The Beauty Of Plants

Common Milkweed [Asclepias syriaca] seed. Dauphin county, Pa. 11-1-24

Common Milkweed [Asclepias syriaca] in seed. Dauphin county, Pa. 11-1-24

This Oak Leaf [Quercus] shows the ravages of some unknown insect, revealing the beautiful veining structure of the leaf. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-15-24

All that is left after the flower has fallen off from this American Pennyroyal [Hedeoma pulegioides] is called the receptacle, now containing seeds for the next generation as it is an annual. Seeds can now be found the pouch at the end of the dried tubular receptacle. Looking closely you can see tiny droplets that are the oil glands full of aromatic chemicals, that give this plant its wonderful fragrance. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-28-24

Dogane [Apocynum cannabinum] seed. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-18-24

American Holly [Ilex opaca] with fruit. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-27-24

Witch Hazel fruit and its beautiful ebony colored seeds [Hamamelis virginiana].

Dogbane in seed [Apocynum cannabinum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-18-24

Witch Hazel [Hamamelis virginiana]. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-15-24

White Oak Leaves [Quercus alba]. Dauphin County Pa. 10-12-24

Witch Hazel [Hamamelis virginiana]. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-6-24

Fruit from Witch Hazel [Hamamelis virginiana]. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-4-24. One day soon, when the temperature is just right, these nut like structures will open and as if shot by springs the seeds of the Witch Hazel will shoot up to 30 feet away for its parent tree. A fascinating way for this wonderful plant to disperse its ebony colored seeds, just one more reason to love and appreciate this native plant.

Fringed Gentian [Gentiana crinita]. Cheboygan County, Michigan. 9-17-24

Closed Bottle Gentain [Gentiana andrewsii]. Luzerne County, Pa. 9-2-24

The beauty of Indiangrass in flower is always worth the wait! [Sorghastrum nutans]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-23-24

This series of pictures shows the flower and fruit cycle of the tiny Cow Wheat plant [Melamoyrum lineare]. In picture one, shows the tiny annual in flower on June 2, in picture two we see a seed pod that has anywhere from 3 to 6 seeds on August 5 and in picture three, also on August 5, a seed pod spit open revealing its seeds. "It is a hemi-parasitic plant, meaning that it relies on obtaining some of its nutrients from the roots of nearby plants. The nectar of Common Cow-wheat can only be reached by insects that have a long proboscis, especially bees. If the flower is not pollinated, it will pollinate itself. It is the larval foodplant of the rare Heath Fritillary butterfly." Dauphin County, Pa. 2024

Slender Mountain Mint [Pycanthemum tenuifolium]. Dauphin County, Pa. 7-5-24

Wood Lily & Fern (Lilium philadelphicum). Toga County, Pa. 7-4-24

Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum). Toga County, Pa. 7-4-24

Black Cohosh [Actaea racemosa]. Tioga County, Pa. 7-4-24

The beautiful Lance-Leaved Violet [Viola lanceolata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-6-24.

Pink Lady's Slipper [Cypripedium acaule]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-6-24

Marsh Marigold [Caltha palustris]. Northeastern, Pa. 5-3-24

Dwarf Ginseng [Panax trifolius]. Dauphin County, Pa.5-6-24

Fringed Polygala [Polygaloides paucifolia]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-6-24

Dwarf Ginseng [Panax trifolius]. Dauphin County, Pa.5-6-24

Fringed Polygala [Polygaloides paucifolia]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-6-24

Wild Azalea [Rhododendron periclymenoides]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-8-24

Huckleberries blossoms [Vaccinium membranaceum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 4-24-24

Trillium erectum [yellow form]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-27-24

In all the years that I have visited Tioga County to see Trillium erectum, this was the first time seeing a yellow one and what a beauty it was! Tioga County, Pa. 4-27-24

Squirrel Corn [Dicentra canadensis]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-27-24

Northern Maidenhair Fern [Adiantum pedatum], showing the fronds just starting to open. Tioga County, Pa. 4-27-24

Trillium Erectum, Tioga County, Pa. 4-27-24

Long Spurred Violet [Viola rostrata]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-27-24

The beautiful Miterwort [Mitella diphylla]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-27-24

In all the years that I have visited Tioga County to see Trillium erectum, this was the first time seeing a yellow one and what a beauty it was! Tioga County, Pa. 4-27-24

Although it is possible for the flowers of Trailing Arbutus [Epigaea repens] to be a perfect flower [having both male and female parts] most are unisex, having either male of female parts. In fact most groups of plants and their flowers are one sex or another. Pictured below is the female with its star shaped apparatus that is open and ready to receive pollen, pictured above is the male with its pollen producing structures. The amazing world of just one tiny spring flower and its fascinating strategy for reproducing.

