#palmate maple

[ayanos-pl]

イロハモミジ（10月7日）

Klon palmowy (Acer palmatum)

Japanese maple, palmate maple, or smooth Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)

[greenelectricsky]

Red leafs day! Little palmate maple and phytolacca.

[erikatsu]

DON'T LET ME GO ⋆.ೃ࿔* ═ FUSHIGURO TOJI

˗ˏˋ PAIRING ˎˊ˗ fushiguro toji x fem!reader

˗ˏˋ SUMMARY ˎˊ˗ your ex’s dad comforts you after your break up.

˗ˏˋ WARNINGS ˎˊ˗ kinda angsty and soft. age gap, body worship (?), unprotected sex, pet names (baby, sweetheart), multiple orgasms, cervix fucking, baby trapping, creampie, aftercare, unedited

˗ˏˋ NOTE ˎˊ˗ repost from old acc !

The soft tapping of the beginning rain hitting your windshield calmed you as you shut off the car. You couldn't help but think it was funny that the sky matched your mood. Dark, cloudy, and crying for you since you refused to do so yourself. Not anymore. Not over him, the boy who broke your heart after being together for over two years. 

You sighed, shutting off your vehicle as you talked yourself up. You’ll be fine, you assured yourself. Just get your things and go. 

Easier said than done. 

You blindly reached for the door handle, slowly pulling it open. Your heart raced as you yanked your hood over your head, dashing out into the soft rain. The petrichor hit your nose as it began to pick up, and you pulled your jacket tighter around you as you quickly walked up to the large house. You'd been here countless times, but the traditional Japanese style of the home always left you in awe. The dark zegiel tiles that lined the roof and met the kawara with the family crest in the center on top of the white clay walls accented by black wood fed your aesthetic for juxtaposition. 

You could remember the first time you came here. You were left breathless as you stared into the koi pond in the backyard, watching the fish swimming and the reds of the palmate maples and whites of the plum blossoms dance across the water’s reflection. You made a comment to your ex’s father that a Wisteria would suit the garden nicely between the black and white pines, as it lacked blues and purples, upon meeting him before you could think about what you had said. Fortunately for you, he agreed. Seeing it planted exactly where you pictured made you smile to this very day. 

Fushiguro Toji had always given you what your heart desired. When questioned about it by his son, the answer was always a simple, “You two remind me of your mother and I.” But, that wasn't it. Not really. In truth, Fushiguro Toji had always been taken with you. It was wrong, as you were his son’s age and (at the time) his son’s girlfriend. However, it wasn't like Toji would truly act on these feelings. 

No, Fushiguro Toji was a gentleman. All class with a smart mouth and dashing good looks to top it off, not only would he not come between you and his son, he wouldn't risk his career. Pulling away from the Zen’in clan and getting married at a young age had been the wildest thing he’s done in his life. After losing his wife and working full time to support Megumi, he had to do and be better than his family. Risking everything he'd worked towards for a woman half his age would be a waste. Instead, he showed his interest through material things under the guise of “one day she’ll be part of the family, she gets the Fushiguro treatment.”

Because a thing like money was no issue to Toji, he didn't mind spending it on you if it meant seeing you smile. Being the King of Kabutochō meant as long as he had investors, there would always be money. 

Even in the dreary weather, the landscaping of the property was still breathtaking. You didn't realize you'd been standing, staring into the yard instead of walking up the wooden steps to take cover underneath the extension of the roof, supported by tall wooden beams. With one last look, you made your way to the door, raising a hesitant hand to knock. You were so used to just walking in, a backpack slung over your shoulder and full of clothes to stay the weekend instead of staying on campus. Having to knock was another reminder that this would be your last visit here. 

You let your hand fall against the door, causing the dogs inside to bark. A voice barked back at them, telling them to be quiet and go lay down. You recognized it, wondering why Toji was answering the door instead of Megumi. He knew you'd be by today. Was he avoiding you? Or was he with the girl who had stolen his heart from you?

The door swung open, revealing Toji and all his morning glory. His hair disheveled, still in his silk pajamas. His eyes widened when he saw you, not knowing you were coming over. Before he could ask why you were knocking, he saw the red of your eyelids and your bloodshot eyes. His brow furrowed, bottom lip pushing outwards in confusion. 

“You've been crying. What's wrong?” He questioned, causing the familiar sting of tears to torment you as you tried to keep yourself composed. 

