Category Archives: Flora

Look More Closely

Posted on by
Reply

We walked near this log and just about passed by, before we noticed ….

Lichen and Moss Fruiting 04 16 13 1

Lichen and Moss Fruiting 04 16 13 1

Lichen Moss Fruiting 04 16 13 2

Lichen Moss Fruiting 04 16 13 2

technically, this is probably not a wildflower, but it sure is beautiful!  Lichen and Moss growing in thick profusion all over this log, in a damp airy spot.  Not sure which one is sending up the sporophytes or fruiting bodies, or whatever the lovely red parts are.  Just a reminder to stand still and quietly now and then.  Take a moment to look around and Breathe!

First WildFlower of Spring is a Surprise!

Posted on by
Reply

 

skunk cabbage blossom

skunk cabbage blossom

skunk cabbage 2

skunk cabbage 2

skunk cabbage spathe & blossoms

skunk cabbage spathe & blossoms

Pretty amazing, Right?  The skunk cabbage really is the very first wild flower that blooms each spring.  They actually make their own heat and melt the snow around them.  Here’s a link to a great article on Wisconsin DNR site all about the amazing Skunk Cabbage “Winter Heat in the Hood”  . 

 

Usually we see these in March, but the winter of 2012-2013 has been a long cold season, and even the skunk cabbage blossoms are getting a late start!  By June and July, the large-leaved plants will cover parts of the canyon floor, and by late August, have wilted away.  Look for them growing in the very damp “seep” areas of the canyon.

 

 

 

 

 

Light Returning, Spring is Stirring

Posted on by
Reply

Even though we had some cold cold temps this past week, there are signs all around that spring is stirring as the sunlight grows stronger on our part of the planet.  Here is the Big Picture, and the Close Up, of the same area near the pond.

winter bluff over pond 2013

winter bluff over pond 2013

winter to spring 2013

winter to spring 2013

Autumn Gems

Posted on by
Reply

The trees have been beautiful this year, even with the strange, dry weather.  There is still a lot of color in the woods.  And piles of sweet-scented leaves crunching underfoot.

This time of year you can see the season changing daily, and a walk along the trail is an adventure!

Upper Loop Trail

Cabin Yard in the Fall

Golden View from the Deck

Late Afternoon at the Cabin

Glowing Maple

Pine and Maple

Posted on by
Reply

I can’t stop taking photos of this gorgeous little maple in the yard at the cabin.

On the left side of this photo you can also see the little pine tree that Gramma Shirley rescued in 1994.  She cut back the brush and pulled the weeds around the tiny tree so it could get some light, air & water.  It has grown into a sturdy young pine, ready to stand tall for another 100 years or more!  Mom also helped me transplant a couple other small pines that year, and they are also doing great.  Thanks, Mom!

Gramma Shirley Pine & Maple 2012

Maple2 2012

Maple1 2012

September Wildflowers and Berries

Posted on by
Reply

Goldenrod (woodland type)

It’s not boring along the trails this time of year.  Keep your eyes open for fall treasures!

Goldenrod (woodland type) with Bug

White Snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum)

Woodland Goldenrod & White Snakeroot line the Loop Trail

Goldenrod (field type)

Lobelia

Jack in the Pulpit Seeds

Jack in the Pulpit Seeds2

Jewelweed (touch me not)

Poison Ivy (Green & Red Leaves)

Woodland Sunflower

Woodland Sunflower

Highbush Cranberry Viburnum (Viburnum Trilobum)

Wild Morning Glory with Bug

Wild Grapes

Virginia Creeper Berries

Wild Purple Aster

Solomon’s Seal

Posted on by
2

Solomon’s Seal Polygonatum biflorum

I took these photos a few weeks ago, I’m still thinking about how cool these plants are.  They grow in tall graceful arches, the bumblebees love the flowers, and the berries are a surprising blue in the late summer sun.

Arching stems of Solomon’s Seal

Solomon’s Seal

False Solomon’s Seal

Posted on by
Reply

False Solomon’s Seal   Maianthemum racemosum

 

we took this photo several years ago, there is a beautiful stand of this plant on the western side of the canyon above the pond.  The leaves and stem look very similar to Solomon’s Seal  but the starry flowers and tan/red berries form at the end of the stalks.  So beautiful in bloom!