Trailing Arbutus [Epigaea repens]. Dauphin County, Pa. 4-12-24

Trailing Arbutus [Epigaea repens]. Dauphin County, Pa. 4-10-24

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-9-24.

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta] shown with a Double Flowering Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta f plena]. North Central, Pa. 4-9-24.

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-9-24.

Double Flowering Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta f plena]. North Central Pa. 4-9-24

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-9-24.

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-9-24

Round Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana]. Perry County, Pa. 3-29-24

Nothing can stand in the way of a wildflower blooming and fulfillling its destiny and urge to reproduce, in this case, Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa

Round Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana]. Perry County, Pa. 3-29-24

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 3-16-24.

A seedling Balsam Fir Tree [Abies balsamea]. Coos County, N.H.. The simple beauty of the tinest of things in the forest never ceases to move and inspire me. This was taken many years ago, and if it survived, it always makes me smile to think how big it could be today. Never mind the "if it survived' in my mind it will always be there.

Toothed Palagiomnium Moss [Plagiomnium cuspidatum]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-7-23.

Rose Twisted -Stalk [Streptopus lanceolatus]. New York. 6-2-17.

The bloom of an unknown Aster still hanging on in December. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-23

Teaberry [Gaultheria procumbens]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-23

Tall Goldenrod [Solidago altissima] in seed. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-23

New York Scalewort [Frullania eboracensis] on White Birch Tree [Betula papyrifera]. Northeastern, Pa. In the family of Liverworts.

Patridge Berry [Mitchella repens]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-23

Tall Goldenrod [Solidago altissima] in seed. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-23

The beautiful warm colors of Goldenrod in seed, in this case Tall Goldenrod [Solidago altissima]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-23

Sharp Lobed Hepatica leaf [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-23

Bluestem Golenrod [Solidago caesia] in seed. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-23. With a background of Beechnut Treees

The beautiful fruit of Blue Cohosh [Cauiophyllum thalictroides]. Eaten by wildlife especially birds. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-23.

One very tiny Sharp Lobed Hepatica leaf [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-23

Stout Goldenrod [Solidago squarrosa]. Still in bloom in Tioga County in December! Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-23.

The achenes or fruit contain a single seed, in this case the seed of Blue Stemmed Goldenrod [Solidago caesia]. At the achenes apex is the pappus which is made up of tiny hairs, which in turn help to distribute and disperse the achenes, and thus the seed, far and wide on the wind. Aren't plants just amazing! Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-23

Teaberry [Gaultheria procumbens]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-23

Common Milkweed [Asclepias syriaca] in seed. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-6-23

Seed Pods of Indian Tobacco [Lobelia inflata] in the setting sun. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-10-23.

Back lit Oak Leaf [Quercus] in the setting sun. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-10-23

Common Milkweed seeds on the breeze. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-10-23 [Asclepias syriaca]

Back lit Red Oak Leaf [Quercus rubra] in the setting sun. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-10-23

Pine Needle caught on a limb in the setting sun light. Pitch Pine [Pinus rigida]. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-3-23.

Pine Needles caught on limbs in the setting sun light. Pitch Pine [Pinus rigida]. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-3-23.

Pine Needle caught on a leaf in the setting sun light. Pitch Pine [Pinus rigida]. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-3-23. I don't think that I have ever seen a pine needle stuck to a leaf before.

Witch Hazel [Hamamelis virginiana]. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-1-23. Of all the Witch Hazel in flower seen this fall this one was by far the most colorful and prolific bloomer, but not until November 1 did it reach its peak.

Pitch Pine Needles Catching the last rays of sun on a cold November day. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-10-23 [Pinus rigida]

Wild Grapes [Vitis]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 11-1-23

Wild Raisin [Viburnum cassinoides]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 10-30-23

Witch Hazel [Hamamelis virginiana] seed capsules [fruit] and its beautiful ebony seeds. Dauphin County, Pa.10-23-23

The skeletal remains of a Witch Hazel leaf [Hamamelis virginiana]. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-15-23. After a year drought followed by rain and a devastating hail storm, then heat and drought again, this leaf finally succumbed to the ravages of some unknown insect. A year in the life of this one leaf and it still has a beauty all its own.

