prickly pear opuntia in the desert

Texas Pricklypear (Opuntia lindheimeri)

Happy to find this Texas Pricklypear (Opuntia lindheimeri) on our visit to the desert. This cactus is native to North America, and they are adapted to survive in arid environments and are known for their ability to store water in their stems. They are often found in rocky or sandy soils and are a common […]

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mountain bluebells mertensia cilliata in the desert ecosystem

Mountain Bluebells (Mertensia ciliata)

Mountain Bluebells (Mertensia ciliata) are a herbaceous perennial plant species native to western North America. They bloom in late spring to early summer and are pollinated by hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The plants die back to the ground in the fall and reemerge from their underground rhizomes in the spring. Author: Krystal ZunigaDate: March 23th, […]

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stripped wintergreen - chimaphila maculata native plants of usa

Striped Wintergreen – Chimaphila maculata

The Spotted Wintergreen Chimaphila maculata (“Pipsissewa” in native language) is a small, perennial, rhizomatous evergreen herb native to eastern North America and Central America. Even thought they contain chlorophyll and are capable to make photosynthesis, they are partially saprophytes. Family: Ericaceae Leaves: Dark green-white, 2-7cm, opposite, lanceolate, dentant Height: 7-25cm Flowers: 4-5 petals, white/pinkish/cooper, nearly round, umbel, Blooming: Summer (July-Aug) […]

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quaking aspen populus tremuloides

The Fast-Growing Tree of the Forest: Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

Are you ready to meet the tree that shakes up the forest? Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is a deciduous tree species native to much of North America. From its stunning autumn leaves to its rapid growth rate, quaking aspen is a true standout in the plant world and naturalist. In this blog, we’ll answer some […]

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timber creek campground las vegas

Discover the Great Outdoors at Timber Creek Campground: A Peaceful Retreat Near the Excitement of Las Vegas

This Timber Creek Campground in Ely, eastern Nevada, is a popular destination for explorers, looking to experience the outdoors while still being close to all the excitement of the crazy city. Where is Timber Creek Campground located? Is located just a few hours north of Las Vegas, offering a peaceful retreat in the beautiful Ely […]

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pinyon mouse

The Beautiful Pinyon Mouse: A Small Resident of the Western United States and Mexico

Do you think they are sweet? Because we fell totally in love with this friend. This Pinyon Mouse (Peromyscus truei) is a small and incredibly agile rodent, and has been know to swim across small bodies of water. Where are they distributed? They are native to the pinyon-juniper woodlands of the western United States and […]

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uintah chipmunk neotamias umbrinus eating seed in great basin national park

Why chipmunks have stripes?

? One of my favorite encounters on my trip to the Great Basin National Park in Nevada, was this Uintah Chipmunk – Hidden Forest Chipmunk (Neotamias umbrinus). Where the Uintah Chipmunks live? This species is an endemic rodent from the United States, which means that you can see it only in this part of the […]

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Virginia Bluebells Mertensia virginica Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

We found this native plant in our walk into the woods of Longwood Gardens, a beautiful conservatory of plants located in Philadelphia. The Virginia Bluebells are native plants of North America, found in the woods, rivers floodplains, and low forests. They do well in full shade and well-draining, moist and neutral soil. If you want […]

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hairy toad lily plant from the top

Hairy Toad Lily (Trycyrtis hirta)

Have you seen this plant before? The Hairy Toad Lily is a very rare to see introduced plant in the United States. It’s native to Japan and found now in North America. This beautiful plant from the Liliaceae family, blooms flowers in late summer to early fall, lasting for about three weeks (you can read […]

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Bloodroot – Sanguinaria canadensis

What is a Bloodroot – Sanguinaria canadensis? This is a beautiful native North American plant, found from Canada to Florida in the east side, and blooming in early spring. Among its properties at ethnobotanical uses, it is mentioned that the roots have a natural red dye, which was used by the Native Americans. As well, […]

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