Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) holds immense importance in ecological and aesthetic realms. This vibrant wildflower is a vital nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its hardy nature and ability to thrive in various soil conditions make it a valuable plant for erosion control and habitat restoration efforts. Photography: Krystal ZunigaDate: July 18th, 2023Blog for Nature […]
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How crazy is this? I stumbled upon a picture of the very same tree I encountered a year ago in the desert of Las Vegas. The Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteoperma) stands tall and proud, with its rugged, twisted branches gracefully adorned by delicate, scale-like leaves. Thriving in the dry, sandy soils and limited water resources, […]
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I love making tea with Clustered Mountainmint (Pycnanthemum muticum)! Besides its refreshing scent, it plays a vital ecological role. This plant is native to North America and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing them with a rich source of nectar. This makes it an essential plant for supporting pollinator populations and promoting biodiversity. Photography: Krystal […]
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The colorful part we see on the purple coneflower is actually a bunch of modified leaves called “ray florets” or petals. They form a beautiful circle around the actual flowers at the center, known as “disc florets.” The “disc florets” are small tubular structures found in the middle. They produce nectar, enticing pollinators like bees […]
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I’m in love with this place! The New Jersey Pine Barrens is a unique ecosystem that covers over 1.1 million acres in southern New Jersey.It is characterized by its acidic soils, and a multitude of diverse plant and animal species that have adapted to thrive in these conditions. You can see some of the biodiversity […]
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The Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers. Beyond its visual appeal, this plant has a secret. It possesses medicinal properties that have been utilized for centuries. Indigenous cultures traditionally used its roots for various ailments, tapping into nature’s healing potential. Photography: Krystal Zuniga
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The Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is a perennial plant native to eastern North American forests. This plant has caught the attention of the pharmaceutical industry. Medicinal Uses: Compounds like podophyllotoxin in this remarkable plant have been used to develop anti-cancer medications, highlighting its potential in fighting this devastating disease. Photography: Krystal Zuniga
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As a member of the aster family, the Philadelphia Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus) is a wildflower that provides an essential source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its flowers are like nature’s pit stops, offering a much-needed fueling station for these essential creatures. Ecology: Ecologically, this plant plays a crucial role in […]
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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 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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