Oak trees are probably one of my favorite types of trees. The Chestnut Oak is a lovely member of the white oak group. It’s scientific name is Quercus prinus. There is a cluster of Chestnut Oak trees on my Mom’s farm in The Plains, Virginia. This is a great opportunity to get up-close to some […]
The Rocky Mountain Columbine is the state flower of Colorado. Wildflowers are always so pretty. In the spring, meadows are full of a variety of colorful wildflowers. This is an exceptionally beautiful flower that is somewhat unique. Where is the Colorado State Flower? Of course, in Colorado you can find this flower in aspen […]
If you are hiking and look down, chances are you will see a mock strawberry. Their scientific name is Duchesnea indica or sometimes Potentilla indica. They also are known as false, Indian or wild strawberries. Read more to find out about another non-native plant. As usual, it is an invasive species. Plant Characteristics The mock […]
Why So Many Cicadas? Cicada are true bugs. They belong to the order Hemiptera, which means true bugs. They emerge by the billions. This is a survival strategy called prey satiation. These bugs are food for a large number of birds, mammals, frogs, fish, and a fungus called massospora. The massive number of cicadas ensures […]
Buttercups are a pretty little yellow flower that pops up every spring. They are in yards before the grass is cut. These little yellow flowers are also frequently in open fields and meadows. There are several species of Buttercups. The ones in these photos are Ranunculus bulbosus. Read more to find out some interesting facts […]
Spring brings new life to plants. New plant growth brings pollen. This trail is covered in pollen. Tree pollen is just one of many types of pollen. There is also grass and weed pollen. Spring is not the only season when pollen is produced. Depending on where you live, you maybe impacted by different types […]