You wanted to tell him you'd been crying for three days now, and that you swore you wouldn't anymore before leaving the house. But, when you opened your mouth to tell him the truth, your voice caught in your throat. Just like that, your resolve crumbled. You allowed the tears to form, unable to stop them from flowing as Toji pulled you into the house. 

You refrained from answering as you took off your shoes and faced them towards the door. As soon as you turned back to face him, he pulled you into his chest, causing you to break down in his arms.

“He– He broke up with me,” You managed to choke out, squeezing your eyes shut as if that would stop the tears that fell from them. A harsh sob wracked your body as you felt yourself latch onto him, clinging to him for comfort that you desperately needed. His large hands rubbed your back, trying his best to console you as you gasped for air and dampened his shirt. “There's– There's someone else.”

The twinge of anger he felt flare up was nothing compared to his heart breaking at the sight of you like this. Crying over his son, who damn well had been raised better than to play with something as fragile and delicate as someone’s heart. 

“I’ll kill him,” Toji muttered before placing a gentle kiss atop your head.

You sniffled, trying to quickly compose yourself. You were already embarrassed that you had gotten snot and slobber on his expensive silk. But bringing it back up had all your insecurities floating toward the surface. Your lower lip trembled as you found yourself questioning, “I-is there something wrong with me? Am I not pretty enough? O-or–”

Toji pulled away slightly, softly hooking a finger under your chin. He gently lifted your head up so you'd look at him, his eyebrows furrowed with bewilderment. He shook his head at you. “Stop right there. You're the most stunning person in the entire world. You're kind, you're funny, and anyone would be lucky to have you. Only an idiot would let you go.”

The sincerity in his tone had your heart racing as you stared at him, wide eyed at his revelation. Before you could realize what you were doing, you were leaning into him. Your lips met his, reminding him of honey with how soft and sweet you were. He was too stunned to move, never expecting you to kiss him. But, just as quickly as you leaned in, you were pulling away with apologies falling from your mouth. 

“Mr. Fushiguro, I'm sorry!” You stepped back, shaking your head as you internally scolded yourself for being an idiot. “That was wrong, I don't know what came over me. I just need to get my things from Megumi and I'll be gone.”

“He's not here,” Toji cleared his throat, letting his hand drop from your chin. “You can go to his room, I'm sure he's got it all there.”

You nodded, promptly heading upstairs so you could grab your things and scatter. You were absolutely abashed, kicking yourself for kissing him like that. He was a grown man, old enough to be your own father. You didn't know what came over you, just chalked it up to being lost in a moment of weakness. What person wouldn't swoon at his words? Or read too much into what he said and how he said it?

Shaking the fleeting thought away from your mind, you entered Megumi's room to see a box of your things sitting on the edge of his nicely made bed. You frowned, knowing your relationship was truly over. Your heart clenched tightly as you picked the box up and took one last longing look around his room. 

Another sigh left your lips as you left, going back downstairs to see Toji staring out the window in the living room, watching the steady rain turn into a harsh downpour. No matter how much he squinted, he couldn't fully make out the purple blooms of the Wisteria he'd planted for you in the thick of the gray rainfall. 

He turned, looking over his shoulder as you approached him. Your eyes were locked on the outside, wondering if it was even safe to drive home when the rain could turn into a monsoon at any given moment. Toji apparently had the same thought, taking the box from you and setting it off to the side. 

“I'd be more comfortable if you stayed until it calms down out there,” He admitted to you, just now noticing you were still soaked from the rain earlier. “I'll have a bath drawn for you and get you a fresh change of clothes.”

He insisted, even though you assured him you'd be fine. He wouldn't take no for an answer, leading you to the private ofuro at the back of the house. He slid the shoji out of the way, revealing the large wooden tub full of already steaming water. The warmth hit you as you stepped inside the sunroom, watching the rain heavily hitting the windows that allowed in the natural light. 

You'd never been in this room before, knowing this was part of Toji’s bathroom. You were taken away with the dark hinoki wood that not only made the tub, but filled the room with its natural lemony scent. You weren't listening as Toji told you where you could find everything, walking towards the tub and lightly feeling the water. It was hot, but not scalding as you pushed through the surface tension, swirling your hand for a brief second before pulling away. 

