Articles related to "Gregg M Pasterick"
... Mars ...
Perihelion and opposition, these are two very important words this month. Mix in Mars and, well, we have a spectacle that is not only a once-in-a-lifetime event, it’s a sight that hasn’t been this good in more than 50,000 years!
• ... mars ... • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • mars • planets
Perihelion and opposition, these are two very important words this month. Mix in Mars and, well, we have a spectacle that is not only a once-in-a-lifetime event, it’s a sight that hasn’t been this good in more than 50,000 years!
• ... mars ... • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • mars • planets
Autumn Colors
... autumn is upon us. That intimates something more profoundly colorful for some places, something more comfortable in others. In any case, it sweeps us up in a flashflood of autumn colors.
• autumn colors • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
... autumn is upon us. That intimates something more profoundly colorful for some places, something more comfortable in others. In any case, it sweeps us up in a flashflood of autumn colors.
• autumn colors • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Comet 2P Enke and Other October Sights
On the 28th, Comet 2P Enke is at opposition; this is the beginning of what might be a very nice visit with this very regular visitor. It will not, however, be a great ghostly moth like Hale-Bopp. It will be, at best, a fuzzy smear of light visible to the naked eye, but certainly no spectacle. Not to Joe Schmoe down the street anyway. To star gazers like you and me, it’ll be another starry sojourner to track among the constellations.
• comet 2p enke and other october sights • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • stars • planets
On the 28th, Comet 2P Enke is at opposition; this is the beginning of what might be a very nice visit with this very regular visitor. It will not, however, be a great ghostly moth like Hale-Bopp. It will be, at best, a fuzzy smear of light visible to the naked eye, but certainly no spectacle. Not to Joe Schmoe down the street anyway. To star gazers like you and me, it’ll be another starry sojourner to track among the constellations.
• comet 2p enke and other october sights • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • stars • planets
December’s Hodge Podge
December’s another hodge podge of starry stuff. There are planets. There are meteor showers. There’s the moon and Comet 2P Enke and the winter solstice in the north, the summer solstice in the south. And there are the beautiful winter constellations; arrangements of stars so striking even Joe Average recognizes some of them.
• december’s hodge podge • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • stars • planets
December’s another hodge podge of starry stuff. There are planets. There are meteor showers. There’s the moon and Comet 2P Enke and the winter solstice in the north, the summer solstice in the south. And there are the beautiful winter constellations; arrangements of stars so striking even Joe Average recognizes some of them.
• december’s hodge podge • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • stars • planets
Even in November ...
Last November my wife and I had a job interview in Napa Valley. Since were living in the southern Sierra Nevadas at the time, so far from the coast, we decided to swing over to the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH, as it is known to the terminally hip of California) for part of our journey home. The scenery, of course, was fantastic; the assortment of wildflowers was ... well ... surprising.
• even in november ... • gregg m. pasterick • wildflwoers of north america • botany • ecology
Last November my wife and I had a job interview in Napa Valley. Since were living in the southern Sierra Nevadas at the time, so far from the coast, we decided to swing over to the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH, as it is known to the terminally hip of California) for part of our journey home. The scenery, of course, was fantastic; the assortment of wildflowers was ... well ... surprising.
• even in november ... • gregg m. pasterick • wildflwoers of north america • botany • ecology
Gegenschein and Zodiacal Light
Clear moonless nights during late February are the best times to look for Gegenschein and Zodiacal Light.
• gegenschein and zodiacal light • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • stars • planets
Clear moonless nights during late February are the best times to look for Gegenschein and Zodiacal Light.
• gegenschein and zodiacal light • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • stars • planets
Goldenrod as a Metaphor
Goldenrod. If any wildflower is an explosion of color, its goldenrod. Summer wanes, the sun drifts southward, evening falls earlier and the nights last longer, all reasons to roll over and suck my thumb. But then there’s that damn goldenrod; bursts of sunshine in a flower, parting clouds and reeking of glee.
• goldenrod as a metaphor • gregg m. pasterick • wildflwoers of north america • botany • ecology
Goldenrod. If any wildflower is an explosion of color, its goldenrod. Summer wanes, the sun drifts southward, evening falls earlier and the nights last longer, all reasons to roll over and suck my thumb. But then there’s that damn goldenrod; bursts of sunshine in a flower, parting clouds and reeking of glee.
