Some of our most invasive vines are producing seed right now: oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). If you see these vines on your property, it’s time to pull them out. The birds eat the seeds and help spread the vines to new locations.
Blogs
A Taste of Spring in the Middle of November
We attended an event in Forsyth county last weekend, and had an opportunity to take a walk. We were both stunned when we came across this cherry tree, blossoming in mid-November! It turns out, there are some cultivars of cherry trees that blossom twice per year – once in the spring and again in the… Continue reading A Taste of Spring in the Middle of November
North American Wheel Bug
Have you ever seen a North American Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus)? This is a full-sized adult. It was about 1.5 inches long. I’ve had several nymphs on the plants in my yard over the years. This is the first time I’ve seen an adult. It was crossing the Shiloh Greenway this week.
A Different Perspective
We took a walk at Umstead State Park recently, and came across this interesting sight. It looked like a curtain of beautiful autumn leaves. A large tree branch had fallen, and bent another tree’s branch toward the ground, giving us a different perspective. Take time to enjoy the little things.
Autumn Glow
I love how the trees glow with the setting sun in autumn.
Question of the Day- November 4, 2025
Open common partridge pea seed pods, or left- and right-handed DNA helices?
What Flowers Will Bloom Next Month? November 2025
Do any flowers start to bloom in November? Not really. You might have a fall-blooming camellia in your yard that might start blooming in November. Some flowers bloom all year, like dandelions and henbit. November is still an exciting time! We are quickly approaching our peak foliage color as I type this on October 31st.… Continue reading What Flowers Will Bloom Next Month? November 2025
Marbled Orb-Weaver
Here is a male marbled orb-weaver (Araneus marmoreus var. marmoreus) to get you in the Halloween spirit.
Goldenrod Identification
During the late summer and early fall, you can find goldenrod (Solidago sp.) everywhere. There are dozens of types of goldenrods that grow in the piedmont of North Carolina. I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to find and properly identify as many species as I can. Unless otherwise noted, all of these plants can… Continue reading Goldenrod Identification
Field Report- October 24, 2025
What’s happening on the trails at the end of October? The bright yellow blooms of goldenrod, ditch-daisies and sunflowers are fading away. The white of the small white asters and consumption weed are on full display. It seems like the purple asters were out for only week before they died back. The leaves on the… Continue reading Field Report- October 24, 2025