PUSSY WILLOW CATKINS |
ALDER CATKINS, HANGING FROM THE BRANCHES.,, |
ALDER MALE CATKINS AND FEMALE FLOWERS (at thumb) |
As the old song says, "It might as well be spring." In fact, it is spring, regardless of what the thermometer says. Spring is, of course, more than warmth; it is also, and primarily, day length. The pussy willow catkins have shed their bud scales (although they are not yet shedding pollen, as are the alders).
The alder male catkins in the photo are at full anthesis, that is, shedding pollen. And when pollen is being shed, there has to be a female flower blooming to receive it; and there are several of the tiny, cone-like flowers pictured, just at my thumb nail. Roadside alders are now easily recognized even at a distance by the profuse, pendulous male catkins.
It not only might as well be spring, it actually is.
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