Winter

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

Drops on grass on a misty January day.

The unmistakable elegant form of American Pennyroyal [Hedeoma pulegioides] in winter. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-13-23

On the shortest day of the year I was struck by the last rays of the setting sun coming through a lone seed pod of a Large Whorled Pogonia orchid making it look as though the pod was a glowing candle. This image on a stark winters day was one of my favorites from last year, it seemed to give hope on a deep dark winters day. [Isotria verticillata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 12-21-22

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

Northern Two Lined Salamander larva found in December in Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22 [Eurycea bislineata]

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

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

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

A beautiful December Northern Spring Salamander [Gyrinophilus porphyriticus]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22

Eastern Spicy-Wintergreen, Teaberry ( Gaultheria procumbens] Tioga County, Pa. 12-9-22

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

My favorite of all the Tall Goldenrod seen on our December Tioga trip. Tall Goldenrod in fruit [seed]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22 [Solidago altissima]

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

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

Me and my girls heading out of the mountain on a bitter cold January evening. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-22-22

A Solitary Turkey track in the snow. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-22-22

Tall Goldenrod [Solidago altissima] in seed on a cold January Day. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-22-22

The warm colors of Tall Goldenrod [Solidago altissima] in seed on a cold January Day. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-22-22

Snow on Wild Bergamot [Monarda fistulosa]. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-27-22

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

The skeletal remains of a seed pod from Indian Tobacco [Lobelia inflata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 12-3-21

American Holly [Ilex opaca].Dauphin County,Pa.3-5-21

Flaxleaf Aster [Lonactis linariifolius] in winter.Dauphin County,Pa.1-29-21.

Seed pods in winter,Indian Tobacco [Lobelia inflata].Dauphin County,Pa.1-29-21

One of my favorite wildflowers anytime of the year,but especially in winter,where it always stands out from all other plants.It has a wonderful mint smell,even in winter.The tiny American Pennyroyal [Hedeoma pulegioides].Dauphin County,Pa.1-29-21.

Tall Goldenrod [Solidago altissima].Tioga County,Pa.12-13-20

Dried White Wood Aster in winter [Eurybia divaricata].Tioga County,Pa.12-12-20

The seeds of a Goldenrod [Solidago].Tioga County,Pa.12-12-20.

Goldenrod in seed [Solidago].Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20

Silver- rod,White Goldenrod [Solidago bicolor] in seed.Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20

Penstemon calyx seed pods.Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20.

Tall Goldenrod [Solidago altissima] in seed.Tioga County,Pa.12-13-20

Winter beauty on a very cold winters day.Spreading Dogbane [Apocynum androsaemifolium] in seed.Dauphin County,Pa.1-31-19

Spreading Dogbane [Apocynum androsaemifolium] in seed.Dauphin County,Pa.1-15-19

Little Bluestem grass in seed [Schizachyrium scoparium].Dauphin County,Pa.1-11-18

Small brook with unusual wavy line,on a cold day in December.Tioga County,Pa.12-6-18

Last years Spotted Beebalm [Monarda punctata] flower heads.Dauphin County,Pa.3-8-18

Spreading Dogbane [Apocynum androsaemifolium].Dauphin County,Pa.3-18-18

Ice on pine needles.Dauphin County,Pa.3-8-18

Flower heads from last year.Spotted Bee balm [Monarda punctata].Wild Bergamot [Monarda fistulosa].Dauphin County,Pa.3-4-18

Last year Coneflower flower heads [Echinacea] on state gamelands.Dauphin County,Pa.3-4-18

Ice on Winterberry [Ilex verticillata].Dauphin County,2-11-18

Icicles on an American Holly [Ilex opaca].Dauphin County,2-11-18

Spreading Dogbane [Apocynum androsaemifolium].Dauphin County,2-18-18

Winterberry [Ilex verticillata].Dauphin County,2-18-18.A great food source for birds and wildlife in winter.I have seen bluebirds,robins,and cedar waxwings enjoying them.