Today I took yet another in a series of photographs of tulip poplar buds opening. This image reminds me of a figure with bowed head (the folded over leaf) extending a raised hand in blessing to travelers along the road.
Apr 032014
Apr 032014
As a change of pace, I set out this morning for Piney Woods Church Road by way of Hutcheson Ferry Road. Glancing in the ditch at the end of Piney Woods Church Road, I saw what I thought at first were unusually small dandelions, with flower heads perhaps half an inch across. What I found suspicious is that there were so many, all of which were about the same size — leading me to think that this might be a different flower altogether. Returning home, I did a quick internet search and discovered that they are, in fact, dwarf dandelions (Krigia virginica), native annual wildflowers common to roadsides, fields, and lawns in the eastern half of the United States. Despite its similar look, the dwarf dandelion is only distantly related to the non-native true dandelion (Taraxicum officinale).
Apr 022014
From my walk today, I offer these three signs of springtime: another tulip poplar leaf emerging from the bud; a bluebird on a fence rail; and a dogwood tree in bloom.
Apr 022014
I ventured out to Piney Woods Church Road today shortly after discovering that one of our cats, an orange and white adolescent Manx cat shaped rather like a bowling pin, had sneaked outside last night and was missing. My walk was necessarily distracted, as I paused every few steps either to take a photograph, call out the cat’s name, or a combination of the two. Early on my walk, I glimpsed a pink tree blooming in a backyard beside the road — crabapple, I think. Here is my impression of the tree — a bit unfocused, like myself at the time.
Just as I began writing this post, the prodigal kitten returned, none the worse for wear, but rather hungry.
Apr 012014
As I approach Day 100, I continue to marvel at the new discoveries I make every day along Piney Woods Church Road. Now that spring is underway, I have difficulty keeping up with all the new flowers in bloom and trees and shrubs in leaf. So much is happening that one visit per day hardly seems sufficient.
Apr 012014
I offer one more image of an unfurling tulip poplar leaf. I can almost touch the hairs on this leaf, and the silky softness of the covering on the bud.
Apr 012014
I love the way that this particular greenbrier leaf glows in the afternoon light. I have stopped to appreciate it several times, and photograph it on a couple of occasions. Today, I share this image with you.
Apr 012014
I am embarrassed — quite literally — by the riches of this springtime. Again and again, I find myself at a loss as to what a blooming roadside weed, shrub, or even tree might be. Today, along Piney Woods Church Road, I encountered a tree, still devoid of leaves, holding clusters of brightly glowing tiny yellow blooms. I scanned my tree field guides and hundreds of images on the Internet in vain. I suspect it is a tree of which I am quite familiar, but one that I have never noticed in blossom before. Over the years, I have spent many spring days in search of woodland wildflowers, learning their forms and habits. Yet I have never bothered to learned to identify trees by their blooms. I suppose I will have to wait for the leaves…..
Addendum: On April 3rd, I finally figured out what these blossoms are: sassafras (Sassafras albidum). Compare the image below to this one.
