What's Happening the Second Week of July

This is a very brief summary of observations for the mid-summer.

1. At the southeast corner, near the front entrance the large maple tree is growing seeds or "whirlybirds", technically samaras.  The crop may vary with seasonal stress, attempts to carry on the species.  One thought is their "flight" is to escape the shade of the parent tree.  These seeds are not very dry and do not fly very far.





2. The neighboring ash trees are producing the canoe paddle seeds.



3. At the base of the large maple,  porcelain berry vine, an invasive relative of grape, is beginning to form fruit.  This tend to project above the surrounding leaves.  We may try removing this.





4. Same area , southeast corner, something is eating the red oak leaves.  This a mixed blessing, part of the normal ecology but could be stress for the oak.  The oaks further north along the parking lot look stressed as well.  There is an oak disease, anthracnose, becoming common.




5. The last of the serviceberry fruit is disappearing.  It has this interesting infection which is very common but complex. These are the multi stemmed  bushes further north along the parking lot.






6. Nuts are forming on the hickory tree, the large tree at the north entrance to the parking lot.  Which member of the hickory family?




7. It is season for the raspberries on the east side of the north entrance.  This might need a separate post. Theoretically these are edible when ripe but the general rule is no foraging for many reasons.  Particularly here along the road there is brake dust, tire dust and the possible use of insecticide sprays.  Even the ID will be in doubt.  This might be invasive wineberry and not raspberry.




8. Along the path beside the swimming pool, the viburnum are actively producing berries.  Watch for color change during the summer and fall.



9.  There is an over-grown flower bed behind the building with Rudbeckia triboba, or brown-eyed Susan.  The eye is drawn to flowers, the promise of healthy ecosystem and possible fruit.



10.  The fringe trees along the front of the property, west of the main entrance about 20 yards, are producing seeds.  I think these are related to olive trees and fruit looks a little like small olives. 





We welcome comments and questions, although you might try researching  Inaturalist first for interest.

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