Back into the Woods

Autumnal rain fell with the leaves yesterday and the day before but today misty drops were replaced by a sunlight shining golden through my morning window.

Pulling my hiking boots from the closet, I laced them up then after tying a double knots I joined the sun.

No, it is obviously not native but yes, I planted a banana tree in the field near the New Woods.

It grows very slowly in the poor soil. If it ever poses a threat of invasion I will simply mow it down or dig dirt away from the roots. It is barely hardy in our area and spreads only by growing a larger root mass.  I approached the tropical foreigner and noticed something interesting.

Something was eating the banana leaves. It was something with teeth, not bugs. I was curious since it  is a non native and the leaves are so very tough.  For now it will remain a mystery.

There is some summer color remaining in the woods. First, I spied a couple violets.

Some small white asters and the larger Wood aster (Divaricatus)

as well as a flower as golden as this morning's sun, Wingstem (Actinomeris alernifolia)

We have seen plenty of honeybees this year - a welcome sight.

As I walked on I saw a spot of woods poking out from under some brush.  Do you see it?

Look a little closer

I'm pretty sure it is a large Jack-in-the-pulpet but I really want it to be Ginseng.  All the Jack-in-the-pulpets I've seen in this area are a small type with small berry stems. I think, though, that the way it is clustered on the stem is particular to Jack-in-the-pulpet.  The examples of Ginseng I have seen are more rounded clusters.

Aw, well, it is time to take a last look at the woods and turn toward home do some chores.

don't fret, we'll go out at least one more time before all the leaves are gone.
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Once again,  I am including the link to this album below because I heard the band last weekend and loved it.  I wish you could have heard them.  One day you may hear them on the radio. HaHa Tonka is named after a park in Missouri.  They are Indie Folk/Rock with an unbelievable 4-part harmony on some of the a cappella tunes.  they are full of youthful enegry which they mesh with traditional Ozark Mountain music sounds. Once again, I am includeingthe link to this album below because I heard the band last weekend and loved it.