Something unexpected happened in our yard this spring. A patch of rich, violet-blue wildflowers appeared seemingly overnight—bold, beautiful, and completely unfamiliar. We’d never seen them before, but there they were, rising from the grass like a small, shimmering field.
A closer look revealed their identity: Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans), a hardy groundcover in the mint family. With their low-growing foliage and spires of tiny, tubular blossoms, these flowers quickly made themselves at home. What’s remarkable is how suddenly they arrived. Whether delivered by wind, wildlife, or a dormant seed awakened by just the right conditions, this surprise visitor feels like a small gift from nature.
But the real surprise? The hummingbirds noticed them too.
While Bugleweed is often planted for its ornamental value or erosion control, it's also a quiet favorite of early-season pollinators—including hummingbirds. Their tube-shaped flowers make them a welcome nectar source when few other blossoms are available. Watching a hummingbird dart between these violet towers was all the encouragement we needed: this uninvited guest was here to stay.
Given the enthusiastic reception from our feathered friends, Bugleweed may earn a more permanent role in the habitat plan for the Dodson Bird Observatory. Its ground-hugging nature makes it ideal for filling in open spaces without overwhelming native species. Plus, its early blooms offer vital nourishment during migration and nesting season.
Nature has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. A flower we didn’t plant, showing up in a place we thought we knew, turns out to be a perfect addition to our bird-friendly landscape. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this new arrival—and so will the hummingbirds.
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