Micro-flora and more

Adams county was the perfect location to conduct a micro-flora foray today. The Drabas and other Lilliputian-sized rarities were awaiting our small but curious crew.

Another shot of the same plant from the last post, Harbinger of spring, this one in a more developed state. Interestingly enough, we were discussing the possible pollinators for such an early plant. Beetles? Ants?

Behold- the bee! Now remember this flower-head is no bigger than a dime, and our bee appears to be a Mason or "orchard bee" of the Osmia family. Looks like a match to the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects (pg. 343). This is the book- I thought I would never use it, and now it is darn near indispensable!

These pollinators are quite interesting, as they are picking up more of the slack than people had imagined, since the colony collapse disorder has stuck the non-native European Honeybees.

And remember the name "Salt and Pepper?" Not the rock band, the other common name of Harbinger of Spring. This photo clearly illustrates that moniker.

Micro bees and macros of flora- stay tuned! You'll be amazed at all Adams County had to offer!

Welcome: Harbinger of Spring

Erigenia bulbosa, Harbinger-of Spring is a fitting name of this minuscule plant, it truly is one of the first sprigs out of the ground. This photo, taken at Fowler Woods in the north-most corner of Richland county, shows the rather rubbery looking fern-like leaves. A member of the Parsley family, it has another common name of Salt-and-pepper.

Either way, it is one of the earliest flowers to poke through the cold, damp leaf matter remaining from last fall. A happy sight for flora starved eyes, and quite beautiful on close examination. And I do mean close. This whole plant is barely marks two inches, although they can be a bit taller.

Fowler Woods is well worth finding on your map. It belongs to the Ohio Department of Natural Areas and Preserves and has an easy to access, board-walked wet woods. Large communities of Marsh marigold, Caltha palustris and singing spring peeper frogs are certain to greet your early spring visits. There are many interesting plants to be found in this refuge, including the somewhat rare Pumpkin Ash. SHHH, don't tell the emerald ash borers. We would like to keep these!