• goldenrod as a metaphor • gregg m. pasterick • wildflwoers of north america • botany • ecology
Myth and Folklore: Cactus
Dominating an otherwise unfriendly landscape, cactus itself not an altogether inviting plant what with its spiny exterior, it’s little wonder it found its way into the lore of Native Americans.
• myth and folklore: cactus • gregg m. pasterick • wldflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Dominating an otherwise unfriendly landscape, cactus itself not an altogether inviting plant what with its spiny exterior, it’s little wonder it found its way into the lore of Native Americans.
• myth and folklore: cactus • gregg m. pasterick • wldflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Plant Families: Chenopodiaceae and Cistaceae
Briefly, the Goosefoot and Rockrose Families.
• plant families: chenopodiaceae and cistaceae • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Briefly, the Goosefoot and Rockrose Families.
• plant families: chenopodiaceae and cistaceae • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Wingstem Memories
There really isn’t much to say about Wingstem. It is yet one more lovely wildflower unknown to many folks. It blooms late in the summer. It does sway in the breezes of my memories, bright yellow in a perfect meadow, a near-unguent to soothe a weary spirit.
• wingstem memories • gregg m. pasterick • wildflwoers of north america • botany • ecology
There really isn’t much to say about Wingstem. It is yet one more lovely wildflower unknown to many folks. It blooms late in the summer. It does sway in the breezes of my memories, bright yellow in a perfect meadow, a near-unguent to soothe a weary spirit.
• wingstem memories • gregg m. pasterick • wildflwoers of north america • botany • ecology
2003: A Season of California Wildflowers
Winter dropped just the right amount of moisture on places that would respond with explosions of rainbows. We had no idea the carnival of colors, and all the new species of wildflowers we would cross paths with over the next several months in California.
• 2003: a season of california wildflowers • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Winter dropped just the right amount of moisture on places that would respond with explosions of rainbows. We had no idea the carnival of colors, and all the new species of wildflowers we would cross paths with over the next several months in California.
• 2003: a season of california wildflowers • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
2003: A Season of California Wildflowers - Lake Isabella, Anza-Borrego, Antelope Valley
While my wife and I were settling in in southern California, winter was dropping just the right amount of moisture on places that would respond with explosions of rainbows. By March we were finding these floral explosions near and far ...
• 2003: a season of california wildflowers - lake is • anza-borrego • antelope valley • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america
While my wife and I were settling in in southern California, winter was dropping just the right amount of moisture on places that would respond with explosions of rainbows. By March we were finding these floral explosions near and far ...
• 2003: a season of california wildflowers - lake is • anza-borrego • antelope valley • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america
2003: A Season of California Wildflowers - the Western Mojave Desert
My wife and I started the year in Long Beach, where we discovered such new wildflowers as Bush Sunflower and Giant Coreopsis and Sea Dahlias. Meanwhile, winter was dropping just the right amount of moisture on places that would respond with explosions of rainbows. We had no idea the carnival of colors, or new species of wildflowers that lurked in our future. As it turned out, 2003 was one bodacious year for wildflowers in California, and we were knee deep in it and sinking fast.
• 2003: a season of california wildflowers - the wes • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
My wife and I started the year in Long Beach, where we discovered such new wildflowers as Bush Sunflower and Giant Coreopsis and Sea Dahlias. Meanwhile, winter was dropping just the right amount of moisture on places that would respond with explosions of rainbows. We had no idea the carnival of colors, or new species of wildflowers that lurked in our future. As it turned out, 2003 was one bodacious year for wildflowers in California, and we were knee deep in it and sinking fast.
• 2003: a season of california wildflowers - the wes • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
2003: A Season of California Wildflowers - Twin Lakes and Tioga Pass
So many of my adventures in nature have been the result of being in the right place at the right time. My latest addition to my litany of well-timed nature encounters has been the 2003 season of wildflowers in California. It culminated in July, with a visit to Twin Lakes and Yosemite.
• 2003: a season of california wildflowers - twin la • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers • of north america • botany
So many of my adventures in nature have been the result of being in the right place at the right time. My latest addition to my litany of well-timed nature encounters has been the 2003 season of wildflowers in California. It culminated in July, with a visit to Twin Lakes and Yosemite.