The beauty of Spiranthes, in this case cernua or Nodding Ladies Tresses orchid, in the fall is a great way to end what was another fantastic orchid season. From the tiny and delicate Heart Leaved Twayblade [Neottia cordata] in the snow on May 1 and also in early May seeing, for the first time, a orchid that I have nloned to see for a great many years, the Long Bracted Green Orchid [Dactyloriza viride] and through spring with all the beautiful Pink Ladies slippers both pink and yellow [Cypripedium] to late May and the Showy Orchids [Galearis spectabilis] and the always striking Putty Root [Aplectrum hyemale]. June this year seeing a true wonder that I thought again I would never see, Dragon's Mouth [Arethusa bulbosa]. And through all the different Platanthera species in the heat of summer and late summer with Rattlesnake Orchids [Goodyera] and their amazing folige to fall with the Autumn Coralroot [Corallorhiza odontorhiza] and the beautiful Spiranthes shown here, we are blessed to have so many wild orchids here in the Northeast [60 in Pennsylvania alone]. The beauty, variety and complexity of these wild orchids is something to marvel at. And to study them up close reveals a even more beautiful world of patterns and colors that can take my breath away. Notice the way the sunlite makes the labellum sparkle like tiny diamonds. I see so many folks who look for orchids, take a picture, scratch it off their list and move on the the next flower, never noticing the wonder in front of them, I always feel sorry for these people. And if you are like me and like to study and amazing world orchid pollination and mysteries and complex relationship between incects and orchids the fascination is never ending. I would like to say thank you to all the wonderful people who have taken the time to help me this year in my quest to learn and appreciate the beauty and wonder of wild orchids, that always leaves me with a great sense of awe and wonder. Dauphin County, Pa. 9-22-23

Yellow Iron Weed [Wingstem] [Verbesina alternifolia]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-22-23.

The beautiful Spotted Bee Balm [Monarda puntata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 9-6-23

Indian Grass [Sorghastrum nutas] in flower. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-22-23. The white feathery parts are the stigmas

Virigin's Bower [Clematis virginiana]. Lebanon County, Pa. 8-22-23

Bue Mist flower [Conoclinium coelestinum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-29-23.

Indian Tobacco [Lobelia inflata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-25-23

The tiny flower of American Pennyroyal [Hedeoma pulegioides]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-25-23

There is nothing more beautiful this time of year than Indiangrass in flower and on the breeze. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-23-23 [Sorghastrum nutans]

Maidenhair Fern [Adiantum pedatum] starting to open. Tioga County, Pa. 5-6-22

Maidenhair Fern progression [Adiantum pedatum]. Tioga County, Pa. 5-6-22 to 5-23-22

One of my favorite flowers is the tiny Indian Tobacco [Lobelia inflata], a cousin to the beautiful Cardinal Flower [Lobelia cardinalis] . I often wondered what could be pollinating this small beauty. While photographing this wildflower recently a tiny unfamiliar insect appeared going from flower to flower placing its proboscis deep into each flower. Looking like a tiny dragonfly this tiny insect , called a Thick Headed Fly [Stylogaster neglecta], a real beauty of the insect world. Is it a pollinator of lobelia inflata, I do not know but I would say there is definitely a high probability. Schuylkill County, Pa. 8-3-23

Yellow form of Orange Fringed Orchid on right normal coloration on Left. Both beautiful! [Platanthera ciliaris]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 7-31-23

Ragged Fringed Orchid [Platanthera lacera]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 7-6-23

Orange Fringed Orchid after a rain [Platanthera ciliaris]. Dauphin County, Pa. 7-25-23

American Climbing Fern [Lygodium palmatum]. Luzerne County, Pa. 7-26-23

Orange Fringed orchid [Platanthera ciliaris]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 7-21-23

Northern Dewberry [Rubus flagellaeis]. Dauphin County, Pa 7-7-23

Fly Poison [Amianthium muscitoxicum], Carbon County, Pa. 6-26-23

Whorled Loosestrife [Lysimachia quadrifolia]. Dauphin County, Pa. 6-19-23

Mosquito caught in just two tentacles of Round Leaved Sundew [Drosera rotundifolia]. Tioga County, Pa. 6-10-23

