The calendar says spring is still two weeks away, but nature’s signs are unmistakable. For one, tiger salamanders are on the move, making their annual…
Signs of Spring
Phenology
Skunk cabbage is northern Illinois’ earliest blooming native wildflower, popping up in late winter in groundwater seeps, springs and fens.
Shagbark Hickory
Curly and colorful, the opening leaf buds of the shagbark hickory sometimes are mistaken for exotic flowers in bloom.
Skunk Cabbage
Skunk cabbage in bloom. Later in spring the plant will unfurl its large leaves that, yes, are just as stinky as its flowers. Meanwhile the…
Goldenrod
Next to my fireplace hangs a slab of cedar, a fine piece of functional artwork that features a bottle opener alongside the words, “Beauty is…
Pawpaws
So last week visited a place I’ve heard about my entire life, but had never actually seen-at least not in Illinois. It wasn’t the Mountain…
White Snakeroot
Usually when people write about wildflowers they use words like beautiful to describe the blossoms. Or terms like vigorous or conservative to describe the growth…
Intoxicating Fragrance of the Basswood
I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure St. Charles has laws preventing public intoxication. Yet there I was the other night, stumbling in the…