When you turned to ask for a towel, he was already behind you, smiling at you in amusement. You jumped, not expecting him to be right there. Your heart was beating rapidly in your chest again, more due to his close proximity than anything else. The thought of kissing him crossed your mind again, a thin veil of heat covering your cheeks as you looked away. He cupped your cheek, slowly bringing your gaze back to him. His free hand grabbed your hip, pulling you closer before delicately catching your lips with his own.

You don't know what drove you to move your mouth against his, but you didn't stop yourself as you wound your arms around his neck. Your head was spinning as he gently tugged at your bottom lip, unable to believe you were kissing your ex-boyfriend's father. Toji’s fingers dug into your side, gently rubbing his thumb over your hip. You opened your mouth, allowing him in as your mind went blank. Your hands trailed from his neck down to his chest, and just as he thought you'd push him away, you were undoing the buttons of his shirt. 

His breath hitched as you broke the kiss, looking up at him almost innocently, “Stay with me.”

All his morals had gone out the window the second he decided to kiss you. His hands were pushing your jacket off your shoulders and he was lifting your shirt over your head in response, knowing full and well this was crossing one hell of a line. But, it's not like Megumi would know. He'd already texted, saying he'd be at Yuuji’s until the weather slowed so he wouldn't be coming home anytime soon. 

Clothes were haphazardly thrown across the room before you slipped into the ofuro with Toji, back pressed tightly to his chest as he peppered light kisses against the soft skin of your neck and shoulders. The heat of the water mixed with the feathery soft touches caused goosebumps to rise on your skin. You tilted your head back, resting against him as hands traveled over your body, like tracing lines on a map. He'd sear every inch of you into his twisted mind, memorizing the soft gasps that fell off your lips as he gently cupped your breast and ran his down your belly. Once his fingers brushed your clit, you let out a sharp noise. 

He tenderly rubbed at your sensitive bud, kissing at your neck. You allowed your eyes to close as he toyed with you under the water, a whimper escaping you from the stimulation. Wrapped up with him had you forgetting why you had even come over, had you overlooking the fact this was Megumi’s father and he was over twenty years older than you. No, brushed all of that aside as you twisted your body, sitting in his lap as your mouth found his and you rolled your hips against his hard on. 

You were going to drive him wild. 

Your perfect body pushing flush against his as you squeezed him in all the right places, your soft lips against his tasting like strawberries and mint. His mind was reeling, already intoxicated by how you felt and leaving him wanting more as you rocked your hips. 

You shouldn't have been surprised when he lifted you out of the water, carefully stepping out of the tub, but you scrambled to lock your legs around his toned waist as he carried you towards his room. Water dripped onto the floor, leaving a trail from the sunroom to the bedroom. He never broke contact until he placed you on the bed, kissing his way down your body until his head was between your legs as his tongue ran up and down your slick. 

“God, you're so fucking beautiful,” He mumurmed against your skin before gently pressing his lips to your clit. You whimpered as buried his head between your thighs again, lapping at your wet core as if his tongue was trying to memorize your sweet, gummy walls. Because he was lost in you and your moans, adding fingers and not stopping even as you came in his mouth. Overtaken with the need to have you, he ended up drowning in your heat, pussy drunk off the idea of making you cum until you couldn't anymore. 

You tangled your fingers into his hair, pushing him even further as you whined at the feeling of his fingers curling in and out of you, along with his mouth gently sucking at your clit. 

“Toji–” You panted, breath catching in your throat as your head spun from the overstimulation he was putting you through. “Nngh, s’too much.”

But he wasn't listening, working his two digits and mouth even faster. You keened, back arching as you rolled your hips up. Your entire body tingling and about to go through another wave of euphoria when he finally pulled away. 

He towered over you, cupping your cheek as he leaned in. Instead of kissing you, he rested his forehead against yours. He ran his thumb along your bottom lip, breathing heavily, “Do you want this?”

You were nodding before he even finished his question, staring into his dark blue eyes, “Yes. I want you.”

God, did you want him. Your mind was so overclouded with the thought of him, you had completely pushed Megumi far from your mind. You'd forgotten you'd spent days crying, sobbing over a boy as you were under Toji.

He groaned, reaching down to grab his cock, rubbing it over your entrance a few times before pushing inside. Your eyes fluttered, closing completely as he slowly fucked into you. He kissed you as he evocatively rocked his hips, high pitched gasps leaving your body at the feeling of his raw shaft working deeper inside you and stretching you out. You whimpered against his mouth when he bottomed out, brushing up against the entrance of your womb.

