Next To The Wild Blueberries

Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum), growing way up the mountain, next to a Lowbush Blueberry. Both bushes were about the same height, maybe 2 feet tall. The Lowbush Blueberry typically doesn’t grow any taller than 3 feet but I’m surprised to read that Deerberry bushes sometimes can grow to 15 feet tall. I’m going to have to look for more of these bushes. I’d love to see one that is much taller, even 10 feet tall would be fun.

Deerberry is native to Ontario Canada, the eastern and central United States, and parts of Mexico. It produces berries that ripen to a purplish-black in late summer into fall which are eaten by deer and other mammals, and birds. For us humans, the berries are edible but aren’t very palatable. That’s a bummer.

Oh well, I’ll enjoy seeing the flowers.

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Ornaments On A Yucca

I’ve been paying close attention to my Yuccas the past week or so, since they have sent up spears, looking like asparagus spears. These Yucca spears are actually spikes with buds. I’ve got two plants, one is Yucca gloriosa which has just started blooming. The other, this one, is Yucca filamentosa, which will begin blooming shortly.

Yesterday afternoon in one of my frequent checks, I got quite a treat. Several Goldfinches decided to entertain me. They looked as if they were decorations on a Christmas tree jumping from one branch to another, uncertain on which would make the best presentation.

These blooms are special to me. The state flower of New Mexico. During the time I lived out there they were blooming all over. Maybe the Yuccas are special to Goldfinches as well. Maybe.

Part Of The Cleanup Crew

American Carrion Beetle (Necrophila americana). Feeds on decaying plants and animals, also on fungi and rotting fruit. Other fly and beetle larvae that are feeding at the same food source may find themselves as part of this Carrion Beetles’ (both adults and larvae) meal.

The adult is approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. Keep the scientific name Necrophila americana in mind if you are going to do any research on this beetle since there are many other Carrion Beetles with many common names.

So glad these critters are around to help clean up our world.

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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 woods at the cabin.

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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 are pink, or pinkish-purple.

There are a surprising 173 species of Fleabane native to North America.

I love to see the flowers along the roadside as I climb my mountain. Some of the plants growing to 3 feet tall. But those petite flowers, just the perfect size to put in a dollhouse.

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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, you’ll have to admit looks like that sign we learned in elementary school that means, “Add”, the plus sign. That leathery leaf has a shiny finish to its emerald green color. Flip the leaf over and you’ll see a softer, paler green.

That tree grew very close to the foundation of the house but for some reason it never caused a crack in the foundation or any other problem.

So glad that leaf fell right there in my path as I was returning from wandering up the road — bringing back memories.

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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 and its flowers will emerge as pink roses.

These roses, white or pink are aggressive plants, native to China, Japan, and Korea, forming huge thickets that overtake our native plants, not giving them a chance.

There are native pink roses though. Pretty pink and no worry about taking over the whole mountain. This one is a Pasture Rose (Rosa carolina). Just one to three feet tall. Quite understated.

A difference between the two plants — Thorns: Pasture Rose has straight thin thorns sometimes two opposite each other on the stem. Multiflora Rose has thick backward pointing thorns.

Ah, if only I had all the time in the world to get rid of the Multiflora Roses to give our native plants a chance.

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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 tomorrow and beyond.

There are enough tall bushes here to allow me no concern about sharing with the birds. I’m glad they enjoy them too.

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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, in May. This particular picture was taken two days ago. Very small and lovely to see in its enchanting color.

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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 plant will reach one to two feet tall, and sometimes even three feet. Leaves turn red in autumn.

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