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.

Publicado el octubre 22, 2009 03:29 TARDE por

kueda

Observaciones

Fotos / Sonidos

2 imágenes

Qué

Chrysolepis chrysophylla

Observ.

kueda

Fecha

Octubre 18, 2009 a las 03:20 TARDE PDT

Lugar

Huckleberry Botanic Preserve, Oakland, California, United States (Google, OSM)

Descripción

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.

2 Identificaciones

Grado de Inv.

Fotos / Sonidos

Qué

Roble Venenoso del Pacífico (Toxicodendron diversilobum)

Observ.

kueda

Fecha

Octubre 18, 2009 a las 05:14 TARDE PDT

Lugar

Huckleberry Botanic Preserve, Oakland, California, USA (Google, OSM)

Descripción

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.