[/caption][caption id="attachment_413" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="mystery wild flower gone to seed. Any guesses?"]
[/caption]During our hike along the trails at Blomidon Provincial Park, one thing stood out, and that was fall colors. By that I mean the lack thereof!
“Scientists don't quite know if global warming is changing the signs of fall like it already has with an earlier-arriving spring. They're turning their attention to fall foliage in hopes of determining whether climate change is leading to a later arrival of autumn's golden, orange and red hues.” Read the whole story on MSNBC.
[caption id="attachment_411" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="A vernal pond? This spot was magical, but alas, it does not show well in the picture:("]
[/caption]The changes don’t necessarily indicate long-term trends. It could have been the heavy rain and hurricanes we had this year leading to fungal growth, which in turn, cause some tree s to forego the colourful display with leaves to turning brown and dropping earlier. However, there are some studies that indicate long-term trends.
But in the last week, the fall colors came out, and many are already on the ground.
[caption id="attachment_412" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="There are spots along the trail where the forest is all maple trees. There are four speices of maple in the park. I can't tell you want they are because we didn't walk the interpretive trail!"]
[/caption]One of my favourite things to do when hiking in the woods is to pay attention to the smells. The types of plants in an area affect the smells. Some areas are full of that pine scent, others smell of rich humus, but my favourite smell is that sweet, cotton-candy smell! What causes that smell out in the middle of the forest?
[caption id="attachment_407" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="I hate to admit it, but I don't know my trees! I most correct this gap in my knowledge."]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_406" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Fireweed gone to seed."]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_408" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="I've always wondered what this black stuff is, anyone know?I think the black stuff is Black Knot Fungus."]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_409" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Orange Hawkweed, sometimes called Devil's Paint Brush"]
[/caption]
Yes, those scents and smells are wonderful ... a much neglected sense, I always think. Lots of gone-to-seed fireweed (rosebay willowherb) here in England too right now.
ReplyDeleterosebay willowherb is a lovely name for this plant too! I love how different names are in different regions for the same plant.
ReplyDeleteChickadees are the hardest!! Great hike and interesting discussion. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteYes, they don't stay still very long!
ReplyDeleteHi Grace,
ReplyDeleteI can't tell from the photo what type of flower that is. If I discover anything I'll be back to let you know.
The scent can't be Douglas Fir as they only grow out west. Perhaps you're thinking of Balsam Fir. I love the smell of them in the forest.
Opps, didn't think of that. I just googled cotton-candy smell in the woods on got Douglas Fir.
ReplyDeleteThe black seeds are from ramps (Allium tricoccum). If you dig under the seed stalk, you'll find the oniony bulb, a gourmet treat. All parts of the plant will have the smell, including the flower stalk. Lovely pictures! Karen
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. I love it when I find out something is edible!
ReplyDelete