Large Purple Fringed Orchid [platanthera grandifloria]. Lebanon County, Pa. 6-13-23

Insects caught in the sticky tentacles of Round Leaved Sundew [Drosera rotundifolia]. Tioga County, Pa. 6-10-23

Mountain laurel [Kalmia latifolia]. Dauphin County. Pa. 6-9-23

Canada Mayflower [Maianthemum canadense]. Carbon County, Pa. 5-59-23

Starflower [Trientalis borealis]. Carbon County, Pa. 5-29-23

Pointed Blue Eyed Grass [Sisyrinchium angustifolium]. Carbon County, Pa. 5-29-23

American Cancer Root [Conopholis americana]. Maryland, 5-19-23. A parasitic plant.

One Flower Cancer Root [Orbanche uniflora]. Maryland, 5-19-23. A parasitic plant meaning it subsist on the roots and energy of other plants, having no leaves of its own for photosynthesis and thus its own energy to create flowers.

The always elegant Perfoliate Bellwort [Uvularia perfoliata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-19-23

Smooth Solomon's Seal [Polygonatum biflourum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-19-23

Mayapple [Podophyllum peltatum]. Perry County, Pa. 5-9-23

I have never seen so many Downy Rattlesnake orchid plants at one spot before! Dauphin County, Pa. 5-5-23 [Goodyera pubescens]

Fringed Polygala [Polygala paucifolia]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-6-23

Dwarf Ginseng [Panax trifolium]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-5-23

Fox Grapes [Vitis labrusca]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-5-23

Early Coralroot orchid [Corallorhiza trifida]. Northeastern, Pa. 5-1-23

The beautiful foliage of False Hellebore [Veratrum viride]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 5-4-23

Heart Leaved Twayblade orchid [Neottia cordata]. Northeast Pa. 5-1-23

Jack-in-the-Pulpit [Arisaema triphyllum]. Perry County, Pa. 4-24-23

Miterwort [Mitella diphylla]. Perry County, Pa. 4-24-23

I have always loved Rattlesnake Weed [Pilosella venosa]. But to really appreciate their vibrant colors and veining one must see them on a rainy day, that's when their contrasting colors of green and purple really stand out! Dauphin County, Pa.

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-14-23

Double Flowering Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta f. plena]. North Central, Pa. 4-14-23

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-14-23. Showing tiny pollen gains on the stamens [male] found at the end of the connecting filaments, in the middle of the flower the greenish points are the stigmas [female]. The ovaries can be found at the base of the stigmas

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-14-23. Showing tiny pollen gains on the stamens.

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-14-23. Showing the stigma [female] and anthers containing the stamen [male]

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-14-23

Dutchman Breeches [Dicentra cucullaria]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-14-23

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica american var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-14-23

Multi petal [11] Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica american var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-14-23

Multi petal Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica american var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-14-23

Multi petal [11] Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica american var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-14-23

Double Flowering Sharp lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta f. plena]. North Central, Pa. 4-14-23

Pink with a touch of yellow Double Flowering Sharp lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta f. plena]. North Central, Pa. 4-14-23

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. North Central, Pa. 4-14-23

This is what is referred to as a "maiden" flower. Only having stigma [female parts] and no stamens [male parts]. It is still possible to reproduce and have fruit or seeds, if it gets pollen from an adjacent flower with stamens. This plant is in the same area as the double flowering plants, I can't help but wonder if this and other maiden plants in the area are somehow responsible for the mystery of rare double flowering plants found here. Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. North Central, Pa. 4-14-23

Pink Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. North Central, Pa. 4-14-23

Double Flowering Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta f. plena]. North Central, Pa. 4-14-23.

Double Flowering Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta f. plena]. North Central, Pa. 4-14-23. I was fortunate to discover this rare colony of double flowing plants interspersed with hundreds of normally flowing Hepatica last year. There were 32 of these double flowering plants found last year[1 plant would be considered an extraordinary find] and so far this year there are around half that number, with hopefully more to come. There is a wonderful mystery surrounding these particular plants, how they ever came to be. As they have no stamen or stigma [male and female parts] of the plant to reproduce [last year there were no seeds produced by these plants]. What is at work here that produces plants like these, is there some kind of genetic mutation? Only time will tell and it would be okay with me if we never know the wonderful mystery of these plants. For now just enjoy the extraordinary beauty of these spring ephemerals from the mountains of northern Pennsylvania. Notice the white with a blush of pink with a hint of yellow in these particular flowers.