• 2003: a season of california wildflowers - twin la • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers • of north america • botany
2003: A Season of California Wildflowers – Mt. Dana in July
Heading to Yosemite in late July, I certainly expected the rainbow parade to be long gone. It was summer; it was dry; many of the rocky peaks were still snow-covered; all reasons to expect little more than a dandelion or two. Well, I was wrong, and for all the amazing and breathtaking wildflower sights of the previous months, I found I could still be amazed. (Yes Virginia, there are still wildflowers.)
• 2003: a season of california wildflowers – mt. dan • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Heading to Yosemite in late July, I certainly expected the rainbow parade to be long gone. It was summer; it was dry; many of the rocky peaks were still snow-covered; all reasons to expect little more than a dandelion or two. Well, I was wrong, and for all the amazing and breathtaking wildflower sights of the previous months, I found I could still be amazed. (Yes Virginia, there are still wildflowers.)
• 2003: a season of california wildflowers – mt. dan • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
A Tale of Two or Three Violets
Many violets are difficult to identify. That's why I started with Birds-foot and Long-spurred Violets.
• a tale of two or three violets • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • ecology • botany
Many violets are difficult to identify. That's why I started with Birds-foot and Long-spurred Violets.
• a tale of two or three violets • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • ecology • botany
Bermuda Wood Sorrel
Last winter in southern California I marveled at all the big, bushy yellow wildflowers in bloom, all of which were <I>Encelia</I> or <I>Coreopsis</I> species. They were big, showy things, in your face and impossible to ignore. But there was another rather ubiquitous yellow wildflower in bloom, nearly a ground cover but often so widespread it was every bit as impossible to ignore as Giant Coreopsis or Bush Sunflowers. That was Bermuda Wood Sorrel.
• bermuda wood sorrel • gregg m. pasterick wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology • environment
Last winter in southern California I marveled at all the big, bushy yellow wildflowers in bloom, all of which were <I>Encelia</I> or <I>Coreopsis</I> species. They were big, showy things, in your face and impossible to ignore. But there was another rather ubiquitous yellow wildflower in bloom, nearly a ground cover but often so widespread it was every bit as impossible to ignore as Giant Coreopsis or Bush Sunflowers. That was Bermuda Wood Sorrel.
• bermuda wood sorrel • gregg m. pasterick wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology • environment
Big fat bees, Baltimore butterflies and Turtlehead
Because of the flower’s design, Turtlehead relies upon big fat bees to pollinate them. The hairs on the lower lip are too great an obstacle for wingless insects get by, and it takes a strong stroke for any winged insects to force their way into the tubular flower, never mind forcing aside the sterile stamen to get at the nectar. Hence big fat bees ...
• big fat bees • baltimore butterflies and turtlehead • gregg m. pasterick • wildflwoers of north america • botany
Because of the flower’s design, Turtlehead relies upon big fat bees to pollinate them. The hairs on the lower lip are too great an obstacle for wingless insects get by, and it takes a strong stroke for any winged insects to force their way into the tubular flower, never mind forcing aside the sterile stamen to get at the nectar. Hence big fat bees ...
• big fat bees • baltimore butterflies and turtlehead • gregg m. pasterick • wildflwoers of north america • botany
Dim Lynx and Bright Planets
March nights feature some pretty empty skies. Cancer, between the twins and the lion, is nothing to get excited about at all. Leo Minor? Canes Venatici? Forget about it. And then there's Lynx, another gathering of faint stars, stretched out between the Dig Dipper and Capella and Castor and Pollux.
• dim lynx and bright planets • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • stars • constellations
March nights feature some pretty empty skies. Cancer, between the twins and the lion, is nothing to get excited about at all. Leo Minor? Canes Venatici? Forget about it. And then there's Lynx, another gathering of faint stars, stretched out between the Dig Dipper and Capella and Castor and Pollux.
• dim lynx and bright planets • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • stars • constellations
Early Season Phlox
As another season of wildflowers leans into it and begins to really pick up some momentum, chances are you are going to cross paths with some member of the Phlox Family (<I>Polemoniaceae</I>).
• early season phlox • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
As another season of wildflowers leans into it and begins to really pick up some momentum, chances are you are going to cross paths with some member of the Phlox Family (<I>Polemoniaceae</I>).
