DEVELOPING FRUIT STALK OF STAGHORN SUMAC... |
...WITHERING MALE FLOWER SPIKE |
Tuesday, 7:25 AM. 62 degrees F at ther ferry dock, 58 on the back porch. Wind SSW, calm with light gusts. The sky is clear, the humidity 85%. The barometer, currently at 30.23", is taking a nosedive, predicting unsettled weather for the week ahead.
I have written much about staghorn sumac, Rhus typhina, in the past and won't dwell on it, except ot say that both the male and female blooms, which usually occur on separate shrubs and are both yellow and quite distinctive, are now maturing. The male flower spike is through with dispensing the pollen, and is withering and falling off.
The female flower, now fertilized, is developing fruit, the whole flower spike turning a rosy, fuzzy red.
Sumac is quite a charming shrub, with long, graceful feather compound leaves, colorful flower spikes and distinctive, colorful fruit that lasts on the shrub all winter. To top it off, the fall leaf colors of pinks, oranges and reds are spectacular. It is, however, very aggressive and needs lots of room and strict control in the smaller landscape.
The female flower, now fertilized, is developing fruit, the whole flower spike turning a rosy, fuzzy red.
Sumac is quite a charming shrub, with long, graceful feather compound leaves, colorful flower spikes and distinctive, colorful fruit that lasts on the shrub all winter. To top it off, the fall leaf colors of pinks, oranges and reds are spectacular. It is, however, very aggressive and needs lots of room and strict control in the smaller landscape.
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