#stringy stonecrop

[druidinvirginia]

stringy stonecrop

[itsoctopuses]

Week 9 Observations

2.26.25

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja

Though I took these at the zoo at the beginning of the month, I did spot one in a drainage ditch today while running errands!

They are native to Texas, breeding here, Louisiana and Florida. While some also winter here, most will migrate to Central and South America.

They are (currently) protected under the US Migratory Bird Act.

They get their pretty pink tones from the food they eat which contains the same organic pigment found in tomatoes, carrots and pumpkin.

At the turn of the 20th century, their beautiful, pink feathers were used in women’s fashion and were highly prized.

They often sleep standing on one leg and will swing their heads back and forth as they walk.

#roseatespoonbill spoonbill #plataleaajaja #citizenscience #bird #shorebird #zoo #wild #nature #outdoors #february #february26 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day57

2.27.25

Wax Myrtle

Morella cerifera

Observed at Galveston Island State Park on 2.21.25

This is a native perennial shrub that can grow upwards of 12 feet.

It has many uses including but not limited to:

-habitat restoration, hedges, screens

-the wax from the fruit has been used in candle making

-medicinal properties

There’s, fruit, and leaves serve as food and habitat for wildlife. It’s even a good source of honey.

Many tribes have used max myrtle for its many uses throughout history including The Choctaw, Houma, Koasati, Micmac, and Seminole people.

#waxmyrtle #Morellacerifera #citizenscience #flora #native #nature #outdoors #february #february27 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day58

2.28.25

Seductive Entodon Moss

Entodon seductrix

Observed in St. Peters on 2.28.25 and it is native to Missouri.

This is a very hearty and versatile moss. It can grow (quickly) and survive in dry or wet areas, sun or shade, concrete, logs, and acidic soil.

Animals use it to make nests including birds, mice and even bumblebees!

It grows in dense mats making it good to use for moss lawns, green roofs and living walls.

They have red capsules that grow upright from the stems.

#seductiveentodonmoss #entodonseductrix #citizenscience #moss #native #nature #outdoors #february #february28 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day59

3.1.25

Star Magnolia

Magnolia stellata

Observed in Old Monroe, MO 3.1.25. And 3.30.15.

10 years ago we buried Grandma and today we had to say goodbye to Grandpa. This tree stands outside of the their church where the services were held. 10 years ago it was already in full bloom that happens each spring before the leaves grow. This year the flowers hadn’t bloomed yet but it will be soon.

It’s nonnative to Missouri but not invasive. It is native in Japan.

It can be pruned to a typical tree shape or left alone for a bushy look. When pruned it gives off a lemon scent.

#starmagnolia #Magnoliastellata #citizenscience #nonnative #nature #outdoors #march #march1 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day60

3.2.25

Stringy Stonecrop

Sedum sarmentosum

Observed in Old Monroe, MO 2.28.25. I’ve spent my whole life visiting my grandparents at the same house and this may have been my last time to ever walk their backyard gardens and to stumble upon species I’ve never seen before.

It is a succulent, vine and herb that is native in China but introduced to parts of Europe and North America. It can be very invasive in gardens especially in eastern and southern states.

Though it can outcompete native species it does help against soil erosion and absorbs CO2 efficiently.

It has been found in Asian folklore thought to be connected to longevity and prosperity due to its hardy and prolific nature. It’s also a symbol for tranquility.

#stringystonecrop #Sedumsarmentosum #citizenscience #succulent #vine #herb #march #march2 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day61

3.3.25

Norway Spruce

Picea abies

Observed in Old Monroe, MO on 3.1.25.

It is introduced to Missouri but not considered invasive, though it can take over natural forests.

It does well in the cold but struggles in the heat, compact soil and drought.

It grows fast and tall and is often used as a snow/wind break.

Some interesting uses it has includes:

-spruce beer

-violins for sound transmitting properties

-medicine

-cooking spices

#norwayspruce #Piceaabies #citizenscience #flora #evergreen #conifer #introduced #nature #outdoors #march #march3 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day62

3.4.25

Green Sea Turtle

Chelonia mydas

Observed sea turtle release on Stewart Beach, Galveston 3.4.35. They are native to the Gulf of Mexico and Texas beaches are important for nesting season. They can be spotted off the coasts of about 140 countries.

These were collected during the last cold stun group in January. They were washing up on the bay side because that area is much colder than the beach side.

If you see a stranded or sick sea turtle you can call 1-866-TURTLE-5. They are on the endangered list.

Green sea turtles get their name because their cartilage and fat turn green from the foods they eat consisting of algae and seagrass making them unique among sea turtle species.

They migrate from nesting beaches to their feeding grounds using earth’s magnetic field to navigate. The females will migrate to the beach they were born on to lay their own eggs.

They’re thought to live around 70 years old and become sexually mature around 25 years. They’re thought are the largest species of hard-shelled turtles and second largest of the sea turtles. They’re thought can also grow to be 350lbs.

#greenseaturtle #Cheloniamydas #citizenscience #coldstunnedseaturtles #rehabilitated #seaturtlerelease #beach #conservation #nature #outdoors #march #march4 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day63

[faguscarolinensis]

Sedum sarmentosum / Gold Moss Stonecrop at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University in Durham, NC

[helpermaddi]

Todays foraging adventure was bountiful✨☀️

Going from left to right starting at the top of the last photo we have Queen Anne’s Lace flowers and leaves, stringy stonecrop, a small yarrow flower, red clovers, dandelion flowers, (center pile) lamb’s quarters, wild apple, grape leaves and green grapes, hosta leaves, moth mullein, and finally a pile of bitter dock!

I hope you all have a chance to spend some time in nature today! Be sure to plant your tootsies in some grass or moss to get that good grounding action goin on.(:

Remember to be kind to everyone, even those who do you wrong, and be sure to do something good for society today!

I’ll be back on the live stream later this evening✨☀️

Until then be well🖤

[thefantasyfish]

I finally got some help identifying these Sedum sarmentosum. They grow like weeds outside my apartment, along the stone wall with moss & lots of clover. So the nicknames “Stringy stonecrop” & “Graveyard moss” couldn’t be more fitting. I always admire what they add to the landscape and have in the past tried to uproot some for potting. I was unsuccessful. This time I took cuttings and put them right into soil. Look, they’re thriving!

[los-plantalones]

graveyard moss in bloom.

[carolinawrenn]

Stringy stonecrop (Sedum sarmentosum). Also know as gold moss, star sedum, and graveyard moss.

[justlikethefish]

I can hear the lawn people outside destroying the henbit, purple dead nettle, common violets and stringy stonecrop in my yard. I could weep.

[rosemallow-spring]

Stringy Stonecrop (Sedum Sarmentosum).

6.25.19.

[salivapleth]

Hi 🌹 today I stopped at a roadside plant stand and bought stringy stonecrop for $5. Now I’m making a kale & nasturtium salad, as well as preparing turmeric dye. I just shook off dried lavender and am gonna make lavender biscuits tonight.

[zombiez187]

Stringy Stonecrop Waterfall. (at Outer Space) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEHUF2esfqF/?igshid=1xpfvxj29ivsf

[faguscarolinensis]

Sedum sarmentosum / Gold Moss Stonecrop at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University in Durham, NC