As we hike in the winter months we see the shapes of plant’s seed heads against the snow this is both interesting and beautiful. Common Teasels (Dipsacus) can be spotted through out New York. Many people gather these seed head in the fall to use as decorations. Sometimes they are left in there natural form sometimes they are spray painted various colors. You can also use them to fashion Teasel animals. Continue reading
Wintergreen in flower in July
When we hike in the late fall, early winter it can become difficult to determine what some of the plants along the trail are. Many are displaying their seed heads and dried leaves. There are some herbaceous plants that remain evergreen and are easy to identify. One of these beauties is a woody ground cover called Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens). The plant has shiny green leaves and red berries. The best ways to identify it is to break or crush a leaf then smell it. The aroma of wintergreen is wonderful. Continue reading
Witchhazel, Hamamelis virginiana is an understory small tree or shrub that is common in the Finger Lakes. 
In the fall the coarsely toothed leaves turn a beautiful golden color. What is even more remarkable is they start to flower in the fall after its leaves turn. The yellow flowers have four crinkled narrow petals. This is the last woody plant to flower in the area. Pollination is done by a moth and the capsules take a year to mature. So the old brown capsules you see on the plant are 2 years old. The capsules that are ripe now are light green in color. They were flowers last fall. As you hike this week look for the beautiful Witchhazel, it is sure to catch your eye. For more information: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/hamamelis_virginiana.shtml