The Mighty Oak

I can usually identify the white oaks from the black oaks, but sometimes it gets a little more difficult beyond that! My guess for this tree, Pin Oak (Quercus palustris).

Oak trees are definitely one of my favorites. Not only is the mature tree simply one of the most stately, it is absolutely one of the most beneficial trees to wildlife; in the northeast US. The acorns provide such a wonderful food source for critters and the caterpillars really love to munch on the leaves.

Have you planted an oak tree lately?

The Wild Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

Wild Columbine is a native flower of Pennslyvania and grows in a variety of soil and light conditions that range from woodland edges to riverbanks, and gravelly shores and ridges. Columbine is a beautiful, native wildflower which blooms in the spring (April to July). Its drooping flowers are red and yellow, 1 to 2 inches long. Its pollen attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.

Growing to a height of 1-2 feet’, columbine does best in partial shade to filtered sun. As the tiny black seeds ripen, they can be collected by hand over several days from August to October by gently tapping the follicle (old flower) into a container.

Picture © Thomas G. Barnes University of Tennessee Herbarium.

Tree ID?

Your keen ID skills have been requested. The following two pictures have been submitted by someone needing assistance with identification. The tree came up fast, was cut down, and came right back up to over six feet in less than one year! Please click on "Comments" below to reply.

(click on pictures to enlarge)

Thank you for your input!