by Rich Leighton | Aug 29, 2019 | Carnivorous Plants, Interesting Nature Facts, Nature & Wildlife, Wildflowers
Mostly found living in lakes and rivers, the carnivorous bladderwort has a floating stem with tiny sack-like traps growing along it. These traps, or ‘bladders’, have clever door-like valves that open and shut within thousandths of a second when triggered. The...
by Rich Leighton | Aug 14, 2019 | California, Interesting Nature Facts, Nature & Wildlife, Wildflowers
The long narrow leaves of the desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) give it its common name, but it is not a true willow. It is beautiful when in bloom, and provides valuable nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other insects. MORE PHOTOS OF WILDFLOWERS MORE...
by Rich Leighton | Aug 9, 2019 | Interesting Nature Facts, Nature & Wildlife, Wildflowers
California poppy leaves were used medicinally by Native Americans and the pollen was used cosmetically, while the seeds continue to be used in cooking. MORE PHOTOS OF WILDFLOWERS MORE INTERESTING NATURE FACTS Interesting Nature Facts is a series about the flora, fauna...
by Rich Leighton | Feb 28, 2019 | Interesting Nature Facts, Natural History, Nature & Wildlife, Wildflowers
The leaves of the Oregon iris are so strong that early explorers in the Pacific Northwest recorded Native Americans using the leaves to make snares for large mammals – even elk! The scientific name, Iris tenax means tough iris. MORE PHOTOS OF IRISES MORE...
by Rich Leighton | Jan 14, 2019 | Interesting Nature Facts, Natural History, Nature & Wildlife, Nature Photography, Wildflowers
Not only is the Yucca flower the state flower of New Mexico, it is also edible! Traditionally, the native peoples of the area ate the flowers, stalks and fruits, used the fibrous, spiky leaves for cordage, and mashed the pulpy root with water for soap. MORE PHOTOS OF...
by Rich Leighton | Jan 9, 2019 | Interesting Nature Facts, Natural History, Nature & Wildlife, Nature Photography, Wildflowers
One of the earliest plants to flower in the late winter, the skunk cabbage will generate it’s own heat and actually melt the snow around it, while using the heat to attract pollinating insects as it blooms early. MORE PHOTOS OF WILDFLOWERS MORE INTERESTING...
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