Trailing arbutus [Epigaea repens], Dauphin County, Pa. 4-6-23

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica american var. acuta]. North Central, Pa. 4-3-22

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta] just starting to open. Tioga County, Pa. 4-3-23

The stamen [male part of the flower] on Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-3-23. Notice the tiny grains of pollen on the stamens.

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica American var. acuta] Tioga County, Pa. 4-3-23. Nothing can stop spring wildflowers and their never ending will to flower and reproduce as they've waited an entire year for this one moment in time.

Native Lupine [Lupinus perennis] Schuylkill County, Pa. 3-29-23

Trailing Arbutus [Epigaea repens] flower buds from 3-24-23 [left] to 3-29-23 [right] it won't be long now! Dauphin County, Pa.

Although not a native plant, I still look forward to seeing Coltsfoot every year as for me it is almost always the first spring flower that I come across. I love everything about this plant, from its unusual "rubbery" stem to the bright pin wheel yellow flowers. Notice too the grains of sand caught in the flower as it broke through the soil. Native or not I will always look for Coltsfoot in spring. Dauphin County, Pa. 3-24-23 [Tussilago farfara]

Rattlesnake Weed already showing new growth [Hieracium venosum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 3-3-23

Princess Pine [Dendrolycopodium obscurum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 2-2-23

Wild Grape in winter. Dauphin County, Pa. 2-2-23 [Vitis]

I have been trying to find this tiny plant in winter for a long time now and finally success. Its hard to believe that this small plant will be 3 feet or higher with its beautiful tropical flowers and its wonderful aromatic scent, in just 6 months from now! Spotted Bee Balm [Monarda punctata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-31-23. You can see last years flower stem behind the plant in the last picture.

Beard Tongue in winter [Penstemon]. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-26-23

Mountain Mint [Pycnanthemum virginianum] coming up through the snow. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-26-23.

The fruit [seeds] of White Avens [Geum canadense]. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-26-23. Notice the hooked fruits, snagging passersby.

Drops on grass on a misty January day.

American Pennyroyal [Hedeoma pulegioides]. A comparison between flowering in August and January's dried Calyxes [that hold the inflorescence [flowers]. Notice in the winter [and summer] picture that calyxes are 5 toothed and 2 lower teeth are covered in tiny spikes or hairs, making the lower teeth look like formidable weapons. What is the function of these hairs are I cannot say, but you can be sure that in nature, there is a reason! This is one of my favorite tiny wildflowers, summer or winter, and is an annual, coming up from seed every year. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-10-23

A tiny leaf of Rattlesnake Weed [Hieracium venosum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-10-23. Its hard to believe that this tiny leaf will quadruple in size if not more by the time of blooming in late May, and will have all the fantastic purple veining that this plant is famous for. I can't help pondering the reasoning for the long hairs that are always present on each and every leaf and also the dark pin hole markings that always accompany each leaf, and wonder if eons ago this plant may have been in the cactus family.

Rattlesnake Weed [Hieracium venosum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-10-23.

Downy Rattlesnake Orchid [Goodyera pubescens] in winter. Dauphin County, Pa. 12-22-22

Virgin Bower Clematis [Clematis virginiana] in seed. Dauphin County, Pa. 12-22-22

Virgin Bower Clematis [Clematis virginiana]. Dauphin County, Pa. 12-22-22

Silver-rod, White Goldenrod [Solidago bicolor] in seed. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22. With Beech leaves in the background.

Tall Goldenrod in fruit [seed]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22 [Solidago altissima]

Ground Cedar [Lycopodium digitatum]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-10-22

Partridge Berry [Mitchella repens]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-10-22

Close up of the pappus on Goldenrod [Solidago], each pappus, the circular hair like filaments, are attached to achene which contain a single seed. The pappus help to disperse the seed on the wind, just waiting for that right gust to propel them into the air. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22

Bluestem Goldenrod [Solidago caesia] in seed. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22

Checkered Rattlesnake Orchid [Goodyera tesselata] in amongst Partridge Berry [Mitchella repens]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-9-22

Teaberry [Gautheria procumbens]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-9-22

This shows that part of Goldenrod [Solidago] know as the "receptacle". If you look at the very center you can see the tiny dimples that once held the "achene" inside the achene are the seeds. Tioga County, Pa. 12-9-22. The receptacles are found on many plants such as asters, and are noticeable after the seed or achene are gone. I think that they are very beautiful this time of year.

