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Outdoor experiences have been hampered over the past couple of weeks due to endless wet weather and thunder storms. However,
what is disappointing for outdoor recreation and yard work has put the forest into a state of ecstasy. Wildflowers are going crazy and you can
almost watch the grass grow when the sun comes out for a while.
This is also the time of year when the cottonwood trees spread their seed on the wind. Along certain roadways, it almost
feels like you are driving through a light snowstorm as the fluffy seeds float around on the breeze and whip up in wake of
passing cars.
This week's pictures celebrate the beauty of local flora and some not-so wild local fauna. Thanks go out once again to Betsy Fulling for sharing flower pictures from her Mineral Point Trail hike.
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It is common to see lupine growing along the roadside here in the Sandpoint area. They can be one of the first plants to move into a disturbed area, since they prefer loose, well-drained soil. As you may or may not know, lupine are legumes, and their flowers eventually form seed pods. Like beans, peas, and other members of the legume family, they fix nitrogen in the soil. Just don't eat them! They are lovely, but quite poisonous. |
Photo courtesy Betsy Fulling
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Photo courtesy Betsy Fulling
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Sego lilies are not as common as other wildflowers in this area, but they are sweet to behold when you find them. In 1911, Utah surveyed the state's school children regarding their choice for the state flower, and they selected the sego lily for that honor. |
North Idaho is home to several species of wild rose. This bloom is probably a nootka rose, although it is easy to confuse with a pearhip rose. If you just say "what a pretty rose," no one is likely to argue. |
Photo courtesy Betsy Fulling
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Photo courtesy James Byrd
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These calves were enjoying a romp in a fresh pasture as I drove by. I had to laugh as I watched several of the little bovines engage in a head-butting competition. I couldn't tell who won. |
See you next week! |
