I had the pleasant opportunity to take a walk recently along a mountain ridge. The area had many rock formations with dry, shallow soil. Here’s a little of what I saw growing in these harsh conditions. I was reminded that even when life is difficult, or my spirit is dry, God surprises me with beauty.
Wood Strawberry – related to the Wild Strawberry but has a yellow flower; the berry is not as sweet as the Wild Strawberry.
Appalachian Sandwort – this plant is only found in a few of Pennsylvania’s counties and is considered endangered here.
Sweet Fern – named for its aromatic leaves. Sweet Fern is nitrogen fixing allowing it to grow in infertile soil.
Since this wasn’t in bloom, I’m unsure if it’s Solomon’s Seal, or False Solomon’s Seal. The plants are closely related.
Thank you for visiting Learning And Yearning. May "the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Num 6:24-26
Donna says
Susan, I love the photos, just beautiful!!
susanv says
Thanks, Donna!
Kara says
I’ve often found myself looking in our backyard or the woods…wondering what everything was or if I could use it somehow, but I have no idea…I am “jealous” that you know what you are looking at!
susanv says
Kara, when I was 17 I bought a wildflower book and spent part of the summer trying to identify them. I don’t do that as much as I like anymore, but part of the fun is NOT knowing and finding the answer. I only knew about half of these to start.
Alica says
I wouldn’t know the names of all I was looking at on such a walk, but it’s beautiful! It’s amazing what will grow…just about anywhere. God must have fun! 🙂
susanv says
Yes, He’s amazing!!!!! To me, part of the fun is NOT knowing and trying to identify.
Agi's Farmhouse Kitchen says
Nice post Susan 🙂
susanv says
Thank you!!!!!
Rosalyn says
Susan I love these photos. I see some old favourites and some new faces in your walk in the woods! Two summers ago, I did the botanical identification component of our provincial forest inventory so spent my entire summer looking down at the ground, and it really enhanced my plant identification skills. I love that I can’t walk in the woods now without their names, habitat requirements, and wildlife uses popping into my head, and I’d really like to further develop this skill. Your photo of British soldier lichen is my favourite, I think. So bright and cheery. 🙂
susanv says
Thanks, Rosalyn! Wow, I envy your education – a summer in the woods identifying plants sounds wonderful. I did a little of that on my own the summer I was 17. No one to look over my shoulder and help, though. I haven’t done as much plant identifying as I would like over the years. I always intend to, but life gets in the way. 🙂 So, the lichen IS British soldier. For some reason, I decided against that but now I can’t remember why. I love it, too.
Mary says
These photos are beautiful! I love all of them, especially the yellow wood strawberry. It reminded me of the buttercups the grew near my childhood home.
Susan says
Thanks, Mary!