This picture shows the "achene" of Goldenrod [Solidago] which are held inside the receptacle. Inside each "achene" is a single seed, the tiny hairs in a circle around the top are called "pappus",they in turn help the seed to disperse on the wind. Tioga County, Pa. 12-9-22. Natures design and engineering at its finest, through eons of time and evolution providing a way for plants to spread and disperse their seeds and thus continue their species.

The wonderful warm browns of Tall Goldenrod in fruit [seed]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22 [Solidago altissima]

Maidenhair Fern [ Adiantum pedatum] has a stark beauty all its own in winter especially with drops of rain. Also pictured, Christmas Fern [Polystichum acrostichoides] in the background. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22

Foamflower [Tiarella cordifolia] Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22

The beautiful and varied foliage of Sharp Leaved Hepatica [Hepatica nobilis], still looks fantastic in December! Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22. Notice the unusual four leaved plant

My favorite pattern on Sharp Leaved Hepatica leaves [Hepatica nobilis], of all the many found in December in Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22. They can be so varied from plant to plant, just another reason to love this tiny plant in the winter.

The woody seed capsules of Common Witch Hazel. it takes two years for these to develop and on warm fall days the seeds are ejected from the capsules up to 40 feet. Notice the capsule on the left has already expelled its seeds. It takes two years for these seeds to then germinate. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-3-22 [Hamamelist virginiana]

Dogbane in seed [Apocynum cannabinum]. Dauphin County, Pa.11-3-22

A nice patch of Trailing Arbutus and its beautiful leathery leaves. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-4-22 [Epigaea repens]

Little Bluestem grass [Schizachyrium scoparium] in fruit [seed]. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-3-22. Backlit the seeds seem to glow this time of year on the beautiful reddish golden stems.

Butterfly Weed in seed [Asclepias tuberosa]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 10-16-22

Common Milkweed in seed [Asclepias syriaca]. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-22-22

Dogbane in seed [Apocynum cannabinum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-16-22

Sweet Fern [Comptonia peregrina] in fall colors. Sweet Fern, which is not a fern, is very aromatic. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-16-22

Hay Scented Fern in Fall, notice the spores on the underside of the fronds. That's how ferns reproduce as they don't have flowers or seeds. [Dennstaedtia punctilobula]. Dauphin county, Pa. 10-16-22

Hay Scented Fern in Fall. [Dennstaedtia punctilobula]. Dauphin county, Pa. 10-16-22

Beautiful Woolgrass in the fall [Scirpus cyperinus]. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-16-22

Witch Hazel [Hamamelis virginiana]. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-12-22

Native Strawberry [Fragaria virginiana] Coos County, N.H. 7-6-22

Native Strawberry [Fragaria virginiana] Coos County, N.H. 7-6-22.

Native Strawberry [Fragaria virginiana] Coos County, N.H. 7-6-22. My favorite color for these, when the seeds are red and the fruit is white and not quite ripe [red].

Aren't plants truly amazing. These Alpine Bulrush Plants were found growing in nothing more than cracks on a damp granite rock face. Northern Vermont. 7-6-22 [Tricophorum alpinum]

The fruit of Two Leaved Miterwort [Mitella diphylla]. Coos County, N.H. 7-5-22. Also known as Bishop's Cap

Indian Grass [Sorghastrum nutans] in bloom. Showing the stigma [the white fuzzy areas] and the stamens [the flowers]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-20-22

American Climbing Fern, Hartford Fern [Lygodium palmatum]. Pa. 7-27-22

The sticky tentacles of Round Leaved Sundew [Drosera rotundifolia]. North Central, Pa. 6-26-22

Rattlesnake Fern [Botrypus virginianus]. North Central, Pa. 6-26-22

Daisyleaf Grape Fern [Botrychium matricatiifolium]. North Central, Pa. 6-26-22

Mountain Laurel [Kalmia latifolia]. Dauphin County, Pa. 6-9-22

Rattlesnake Weed [Hieracium venosum] and flower. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-30-22

