Pictures and Words, a Blog: April 2020

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Earth Day 2020

2020 Earth Day - 50th Anniversary Celebration

Earth Day Advice: photo by Cliff Hutson

People are crazy and times are strange, but Earth Day will go on.

Teach Your Children: photo by Cliff Hutson

While we all have a part to play, the future belongs to the children. I only hope that we leave something for them.

Sunday, April 19, 2020

California Native Plant Week #9

A 9 Day Week

"Eight days a week
Is not enough to show I care"

- The Beatles

An eight day week was not enough for The Beatles, and apparently not for California Native Plant Week as well. So, here we are with my last plant for this year.

x Chiranthofremontia lenzii

x Chiranthofremontia lenzii: photo by Cliff Hutson

X Chiranthofremontia lenzii (hybrid monkey hand tree) is a large bush that is a hybrid between Mexico's Chiranthodendron pentadactylon and California's Fremontia californicum. It has a glorious yellow/orange blooms. The distinctive flowers appear in late spring and early summer; the stamens are long, curve upward, and give the distinct impression of a clawed hand or paw.

The nothogeneric name is derived from the two generic names using "Chir- antho" (hand, anther) and "Fremont" portions of the parental generic names. The species epithet honors Dr. Lee Wayne Lenz, Director Emeritus of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, who made many native hybrids, including Fremontodendron 'California Glory,' 'Pacific Sunset,' and 'San Gabriel'.

Hybrid Monkey Hand Tree: photo by Cliff Hutson

Earth Day Again

I was in grad school when the very first Earth Day happened. The campus was alive with the sound of music and many well attended events. Obviously, this year's 50th anniversary observance has to be very different. The Union of Concerned Scientists has planned a three-day event called Earth Day Live.

What Is Earth Day Live? Find out here.

Saturday, April 18, 2020

California Native Plant Week #8

Wildflower Meadows

Meadow with Lupins: photo by Cliff Hutson

Technically, a meadow is simply an open habitat vegetated by grasses and other non-woody plants. However, few things evoke magical memories like spring wildflowers.

Common Meadowfoam: photo by Cliff Hutson

Collinsia: photo by Cliff Hutson

Tidy Tips and Lupins: photo by Cliff Hutson

Clarkia amoena: photo by Cliff Hutson

Clarkia Fan: photo by Cliff Hutson

Friday, April 17, 2020

California Native Plant Week #7

Ninebark

Ninebark: photo by Cliff Hutson

Pacific ninebark or western ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) is a shrub that is native to California and confined to western North America—from southern Alaska east to Montana and Utah, and south to southern California—in the redwood forest, chaparral, yellow pine forest, red fir forest and wetland-riparian communities. The plant gets its common name from its bark, which may peel showing several layers

It is a deciduous bush up to 8 feet tall, with round 3-to-5-inch clusters of white flowers having five petals and numerous red-tipped stamens, flowering May through July. The blossoms have been noted as being attractive to a large number of native bees. Also, small animals and birds find shelter in its branches. The leaves are lobed, about 1.2–5.5 inches long and broad, alternate, generally serrate, and remind me of small grape or currant leaves, though some say they are maple-like. They turn intense red to orange in the fall. The fruit is an inflated glossy red pod, which turns dry and brown and then splits open to release seeds.

Many nurseries recommend the plant not only for its delightful display of flowers and its showiness in fall, but also for the sculptural attractiveness the rest of the year. It grows best in moist environments, but it is drought-tolerant to a degree.

Save the date(s)

Earth Day is April 22, but at least one organization is proposing a week's worth of activities.

Thursday, April 16, 2020

California Native Plant Week #6

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree Forest: photo by Cliff Hutson

While I am hesitant to once again write about a plant and perhaps draw too much attention to one of our over-pressured national parks, this tree is one of California's most iconic species.

The park is named for the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the Mojave Desert, but it does occur outside those boundaries. And, sadly, some say that in the not too distant future it may no longer grow there.

California Native Plant Week Takes a Different Turn This Year

A thoughtful essay from CNPS: Native plants can offer hope, fun, and healthy distraction during stay-at-home orders.

Another way to connect with nature: Birds

"Millions of people who aren’t frontline workers in the COVID-19 pandemic are adjusting to a new routine that means staying home — or close to it. Many are seeking solace outside."

But, wait, there's more!

There are plenty of other fun activities easy to enjoy while maintaining safe social distancing.

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

California Native Plant Week #5

Gilia tricolor (Bird's-eye gilia)

Bird's-eye gilia: photo by Cliff Hutson

Gilia tricolor, a dicot, is an annual herb that is native to California, and is endemic (limited) to California. Blue stamens encircle the yellow throat of the flower, which is set off by a dark purple ring. All this color provides a vibrant signal to the bees that pollinate this plant.

Citizen Science Month: April 2020

Life in the time of Corona has placed many, if not most, of us under quarantine, lockdown, or "safer at home". Keeping occupied is said to be good for our mental health. One way to that is to participate in citizen science programs. Check out this site or Science Friday to see if that might be a fit for you.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

California Native Plant Week #4

Dogwood

Dogwood: photo by Cliff Hutson

Our native Dogwood (Cornus sericea, syn. C. stolonifera, Swida sericea) is a shrub found throughout northern and western North America; and beyond. Common names include Redtwig Dogwood, Red-rood, American Dogwood, and (subsp. occidentalis) Western Dogwood.