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)

                   Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)

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) 

Spiny Oakworm Moth (Anisota stigma) 

Spiny Oakworm Moth (Anisota stigma) 

Spiny Oakworm Moth (Anisota stigma) 

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)

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

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)

     Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)

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 (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweet Gum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweet Gum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweet Gum Tree ball (Liquidambar styraciflua)

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) 

Carolina False Dandelion (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus) 

Carolina False Dandelion (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus) 

Carolina False Dandelion (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus) 

Carolina False Dandelion (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus) 

Carolina False Dandelion (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus) 

Eastern Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus)

Eastern Daisy Fleabane can be found  throughout most of the United States and much of Canada. It's also native to these areas but has been naturalized in many other places in the world. It's another common weed while growing up that I just thought of as a daisy. I'm sure I picked a few of theses as a kid as well. I have read that the leaves are edible when boiled but it's said to be toxic to cows and goats. Another warning I read is that pregnant women should not consume it. It can possibly cause miscarriage. I'm no expert so always it's good to research plants thoroughly before considering them as an edible or used medicinally. Europeans at one time believed that the odor of this plant would repel fleas as the name would suggest. The starlings line their nests with Daisy Fleabane to keep mites away and it was mixed with bedstraw by the early European settlers to keep bugs out of mattresses. Another interesting fact is that it is said to help prevent fungus infections in strawberry plants. The native Americans used this plant and it's roots in treating colds, coughs, headaches, as an astringent, diuretic and much more.  As for me and at the moment I'll just enjoy it's beauty. I'm continuing to learn and discover more about the creation God placed where I am. I look at plants, weeds and wildflowers with new understanding. Take a look around and discover God's creation where you are. 

Eastern Daisy Fleabane  (Erigeron annuus)

Eastern Daisy Fleabane Leaves  (Erigeron annuus)

Eastern Daisy Fleabane  (Erigeron annuus)

Eastern Daisy Fleabane  (Erigeron annuus)

Eastern Daisy Fleabane  (Erigeron annuus)

Eastern Daisy Fleabane  (Erigeron annuus)