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Paulownia
It’s quite eye catching right now. Along roadsides, with no leaves on its branches, but lavender trumpet shaped flowers contrasting with the newly emerged leaves of the trees that surround the Paulownia tomentosa. Native to eastern and central China. Here is it a fast growing exotic invasive which generally wins in competition against native plants.…
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Winter Aconite Seeds
Ah, geometry in nature. I love it! Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) blooms in the cold, cold of February, much to the delight of those that miss warm weather. And now in spring the seeds are developing, creating geometric patterns in the flower bed. How beautiful.
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Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle
Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle (Labidomera clivicollis), quite a large name for a beetle that is just half an inch in length. These beetles with the long name have a defense tactic for warning potential predators to stay away, Aposematism. It’s unusually bright coloration is used as a way to avoid being attacked or eaten. This…
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A Violet That’s Yellow
“Normal is not something to aspire to, it’s something to get away from.” – Jodie Foster. Downy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens). A violet that chooses to be yellow rather than the normal purple. It can be found in the eastern and northeastern United States, and southwestern Canada. The flowers are pollinated by bees, flies and…
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Blackhaw in Bloom
Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium) in bloom in the woods now. Its nectar and pollen attracting both bees and flies. Caterpillars of the Spring/Summer Azure Butterfly feed on buds and flowers of Blackhaw while later instars of Baltimore Checkerspot will occasionally nibble on the leaves. Lovely to see this small tree/or shrub blooming in its native eastern…
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Trumpet Honeysuckle Blooms
Much to the delight of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), has started to bloom. It seems designed specifically to the needs of hummingbirds with its long, tubular red-orange flowers. Trumpet Honeysuckle is native to the eastern United States including East Texas and Oklahoma. It’s adding some lovely color to my yard. And much like…
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Indigo Bunting Sighting
The world of birds has just become a bit brighter, at least here around my cabin. I’ve just spotted an Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) out at the suet feeder. During the breeding season these brilliant blue birds settle into areas from southern Canada to northern Florida. If you’d like to tempt them to come to…
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Bowman’s Root
Bowman’s Root (Gillenia trifoliata) is a herbaceous perennial that grows to 2-3′ tall. It’s native to eastern North America from Ontario to Georgia. Bowman’s Root is found up here in the mountains along the trails. It’s fun to find blooms with their five-pointed flappy star-like flowers. Right now the bushes are not in bloom, although…
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Much Sought After
Late April into very early May is when Morels, in the Morchella genus, are in the woods up here, waiting to be found. As if the Easter Bunny had placed them to be found. Rain helps them sprout up through the soil. Though edible, Morel consumption needs to be approached with caution. They contain a…
