The summer of 2007 was very dry in Massachusetts, with only 61% of average summer precipitation. In August we had an unusual drought spell. From August 1 to September 10 Boston received only about half-inch of water, with literally nothing from August 19. Some 40-50 fires broke out in the area every day. A few occured in the Blue Hills Reservation during the first week of September. This month turned out to be the second driest on the 122-year record.

Birches dropped their leaves prematurely (Betula lenta is shown in the photo).

Whorled aster (Eurybia acuminata). Asters have hardly bloomed this year.

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).

Dry Smilacina racemosa and Uvularia sessilifolia. Blackberry (Rubus alleghaniensis) seems to cope with the drought.

Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata)

Black cherry (Prunus serotina). Upland oaks successfully withstand drought.

Allandale Woods, Boston. 9 September 2007.

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12 Sep 2007