“So fuckin’ tight, baby,” He moaned into your mouth, finding a steady rhythm to roll his hips to. 

He was savoring the way you felt as you squeezed him, the way you tasted, how soft your lips were. He couldn't believe he finally had you, underneath him and taking his length like a champ. He never would've acted on his attraction for you if you hadn't done so first. As his cock dragged along your walls and his tongue danced with yours, the thought of filling your pretty little cunt full of his seed briefly crossed his mind. 

Toji pulled away from you, sliding out before rolling you over and pulling your hips up. He sunk back into your slick with heavy curses flying from his mouth. You mewled as he pressed his chest to your back, his lips brushing where your shoulder met your neck. He reached even further than before, his cock kissing your cervix with each stroke, eliciting soft yelps from you every time.

“Toji, please,” You whined out, gripping the sheets tightly in your hands. “Faster.”

His slow thrusts only picked up slightly, teasing you as he smirked against your skin. You let out a noise of complaint as he chuckled, moving his head to whisper in your ear, “You gotta be more specific, sweetheart.”

You groaned as he pushed deep inside, rutting into your tight hole as he turned your head to once again kiss you. As he locked lips with you, he kept his strokes short and deep, but faster as you had asked. Your moans filled his mouth, spurring him on as he bullied you from behind. The sound of his balls smacking against your wet cunt was all he could hear besides you, pushing you closer to the edge with each thrust. 

Your knuckles were turning white as your pussy clenched around his cock and you gripped the sheets even tighter. He groaned, pulling away from you as he murmured, “That's right baby, cum for me.”

You squeezed your eyes shut, crying out as you felt a tight knot building inside you. Toji pushed himself up, grabbing your hips and forcing them back each time he rocked into you. A choked noise left you as he fucked you into your high, cumming around with his cock with a sharp whine. He rode you out, slowing down as your grip on him loosened and you were left breathless. 

He gradually pulled out, flipping you back over. Pushing one of your thighs back, he lined himself up before slipping back into you with ease. Your back arched as he worked his rhythm back up, long thrusts instead of short as he began to chase his own orgasm. Grunts fell from his lips as he rammed into you, yelps emitted from you in turn. You cried out his name, sending his mind into a frenzy. 

He loved the way his name rolled off your tongue instead of “Mr. Fushiguro”. You had always addressed him as that, even though he had told you several times that Toji was fine. He’s glad you waited though, making the experience that much better. 

As you squirmed under him, pleasured noises leaving your mouth, he found himself close to his own high, warning you he was going to cum. He had every intention of pulling out, but something in you snapped and you locked your legs around his waist, jerking him in as far as he could go.

“Nngh, you're playing a dangerous game here, sweetheart,” He groaned, losing all control of his hips as your actions threw him into his high. He drilled into you, his balls slapping your skin so hard you were sure they'd leave marks. With one last thrust, he pushed as deep as he could go, spilling his hot seed into your tight cunt. 

You both panted, catching your breath as he finally pulled out of you. He placed a gentle kiss on your lips before standing. Toji dipped back into the bathroom before coming back with a towel and silk robes. As he cleaned you up, you couldn't help but let your mind wander. 

Toji had always been intimidating, but you got to see that he wasn't. He was sweet and more gentle than he seemed. You couldn't help but wonder what would come from what just happened. Whether it continued, became serious, or was forgotten didn't much matter to you.

You slipped on the robe, lying back down on the side of the super wide king bed that wasn't soaked from the bath water or your juices. Toji flopped down beside you, running a large hand up your leg and stopping as he decided to rest it on your ass.

“If you wanted me to breed you, baby, you should’a just said so,” He teased, causing heat to rush to your cheeks.

The two of you had been so invested in each other, you didn't realize the rain had stopped shortly after it started. But, you were still wrapped up in the older man and how he made you feel so good that you'd completely forgotten the reason for your visit. 

You walked your fingers up his chest, about to give a coy response when a voice from the doorway had you immediately halfing in your tracks. 

“Dad!?”

˗ˏˋ TAGS ˎˊ˗ @sanzucide @dxlucs @mxnjiros @albedxs @suyacho

[anskupics]

Acer palmatum ’Atropurpureum’ — Japanese maple a.k.a. palmate maple a.k.a. smooth Japanese maple

[kathyrenwald]

As a new sports reporter at CHCH-TV in 1977 I assigned myself to cover the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was a one person department when I started, but veteran cameramen at CH, who were used to covering sports and providing highlights for the newscasts on their own helped me greatly in navigating the sports scene.

