For years, I have admired this nicely formed shrub that grows at the edge of the woods and pastures. It receives only partial sun and typically is 2-3 feet tall.
Photo: November 5, 2008
The leaves turn a pretty red-orange and have an interesting shape.
Photo: November 5, 2008
On another shrub, the leaves were almost gone so the berries were more prominent. The red berries are very similar to spicebush but are in these drooping clusters. Birds will eat these berries before those of the spicebush. When I checked today, the berries and leaves were gone.
Can you identify this shrub?
Photo: November 5, 2008
As I walked back up our road, I noticed that the Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) tree was blooming. The yellow flowers are not very conspicuous as you can see in this photo.
Photo: November 12, 2008
The Witch-hazel is an understory tree that is fairly common in our woods and a favorite of the Wood Thrush bird for their nests. The leaves are aromatic and can be used to make astringent lotions. Some old timers use the forked branch of the Witch-hazel branch to detect underground water.
Sorry, I can't identify your shrub, but I love witch hazel...it's so fun to look at! Nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteChris--hope someone can help out with the identification. I don't have a shrub field guide--just tree and flower books.
ReplyDeleteWitch hazel is one of my favorites now that I discovered it. Joan
I grew up with a shrub similar to that--it was shaped into a hedge and had very noticeable prickers. Same leaves and berries.
ReplyDeleteDid you see any prickers on it?
Looking around, I wonder if it might be Japanese Barberry? Look here.
ReplyDeleteNina--Thanks for the tip. The description and the images do seem to match. I was afraid it might be an alien shrub. The shrub does not seem to be spreading that much but I will keep an eye on it.
ReplyDeleteSomeone gave my blog the Butterfly Award and I have passed it on to you because I love your blog. June
ReplyDeleteNina--I did look and that shrub does have thorns. Pretty sure it's that Japanese barberry you had sent me the link for earlier. Thanks, Joan
ReplyDeleteJune--thanks for the award. I checked out your blog and will be posting some links soon!
ReplyDeleteI don't know that we have any of those in our region but I enjoyed the photos :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments about my Squirrel. Glad that you enjoyed.