A bit of a throwback from last years trip to North Carolina. Callisia graminea, grasslead roseling is a plant species is endemic to the southeastern United states. It grows in sandy soil in pine barrens and disturbed regions. As the name suggests, it has grass like thin leaves and pink showy flowers.
Swamp Milkweed is a tall moisture-loving plant found growing near bogs, swamps, fens, and streams. It prefers sunny spots where it flowers on a terminal spike in the summer. The flowers are showy pink to purple and carry nectar that attracts multiple pollinators. Shown here is a bumblebee trying to find its balance on swaying milkweed. It is a common species found across most of the continental US and into Canada. It is an excellent addition to any pollinator-friendly garden as its flowers are both showy and wonderfully scented.
The common violet (Viola Sororia) is a common herbaceous plant found in eastern North America. The plant comes in many varieties of flowers and many more cultivars and hybrids. The plant is self seeding and spreads across a lawn with ease.
It spreads with ease and is a great addition to any lawn. A native, it provides important food for pollinators in early spring.
The common violet also happens to be the state flower of New Jersey! Pictured below are some of the variants of the common violet.
After a month of moving to my new place I decided to upload pictures from Spring of 2020. I pray I can go out and photograph again!
Mountain laurels are a broadleaf shrub native to Eastern US, from Maine to northern Florida. Flowers range from white to light pink and bloom from May to early June. The plant’s size is heavily dependent on its growing conditions. In Appalachia, it can grow as large as a tree. While in less ideal conditions, the plant remains a smaller size.
The plant is known for its unique method of pollination. The anthers are under tension as the flower matures. When a pollinator lands on the flower, the tension is released, and pollen is flung on to the pollinator.
These plants were in bloom in early June in high point state park.
Notophthalmus viridescens,the eastern newt is a common newt found across eastern North America. The adults are not as striking as the juveniles (efts), which are brightly colored to warn you of their toxins.
Shown here is an individual eft we stumbled across in high point state park, New Jersey. The swamps of the High Point are unique and are biologically diverse. You can learn more about the bog here on this excellent blog that goes through its natural history and its unusual evolution.
Exploring Free Green Cascadia 