Those were tumultuous, chaotic times for the Leafs, with the drama fanned expertly by their owner, Harold Ballard. He had all the bluster of a carnival barker and never hesitated to ridicule a player or coach when he was displeased.

A signature moment of the Ballard era was when coach Roger Neilson had to announce his own firing.

I was there.

Neilson, polite and thoughtful, waited patiently while cameras were set up. Before he delivered the news he waited for a CBC cameraman to finish loading his 16 millimetre film, “Are you rolling Morty?”, he said before detailing his unceremonious sacking.

In the midst of those rocky times, there were two constants at Maple Leaf Gardens, the forceful play of Borje Salming, and the dignity of Darryl Sittler.

That’s why it was so heartbreaking to see Salming in the grip of ALS, at centre ice with Sittler this past weekend at the Hall of Fame ceremony.

Salming, unable to talk, and moving unsteadily was supported by his former teammate. When Sittler, with tears streaming down his face, lifted Salming’s arm to acknowledge the love from fans it was a powerful and unforgettable moment.

In the 1970’s reporters had one on one access to players and coaches before the managed media scrum introduced a uniform dullness to pro sport coverage.

I did many interviews with Salming. Including one where he said he hated the organ music played at the gardens, by the revered Ralph Fraser, and urged the team to start playing popular tunes. He was way ahead of his time. At stadiums and arenas now, it’s wall to wall music.

Salming, tall, strong and handsome, struck me as a guy willing to suffer anything for his sport. That Tour de France kind of suffering where you leave it all on the battlefield.

The other thing I remember from 45 years ago is Salming’s car. The players parked across the street from the Gardens. He drove a very fine looking Saab, the elegant and confidently different Swedish car rarely seen on the road then. Salming was cool, on ice and off.

Sittler was a stand up kind of guy. He was always available to the media, took questions on every wild development in hockey’s most intense fishbowl.

As captain of the team he was a stoic observer of such hijinks as Roger Neilson coaching with a paper bag over his head, Coach Red Kelly placing plastic pyramids under the bench for supernatural powers and goalie Mike Palmateer’s mysterious hand injury from hanging curtains the night before a playoff game.

Salming and Sittler, outstanding athletes who survived a bizarre era in Maple Leaf history with their reputations intact were reunited in a ceremony of compassion and sadness.

[parsley-sage-rosemary-thyme331]

Say hi to Acer rubrum, in the SAPINDACEAE family! It is commonly known as red maple.

This deciduous tree can be identified by its opposite, palmately lobed leaves with serrated margins and 3-5 lobes. The leaves are red in the fall. It has small, fragrant, red flowers in sessile clusters that emerge before the leaves. Its fruits are schizocarps on long stems with a ~60 degree wing angle.

Acer rubrum is native to the eastern and central United States with regional habitat variation. It is adapted to wetlands, with a shallow lateral root system and branch lenticels to transfer oxygen to the roots. It can resprout from its root crown, stump, or root suckers after damage.

[guidedwanderer]

Materia Medica

Blood Root

Botanical Name: Sanguinaria canadensis

Common Name: Bloodroot, Red Root, Puccoon, Paucon, Pauson, Red Puccoon, Coonroot and Indian paint ((( all refer to Native American uses of the plant to color skin, clothes, and baskets ))) tetterwort ((( old english for skin disease ))) , sleep slumber, and snakebite ((( all of which were used mostly by Old English speakers ))).

Family: Papaveraceae or Poppy family

Parts Used: Rhizome, Root,

Energetics and Taste: Harsh, Bitter, Acrid. Drying and cooling in small amounts, warming and stimulating in larger amounts.

Actions and Properties: Bloodroot is currently used to cause expectoration and to clear the respiratory pathways of mucus. The herb can be taken internally to treat a variety of ailments such as asthma, emphysema, laryngitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis, sore throats, and croup. Cough lozenges are made by mixing fresh sap from roots with maple syrup or sugar. A homeopathic remedy containing bloodroot has also been used to treat migraines. Fresh bloodroot sap or an infusion of the root can be applied externally to treat warts, benign skin tumors, ulcers, eczema, chilblains, or ringworm. The dried powder can be sniffed to treat nasal polyps. Sanguinarine, the medicinally valuable alkaloid found in bloodroot sap, is purported to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit the formation of plaque and reduce gingival inflammation and bleeding. Research has shown that the alkaloid is retained in the mouth for long periods after brushing, providing longer resistance to plaque and gingival inflammation.

