I came across this shrub on my walk around the neighborhood. I missed observing the Spring colors (usually I see it in the summer when all its leaves turn green). This spring is different (we all know why) and I had more time to learn about Photinia (Red Tip) — Photinia x fraseri.
More about it after a word from our sponsor.
The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge.
We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns spinning around us.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
|
The Red tip is an introduced plant that doesn’t survive well in many climates. The plant needs an environment that supplies a minimum of 35 inches of rain. We’ve got that in Mississippi. But, the soil types are often wrong, the elevation (above sea level) questionable and the degree of fungal diseases is massive. Though a lovely idea for a hedge plant, this plant can become a money (and time) trap.
Here is another colorful plant that is found in my area.
This variety of Red Bud doesn’t grow into a tree but remains a shrub under 12 feet in height. The photo shows the new leaf (glossy sheen) against an older leaf. An under-story native to the southeastern US, this plant will keep this color all year. It is not a long lived shrub with a max life span of 50 to 70 years.
Like most of the southern states, Mississippi is Pine country. Here are two of the most prominent conifers. Looking at the tress shapes and needle lengths are the first things that “pop”. These trees produce a lot of pollen.
The cones are distinctly different in size and abundance on the tree also.
I wanted to get a better video of the Northern rough-winged Swallows that I encountered on the 9th of March. Here is the short 9 second video of the birds in flight.
I watched the birds, without them getting close enough to video, for several minutes. I studied everything I could about the birds for later ID. When I got home, I narrowed the field to two species. I grabbed two still photos from the video. Here they are. These two poor photos, plus my memory and the video, identified the bird.
Some of the other trees around have odd lives. These are excellent examples. The Sycamore grew with a vine choking it while the other two were damaged by deer rubbing the “velvet” off their antlers. The stool is 18 inches tall in the second photo for perspective.
Trees make perfect nesting sites.
For a different pace, I want to show two of the clover varieties in my yard. There is the Crimson, on the left, and White clover on the right. Life is multifaceted here and there is something new at every stop.
I decided to add two different species of the same bug of the day.
That’s all I have to offer this morning. I’m glad you stopped by and hope you enjoy the varieties around your own area. Please hang around and join the conversations.
🍂
What’s up in nature in your area today?
🍁
"SPOTLIGHT ON GREEN NEWS & VIEWS"
EVERY SATURDAY AT 3:00 PM PACIFIC TIME ON THE DAILY KOS FRONT PAGE.
IT'S A GREAT WAY TO CATCH UP ON DIARIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED. BE SURE TO RECOMMEND AND COMMENT IN THE DIARY.
|