They grow in old pastures and abandoned fields, and bloom in the fall of the year.
They are also known as frost asters, due to their color, and as white prairie asters, and as the many-flowered aster.
Showing posts with label Wildflowers White. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wildflowers White. Show all posts
November 5, 2014
White Heath Asters
These are white heath asters.
They grow in old pastures and abandoned fields, and bloom in the fall of the year.
They are also known as frost asters, due to their color, and as white prairie asters, and as the many-flowered aster.
They grow in old pastures and abandoned fields, and bloom in the fall of the year.
They are also known as frost asters, due to their color, and as white prairie asters, and as the many-flowered aster.
May 13, 2014
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is a charming little plant with tiny white flowers that look as if they were little bells that could be rung. It has a most delightful scent, and seems to be a fairly beloved plant. It is native to North America, but is also grown domestically.
I came across a large colony of them on one of my walks:
Despite it's sweet fragrance and beauty, this plant is highly poisonous.
Other names for this plant include Our Lady's Tears and Mary's Tears stemming from a legend that they sprouted from tears shed by Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the crucifixion. Another legend references the tears shed by Eve after being cast out of the Garden of Eden.
I came across a large colony of them on one of my walks:
Despite it's sweet fragrance and beauty, this plant is highly poisonous.
Other names for this plant include Our Lady's Tears and Mary's Tears stemming from a legend that they sprouted from tears shed by Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the crucifixion. Another legend references the tears shed by Eve after being cast out of the Garden of Eden.
April 28, 2014
The Promise of Spring
They're back!
All of the spring wildflowers are returning. Actually, they never really went anywhere. Since their last blooming, the roots have been biding their time safely underground, waiting for the time to be right to send forth their tender shoots again.
Here are two kinds:
I've walked the trails a dozen times since the last wildflowers bloomed here, and I've thought happily of these little plants resting in their dormant state under the earth and snow. I knew they would spring forth again. It's like having a secret to gladden the heart, even while you walk amidst the bare trees of deepest winter.
I can't help comparing this natural phenomenon to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He died for us, and was buried in the tomb, but rose again three days later. He conquered death. I am so thankful for Him! He is the Savior of the world, and our hope in an eternal life. Even while we walk our daily path here on the earth - in sometimes barren surroundings (barren of love, of kindness, understanding, health - you name it) - we can know that "spring" will come for us. I know that Jesus Christ died for us, and that He lives now, that He loves us, and that He will come again in the fullness of time! I look forward to that joyous day!
All of the spring wildflowers are returning. Actually, they never really went anywhere. Since their last blooming, the roots have been biding their time safely underground, waiting for the time to be right to send forth their tender shoots again.
Here are two kinds:
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| Dutchman's Breeches (it's just fun to say!) |
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| Spring Beauties |
I can't help comparing this natural phenomenon to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He died for us, and was buried in the tomb, but rose again three days later. He conquered death. I am so thankful for Him! He is the Savior of the world, and our hope in an eternal life. Even while we walk our daily path here on the earth - in sometimes barren surroundings (barren of love, of kindness, understanding, health - you name it) - we can know that "spring" will come for us. I know that Jesus Christ died for us, and that He lives now, that He loves us, and that He will come again in the fullness of time! I look forward to that joyous day!
October 16, 2013
Gaura
I saw this beautiful plant at Nahant Marsh in mid-August.
It was growing in colonies, head and shoulders above the other prairie plants there.
It had the most intricate little flowers, and I could not help photographing it.
This is a native species, so we can rejoice in its beauty and feel no guilt!
It took some time, but thanks to our Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers field guide, I was at last able to identify this plant. This book has been a trusted companion of ours for more than fifteen years, and I would recommend it to anyone. It was written by Doug Ladd, and the photos were taken mostly by Frank Oberle. They are rock stars in their fields. Excellent book!
It was growing in colonies, head and shoulders above the other prairie plants there.
It had the most intricate little flowers, and I could not help photographing it.
This is a native species, so we can rejoice in its beauty and feel no guilt!
It took some time, but thanks to our Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers field guide, I was at last able to identify this plant. This book has been a trusted companion of ours for more than fifteen years, and I would recommend it to anyone. It was written by Doug Ladd, and the photos were taken mostly by Frank Oberle. They are rock stars in their fields. Excellent book!
October 14, 2013
A Little Hippy
These, my friends, are rose hips:
I've always read about them in books, but never really noticed them in person before. Finally, this autumn, I've seen them in abundance!
Rose hips are the fruit of the rose plant. The ones I've seen have been more orange than red. They are jam-packed with vitamin C.
Hips, also known as haws, are used by people to make tea and jelly. However, people can be out-competed by the many wild animals that eat them too, such as rabbits, squirrels, and deer. So don't delay - gather ye rose hips while ye may!
I've always read about them in books, but never really noticed them in person before. Finally, this autumn, I've seen them in abundance!
Rose hips are the fruit of the rose plant. The ones I've seen have been more orange than red. They are jam-packed with vitamin C.
Hips, also known as haws, are used by people to make tea and jelly. However, people can be out-competed by the many wild animals that eat them too, such as rabbits, squirrels, and deer. So don't delay - gather ye rose hips while ye may!
July 22, 2013
Multiflora Rose
Due to the wet spring we had here, the raspberries were at least two weeks behind when we arrived at summer camp. No trailside snacking for me this year! However, this meant that there were new sights and smells to be enjoyed, such as the blossoms and fragrance of the wild rose.
I have not noticed such an abundance of wild roses before. There were so many of them, that the sweet smell of their blossoms wafted through the air and attracted my attention as I walked the camp trails.
The wild rose, like the raspberry cane, has thorns, and sometimes a reddish stem.
This scrubby multiflora rose is an invasive species. It was brought here in the mid-1800's from Asia, and spread pretty much like wild fire. I've rarely taken a walk in the woods where I haven't seen them. Farmers try to combat them, but no matter how many times you mow them down, and no matter how much livestock you have in a pasture trampling them, they keep coming back.
In spite of knowing how much trouble they can be, I couldn't help but enjoy them. And they do have a benefit. Birds and even deer will eat the rose hips that form later in the season.
I have not noticed such an abundance of wild roses before. There were so many of them, that the sweet smell of their blossoms wafted through the air and attracted my attention as I walked the camp trails.
The wild rose, like the raspberry cane, has thorns, and sometimes a reddish stem.
This scrubby multiflora rose is an invasive species. It was brought here in the mid-1800's from Asia, and spread pretty much like wild fire. I've rarely taken a walk in the woods where I haven't seen them. Farmers try to combat them, but no matter how many times you mow them down, and no matter how much livestock you have in a pasture trampling them, they keep coming back.
In spite of knowing how much trouble they can be, I couldn't help but enjoy them. And they do have a benefit. Birds and even deer will eat the rose hips that form later in the season.
March 11, 2013
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