Wild Azalea [Rhododendron periclymenoides]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-29-22

Black Chokeberry [Aronia melanocarpa]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-29-22

These two pictures really highlight the two distinct differences between the two Sharp-Lobed Hepactica that a friend and I were fortunate to discover growing together in April in North Central, Pa.. The bottom picture taken on May 20, shows a normal flowering Sharp-Lobed Hepactica [Hepactica nobilis var. acuta]. This flower has been pollinated and you can see achene [fruit containing the seed] has developed in the receptacle. The top plant, taken within the same area on the same date shows one of the 32 extremely rare Double Flowering Sharp-Lobed Hepactica [Hepatica noblis var. acuta f. plena] that were found. These plants were found growing with the normal flowering Hepactica. Notice the difference in plant reproduction, in that the receptacle has no developing seed. This is because the double flowering plants [Hepactica noblis var. acuta f. plena] do not have reproductive capabilities. They lack the male part called the stamen [pollen] and the female part called stigma and thus cannot produce seed. Also notice one of the double flowers is still blooming [one of many seen] at this late date in the hopes of still being pollinated, which it cannot. The urge in plants can be so strong to reproduce, even if it is unable to do so. The real mystery here is how these 32 plants came to be in the first place, lacking reproductive capabilities. Is there a parent plant or plants producing this genetic mutation and if so, where are these plants located and how many are there? And also how and what are the factors in producing this mutation from a parent plant. Or could it be some unseen or unknown environmentally condition producing these beautiful double flowering examples. This is a very exciting discovery that I feel honored to be a part of and look forward to many years of not only seeing but of trying to unlock the secrets and mysteries of this rare, amazing, and beautiful plant.

At 18 inches tall [to the leaves] this Pogonia is truly a giant, and the tallest that I have ever seen. Large Whorled Pogonia orchid [Isotria verticillata]. Central, Pa. 5-17-22

The urge to bloom can be strong and every spring many plants become trapped in the leaf litter and struggle to bloom. In this case a Painted Trillium [Trillidium undulatum]. But bloom they do, maybe not as showy as the others, but they show an unrelenting determination. North Central, Pa. 5-20-22

Maidenhair Fern [Adiantum pedatum]. North Central, Pa. 5-20-22

Jack In The Pulpit [Arisaema triphyllum]. Central, Pa. 5-14-22

Maidenhair Fern [ Adiantum pedatum] sprouting. If you look close at the base of the new growth you can see remanence of last years plants. North Central, Pa. 5-4-22.

Maidenhair Fern [ Adiantum pedatum]. "Fiddleheads", Just starting to open. North Central, Pa. 5-4-22.

Maidenhair Fern [ Adiantum pedatum]. Just starting to open. North Central, Pa. 5-4-22.

Sharp lobed Hepatica [Hepatica acutiloba]. North Central, Pa. 5-4-22

The beautiful foliage of Sharp lobed Hepatica [Hepatica acutiloba]. North Central, Pa. 5-4-22. Notice the different variations and patterns in the leaves, also notice the four and five lobed plants vs the usual three.

Double Flowering Sharp lobed Hepatica [Hepatica nobilis var. acuta f. plena]. North Central, Pa. 5-4-22

I just had to take one last look at the amazing and fortunate find a friend, and I had made several weeks ago in North Central, Pa. Double Flowering Sharp lobed Hepatica [Hepatica nobilis var. acuta f. plena]. Another friend did a wonderful job of surveying the area and together we found an extraordinary 36 plants mixed in with the normal flowering Hepatica! There was quite a diversity in plant form and color, with some really amazing and striking colors. The only reason these Hepatica were still blooming [vs normal flowering Hepatica] was because, lacking pollinating capabilities of normal Hepatica, they were still in hopes of being pollinated. 5-4-22

The beautiful veining of Rattlesnake Weed [Hieracium venosum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-3-22. Also the tiniest Rattlesnake Weed leaves ever found.

Dutchman's Breeches [Dicentra cucullaria] in bud. North Central, Pa. 4-25-22.

