The weather was overcast and cool (low 40s for a high), but it was still a good day to bundle up and go for a walk around the neighbourhood to see what plants are poking their heads out and who’s already budding. I find that I actually enjoy walking on days like this when it’s still a little on the cold side and just rained – really brings out the smell of the soil! These are a few of the pictures that I was able to take today, with some descriptions.
A very common early spring plant in our area, Purple Dead-Nettle is a member of the Mint family, which shows not only in its’ leaves but in its’ ability to carpet an area in record time. In the past week to week-and-a-half, it has managed to work it’s way into most yards and roadsides and in places where it is pretty thick there’s a gorgeous, vibrant purple hue. This patch is just starting to show blossoms.
This young tree has been given a twisted trunk courtesy of some Japanese Honeysuckle vines. The reddish lines in the bottom right corner are young Blackberry vines.
A close-up of the twist in the tree, showing where it has grown over part of the vine, while some is still visible (towards the bottom).
Young Blackberry vines; the fine fuzz is actually small stickers, and they already have some decent thorns.
I came across this Ling Chih (Ganoderma lucidum) and it’s companion last September (9/29/12 to be exact) and am happy to see that it is not only still there but still thriving. It’s bigger than when I last saw it! I partially uncovered it to get a photograph, and then moved the leaves back over it to keep it insulated.
A companion (and probably an offshoot) of the larger Ling Chih, this one has also grown since the end of September 2012. Visible around the base is some Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea).
In addition to Purple Crocus, there are also smaller patches of White and Yellow Crocuses appearing around the neighbourhood. However, Purple Crocuses remain the most numerous. These are blooming at the base of a Sweet Gum tree.
Water Hemlock is becoming more numerous, taking over whole swathes of the sides of the road closest to the railroad tracks.
A very young Water Hemlock plant, just emerging and a very bright green. Don’t be fooled though – this plant is highly toxic to humans and animals, and consumption is fatal.
A young Curly Dock (Rumex crispus); while still young the leaves are a good source of iron, potassium, vitamin A, and protein. The presence of oxalic acid gives the leaves a tart taste; when they mature they become too bitter to consume.
This towering Red Maple is clad in a coat of Ivy which is itself sporting black berries. The buds on the Red Maples in our neighbourhood are really opening up.
Photo of the Ivy on the Maple showing the clusters of black berries it produces.
Buds are bursting on the Red Maple trees.
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) pushing its’ way through dead leaves and turning the ground green.
Daffodils blooming on a small hillside.
Henbit Dead-Nettle (Lamium amplexicaule), also simply called Henbit. This tiny plant is edible (flowers, leaves, stems) and tastes a little like spinach; like Purple Dead-Nettle (which it is often mistaken for) it is capable of carpeting an area fairly quickly. The buds are visible but not yet opened.
February 28, 2013 at 3:23 pm
Question: isn’t Asian Honeysuckle a non-native, invasive plant? I know here in my area it is.
Blessings,
Victoria
February 28, 2013 at 6:34 pm
Yep, it is invasive. Much of the Japanese Honeysuckle in my immediate neighbourhood can be found along the railroad tracks.