• early season phlox • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
End of Summer Lupines
Here it is, the last day of September. We’re already more than a week into autumn. How is that possible? Where does the time get to? And more importantly, how can there be more lupines to write about?
• end of summer lupines • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Here it is, the last day of September. We’re already more than a week into autumn. How is that possible? Where does the time get to? And more importantly, how can there be more lupines to write about?
• end of summer lupines • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Four O’clocks in February
Beach dunes and chaparrals are a good place to look for wildflowers during February in southern California. You'll find a variety of species there you won't find anywhere else, at any other time. One family well represented is the Four O’clock Family (<I>Nyctaginaceae</I>.) It includes the sand verbenas (<I>Mirabilis</I>) and Four O’clocks (<I>Abronia</I>,) as well the popular ornamental species of <I>Bougainvillea</I>.
• four o’clocks in february • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Beach dunes and chaparrals are a good place to look for wildflowers during February in southern California. You'll find a variety of species there you won't find anywhere else, at any other time. One family well represented is the Four O’clock Family (<I>Nyctaginaceae</I>.) It includes the sand verbenas (<I>Mirabilis</I>) and Four O’clocks (<I>Abronia</I>,) as well the popular ornamental species of <I>Bougainvillea</I>.
• four o’clocks in february • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Goldenrods: The Severest Punishment or Sun Medicine?
In 1901 Mabel Wright wrote, “(Goldenrods) are a byword among plant students, who say that if a botanist is ever condemned to the severest punishment that the underworld can mete, the penalty will be to write a monograph, accurately describing and identifying all known goldenrods.”
• goldenrods: the severest punishment or sun medicin • gregg m. pasterick • mabel wright • wildflwoers of north america • botany
In 1901 Mabel Wright wrote, “(Goldenrods) are a byword among plant students, who say that if a botanist is ever condemned to the severest punishment that the underworld can mete, the penalty will be to write a monograph, accurately describing and identifying all known goldenrods.”
• goldenrods: the severest punishment or sun medicin • gregg m. pasterick • mabel wright • wildflwoers of north america • botany
Hepatica, An Early Sign of Spring, and the Doctrine of Signatures
It was called “The Doctrine of Signatures”, and it was where the medicinal properties of a plant were determined by its shape. Early bloomer Round-lobed Hepatica is a perfect example.
• hepatica • an early sign of spring • and the doctrine of signatures • round-lobed hepatica • hepatica americana
It was called “The Doctrine of Signatures”, and it was where the medicinal properties of a plant were determined by its shape. Early bloomer Round-lobed Hepatica is a perfect example.
• hepatica • an early sign of spring • and the doctrine of signatures • round-lobed hepatica • hepatica americana
High and Dry
In this part of the country - the southwestern U.S. - wildflowers dwindle to scattered populations here and there, popping up in dry places, and at higher elevations, in wet mountain meadows.
• high and dry • gregg m. pasterick • wldflowers of north america • botany • ecology
In this part of the country - the southwestern U.S. - wildflowers dwindle to scattered populations here and there, popping up in dry places, and at higher elevations, in wet mountain meadows.
• high and dry • gregg m. pasterick • wldflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Ironweed
I thought I’d write about ironweed. I mean, look, I have this really nice photo of ironweed and sunflowers from an Indiana prairie; it captures the essence of the late-summer blooming season, the royal King Arthur kind of purple against the golden sunny glow of the sunflowers. It’s Mother Nature gardening with an artist’s flair. The problem is, I’m not sure I have a lot to say about ironweed.
• ironweed • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • environment
I thought I’d write about ironweed. I mean, look, I have this really nice photo of ironweed and sunflowers from an Indiana prairie; it captures the essence of the late-summer blooming season, the royal King Arthur kind of purple against the golden sunny glow of the sunflowers. It’s Mother Nature gardening with an artist’s flair. The problem is, I’m not sure I have a lot to say about ironweed.
• ironweed • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • environment
Leonids Past; a Little Self-Indulgence
I’m going to be a little self-indulgent this month pondering the Leonid meteor shower. Oh sure, there’s other stuff going on in the night sky during November, but I've got Leonids on my mind.
• leonids past; a little self-indulgence • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • mercury • venus
I’m going to be a little self-indulgent this month pondering the Leonid meteor shower. Oh sure, there’s other stuff going on in the night sky during November, but I've got Leonids on my mind.
