Huckleberry in Fall
Went up to Huckleberry for a quick stroll last weekend. Was kind of hoping for some mushrooms, but saw almost zero fungal activity, save a nice big chicken of the woods growing on a eucalyptus stump along Claremont. That was ok, though, as it gave me a chance to focus on perennial plants. Many things were fruiting, including the huckleberries and honeysuckles. I learned a new tree: the golden chinquapin, a pretty common small tree with nuts like a chestnut and beautiful, thick, willow-like leaves with golden undersides. I need to learn more of my western trees. It's very comforting to walk through the woods at any time of year and and silently recite the name of each tree.
Observations
Photos / Sounds
What
Golden Chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla)Observer
kuedaDescription
My knowledge of California trees is embarrassingly lacking, so this golden chinquapin was actually my first. But I'm very happy to make its acquaintance, however belated, because it is quite beautiful, and it reminds me of the American chestnuts I knew growing up.
Photos / Sounds
What
Pacific Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum)Observer
kuedaDescription
This is what passes for Fall color around here. Frankly, poison oak puts out just as much color in just as many varieties as any sugar maple, just in smaller quantities. And, you know, it's hard to love a plant whose primary gift to humanity is a horrid, oozing rash, especially when held up against the sweet, syrupy benevolence of the sugar maple. Itchy torture vs. delicious pancakes: not much competition.
Photos / Sounds
What
Pink Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula)Observer
kuedaDescription
This is another incredibly common plant that I didn't really know until this Spring: pink honeysuckle.
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