Saturday, April 14, 2018

Phenology report

Dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum)
Sorrel (Rumex species)
Ramps (Allium tricoccum)
Gooseberry (Ribes)

Lilac (Syringa)

Purple osier willow (Salix purpurea).  My best understanding is that early blooming, male willow specimens are a keystone element for insect pollinators.  Male catkins provide both nectar, for energy, and sticky pollen which supplies protein for reproduction.  Unlike many early blooming plants, willow produce sticky pollen that can be efficiently harvested.
Early blooming species include Salix discolor (native), Salix caprea, Salix purpurea, Salix koriyanagi, Salix gracilistyla.  Links all have great pictures.
Trailman applecrab (Malus hybrid)
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)
Porcelain type garlic

Rocambole type garlic

2 comments:

  1. Dead Nettle is a real nice plant. Unfortunately my place in SW WI is still under show.

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  2. Joe, I just wondered if ramps are starting up this early,here in MI. Also, are the types of garlic that you show edible? I know that when I was a kid, we used to harvest ramps, but I can't remember when, as it has been a long time ago. Of course, we got hit with a doozy of a storm here in Muskegon, but it will be short lived, I believe, and am planning on a fishing trip with my son next weekend. Hopefully the weather will co-operate. Tim

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