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Sometimes Red Means Blueberry
There are some blueberry bushes that are spectacular every season of the year, including autumn, with their brilliant scarlet leaves. Seeming to shout, “Here comes WINTER!”
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More on Hop-hornbeam
A couple days ago I told you about a bit about the bark of Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana). When the tree is young its bark is red/brown with horizontal lenticels giving it the appearance of a Cherry Tree. As the tree matures the bark changes to a pale gray/brown and becomes quite shreddy with narrow strips.…
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Sassafras in the Spotlight
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) soaking up the sunshine. A chilly day but oh! That color has such warmth!
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Warm Autumn Color
Warm colors of autumn. Dancing Sassafras trees. Toffee yellow Maple leaves. The trails call to me.
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Hop-hornbeam Bark
As leaves fall in autumn, so does a key element in identification of trees, lost to the wind. The bark of the tree is another route to take if you want that I.D. This scrappy looking bark belongs to the Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana). Pay attention as you roam through the woods. What are the barks…
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American Beech in Autumn
Oh it is so very nice to be back in autumn again. I spent a few days traveling to Florida and got to experience the change of seasons all over again. I traveled south into summer and green green green. Returning yesterday I got the thrill of seeing the mountains covered in their autumn best.…
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Learning About Nature
A walk in the woods with The Little One. Learning what is safe to eat. Learning what is not safe at all. In her hands, Blackhaw drupes and Persimmons. Safe.
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Chestnut Oak Leaves
Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus) leaves have undulating edges. Their leaves are alternate. Leaf shape is obovate, or egg-shaped and flat with the narrow end at the base. They’re quite the common sight up here in my woods.
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Common Milkweed Seeds
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). Fluffy white parachutes waiting for the slightest breeze to take seeds away to the perfect spot to burst forth. To provide sustenance. To give a magic protection for moths and butterflies.
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Horsenettle
Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense). Horsenettle, is not a true nettle, but a member of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae). Other members of the Nightshade family that you are familiar with are Tomato, Potato, Eggplant, Bell Pepper, and Petunia. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, native to the southeastern United States. It can grow to 2 or 3…