Fall has officially arrived this week with colorful orange monarch butterflies and blue jays winging their way south against the backdrop of clear blue skies. While reds, yellows, and oranges are commonly thought of as standard autumn hues, other natural pops of color like purples and indigo blues provide beautiful contrast on the landscape.

Photo above: These vibrant fall blooming soapwort gentians, an Ohio endangered species, were found recently at Oak Openings Preserve in a high quality sand prairie. Looking stunning alongside other native vegetation like the autumn oranges of tall prairie grasses, they are very attractive to bumblebees, their primary pollinator. These insects are actually strong enough to muscle their way into the tightly closed bloom for a sweet nectar reward.

Photo by Lauryn Watkoske