Explore Outdoors ~ Purple Razz

 At the beginning of the month, these purple-flowered raspberries were just coming into bloom. By now they should be producing their fuzzy berries. These plants (Rubus odoratus) are native to eastern North America; their cousins, which I grew up calling "thimbleberries" are native to the western part of the continent. 

The flowers have five petals, and the leaves look a bit like maple leaves, with five lobes. The fruit looks like a red raspberry but is flatter and a bit drier. And then there's the fuzziness... it doesn't seem to deter the birds and small mammals, though, because these berries tend to disappear off the bushes pretty fast. 

What kinds of berries grow around your neighborhood?

Explore Outdoors ~ Winter Berries

 

I know I've posted pics of partridge berries in the past. But still, when I find them poking out from between fallen leaves (fall) or melting snow (spring) I'm always surprised by their splash of color. The leaves are thick, and you can feel the veins. The berries are interesting because they are formed by the fusion of two flowers. I've heard they make good trail snacks or you can toss them into a salad. But I usually only see a handful of berries, so I leave them for the chipmunks and turkeys.

These native plants grow low-to-the-ground, so they make good ground cover. Since I usually find them in wooded areas I'm thinking they might do well in a shaded part of my yard - and now I'm wondering if I could plant those berries and get some seedlings? You can find out more about partridge berries here.

What kind of berries provide a splash of color in your neighborhood this week?

Explore Outdoors ~ Colors of the Season

 Last week I was out walking and the bright splash of red against green caught my eye.

 

 Right now the greens are bright, the leaves crisp, the berries shiny. But soon - maybe by next week - they'll be covered by a blanket of snow, or exposed to icy winds. By spring, they'll be mouse-nibbled and winter-weary.

What plants sport reds and greens in your neighborhood?