Articles related to "Wildflowers Of North America"
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
New England Wildflower Society and Saving an Endangered Cinquefoil
I recently received an e-mail from Debra Strick of the New England Wild Flower Society, letting me know she and they were there: "As you may know, the New England Wild Flower Society is America's oldest plant conservation institution, with many stories to share about events, plant advice, and earth-friendly gardening. We have a staff of experts who are great resources on plant conservation, horticulture, native plants, ecologically appropriate choices, and much more."
• new england wildflower society and saving an endan • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
I recently received an e-mail from Debra Strick of the New England Wild Flower Society, letting me know she and they were there: "As you may know, the New England Wild Flower Society is America's oldest plant conservation institution, with many stories to share about events, plant advice, and earth-friendly gardening. We have a staff of experts who are great resources on plant conservation, horticulture, native plants, ecologically appropriate choices, and much more."
• new england wildflower society and saving an endan • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers 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
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
An Old Redneck and Goldenseal
I have an old redneck who looked down his bulbous nose at this “Gottdamn hippy” to thank for the opportunity to find Goldenseal in the woods…
• an old redneck and goldenseal • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
I have an old redneck who looked down his bulbous nose at this “Gottdamn hippy” to thank for the opportunity to find Goldenseal in the woods…
• an old redneck and goldenseal • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Beating a Dead Horse to Hamburger
Gardening is a grand and glorious adventure, and I can’t think of a better way to learn about the environment. Filling the yard with ornamentals is like Van Gogh splashing bold brushstrokes of color across a canvas, and many of these non-native beauties <I>do</I> provide a nectar source for butterflies – back in Ohio you could always find several potted Lantanas scattered about, providing color and nectar. But focusing on native species contributes to the health of your local environment, and encourages wildlife to visit your yard.
• beating a dead horse to hamburger • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Gardening is a grand and glorious adventure, and I can’t think of a better way to learn about the environment. Filling the yard with ornamentals is like Van Gogh splashing bold brushstrokes of color across a canvas, and many of these non-native beauties <I>do</I> provide a nectar source for butterflies – back in Ohio you could always find several potted Lantanas scattered about, providing color and nectar. But focusing on native species contributes to the health of your local environment, and encourages wildlife to visit your yard.
• beating a dead horse to hamburger • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
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
Dorothy's Poppies
All across North America, poppies are unfolding their petals, some white, some yellow, some reddish, and of course some orange.
• dorothy's poppies • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
All across North America, poppies are unfolding their petals, some white, some yellow, some reddish, and of course some orange.
• dorothy's poppies • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
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
Eastern Poppies
I got ya started on Poppies last week; let’s keep goin’, beginning with eastern species.
• eastern poppies • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
I got ya started on Poppies last week; let’s keep goin’, beginning with eastern species.
• eastern poppies • 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
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
Incongruous Cactus Flowers
Is there anything more incongruous than a prickly cactus in the middle of barren, dusty desert, covered with flowers? Think of it. A cactus with flowers, and often brightly colored flowers at that.
• incongruous cactus flowers • 2004 gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Is there anything more incongruous than a prickly cactus in the middle of barren, dusty desert, covered with flowers? Think of it. A cactus with flowers, and often brightly colored flowers at that.
• incongruous cactus flowers • 2004 gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Indian Cucumber Root and Edible Lilies
I was going to write something about Indian Cucumber Root because it blooms now, is kind of unusual looking, and is scarce. I knew it was edible, so I began doing some investigating in that area and what do I find (he asked rhetorically)? It is only one of many lilies that have edible parts (and no, they don’t taste like chicken).
• indian cucumber root and edible lilies • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
I was going to write something about Indian Cucumber Root because it blooms now, is kind of unusual looking, and is scarce. I knew it was edible, so I began doing some investigating in that area and what do I find (he asked rhetorically)? It is only one of many lilies that have edible parts (and no, they don’t taste like chicken).
• indian cucumber root and edible lilies • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers 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
Larkspurs
I was paging through a field guide the other day and some dried leaves fell out. They were larkspur leaves, from species I came across last spring in California. Like so many wildflower species, there seems to be many, many more kinds of larkspur west of the Rockies than in the east. Actually, only three come to mind; two of them are spring bloomers.
• larkspurs • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
I was paging through a field guide the other day and some dried leaves fell out. They were larkspur leaves, from species I came across last spring in California. Like so many wildflower species, there seems to be many, many more kinds of larkspur west of the Rockies than in the east. Actually, only three come to mind; two of them are spring bloomers.
• larkspurs • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
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
Peas You Might Not Notice
A couple of June-blooming peas you might not notice are Birdsfoot Trefoil and Alfalfa.
• peas you might not notice • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
A couple of June-blooming peas you might not notice are Birdsfoot Trefoil and Alfalfa.