• leonids past; a little self-indulgence • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • mercury • venus
Lupines!
The Lupines that lured us to California were primarily Brewer’s Lupine, an unusual Lupine because it is a dwarf, matted or tufted plant, and Broad-leaf Lupine, a much bigger species, which prefers moist areas (Brewer’s Lupine likes it dry). Though no one said it, someone could’ve have told us, “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”
• lupines! • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
The Lupines that lured us to California were primarily Brewer’s Lupine, an unusual Lupine because it is a dwarf, matted or tufted plant, and Broad-leaf Lupine, a much bigger species, which prefers moist areas (Brewer’s Lupine likes it dry). Though no one said it, someone could’ve have told us, “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”
• lupines! • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Lust For Spring Leads to Coltsfoot
Thumbing through field guides of western species I’ve come across Coltsfoot and Western Coltsfoot, both early bloomers. Back east Coltsfoot is a well-known and welcome early sign of spring. It has yellow, dandelion-like flowers, while the western Coltsfoot and Western Coltsfoot have white to pinkish flowers. Gets confusing, doesn’t it?
• lust for spring leads to coltsfoot • wildflowers of north america • gregg m. pasterick • botany • ecology
Thumbing through field guides of western species I’ve come across Coltsfoot and Western Coltsfoot, both early bloomers. Back east Coltsfoot is a well-known and welcome early sign of spring. It has yellow, dandelion-like flowers, while the western Coltsfoot and Western Coltsfoot have white to pinkish flowers. Gets confusing, doesn’t it?
• lust for spring leads to coltsfoot • wildflowers of north america • gregg m. pasterick • botany • ecology
More Photos, Field Guides, and Early Bloomers
Winter has been resolute in its heavy-handed oppression of our spirit, so it was great glee we raced down the mountain, finding spring waiting for us at about 4,000’, getting ever springier all the way to the coast. Bright yellow American Winter Cress was ubiquitous, a constant companion throughout our descent into spring. And it brought back memories of bird-watching trips to Lake Erie, where Winter Cress covered fields like carpet remnants from the 70’s.
• more photos field guides and early bloomers • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • ecology • botany
Winter has been resolute in its heavy-handed oppression of our spirit, so it was great glee we raced down the mountain, finding spring waiting for us at about 4,000’, getting ever springier all the way to the coast. Bright yellow American Winter Cress was ubiquitous, a constant companion throughout our descent into spring. And it brought back memories of bird-watching trips to Lake Erie, where Winter Cress covered fields like carpet remnants from the 70’s.
• more photos field guides and early bloomers • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • ecology • botany
More Photos, Field Guides, and Early Bloomers (Again)
Our escape to Point Reyes was more than putting distance between us and that mountaintop B and B. It was also a chance to see a colony of breeding Elephant Seals and get acquainted with new wildflowers. At Chimney Rock we were able to park and hike. It was like approaching the Emerald City through that field of poppies; all sorts of new wildflowers awaited discovery.
• more photos field guides and early bloomers (again • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botanty • ecology
Our escape to Point Reyes was more than putting distance between us and that mountaintop B and B. It was also a chance to see a colony of breeding Elephant Seals and get acquainted with new wildflowers. At Chimney Rock we were able to park and hike. It was like approaching the Emerald City through that field of poppies; all sorts of new wildflowers awaited discovery.
• more photos field guides and early bloomers (again • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botanty • ecology
Myth and Folklore: Cornflower, Columbine and Coltsfoot
A little myth and folklore in the closets of Cornflower, Columbine, and coltsfoot
• myth and folklore: cornflower • columbine and coltsfoot • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany
A little myth and folklore in the closets of Cornflower, Columbine, and coltsfoot
• myth and folklore: cornflower • columbine and coltsfoot • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany
Not Obviously Peas
There are about 17,000 species in about 640 genera in the Pea Family. Lots of them <I>are</I> kind of weedy - White clover, Alsike clover (<I>T. hybridum</I>), Yellow and White Sweet clover (<I>Melilotus officinalis and M. alba</I>), Bird’s-foot trefoil (<I>Lotus corniculatus</I>) - but there are some other eye treats in the family; cousins which don’t look like cousins. Three such species immediately come to mind; Partridge Pea (<I>Chamaecrista fasciculata</I>), Leadplant (<I>Amorpha canescens</I>), and Sensitive Briar (<I>Mimosa quadrivalvis</I>).
