Wordless Wednesday: Wild Plum

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Wordless Wednesday: Wild Plum

Daffodil Blooms

The daffodils out in the woods at the edge our yard are finally blooming. The first opened on the last day of February, but gusty wind prevented me from taking photos for a couple of days.

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Daffodil Blooms

Pencilflower (Stylosanthes biflora)

(Photos: 6/14/09 by Marvin)

Pencilflower (Stylosanthes biflora)

Other common name: Sidebeak Pencilflower

Status: Native perennial herb.

Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Range: Most of the eastern United States.

Habitat: Rocky open woods, glades, prairies, usually on acid substrates.

Flowering: May - September.

Comments: The "pencil" and "stylos" (stylus) in the vernacular and scientific names both refer to the hollow receptacle that surrounds the pistil.

Although this wildflower is fairly common in the easter U. S., it is often overlooked because the plant is low-growing and the flowers are tiny.

Sources and additional information/images:
Kansas Wildflowers & Grasses
Missouri Plants
USDA Plant Profile and Distribution Map
2bn Thye Wild
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

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Pencilflower (Stylosanthes biflora)

Peach Blossom Time in the Ozarks

                                                                                                                                  (Photo taken on 03/18/09 by Marvin)

Peach Blossoms

Growing peaches in the Ozarks is an excellent hobby for anyone who thrives on dashed hopes and expectations.  Here in northern Arkansas we are far enough south that longer days and warmer temperatures coax our peaches into bloom about this time -- or a little earlier -- every year, but we are far enough north that we will get at least one more hard freeze -- hard enough to destroy blooms or recently set fruit -- four years out of five.

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Peach Blossom Time in the Ozarks