Aquilegia canadensis – Eastern Red Columbine
Continue to monitor Eastern Red Columbine into July.
Seed pods turn upward and turn brown as the seeds inside become viable. When viable, the pods slowly zip open and release extremely slippery black seeds. To collect, shake seeds from pods or snip the entire seed head into a paper bag.
Lupinus perennis – Wild/Sundial Lupine
Continue to monitor Wild Lupine into July.
Wild Lupine has invasive lookalikes, namely Large-leaved Lupine which is native only to the western United States. See this article from the National Parks Service to help you in identification.
Once you identify a native Sundial Lupine, the seeds will be ready when the pods dry and darken. Collect the seed pods before they split and eject their seeds. Store seed pods in a paper bag to allow the pods release the seed indoors.
Stylophorum diphyllum – Wood Poppy
Continue to monitor Wood Poppy into July.
Wood Poppy has an invasive lookalike, Greater Celandine. Please be sure to identify the species before collection. Large, bristled seed pods emerge some time after blooms are spent. Remove seed pods from the plant only when they start to open and promptly separate the seed from the pods and add to moist sand in order to keep the seeds moist.
Wood Poppy Species Info
Zizia aurea – Golden Alexanders
Golden Alexanders stays in bloom for quite some time. Once the seed heads dry and turn brown, rub the seeds off of the seed head gently between your fingers and store in a paper bag to dry for later processing.
Sisyrinchium albidum – Blue-eyed Grass
Once seed pods turn from green to brown/black, promptly remove from the plant and store in a paper bag to dry.
Blue-eyed Grass Species Info