• not obviously peas • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
There are about 17,000 species in about 640 genera in the Pea Family. Lots of them <I>are</I> kind of weedy - White clover, Alsike clover (<I>T. hybridum</I>), Yellow and White Sweet clover (<I>Melilotus officinalis and M. alba</I>), Bird’s-foot trefoil (<I>Lotus corniculatus</I>) - but there are some other eye treats in the family; cousins which don’t look like cousins. Three such species immediately come to mind; Partridge Pea (<I>Chamaecrista fasciculata</I>), Leadplant (<I>Amorpha canescens</I>), and Sensitive Briar (<I>Mimosa quadrivalvis</I>).
• not obviously peas • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Noticing Peas
There are about 17,000 species in about 640 genera in the Pea Family. Lots of them <I>are</I> kind of weedy - White clover, Alsike clover (<I>T. hybridum</I>), Yellow and White Sweet clover (<I>Melilotus officinalis and M. alba</I>), Bird’s-foot trefoil (<I>Lotus corniculatus</I>) - but some are more defiant, with big showy flowers, splashes of color, aggressive abundance. Some are butterfly host plants, or nectar sources.
• noticing peas • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
There are about 17,000 species in about 640 genera in the Pea Family. Lots of them <I>are</I> kind of weedy - White clover, Alsike clover (<I>T. hybridum</I>), Yellow and White Sweet clover (<I>Melilotus officinalis and M. alba</I>), Bird’s-foot trefoil (<I>Lotus corniculatus</I>) - but some are more defiant, with big showy flowers, splashes of color, aggressive abundance. Some are butterfly host plants, or nectar sources.
• noticing peas • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Old Photos and Lookin’ Ahead
It’s time to move on, look ahead to 2004 … oh … and have a look at a couple or three old photos I recently came across.
• old photos and lookin’ ahead • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany ecology • environment
It’s time to move on, look ahead to 2004 … oh … and have a look at a couple or three old photos I recently came across.
• old photos and lookin’ ahead • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany ecology • environment
Paintbrush in February
… the Snapdragon Family (<I>Scrophulariaceae</I>) gets a jump on the season during February in southern California in the form of a couple of paintbrushes, with many more to follow. Many, many more.
• paintbrush in february • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
… the Snapdragon Family (<I>Scrophulariaceae</I>) gets a jump on the season during February in southern California in the form of a couple of paintbrushes, with many more to follow. Many, many more.
• paintbrush in february • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Peas in August
There are about 17,000 species in about 640 genera in the Pea Family. Lots of them <I>are</I> kind of weedy - White clover, Alsike clover (<I>T. hybridum</I>), Yellow and White Sweet clover (<I>Melilotus officinalis and M. alba</I>), Bird’s-foot trefoil (<I>Lotus corniculatus</I>) - but Goat’s Rue (<I>Tephrosia virginiana</I>) and Spurred Butterfly Pea (<I>Centrosema virginianum</I>) just won’t have any of it.
• peas in august • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
There are about 17,000 species in about 640 genera in the Pea Family. Lots of them <I>are</I> kind of weedy - White clover, Alsike clover (<I>T. hybridum</I>), Yellow and White Sweet clover (<I>Melilotus officinalis and M. alba</I>), Bird’s-foot trefoil (<I>Lotus corniculatus</I>) - but Goat’s Rue (<I>Tephrosia virginiana</I>) and Spurred Butterfly Pea (<I>Centrosema virginianum</I>) just won’t have any of it.
• peas in august • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Photos, Field Guides and My First California Spring
Here, in California, where the land ranges from below sea level to more then 2 miles up, it’s an opportunity to cram several weeks’ progression of wildflowers into a single day. My wife and I did just that, for 4 days.
• photos field guides and my first california spring • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Here, in California, where the land ranges from below sea level to more then 2 miles up, it’s an opportunity to cram several weeks’ progression of wildflowers into a single day. My wife and I did just that, for 4 days.
