundance

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 22, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers wild food, young eagles, and dashing damselflies.

A plant with large white clusters of flowers grows in a green wetland area.

Science and Nature

How to avoid water hemlock, the most poisonous plant in North America

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for July 15, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer gives a color-coded guide to July wildflowers and discusses the dangers of water hemlock.

A macro image shows a close-up of a deer fly perched on the edge of a coffee mug. Its front legs are held up as if in a boxing position. It has vibrant green-and-brown eyes and some fuzz on its body.

Science and Nature

Deer flies really bug phenologist John Latimer

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 8, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer welcomes high summer and threatens the lives of encroaching deer flies.

Purple Blazing star, orange black-eyed Susans and purple wild bergamot bloom in a meadow during sunrise

Science and Nature

John Latimer previews a joyful July outdoors

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 1, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer previews the summer month ahead: fledging eagles, ripe raspberries, and more!

A many-petaled yellow flower with pointed green sepals faces the sky.

Science and Nature

Wildflowers, housecats, and me: Heliotropic plants (and animals) of MN

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of June 24, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer introduces a new vocabulary word (heliotropic) and stops to smell the wild roses.

Two pink lady-slipper orchids, with bright pink slippers

Science and Nature

Why do lady's slippers bloom earlier in Canada than in Minnesota?

Charlie Mitchell

In the phenology report for June 17, 2025, KAXE Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses nesting turtles and how northern plants adapt to a short summer season.

A tube-shaped flower flanked by two wing-like petals blooms at Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin, on June 21, 2010.

Science and Nature

Spring ephemerals give way to June-blooming wildflowers

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of June 10, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses wildflowers, fruit trees and life in the bog.