Check out what’s in bloom on Gov­er­nors Island, updat­ed sea­son­al­ly. Don’t for­get: you can locate any tree on Gov­er­nors Island with our inter­ac­tive tree map!

Fall

Anisescented goldenrod

Solidago odora

Anisecented goldenrod is an herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 2-5 feet. As its name suggests, this particular species has leaves that smell like licorice when crushed and can be made into a tea. This vibrant fall bloomer is a pollinator’s dream, providing for many different species of bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, and moths. Their seeds provide valuable food sources for many of the migratory birds that pass through Governors Island, and they can often be found growing alongside many different species of aster in the fall.

Where to find them: On the pathway up Outlook Hill

Smooth blue aster

Symphyotrichum laeve

Smooth blue asters are late-summer and fall blooming perennials that are native to Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Much like goldenrod, they provide vital food sources for many different pollinators, including the golden northern bumble bee—a vulnerable species of bee that has been seen in increasing numbers on Governors Island in the past several years. This variety has leaves that are smooth to the touch, differentiating it from other asters.

Where to find them: On the pathway up Outlook Hill

Narrowleaf mountainmint

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium

This perennial herbaceous plant has wiry, green, branching stems, narrow leaves, and dense, white flowers that bloom June through September. Its leaves have a very faint mint fragrance, thrives in many different habitats, and is wildly popular with native bees and butterflies—making it a no-brainer on Governors Island.

Where to find them: On the pathway up Outlook Hill

Pho­tos by Sar­ma Ozols. Moun­tain­mint pho­to by Juli­enne Schaer