Heavy rainfall in NE Wisconsin last night. 1.01 inches reported in Green Bay with higher amounts south and west causing flooding in some areas. Almost 3 inches of rain were reported in Waupaca. We are still almost 0.5 inches below expected precipitation amounts for this time of the year.

Returning after an extended absence, the following plants are conspicuous around the City of Green Bay area now. Wild carrot (Daucus carota) and chickory (Cichorium intybus) have been long in flower, but are still very numerous and colorful in sunny sites throughout the area. This is the season of greatest prominence for the Aster family and several species are now in flower (including chickory, above). Giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) is the earliest of the goldenrods in our area and it is now flowering in the City of Green Bay area. I have seen no other goldenrods in flower yet, but more will follow soon.Other Aster family plants include sunflowers including at least forest sunflower (Helianthus decapetalus), giant sunflower (H. giganteus) and of course the cultivated sunflower (H. annuus) which frequently arrives uninvited in yards, under and near bird feeders. There are probably others that I just haven't had time to encounter yet. Also the Canada and bull thistles (Cirsium arvense and C. vulgare respectively) are conspicuous. Where people have planted prairie vegetation in this area, yellow coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) and black-eyed-susan (Rudbeckia hirta) are both abundant now. I notice that there is also an increase in the planting of the similar "sweet" black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia subtomentosa) in our area, and these are also in flower.