The more I learn the more I learn how much I still haven’t learned. In this case, I’m almost certain this cluster of berries belongs to a Staghorm Sumac (Rhus typhina) was photographing. I do know that it was not poinsonous because is was prominently in a Lincoln Park garden. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
The fuzzy seed berries are what attracted me to the plant. Equally stunning are the red leaves of Autumn. CLICK on the image above for more information. Copyright 2018.
What early summer seed head does this belong to? It should be a native plant because in a restored prairie area of Lincoln Park, Chicago. It doesn’t seem to be Wild Quinine, nor Queen of the Prairie, nor Cow Parsnip which are all beginning to go into seed. But the seed head is conspicuous and amazing to observe. Enjoy. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Prolific abundance of seeds can sometimes single a stressed plant; it provides for the future of it’s species by making many more seeds than usual. Saving the species takes precedence over saving it’s own life. An interesting concept! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Micro view of fall Aster. Copyright 2016, Pamela Breitberg
Along the lake’s edge, close to where the Frost Asters were abundant, was one cluster of Asters with pale violet hues. They appeared to be a soft purple until looked close and the striped pattern was revealed. I’m unsure of the species and wonder if it might be a hybrid Aster.
Unknown Aster along Lake Michigan’s shore. Copyright 2016, Pamela Breitberg
This morning I am reminded of how little I yet have learned, how much there still is to learn. Providing background information of my natural subjects is one of my strategies to mark my passion for nature’s wonders as contagious. Today, the best I can hope for is to instill you with a sense of awe; specifically an awe in the multiplicity of Sedges. If that’s too ambitious of me, please just enjoy the pictures I share!
Caricology is the study of this large species, Sedge (carex). The identification of the sedges in these images remains a mystery to me. I’m content to know that I still haven’t learned it all; actually I’m excited to know I’m not done exploring life’s mysteries.
The Sedges alongside the riverbank were expected natives. Connecting this river with the forest through which it flowed brought together two moist loving species that do not usually mingle with each other. My eye focused on a colony of Mayapples (Podophyllum). Mayapples are woodland natives that stir folktale imaginations in my mind with each springtime encounter. Here they were sharing the forest floor with Sedges. Crouching down as I hunted for yet-to-bloom Mayapple flowers I quickly became fascinated by the stringy fuzz of these Sedges.
Mayapples and Sedges communing together. Copyright 2015 Pamela Breitberg
Sedges among the Mayapple. Copyright 2015 Pamela Breitberg
Sedge in Cook County Forest Preserve, Chicago. Copyright 2015 Pamela Breitberg
-Read other Mayapple posts of mine:
-Illinois is host to over 200 “Sedges, grasses and non-flowering plants”: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/grass_index.htm .
New England Aster {Aster novae-angliae} copyright 2014 Pamela Breitberg
copyright 2014 Pamela Breitberg
copyright 2014 Pamela Breitberg
Interesting seed head formation; copyright 2014 Pamela Breitberg
These images were all taken at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s prairie garden in Chicago in September. Other than the Aster I am puzzled by the identity of these plants. Once again I am reminded of how much I do NOT know still.
You are WELCOME to add share your expertise if you know any of these interesting plants.
