I last walked on the Bolin Creek Trail in Chapel Hill in August, when I was excited to discover Polymnia uvedalia, bearsfoot, all along the woodland edges. Bearsfoot was well past peak flower when I described it in Flora on Aug. 6.
Category: Flora
Pollination on Jones Street
It’s National Pollinator Week and we pause to honor pollinators. We should do it every week; that’s how important they are.
What’s pollinating black cohosh?
Anne Lindsey – botanical researcher and teacher and co-author, with husband Ritchie Bell, of the second edition of Wild Flowers of North Carolina – has several of us asking that question these days about whatever flower we may be observing.
A very engaging plant
I have a new favorite plant, Indian hemp, Apocynum cannabinum, sometimes called dogbane because the milky sap is poisonous and is unsavory to dogs, who usually like chewing anything.
A rose is a rose is a rose
Had Gertrude Stein explored the forested edges of Carrboro or the wet ditches of Mason Farm Biological Reserve, she may have composed something like, A rose is pink is pink is pink!
A moment in time at a Carrboro special place
What a surprise this past weekend to discover that the vast white penstemon fields of Mason Farm Biological Reserve came in second place to the mountain-like qualities of the Adams Tract section of Bolin Creek.
Endangered Species Day
This Friday is Endangered Species Day, when America celebrates our nation’s commitment to protecting wildlife on the brink of extinction (EndangeredSpeciesDay.org).
Bigleaf again
I described bigleaf Magnolia, Magnolia macrophylla, last year (Flora, 7/16/09). The large leaves, arranged umbrella-like at the ends of the branches, create a tropical feeling in the forest landscape.
Exploring natural gardens
I find myself so blinded by the borders and masses of color and brilliant accents of specimen plants that I seek respite along a shady forested streamside path. While enjoying the brilliance of human-created gardens we must remember to take the time to seek out the subtle beauty of natural gardens near and far.
Little gardens beneath our feet
Signaling spring’s arrival, those blue speedwells are flowering now in many yards throughout our neighborhoods. You may even spot patches of blue in the medians as you drive around our towns on Fordham Boulevard.
North Carolina’s Natural Gardens
“If you are going to study the botany of North Carolina, then you need to become acquainted with B. W. Wells!â€
A Southern tree for all seasons
By Ken Moore, columnist “A beautiful and popular shade tree throughout the [Cape Fear] Valley and the south. It has become a sort of cognomen for the culture, the beauty and the old-timeyness of the region.†This observation from Paul Green’s Plant Book makes me reflect on Christmastime visits to my aunt’s farm near Norlina…
Wild oregano
By Ken Moore Don’t go looking for wild oregano, Cunilla origanoides, because you’ll probably become frustrated that you can’t locate it. But you can be aware of it, and then if you do stumble upon it during one of your woods walks it will be a very special moment. I had such a special moment…
By whatever name, Polymnia makes a show
By Ken Moore A great place to see Polymnia, commonly called bearsfoot or leafcup, is along Bolin Creek Trail between the Chapel Hill Police Department and the community center. Walking along that trail last week, I was impressed with the multitude of miniature sunflower-like flowers of this wildflower, common everywhere along roadsides and forest edges,…
A story of Gray’s lily and mountain balds
By Ken Moore Once in a while, I take leave of the wealth of local natural areas to see North Carolina treasures farther afield. One of my favorite places is the string of Roan Mountain grassy balds striding the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, where there is a very special wildflower. Every time I…