April 15, 2009
Oregon Grapes are just beginning to bloom now. For those not familiar with them, the tiny blue berries that this plant produces set the standard for “sour”.
Oregon Grape, Hollyleaved Barberry, Mahonia repens (Barberry Family)
I know. Later in the summer I too will be eradicating these common weeds, but in the spring I still hold the opinion that even a weed, if it has a pretty blossom, is a wildflower.
Dandelion, Taraxacum (Sunflower family)
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Great photos..
Comment by Dawn Fine — April 15, 2009 @ 7:17 pm
Thanks Dawn! Finding and photographing wildflowers is one of my favorite things.
Comment by montucky — April 15, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
Anything related to sunflowers is good in my book
Thanks for brightening my day!
Comment by Maureen — April 15, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
I like sunflowers and their relatives, too. I see the Arrowleaf Balsam roots are growing and I’ve seen some Mule-ears leaves too, so they will bloom soon.
Comment by montucky — April 15, 2009 @ 8:21 pm
Your Mahonias are way ahead of mine!
But wowsers, just look at those yellows! Just lovely! Dandelions are indeed quite beautiful…up close.
Comment by Tabbie — April 15, 2009 @ 8:21 pm
That’s strange because all of your other flowers are way ahead of ours!
I was thinking of you when I saw the yellows because I remembered how much you like them.
Comment by montucky — April 15, 2009 @ 8:24 pm
Yes it is very strange. I don’t know why that is. I’m scratching my head now.
Comment by Tabbie — April 15, 2009 @ 10:04 pm
It may be that the ones I photographed were in a very sheltered area that gets full sun, making them the very first to bloom.
Comment by montucky — April 15, 2009 @ 10:22 pm
Why remove them? Are they invasive/non-native?
Dandelions and their myriad Asteraceae kin are great subjects – you captured yours very well.
Comment by Adam R. Paul — April 15, 2009 @ 10:58 pm
Dandelions cause problems in lawns mostly as far as I know, although I’ve seen farm fields covered with them. They are prolific and with their broad leaves, pretty much take over open areas and spread into flower beds and garden areas. I still think they are pretty though.
Comment by montucky — April 16, 2009 @ 6:55 am
The colors in that first image! WOW! I could look at that for hours!
Comment by Stacey - Addicted to The Click — April 16, 2009 @ 12:10 am
They are really showy when they bloom, nearly disappear after that except for the “holly” look to the leaves and then show off again toward fall when many of the leaves turn bright red.
Comment by montucky — April 16, 2009 @ 6:59 am
I’ve always said “one man’s weed and another man’s wildflower.” Both images are excellent. I really like the background on the dandelion. Its tough to get a good background on a flower that grows so low to the ground.
Comment by edvatza — April 16, 2009 @ 5:03 am
It is indeed tough to get good backgrounds on the short wildflowers as well as get down to their level with the camera, but that’s part of the challenge and the joy of photographing them. Often I’m surprised by what I get.
Comment by montucky — April 16, 2009 @ 7:01 am
Great interplay of light and shadow …
Comment by Robert Burcul — April 16, 2009 @ 5:44 am
I love it on days like that one was when it’s mostly cloudy and yet a few sun rays come through once in awhile and spotlight a scene. It’s very lucky to be there to catch it!
Comment by montucky — April 16, 2009 @ 7:03 am
i’m with you on that sentiment,..who are we to judge nature’s beauty! But i have to draw the line at those lovely, beautiful green and waxy “leaves of three!”
Comment by Cedar — April 16, 2009 @ 5:48 am
I know, Cedar. Some things are best to admire from a distance. I’m fortunate though in that I have no reaction to poison ivy or oak.
Comment by montucky — April 16, 2009 @ 7:08 am
Beautiful shots. I like the dandelion in all its glory! Ever had dandelion tea? The Oregon Grapes are lovely in their yellow clusters.
Comment by Anna Surface — April 16, 2009 @ 6:46 am
I’ve never had Dandelion tea, Anna. Some folks use the greens in salads too and I’ve heard of Dandelion wine but never had a chance to try it.
The Oregon Grape blossoms are barely starting to open now. In a week or two they will be more fully open and even more colorful and many hillsides are dotted with the little clusters of yellow.
Comment by montucky — April 16, 2009 @ 7:11 am
Hmm, I always thought the southern Scuppernong grape set the standard for sour. If Oregon grapes are more sour, I’m not getting near them–except in photographs.
Malcolm
Comment by knightofswords — April 16, 2009 @ 9:30 am
I had all but forgotten the Scuppernong! I used to love those when I was in North Carolina and they mad excellent wine too I recall.
Comment by montucky — April 16, 2009 @ 8:35 pm
I thought my high school English teacher set the standard for sour.
You’re much too prolific, I can’t keep up; with posts, or comments.
But don’t stop.
Comment by Pinhole — April 16, 2009 @ 9:55 am
Actually, I’ve been pretty active taking pictures, trying to learn a new camera before I get out on the back country trails this summer. I’ll slow down in a bit due to a very busy schedule coming up.
Comment by montucky — April 16, 2009 @ 8:40 pm
Who ever knew a weed such as the dandelion could make such a pretty picture? And I sure never knew that it was related to the Sunflower family.Thanks for the info and as always sharing your beautiful pictures!
Comment by Sandy in NC — April 18, 2009 @ 4:53 pm
Sandy, I’ve found that sometimes looking closely at something can bring a surprise. Nature seems to have a lot of those kind of surprises.
Comment by montucky — April 18, 2009 @ 5:41 pm
“sour” is an understatement. Those grapes suck any liquid right out of your body!!
Comment by your darling dimpled daughter — April 29, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
Ah, you remember!
Comment by montucky — April 29, 2009 @ 3:17 pm