Dandelion

I came across these interesting questions (on the web) that someone had asked, followed by their observations:

1. How do the yellow petals of dandelions become those white fluffy things?

2. How long does the transformation take?

3. Does it take place only at night?

I have examined hundreds of Dandelions during the season that turn from yellow to white. I have NEVER found a transitional stage! They are always completely yellow, flowerish or completely white, parachutish.

If you're curious what the biologist's answer was, here's the link...
http://www.askabiologist.org.uk/answers/viewtopic.php?id=383

May 6th, 2011

May 14th, 2011

Trillium

May 14th, 2011

Water Lily

July 10th, 2011

July 10th, 2011

July 10th, 2011

Rough Hedge Nettle

July 10th, 2011

New England Aster

September 11th, 2011

October 11th, 2011

Fringed Loosestrife

July 10th, 2011

July 10th, 2011

July 10th, 2011

Wild Burdock (aka Wild Rhubarb)

• First year plants have wavy green leaves in basal rosettes on the ground. 
• Plants usually flower during the second year, but sometimes the flowers do not emerge until the third or forth year of growth.
• A single plant produces 15,000 seeds on average, but yields of 200,000 to 400,000 seeds have been reported.
• Toxicity: Common burdock is considered toxic due to potential diuretic effects, and there are reports of allergic reactions when the hooked bristles of burs lodge under the surface of the skin.
• Velcro was inspired by the tiny hooks on the burs of this plant that stick to fur and clothing, similar to the sticky side of Velcro. www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/singlerecord.asp?id=900   

May 6th, 2011

July 23rd, 2011