Constituents: Bloodroot exudes a bright orange-red sap from all parts when cut, with the highest concentrations found in the rhizome where the juices are stored. The sap contains isoquinoline alkaloids, red resin, and an abundance of starch. Sanguinarine is the predominant alkaloid, making up 50 percent of the total alkaloid content. The alkaloids in the sap contribute to the medicinal properties of the herb, though they can also be poisonous in large doses, causing nausea, vomiting, dizziness or fainting, dilated pupils, and heart failure. The alkaloids in bloodroot have strong antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. The herb has also been described as having antiseptic, cathartic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, escharotic, expectorant, febrifuge, sedative, spasmolytic, stimulant, and tonic properties.

Description: Plants reach a height of 6 to 12 inches at maturity, though they are typically only half that height at the time of bloom. Each plant consists of a single leaf wrapped tightly around a flower bud; the leaf opens to expose the flower as it blooms. Bloodroot leaves are kidney shaped, with five to nine rounded lobes arranged palmately and covered with a whitish-gray down. The pale underside of the leaf is prominently veined. Once the flowers have faded, the basal leaves persist until August, when they turn a deeper green and reach their maximum size of 6 to 10 inches. Each waxy, white flower grows on a single stem up to 8 inches in height, blooming around late March and early April. Flowers are roughly 2 inches in diameter, with gold-colored stamens in the center. Whereas other members of the Papaveraceae family have flowers with 4 petals, bloodroot flowers have 8 to 10 petals arranged in 2 to 4 rows.

Habitat: Bloodroot is mostly found in rich woodlands or on sunny-to shady edges of wooded areas, on slopes, or on bottomlands along shaded streams. Bloodroot prefers light-to-medium well-drained soils with a sandy-to-loamy texture. Bloodroot can tolerate a range of pH, but does best in soils with a pH of 5 to 7 or higher. Soils with a layer of leaf cover in cool areas under deciduous trees are optimal. Bloodroot is an indicator species for birch-maple-basswood and hardwood forests.

Harvesting/ Propagation: Bloodroot can be propagated by seed, root division, or leaf cuttings. Seeds can be sown in outdoor beds in the spring or summer, or in a cold frame in winter. A cold stratification period is required for the seed to produce a root, then another warm and cold period to produce a shoot. Rhizomes can be divided by breaking them into small pieces, each of which should contain one bud. This is typically done in late summer or early fall after the leaves die back. Leaf cuttings can be taken from shoots in late spring and set in a protected cold frame until the plants are established.

Preparation and Dosage: Roots are harvested in order to then make them into a powder or to make a dried root tincture. In small doses, bloodroot is relaxing and soothing, particularly on the bronchial muscles. In moderate doses, the herb has stimulating and emetic properties.

Contradictions/ Cautions: Large doses can cause irritation of the mucus membranes. Other negative side effects can either be a burning or stinging sensation in the mouth, or a sloughing of the epithelium cells when used orally. The alkaloids in the sap can be poisonous in large doses, causing nausea, vomiting, dizziness or fainting, dilated pupils, and heart failure. Should not used during Pregnancy. Regarded as abortifacient. Seeds are narcotic, with effects said to be similar to Datura seed ((( can cause death if taken internally ))). People should not use this herb unless under the guidance of a trained health care practitioner. The fresh root is more dangerous than the dry root.  Do not use more than 1-2 drops every 2-4 hours in acute phase, then 1-2 drops per day after the acute phase. Long term use may be contraindicated. Long term users of products with sanguinarine in them have increased incidence of leukoplakia.

Ethnobotanical Considerations: Bloodroot is listed as “At-Risk” by the United Plant Savers organization. Often collected from the wild and marketed domestically and internationally, the plants on the “At-Risk” list have experienced pressure due to over-collection or habitat loss. This pressure, combined with the innate sensitivity and rarity of the plants listed, has led to the rapid decline of wild populations in their native ranges.

