Bonnie Rannald's Photo-Explorations in focus with nature. : Filaree storksbill

Monday, April 27, 2015

Intimate Moments with a Filaree Storksbill

Catching the spring loaded seed propagation

One of the first spring wildflowers to bloom in the Southwestern U. S. also happens to be one of the smallest, the Filaree Storksbill.

Native to Eurasia and in the Geranium Family (Geraniacea) this plant was brought to America by the early Spanish settlers.

Considered by many as a bothersome weed that must be extinguished, the tiny pink flowers of the Filaree provide a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies that are just coming out of winter. Furthermore, I have observed the ladybug alligator-shaped larva being drawn to the plant in early spring.

The Filaree plant is entirely edible and has a flavor similar to parsley. Its root was used by the Zuni Tribe to relieve stomachache, sores and rashes.

Growing in clumps, tiny pink flowers which are not much more than a centimeter in diameter are supported on slender red stems that are around 5 centimeters in length.

One of the most interesting facts of the Filaree is how it propagates its seeds. The seed-pod of the Filaree is shaped like a stork's bill and is approximately 3.5 centimeters in length.

As the seed pod ripens, it begins to twist into a spiral which will then create a spring-like effect that launches the seed-pod from the mature plant.

After the seed is launched, it floats through the air on feathery parachutes. When the seed contacts the ground, it becomes self-buried and a new plant will develop.

Learning all these fascinating facts about the Filaree has broadened my appreciation for this prolific plant. I am always amazed with nature's diversity, come next spring I will be taking an even closer look at the tiny pink flowers and green fern-like leaves. Until then, check back and follow my blog to see what intimate moments my macro lens is ready to share.

What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences.

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"

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Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Spring Comes to the Great Basin

First Signs of Spring with the Vernal Equinox

Winters in the Great Basin Desert can be very drab with only the deep blue sky to brighten up the landscape. As the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt toward the sun bringing longer days, the desert begins its transition and slowly awakens with the first signs of spring.

A bee gathers pollen from one of the rosemary flowers. Rosemary is the first plant to have blooms and is always buzzing with bees or butterflies.

One of the few remaining robins lands on the fence, a winter visitor to brighten the dull landscape, they will move further north as the temperature warms.

Filaree storksbill comes alive as the days first begin to warm.

The tiny lavender flowers provide nectar for the brown argus butterfly where an egg for each larva is laid on the underside of a leaf.

The yellow blooms of wild mustard begin to accent the ground, often considered a weed; the entire plant is edible from the root to the flowers. The young leaves make a nice addition to salads, while the seed pods add a peppery accent.

Daffodils or Narcissus, a true sign of spring, have slowly poked up and are just about ready to open.

Symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, the yellow fragile flowers are one of my favorites, reminding me of my grandmother's yard.

Sharp leaves of bluish green spring up, the tulip is coming out from its cool dormancy. Soon a brilliant red flower will appear.

In just a few days, the Earth's axis will tilt to 23.4 °, bringing equal hours of day and night. The Vernal Equinox comes to the Great Basin at 3:45 PM PDT on March 20th. As with ancient cultures, the Vernal Equinox to the High Desert of Nevada is also a symbol of returning food supplies and renewal of new beginnings from the drabness of winter.

Follow me on my future blog posts as I explore more of the new beginnings as spring slowly turns to summer.