• photos field guides and my first california spring • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Plant Families: Balsaminaceae and Berberidaceae
In my younger days, when I was a wildflower tenderoni and didn‘t know much, I called Jewelweed “Exlpodable Pod Plant”. If you don’t why, wrap your hand around the seed pod of one of these plants, being careful not to touch it until you have completely enclosed it. Pow! These two species account for the majority of the Touch-me-not family in North America. The Barberry Family, a little larger than the Touch-me-not Family with 9 genera and about 600 species, provides us some of our spring wildflowers.
• plant families: balsaminaceae and berberidaceae • wildflowers of north america • gregg m. pasterick • botany • ecology
In my younger days, when I was a wildflower tenderoni and didn‘t know much, I called Jewelweed “Exlpodable Pod Plant”. If you don’t why, wrap your hand around the seed pod of one of these plants, being careful not to touch it until you have completely enclosed it. Pow! These two species account for the majority of the Touch-me-not family in North America. The Barberry Family, a little larger than the Touch-me-not Family with 9 genera and about 600 species, provides us some of our spring wildflowers.
• plant families: balsaminaceae and berberidaceae • wildflowers of north america • gregg m. pasterick • botany • ecology
Plant Families: Bignoniaceae and Boraginaceae
Bright colors, aggressive vines and five o’clock shadows hold sway this week. Reds, oranges, yellows, blues and purples all blossom and bloom, decorating the landscape with festive abandon. Coiled tendrils unwind, grasping onto absolutely everything they fall across. Plants, hairier than my Uncle Paul, wear their flowers like gaudy costume jewelry. Many of these wildflowers, if not well known, are certainly recognizable by sight. Some even turn up in the garden. So what are these, these hirsute plants, these plants that won’t let go, these plants that flash us with bold colors, bugger the trench coat?
• plant families: bignoniaceae and boraginaceae • wildflowers of north america • gregg m. pasterick • botany • ecology
Bright colors, aggressive vines and five o’clock shadows hold sway this week. Reds, oranges, yellows, blues and purples all blossom and bloom, decorating the landscape with festive abandon. Coiled tendrils unwind, grasping onto absolutely everything they fall across. Plants, hairier than my Uncle Paul, wear their flowers like gaudy costume jewelry. Many of these wildflowers, if not well known, are certainly recognizable by sight. Some even turn up in the garden. So what are these, these hirsute plants, these plants that won’t let go, these plants that flash us with bold colors, bugger the trench coat?
• plant families: bignoniaceae and boraginaceae • wildflowers of north america • gregg m. pasterick • botany • ecology
Plant Families: Commelinaceae and Convolvulaceae
Two families, the Spiderwort Family and the Morning Glory Family, might be considered weedy things, but they produce such lovely flowers so generously filled up with pigments you'd think they would drip color.
• plant families: commelinaceae and convolvulaceae • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Two families, the Spiderwort Family and the Morning Glory Family, might be considered weedy things, but they produce such lovely flowers so generously filled up with pigments you'd think they would drip color.
• plant families: commelinaceae and convolvulaceae • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
September Odds and Ends
During September two minor meteor showers are favored by relatively dark skies; the Harvest Moon rises on the 10th; Mercury pops into the morning sky, and is at greatest western elongation on the 26th; Mars is still a gaudy jewel.
• september odds and ends • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • stars • star gazing
During September two minor meteor showers are favored by relatively dark skies; the Harvest Moon rises on the 10th; Mercury pops into the morning sky, and is at greatest western elongation on the 26th; Mars is still a gaudy jewel.
• september odds and ends • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • stars • star gazing
Somethin' Seasonal
A little somethin' seasonal from the kitchen of Granny Grumous, the witch over at Wart's Nebbish
• somethin’ seasonal • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
A little somethin' seasonal from the kitchen of Granny Grumous, the witch over at Wart's Nebbish
• somethin’ seasonal • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
The First Wave
Early in the season the botanical tides wash ashore as Baby Blue-eyes and Cream Cups and Popcorn flowers. But the first big wave that sends us scurrying for higher ground usually drenches us in sunshiny Goldfields and somewhat darker Fiddlenecks.
• the first wave • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Early in the season the botanical tides wash ashore as Baby Blue-eyes and Cream Cups and Popcorn flowers. But the first big wave that sends us scurrying for higher ground usually drenches us in sunshiny Goldfields and somewhat darker Fiddlenecks.
