Archive for January, 2011

Jan 27 2011

January Day & Winter Twigs – lesson #2

Published by under Wildlife Sightings

The fog was incredible this morning in the park!  Each shrub seemed to be coated in frosty, white, geometrical webs and of course each one was unique, begging us to stop and take notice. 

Spiderweb in the fog

Now for some continued education on those winter twigs!  You wouldn’t know it from the looks of the frosty webs and heavy fog, but the winter twigs are telling us that spring is near.  In fact, one of the plants is threatening to show off its leaves and flowers. 

This shrub has alternate bud arrangement with rosy red colored scales.  The twigs themselves are greyish green and if you cut a cross section sample to look at the pith (core of the stem), you’d notice that it is chambered with parallel looking plates.  Don’t forget to use your sense of smell on this one because the twig and buds smell like cucumbers, yum!

Ready to burst!

If you really want to look closely, you’ll find leaf scars from last season that are cresent-shaped.  But…the dead giveaway is the fact that there are tons of them all over the upland forest and they are clearly the first to bloom (in January!)  This always give me hope for more sunshine and warm weather.  The name of that mystery plant is ~ Indian plum.  Add that to your list of favorites.  Who doesn’t love a plant that will soon have our forest looking like this?

Blooming Indian plum

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Jan 20 2011

Winter Twigs: Lesson #1

Published by under Field Notes

My disclaimer when leading “Winter Twig Identification” hikes is that you either A)  showed up without a clue of the hike topic for the day or B) are just as nerdy as I am and really like to look at twigs!  So, yes I admit I am a nerd and I love to study those leafless little brachlets and buds.  Most people I encounter think identifying deciduous plants can be challenging when leaves aren’t present, but I have some tricks that I will share that make it easy to remember what you’re looking at.
Step 1:  Look at the general shape and size of the plant to note whether you are looking at a tall tree, small tree, tall shrub, small shrub.  Notice I say “general”.  Often times we are looking at a young plant that is not full grown and other times it is a matter of personal opinion whether a plant is known as a small tree or tall shrub.  This justs helps to get you ready to group the plant into the correct category.  I suggest that you try to imagine the silhouette of the plant, both with and without leaves. 
Step 2:  Look at the arrangement of leaf scars and buds to determine if it is  opposite or alternate.  Opposite is like a mirrored image on either side, whereas alternate is like a stair step. 
Step 3:  Scan the plant for any “freebees” and take note of things like thorns, prickles, seed capsules, leftover berries, flower heads and rosehips. 
Step 4:  Don’t be afraid to use all of your senses!  Some plants are fuzzy to the touch; some smell like cucumber; some are sticky and sweet smelling; some have prickles that break off easily and some are armed with thorns that will draw blood! 
My goal is to help visitors learn to identify 5 plants in the winter.  I tend to make shape and color associations since that helps me to remember them better.  I hope it helps you too…
Mystery Plant #1 ~
It is about 10 ft tall so I’m calling it a tall shrub but someone that sees a 20 ft specimen might call it a small tree :)  
The buds and leaf scars are alternately arranged and the buds are round and fuzzy.  Upon closer examination the twigs are also fuzzy.  I notice that the twigs themselves have a “zig-zag” shape to them. 
 

Opposite, round and zig-zaged

Fuzzy

 Ok, the final clue is above my head.  I’m glad I looked up because I found the best freebee of all…catkins!   Well, I guess the best freebee would have been hazelnuts but catkins are a close second (by the way, catkins are male flowers.)   

Catkins

 Once you put all of that information together and look at your guide, you should discover that you are looking at a Western Hazel.  Stay tuned more tips and tricks for winter twig identification on Naturalist Notes or join us Saturday Febuary 26th at 10am for our final winter twig outing!

Ranger Christal

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