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A Skipper
This winged creature is a Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus), which can be found in North and South America, from Canada to Argentina. It has even become an invasive species in Hawaii presenting a problem because this Skippers’ larval host plants are various species of grasses and often turfgrass. Certainly not a problem here in the…
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Tiny Flowers For A Dollhouse
These tiny flowers are Fleabane (Erigeron). They are in the composite family, like Sunflowers, Daisies, and Asters. Flowers in the composite family all have center disk florets, and the edge or petals, which are the ray florets. Florets are actually individual flowers. Most often snow white petals with a yellow center, though sometimes the petals…
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An Oak Leaf
A leaf on the lane bring’s back memories of the house in North Arlington that we lived in and loved for 32 years. There were eight large oak trees in the yard and one of them was a Post Oak (Quercus Stellata). A tree with a unique leaf. One that with a bit of imagination,…
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Pink Roses
Don’t be fooled. Just because a rose you find in the woods is pink does not mean it is a native rose. Though a bit unusual this picture above is of a Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora). Multiflora Roses normally are white but on occasion a huge bush of this rose will decide to be independent…
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Harvesting Has Begun
Scarlet leaves in autumn. Crimson red branches in winter. Spring brings blossoms. Summer — Blueberries! It’s that time of year. Today was the first day of gathering the berries. Filling the freezer for pies, pancakes, and muffins through the rest of the year. My schedule only allowed me to gather three pints. Plenty more for…
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Pale Pale Green Moth
Badwing Moth (Dyspteris abortivaria) Native to eastern North America. Its caterpillar host plants are various grape species. The moth has a wingspan of about an inch. Tiny. The moth is active from mid-April until August. Here it seems May is a good time to find one. I have several images of Badwings in various years,…
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Narrowleaf Sundrops
Narrowleaf Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa), Native to eastern North America where it can be found in open woodlands, forest edges, and rock outcrops. Lasting only one day, each bloom is replaced by another for a series of days. The picture above is of buds waiting their turn to open and show off their brilliant yellow. Each…
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A Bee Favorite
Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana), is native to the eastern United States. Each flower only lasts one day and blooms only in the morning but new flowers will pop up the next morning to take their place. They’re quite happy plants in one of my gardens. And oh do the bees and butterflies ever love them! ________________________________…
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Newly Emerged Leaves
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) leaves just beginning their growth. But why are they red? The red coloring often seen in new leaves is because of anthocyanin, a pigment which give those leaves that coloring. As the leaves mature and begin the process of photosynthesis, they gain the green pigment, chlorophyll, which gives them the coloring which…
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A Bush With A View
Way up the mountain, in a power line right of way, lives a quite large Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia). A Mountain Laurel with a beautiful view down the mountain. That view glowing in the sunshine. What a lovely day for a hike. And perfect timing for finding this pale pink bush in full bloom. Native…