Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Nature Notes: Spun Sugar



Sugar Maple Flowers

I just love the way this meme inspires me to go outside and really look around. It's hard to imagine, given the dramatic nature of the flowers on this sugar maple, but I never really noticed them before. Aren't they something?

Sugar Maple Seeds

Seeds are already growing, complete with tiny wings that will become the familiar "helicopters" we used to play with as children.

Of course, when you look closely you sometimes see things you'd rather not. Like these spindle galls beginning to form on some of the leaves. They are caused by a mite,  but they do not damage the tree. They're just kinda yucky.

Spindle Galls




Click here to visit Michelle's site, Rambling Woods, and see more Nature Notes

12 comments:

Carver said...

It does look like spun sugar. I know what you mean about what you see when you look closely. That happens to me too.

Hootin Anni said...

Nature, no matter where you look, is always something new and astounding. Beautiful images you've shared. Our pecan tree is doing the same right now, only of course, a much different way of blossoming.

Karen said...

I love maples in bloom! That first shot is gorgeous!

MyMaracas said...

Carver, it seems nature is equal parts Ahhh! and Ewww! LOL

Anni, I nearly always find something new when I venture out. Bet your pecans have some interesting habits too.

Karen, thanks!

Rambling Woods said...

You find the most interesting yet simple things for nature notes.. Michelle

NatureFootstep said...

never seen this tree. Looks sooo interesting. Thanks for sharing. :)

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful tree and lovely images! A lovely post for Nature Notes. Have a happy day!

Andrea said...

Hi my first time here. I am glad its yours i opened in the linkers, as i've not seen sugar maple close up. You mean these are the flowers of the syrup we are so enamored with in our pancakes!

Daryl said...

i never saw those before ...

MyMaracas said...

Kalantikan, welcome! And yes, that's the tree used for maple syrup.
:-)

Nature and Daryl, I had never seen them either, though it grows in my front yard. I think the leaves cover them completely within a few days, and going to work every day I just wasn't paying attention at the right moment.

EG CameraGirl said...

It's good to get out and see the beauty of nature, that's for sure. The sugar maple flowers are lovely the way you photographed them.

Arija said...

Yes, the little things in nature can be so captivating. It is always worthwhile to get out and open our eyes.