I saw a new flower this week. This is broadleaf pink purslane (Portulaca amilis). The flower petals only open on sunny days. I’ve walked by this spot probably twenty times recently, but it’s always been just as the sun is rising. I changed the routine by going a little later in the day, and was… Continue reading A Change in the Routine Brings a Surprise
Category: Plants
A Closer Look at Flowering Dogwood
Flowering dogwood trees are a common sight in April. The large white flowers really stand out along woodland edges. But did you know that those white petals are not flowers? The white part of the dogwood blossom is a flower bract. They are special leaves that protect the flower. Take a closer look at the… Continue reading A Closer Look at Flowering Dogwood
A Closer Look at Queen Anne’s Lace
Take a closer look at Queen Anne’s Lace. Have you ever noticed that the flowers on the outside edges are larger than the others? What about all the ants and other insects that explore the flowers? Have you ever looked closely at the seed head?
A Closer Look at Ragweed
As I am patiently waiting for summer’s grand finale of asters, goldenrods and tickseed-sunflowers, I can’t help but notice the large patches of ragweed growing alongside them. Yes, ragweed season is almost here. Have you ever looked at ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)? Many people think the showy yellow flowers filling the roadsides in the late summer… Continue reading A Closer Look at Ragweed
A Closer Look at Southern Magnolia
The southern magnolias are blooming now. Have you ever taken a careful look at the center of this flower? The stamens are the flat white sticks at the bottom. The curly pieces are the stigmas. This flower is older. The petals are turning brown. The stamens have mostly fallen off, and the red piece remaining… Continue reading A Closer Look at Southern Magnolia
A Guide to Yellow Summer Flowers
Have you seen any large, yellow, daisy-like flowers along the trails this month? If you look carefully, you might notice that there are several different plants in bloom right now. It’s hard to keep track of all of them, so I’ve put together this list of their key characteristics. I hope you find it helpful!… Continue reading A Guide to Yellow Summer Flowers
A Late Spring Walk in the Woods
We took a walk through the woods along the Loblolly Trail at Umstead State Park. The deep woods, rocks and creeks provide a different habitat than the typical neighborhood trails along the woodland edges. We were excited to see so many new (to us) plants. Here are just a few examples: Take a walk in… Continue reading A Late Spring Walk in the Woods
A Little Heartache on the Shiloh Greenway
Maybe I’m selfish, but I just hate to see the trails like this. I’m thinking of all the animals that will need to find a new home. I’m thinking of the plants that are being crushed under the logs and trucks. I’m wondering which plants will grow, and which plants will not come back now… Continue reading A Little Heartache on the Shiloh Greenway
A Second Bloom in Autumn
Some spring flowers have a second bloom in autumn. This week, I found Carolina jessamine and green and gold blooming at Church Street Park. What a nice surprise!
A Smile for Your Monday
I spotted my first ditch-daisy (midwestern tickseed-sunflower) of the season today. They always make me smile. Happy Monday!