Double Flowering Sharp lobed Hepatica [Hepatica nobilis var. acuta f. plena]. North Central, Pa. 4-25-22

This has now been confirmed as double flowering Sharp lobed Hepatica [Hepatica nobilis var. acuta f. plena], a very rare wildflower mutation. What makes this flower so special and rare is not just its beauty but the fact that at least 12 different individual plants and as many as 15 were found in this particular site, along with many hundreds of regular flowering beautiful Sharp Leaved Hepatica. North Central, Pa. 4-25-22

Coltsfoot [Tussilago farfara]. Dauphin County, Pa. 4-11-22

I do not care that this is not native, I always look forward to the beautiful maroon and gold colors of Coltsfoot [Tussilago farfara]. Dauphin County, Pa. 4-11-22. Oh and guess what, We're not native either! These flowers are all curled up for the night.

The beautiful purple veins of Rattlesnake Weed [Hieracium venosum]. Dauphin County, Pa.-6-22. Notice the large hairs covering the leaves

It won't be long now! Buds of Trailing Arbutus [Epigaea repens]. Dauphin County, Pa. 4-6-22. One my favorite wildflowers, and one I always look forward too!

Spotted [Striped] Wintergreen [Chimaphila maculata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 3-14-22

Beautiful seeds from our native clematis Virgin Bower [Clematis virginiana]. Dauphin County, Pa. 2-15-22

Spreading Dogbane still holding on to it's seeds [Apocynum androsaemifolium]. Dauphin County, Pa. 2-15-22

The setting sun seems to make this Common Milkweed pod and seeds look they are glowing. [ Asclepias syriaca]. Dauphin County, Pa. 2-15-22. The seeds were immature and under developed and never dispersed last fall.

Ice had formed on a blade of Indian Grass and having become separated, created this perfect copy, right down to the grains and pattern of the grass. [Sorghastrum nutaus]. Dauphin County, Pa. 2-10-22

Ice on Whorled Mountain Mint [Pynanthemum verticillatum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 2-10-22

All that is left now of Indian Tobacco are the ghostly seed pods from last fall [Lobelia inflata], but they are still elegant. Dauphin County, Pa. 2-5-22

Dried flowers [the receptacles] of Rabbit Tobacco [Psuedognaphalium obtusifolium]. These flowers in summer are a white tubular shape. "When crushed, the plant exudes a characteristic maple syrup scent." The plant in summer has an overall white papery appearance. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-27-22.

This is that part of the Goldenrod [Solidado] plant called the receptacle. It holds the individual flowers and later the seeds of the plant, these picture show the receptacle empty after the seeds have all dispersed. If you look close at the receptacle head you can see the perfect indentations where each individual seed or achene was held. For years I was mistaken and thought I was looking at a dried flower from possibly Fleabane. I think these receptacles are beautiful in the stark winter landscape, and a reminder of warmer summer days. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-14-22.

Roundleaf Greenbrier vine and its fruit [Smilax rotundifolia]. Dauphin County , Pa. 1-14-22

Bluestem Goldenrod in seed. Tioga County, Pa. 12-17-21

White Pine Needle balanced on Bluestem Goldenrod [Solidago caesia]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-17-21

Nature's designs, the skeletal remains of a seed pod from Indian Tobacco [Lobelia inflata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 12-3-21

Tall Goldenrod [Solidago altissima] in seed. Dauphin County, Pa. 12-3-21

The dried stalks of American Pennyroyal [Hedeoma pulegioides], in December. Its hard to mistake this plant anywhere as it really stands out from all other plants. An annual in the mint family, it still smells wonderful! My favorite tiny little plant, always a pleasure to see! Dauphin County, Pa. 12-3-21

The beautiful Rattlesnake Weed plant in December [Hieracium venosum]. Dauphin County, Pa.12-3-21

The beautiful foliage of Rattlesnake Weed in December [Hieracium vevosum]. This picture really shows off the deep reds and purples of the veining on the leaf. Dauphin County, Pa. 12-3-21. I have often wondered what purpose the filaments "hairs" serve on this beautiful and interesting plant, which are longer and much more visible this time of year.

This is an example of a tiny young Rattlesnake Weed plant just starting to get veining on its new leaves. Notice the leaf at the top shows barely any veining at all, also notice the really long filaments ["Hairs"] and the new leaf unfurling in the center [complete with many filaments]. [Hieracium venosum], Dauphin County, Pa. 12-3-21. It would seem fall and winter are the growing times for this beautiful and unusual plant. It would also be interesting to know the evolutionary history of this particular plant