• peas you might not notice • 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: Asteraceae
Daisies. Asters. Sunflowers. The archetypal flower. The Sunflower (or Daisy, or Thistle, or...) Family. When we think of flowers, these are the types of flowers which come to mind. These are the types of flowers we put in vases and plant in the garden. These are the types of flowers that give us joy, and satisfy some basic botanical void.
• wildflowers of north america • gregg m. psterick • btoany • ecology • environment
Daisies. Asters. Sunflowers. The archetypal flower. The Sunflower (or Daisy, or Thistle, or...) Family. When we think of flowers, these are the types of flowers which come to mind. These are the types of flowers we put in vases and plant in the garden. These are the types of flowers that give us joy, and satisfy some basic botanical void.
• wildflowers of north america • gregg m. psterick • btoany • ecology • environment
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
Pukeweed in the Garden
I wouldn’t say wildflowers are notorious for turning up in the garden, but some do find their way into our cultivated beds. When a member of the Bluebell Family finds its way into the flower patch it is an unexpected joy. Even if it's Pukeweed.
• wildflowers of north america • native americans • gregg pasterick • pukeweed • lobelia inflata
I wouldn’t say wildflowers are notorious for turning up in the garden, but some do find their way into our cultivated beds. When a member of the Bluebell Family finds its way into the flower patch it is an unexpected joy. Even if it's Pukeweed.
• wildflowers of north america • native americans • gregg pasterick • pukeweed • lobelia inflata
Rose-elf and Fairy-spuds
Ya gotta love a wildflower if it’s called Spring Beauty. Even Poison Ivy or Garlic Mustard would seem more likeable if either were called Spring Beauty. But they’re not. Only Spring Beauties are … well … Spring Beauties. And they are. Beauties, that is.
• rose-elf and fairy-spuds • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Ya gotta love a wildflower if it’s called Spring Beauty. Even Poison Ivy or Garlic Mustard would seem more likeable if either were called Spring Beauty. But they’re not. Only Spring Beauties are … well … Spring Beauties. And they are. Beauties, that is.
• rose-elf and fairy-spuds • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Salad Bar Lilies
Last week I wrote, “I was going to write something about Indian Cucumber Root. I knew it was edible, so I began doing some investigating in that area and what do I find? It is only one of many lilies that have edible parts (and no, they don't taste like chicken).” So what about some of those other lilies fit for a salad bar?
• salad bar lilies • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Last week I wrote, “I was going to write something about Indian Cucumber Root. I knew it was edible, so I began doing some investigating in that area and what do I find? It is only one of many lilies that have edible parts (and no, they don't taste like chicken).” So what about some of those other lilies fit for a salad bar?
• salad bar lilies • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Shooting Stars
Those of you who know me know I majored in astronomy. Those of you who know me better know that I spent a quarter of a century plotting meteors and recording meteor shower data, mostly of the Perseid meteor shower in August. Given this, it shouldn't be difficult for you to imagine how sublimely pleasing it was for me to finally come across my first Shooting Stars along the Blue Ridge Parkway three years back.
• shooting stars • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Those of you who know me know I majored in astronomy. Those of you who know me better know that I spent a quarter of a century plotting meteors and recording meteor shower data, mostly of the Perseid meteor shower in August. Given this, it shouldn't be difficult for you to imagine how sublimely pleasing it was for me to finally come across my first Shooting Stars along the Blue Ridge Parkway three years back.
• shooting stars • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Skullcap: Little Blue Ferengi Busts
Now I'm no Star trek fan, and I wouldn't know a Ferengi if it bit me on the bum, but I had channel surfed past enough episodes of Deep Space 9 to know that the flowers of Skullcap look like these creatures.
• skullcap: little blue ferengi busts • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
Now I'm no Star trek fan, and I wouldn't know a Ferengi if it bit me on the bum, but I had channel surfed past enough episodes of Deep Space 9 to know that the flowers of Skullcap look like these creatures.
• skullcap: little blue ferengi busts • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
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
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
Western Poppies
… western Poppies seem a little less subtle, a lot more anxious for attention. They come on trees. They are brightly colored. They cover hundreds and hundreds of acres. The have flowers as big as saucers. And they are out in the open, covering hillsides, filling in roadsides, daring you to not see them. They are as loud and brash as their eastern cousins are quiet and somewhat bashful.
• western poppies • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
… western Poppies seem a little less subtle, a lot more anxious for attention. They come on trees. They are brightly colored. They cover hundreds and hundreds of acres. The have flowers as big as saucers. And they are out in the open, covering hillsides, filling in roadsides, daring you to not see them. They are as loud and brash as their eastern cousins are quiet and somewhat bashful.
• western poppies • gregg m. pasterick • wildflowers of north america • botany • ecology
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