White Prairie aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) is a perennial that grows in the grasslands, meadows, and open forests in our area. White prairie aster and white heath aster (Symphyotrichum falcatum) are very similar. From rhizomes, rough and hairy stems grow to … Continue reading →
Blue clematis (Clematis occidentalis) is a perennial climbing woody vine with distinctive bluish-purplish flowers. Vines grow from a strong root system to 1-3 m in height, but some recumbent vines may reach 5m. Leaves grow on long hairy stalks in … Continue reading →
We have a large compost on the bottom part of our property and by the fall, it is heaped up. Late in spring I will be turning one side to get at the composted material below. We start at one … Continue reading →
Yellow waterlily (Nuphar polysepala) is an aquatic perennial found in shallow bays in lakes and ponds. Waterlilies have thick fleshy rhizomes anchored in the mud. Stems are also thick and fleshy. Most leaves are roundish or heart-shaped and float on … Continue reading →
Right before the Winter Solstice I hiked a series of trails in the lower end of Peterson Creek Park and stopped to make observations of some of the shrubs, trees, and ferns, and perennials. A number of berries were spotted … Continue reading →
Gallardia aristata is sometimes called common gaillardia, blanketflower, or brown-eyed Susan. It is a perennial in the sunflower (Asteraceae) family. Gallardia grows from a long narrow taproot. Several hairy unbranched stems grow to 20 to 50 (it can reach up … Continue reading →
We hiked a loop route in Peterson Creek Canyon. We followed the Mariposa Trail then crossed the creek and came back on the East Rim, a single track overlooking the canyon. We then dropped down to the Bridalveil Falls Viewpoint … Continue reading →
Sickletop lousewort (Pedicularis racemosa) is a perennial herb in the Orobanchaceae (broomrape) family. Several stems (20 – 50 cm tall) grow from coarse fibrous roots and a thick basal area. Stems are smooth and unbranched (greenish or reddish color). Leaves … Continue reading →
I hiked the trail from the west end of Paul Lake to the top of Gibraltar Rock and back. The approach to the top of the bluff is a steep winding trail from the north. The final section is a … Continue reading →
Arumleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria cuneata) is an aquatic perennial, growing in slow-moving water. It is a flowering plant in the water plantain family. Starchy tubers from rhizomes root in the silts and muddy bottoms of ponds and shallow bays of lakes. … Continue reading →
Trees that grow on hilltops are subject to the elements – winds, lightning, and winter storms. Those that survive are sometimes stunted or somewhat shaped over time. We hiked over a series of hills on the south side of Kamloops … Continue reading →
On a cool late November day I hiked through the grasslands enjoying the glaciated terrain, some expansive views, and nature’s offerings along the route. Along the way I stopped to observe various various plants and lichens, including low pussytoes (Antennaria … Continue reading →
