Category: Plants

July Fourth

In honor of the 4th of July holiday, enjoy this image of a firecracker plant. Happy Independence Day!

Kudzu

You’ve probably seen kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) along a highway roadside. This invasive, twining vine can grow up to 100 feet tall, and takes over everything. I’ve read that it can take down utility poles. Today was the first time I had a chance to get up close to kudzu. It is beginning to… Continue reading Kudzu

Ladies’-tresses

A few different types of ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes) can be found along the trails now. Their small white flowers spiral around the stem. Did you know that they are part of the orchid family? Here’s a closer look at the flower of spring ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes vernalis):

Lunar New Year

Happy Lunar New Year! The leafy cover of the fruit of smooth ground-cherry (Physalis angulata) reminds me of a paper lantern.

Merry Christmas!

Enjoy this image of American Holly (Ilex opaca) for Christmas day. Merry Christmas!

Mother Nature is Decorating for the Holidays

When I was looking at this sweetgum tree in November, it reminded me of a Christmas tree. The spherical fruits are dangling off the branches, hung like ornaments. The pine needles that fell from a nearby tree are scattered like tinsel. What do you think? Was Mother Nature decorating for the holidays?

Passion Flower

Have you ever seen a passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)? I’ve seen them planted in gardens over the years, but for the first time this week, I saw one growing in the wild! Take a walk down the Crabtree Creek Greenway if you’d like to check them out.

Quiet Nature- April 3, 2025

I thought this scene was rather pretty. The pink fringe bushes alternating with the evergreen trees and bushes, lining a pond half covered with pine pollen. This is spring in North Carolina.