• the first wave • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Things to do and see in 2004
...let’s look ahead and see what 2004 has in store for us sleepless stargazers, fanciful dreamers, and lovelorn … well, maybe not the lovelorn. Anyway...
• things to do and see in 2004 • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • star gazing • planets
...let’s look ahead and see what 2004 has in store for us sleepless stargazers, fanciful dreamers, and lovelorn … well, maybe not the lovelorn. Anyway...
• things to do and see in 2004 • gregg m. pasterick • amateur astronomy • star gazing • planets
Trilliums I Found
Though there ares some Trilliums I haver never seen, as a result of a my midlife travels, I have found Prairie Trillium in Indiana, and Yellow Trillium, Painted Trillium and Purple or Red Trillium in North Carolina.
• trilliums i found • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north amrica • botany • ecology
Though there ares some Trilliums I haver never seen, as a result of a my midlife travels, I have found Prairie Trillium in Indiana, and Yellow Trillium, Painted Trillium and Purple or Red Trillium in North Carolina.
• trilliums i found • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north amrica • botany • ecology
Trilliums I Have Missed
In the two years since we left Ohio, we’ve lived on Lake Michigan, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and now in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It has been a carrousel of nature, and in those two years we have, not even once, regretted our decision, looked back over our shoulders, or missed Ohio. Of course, that is not entirely true. I never got to see Snow Trillium, an early bloomer that has a very limited range in Ohio. I never came across Catesby’s Trillium in North Carolina.
• trilliums i have missed • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botoany • ecology
In the two years since we left Ohio, we’ve lived on Lake Michigan, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and now in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It has been a carrousel of nature, and in those two years we have, not even once, regretted our decision, looked back over our shoulders, or missed Ohio. Of course, that is not entirely true. I never got to see Snow Trillium, an early bloomer that has a very limited range in Ohio. I never came across Catesby’s Trillium in North Carolina.
• trilliums i have missed • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botoany • ecology
Unfamiliar Cousins
We’re all familiar with bright orange California poppies, whether we live in California, or have grown them in our back yard back east. The same is true for the many types of <I>Salvia</I>; we’re all familiar with the aromatic Sage we use in our cooking, as well as the many bedding varieties. And as for milkweed, well forget about it. Milkweed is either an annoying weed that ruins the flow of your lawn (and shame on you for feeling like that), or it is must-have treasure in the butterfly garden. But ya know, sometimes the fruit falls a little further from the tree; each of these familiar faces has a cousin or two that is, if not a secret, then certainly something the family doesn’t talk about.
• unfamiliar cousins • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecoloogy
We’re all familiar with bright orange California poppies, whether we live in California, or have grown them in our back yard back east. The same is true for the many types of <I>Salvia</I>; we’re all familiar with the aromatic Sage we use in our cooking, as well as the many bedding varieties. And as for milkweed, well forget about it. Milkweed is either an annoying weed that ruins the flow of your lawn (and shame on you for feeling like that), or it is must-have treasure in the butterfly garden. But ya know, sometimes the fruit falls a little further from the tree; each of these familiar faces has a cousin or two that is, if not a secret, then certainly something the family doesn’t talk about.
• unfamiliar cousins • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecoloogy
2003: A Season of California Wildflowers - Yosemite, San Bernadino Mts, Kernville
While my wife and I were settling in in southern California, winter was dropping just the right amount of moisture on places that would respond with explosions of rainbows. In April, after visiting many of the same areas more than once, we traveled further north, up to the western side of Yosemite. Though we got snowed on, the lower elevations were in bloom.
• 2003: a season of california wildflowers - yosemit • san bernadino mts • kernville • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america
While my wife and I were settling in in southern California, winter was dropping just the right amount of moisture on places that would respond with explosions of rainbows. In April, after visiting many of the same areas more than once, we traveled further north, up to the western side of Yosemite. Though we got snowed on, the lower elevations were in bloom.
• 2003: a season of california wildflowers - yosemit • san bernadino mts • kernville • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america
Early Season Primroses
Phloxes aren’t alone as they spread across another season of wildflowers in places like southern California; chances are you’re going to run into a nice variety of Evening Primroses.
• early season primroses • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Phloxes aren’t alone as they spread across another season of wildflowers in places like southern California; chances are you’re going to run into a nice variety of Evening Primroses.
• early season primroses • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology