Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum )

I had not planned on or thought about writing a blog about mistletoe and learning about it. I looked up though and noticed it growing in a oak tree in our yard. I use to see it in a very large oak tree that has been gone from our backyard for years. This is the first I've noticed it in this one though. It was easy to see because all the leaves have fallen off. I am familiar with Mistletoe but only because of it's popularity during Christmas. Most think of it as a tradition of kissing under during Christmas. The origin of that tradition goes back many years probably to the ancient Druids. They used it for fertility. Later in the 18th century it had become incorporated into Christmas celebrations. Obviously I know it has nothing to do with celebrating the birth of Jesus! Mistletoe is an evergreen parasitic plant and it grows on a variety of trees and shrubs. All parts are poisonous but Native Americans used it externally to treat Rheumatism. Modern research has found compounds that could be used to treat cancer, hypertension and smooth muscle problems. As always nothing for a novice to experiment with especially when a plant is poisonous. With that said amazing information still seems to be hidden within many plants God put here.

Mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum )

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

I can't tell you how long it's been since I saw a Monarch Butterfly in my yard. I do remember them from my childhood but can't say I remember seeing any since that time. This summer was different though I was able to catch sight of them several times. Trying to take pictures of them with their wings open though has been hard. Monarchs are able to fly long distances, even 1000's of miles. They do this in the fall as they make their journey to California and Mexico. During their winter stay there they are inactive and remain very still. They live off of the stored fat in their abdomens. Adult Monarchs eat nectar from flowers while the caterpillars eat only Milkweed leaves. You can find Monarchs from Southern Canada and throughout the United States, South and Central America. Keep watch for them in Australia, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands where they can also be found. Interesting that they have taken Monarchs to the International Space Station and bred them there. The Monarch and many other butterflies are beautiful creatures of God's creation. Look around you and discover God's beautiful creation where you are.

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

Monday, September 21, 2015

Longtailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus)

Along with some of the butterflies I've seen during the past few summers also came another new one for me this year. The Longtailed Skipper has a touch of blue-green and dark colored wings that caught my eye as it enjoyed the Zinnias. It can be found in the Southern areas of the United States but can travel as far north as Illinois. They sometimes stray west to Arizona and southern California. They will not do well in cooler temperatures and live in subtropical and tropical South America. Keep a watch for them in Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic where they can also be found. I love to find and photograph new butterflies,flowers ect. There is so much yet to discover about God's creation where I am. Take time to enjoy and discover the beauty in God's creation where you are.

Longtailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus)

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)

This is the first Pearl Crescent I've seen in my yard or at least since I've been learning the names of some butterflies anyway. It was flying around the Zinnias and the Periwinkles. It's said to be found in all parts of the United States except the west coast. It can be found in parts of Canada and Mexico as well. The female color is usually darker than the males and with paler median spots. The males have black antenna knobs and females do not. For the past few years I have been discovering more about butterflies and enjoying the beauty God gave to them. I'm learning new names and each year God opens my eyes to see and discover His creation where I live. Take time and discover God's creation where you are.

Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)

Friday, August 7, 2015

Spiny Oakworm Moth (Anisota stigma)

For whatever reason moths seem to like hanging out at our front door. Maybe because of the porch light. I never remember when I was growing up seeing such interesting moths as I have the past few years though. The Spiny Oakworm has stayed in the same spot next to our front door for the past few days. My son first noticed it and it's hard not to see it when going in and out of the front door. The females are larger than the males and have small black specks on the wings. The forewing also has a small white spot on it. Males are redder than the females. They can be found throughout much of the eastern United States from southern New England to central Florida, west to Texas, Kansas and Minnesota. So much of God's creation can go unnoticed but He has opened my eyes to see a new world that maybe I overlooked before. Take time and discover God's creation where you are.

