The seeds (technically called fruits) above are from a Winged Elm tree (Ulmus alata). They hang in small clusters from the twigs and are quite different from other Elm fruits. Two things really struck me about this structure: the very prominent hairs around the edge and the heart shape at the end of the seed,Continue reading "Winged Elm Seeds"
Winter Tree ID: Beeches, Sycamores, & Dogwoods
For this post, we will look at three different trees and use some of the information from the last few posts in order to identify these trees in winter. Depending on where you live, there is not much more time for winter trees to look like winter trees so we will pick up this projectContinue reading "Winter Tree ID: Beeches, Sycamores, & Dogwoods"
Winter Tree ID: Parts of a Twig #2
A few more things about twigs that are useful to know then we will put this aspect of winter tree ID aside for awhile. If you did not see the first post on twig parts, you can read it here. In part 1, one of the things we looked at were terminal and lateral buds,Continue reading "Winter Tree ID: Parts of a Twig #2"
Winter Tree ID: Parts of a Twig
The whole idea of this year's posts on Winter Tree ID is to get the reader (that's you!) familiar with things you may not have thought about with regard to trees. This brings us to talking about parts of a twig. The parts of the twig are especially important with making an ID of winterContinue reading "Winter Tree ID: Parts of a Twig"
Winter Tree ID: Leaf Placement
Leaf placement is a key ID factor when trying to figure out what any flowering plant is. Leaf placement can be either opposite, alternate, or whorled. When you talk about trees, you are mainly dealing with just opposite or alternate. The opposite and alternate lingo also applies to the twigs and branching structure. However, ifContinue reading "Winter Tree ID: Leaf Placement"
Winter Tree ID: Bark
So if I said that it is almost as easy to identify a tree in winter as it is in summer you would probably not believe me. It is just a matter of looking at details and features you normally do not think about. This series will start with some of the most basic featuresContinue reading "Winter Tree ID: Bark"
How to Choose a Field Guide
Assorted Botanical Field Guides As you can see, I am a bit of a field guide nut, especially botanical field guides. Generally when anyone gets involved with studying natural history, or even has a casual interest, field guides are the go to source. They are also abundant, which leads someone to wonder which one isContinue reading "How to Choose a Field Guide"
About the Botany Diary Blog
Latta Prairie I am starting this blog because the information on it deserves its own space. Prior to this decision, I would post information about wild plants on my other website which is mainly about art. On this site I will share my notes, drawings, images, and observations about wild plants. Close observation is oneContinue reading "About the Botany Diary Blog"
Botany Diary 