Field Notes: What’s in the Woods Today? Nov. 28, 2017

November 28, 2017 11:41 am

Field Notes: What's in the Woods Today? Nov. 28, 2017

by Area Forester Lisa Deaton

‘Tis the Season!

 

Trees provide us with a colorful show every autumn, and then reveal yet more “decorations” once the leaves are gone.

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows in the tops of trees.

mistletoe in red maples lo res

The American holly berries are ripe.

holly

Partridgeberry is one of my favorites for its fall berries and white flowers in the spring.

partridgeberry

swath of partridgeberries

Running cedar can form quite a carpet, and it is popular for making wreaths.

running cedar 2

Grapevines about one half inch or thinner can also be woven into wreaths.  The brown crooked stems in this photo are likely fox grape or summer grape.

grapevines

Another plant that brightens the woods this time of year is aptly called Christmas fern.

xmas fern 2

xmas fern 1

 

 


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