Spiny Oakworm Moth (Anisota stigma)

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

After getting out of the car with a few grocery bags in my hand I noticed this Black Swallowtail. It was flying around the Zinnias. I ran in to get the camera and I was hoping it would still be there when I came back. Thank God it was ! Another butterfly added to my list ! This butterfly can be found in most of North America east of the Rocky Mountains and south to the northern tip of South America. It also can be found in Australia. Normally Black Swallowtails live 10 to 12 days but some can live up to 35-40. I love to capture pictures of butterflies but sometimes you have to be quick or they will get away. Ocassionally I can be found chasing God's beautiful creation the butterfly around my yard. Take some time and discover the beauty in God's creation where you are.

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)

This is one of the first times I've noticed the Common Checkered-Skipper around or on any flowers in the yard. I have seen them before. Last year at the walking track I saw a few but they were too fast for me to capture any pictures of. It can be found throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and South America. It gets it's name from the checkerboard pattern on it's wings. The male has broader bands than the female. Skippers have some traits such as; big eyes, short antennae and stout bodies that other butterflies do not. Most also have a very rapid flight. Another one of God's lovely creation that I enjoyed seeing and photographing. Take time and discover God's creation where you are.

Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Sweet Gum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua)

The Sweet Gum Tree in our front yard has been there since we moved here in 1977. Of course it was much smaller then and small enough that my Daddy had intended to cut it down. As you can see in the pictures it's not small anymore. It once split into 2 parts and after being struck by lightning the other half died. I still remember that very well when the lightning hit it. Actually I thought the whole tree would die but instead it continued to flourish. I will say I'm not fond of those balls that fall from the tree. They mean year round work for me. The most fall in the winter and if not raked it's impossible to walk in the yard or driveway. It can be dangerous and I have almost fallen from accidentally stepping on one. So one in the yard is one too many. There are some positive things about these trees. One is the fragrance! The leaves have a fresh smell that reminds me of some household cleaners like Pine-sol. There are also other positive things that I was not aware of until a few years ago. It was used medicinally by the Native Americans and still used by some. A resin obtained from the trunk of the tree has been used as a antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, parasiticide, poultice and salve. It has been chewed for treating sore throats, coughs and asthma. Externally it can applied to sores and wounds, etc. Let's don't forget some of the other uses for this tree like; perfumes, soaps, flooring and furniture. The Sweet Gum tree is native to the southeastern United states and also can be found in Central America and Mexico. It's a member of a genus consisting only of 6 species. The other 6 are found in Asia. It's amazing the things you can learn and discover about the creation God has placed right where you are. Things you might overlook or view as a negative maybe more valuable than you think. Take a look around and discover God's creation where you are. You might be surprised at what you find!

Sweet Gum Tree ball (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweet Gum Tree leaf (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweet Gum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweet Gum Tree ball (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Friday, June 5, 2015

Carolina False Dandelion (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus)

Carolina False Dandelion snuck it's way in among some other flowers in an area in our backyard. I was able to recognize that it was not a Dandelion. The leaves are long and narrow and the flower itself is different. Notice those dark specks in the center of the flower, those are not to be found in the Dandelion. It's also called Carolina Desert Chicory. It can often be found in woodlands, pastures and along roadsides. I see it usually along roadsides here and sometimes growing at the entrance of my neighborhood. It can be found throughout much of the southern and midwestern United States. Carolina False Dandelion is not to be confused with Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris radicata) another false Dandelion. It has been said that the Native Americans ate the roots but other than that there is not much information about the edibility of this plant. No mention of medicinal uses either at least none I can find on the internet. We could say more information needed. I'm discovering God put many plants here on earth with a purpose for them and man is still learning why they are here. Always be cautious and have expert advice and information before using wild edibles for food or medicinally. Even things that are said to be safe could be a risk for some if they are allergic to them. With that said there is still much beauty to be found in flowers or wildflowers God placed upon the earth. Take time to enjoy and discover God's creation where you are.

Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 1 Timothy 6:17

Carolina False Dandelion (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus)