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Accent Color For Winter
A Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), with marcescent leaves of White Oak (Quercus alba). The winter landscape (Feb 21, 2015) with its perfect accent color, scarlet. _____________________________________________________ If you would like to receive my daily blog posts, sign up here!
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American Beech In Winter
Holding their tan leaves through the winter until spring, American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), is one of a few trees around here that are marcescent. Others include Oak, American Beech, Hornbeam, Eastern Hophornbeam, and Witchhazel. Marcescence is a name that scientists have given to the process which they have described in detail, explaining what happens. But…
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Appalachian Bellflower
Appalachian Bellflower (Campanula divaricate). An herbaceous perennial that can grow to 28 inches tall. This Bellflower is found mainly in the Appalachian Mountains, and is native to the eastern US. Bloomtime is July, August and September. Those flowers, of just 1/3 inch, can be found in shades of white, pink and blue. Totally enchanting. _______________________________________________________________________…
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A Few Of The Birds That Enjoy Smooth Sumac
The berries of Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra), popular with many birds. Birds that entertain me as they come by to eat the berries. Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus). A bird that I see as it comes to eat these berries. Northern Flickers are often at the Smooth Sumac, downing the berries. Sometimes showing off their yellow…
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A Bunch Of Cardinals
Northern Cardinals
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Dreaming
The weather is like spring rather than the winter that I love. I might as well be dreaming about the season to come. April, with a Confederate Violet (Viola sororia priceana) and a Falcate Orangetip (Anthocharis midea). Soon to be reality.
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Haircap Moss
Haircap Moss (Polytrichum).
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Delicate Fern Moss
Not a fern, but a moss. Delicate Fern Moss (Thuidium delicatulum), found up here in the woods, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Mosses are non-vascular plants, plants that absorb water and nutrients through their leaves. Those leaves harvest carbon dioxide and sunlight to create food using photosynthesis. This moss, Delicate Fern Moss, can be found…
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Frogs In Winter
Yes, frogs in winter. The beginning of February. I’m watching the calendar and the pond. They’ll be here soon. They seek shelter under the leaves that fall in autumn, and survive being frozen by what seems like magic. They increase their blood glucose levels, which acts as an antifreeze. But with daytime temperatures rising to…