History/ Folklore/ Mythology: Native Americans used bloodroot as a dye, love charm, and potent medicine. European colonists learned of the Native American medicinal uses for the herb and adopted them to suit their own needs and as early as the 1800s Bloodroot was described in pharmacopoeias. In the mid-19th century at the London Middlesex Hospital, Dr. J. Weldon Fell experimented with the use of bloodroot to treat skin cancers. Although used extensively at that time, the treatment eventually fell out of use until its revival in the 1960s for minor skin tumors, particularly those in the nose and ears. As of the year 2000 researchers were studying the ability of bloodroot alkaloids to selectively fight cancer cells without harming normal cells. Although it has experimentally shown anti-proliferative potential towards human carcinoma cells, current in vitro studies are not conclusive and more research is needed before bloodroot is considered for development as a commercial anticancer drug. Sanguinarine has been used in toothpaste and oral rinses. Bloodroot can be used as a botanical dewormer for cattle and sheep.

References:

[tristarplants]

Everything You Need to Know About Bloodgood Japanese Maple Trees

Bloodgood Japanese maple trees need as low-maintenance as they are good-looking. These fabulous specimen plants are short in physique with mild branches and deep, vibrant greenery.

How Bloodgood Japanese Is Different from Red Maple Myrtle

The Japanese maple variety called Bloodgood is valued for maintaining its leaf color even in intense heat. Bloodgood Japanese maples have quite a range of growing habits, leaf shapes & foliage color.

Japanese maples with lively foliage look especially good when located near a brick wall or dark-colored home. No matter what time of year, these Bloodgood maple trees are a standout. The leaves of this tree are purple in the spring, burgundy in the summer, & crimson in the fall. Winter even increases visual interest with silvery bark.

Crepe myrtle tree come in a dwarf or mid-range size with a shrubbier growing pattern and in larger tree types. The many variations have differing flower and foliage colors. Red Crepe myrtles are also recognized for the lovely exfoliating bark on their trunks & stems.

Place selection is significant if you plan to add a new Japanese maple or crepe myrtle to your landscape. A protected portion of the yard or near your home is a good spot.

Why It Is Loved by Everyone

The Bloodgood Maple Tree can convey a peaceful feeling to your land. Like many Japanese plants, this beauty is an extremely ornamental tree.

It shines as the reddish leaves emerge in the spring. The leaf shape and color are glorious.

Each delicate palmate leaf will only get more dazzling through the year, ranging from orange-red, bronze-red, to purple-red leaves.

These Japanese maple trees do not need consistent pruning, but they do respond well to pruning if you choose to do so. If you see any dying, dead, or spoiled branches, prune them in the winter when your tree is inactive.

Why does Bloodgood maple turn green-

Like other Japanese maples, this Bloodgood maples can turn green if they don’t get suitable sunlight. They prefer partial shade, with up to 4 hours of direct, unfiltered daylight in a day.

If your Bloodgood maple is not well-established yet, & it is turning green while shaded, or it is in full sun all day, you might want to consider transplant the tree.

Fast-Growing Rang of Trees

Red maple and Bloodgood maple are the example of fast-growing trees. Prized for its dazzling autumn coloration & ability to adapt to an extensive range of habitats, the red maple is also known as the soft maple.

They are fresh, rich-hued focal point of any land, the Bloodgood maple tree is popular for standing out with incredible color.

To make an order, pay a visit to Tristar Plants

[sunrisejust]

Red maple tree

RED MAPLE TREE HOW TO

I watched that The cloves are growing in the next couple days. Right after I received them and Soak them in water for a night and planted them in the next morning as instructions.

RED MAPLE TREE HOW TO

So looking forward to watching them grow.įirst time experience how to plant the bare root trees. While red Japanese maple trees are one of the more popular Japanese maple used in the. Red Japanese maple trees can be planted in sunny locations, used as focal points, or even used as shade trees. Nothing provides contrasting color against a typically chartreuse green landscape in the spring like a red Japanese maple tree. Soaked them in cold water, as directed, and planted them the next day. A large red Japanese maple tree provides dynamic color in the spring. It is a rapid growing tree, with a well-formed rounded crown that is an ideal choice for a shade tree on your lawn, for a specimen tree anywhere in. Trees came very well wrapped and with very small buds on them. The Autumn Flame Red Maple is a selected form of the native red maple tree, with outstanding fall colors of crimson and scarlet, turning red early in the season and holding well throughout the fall. Very healthy, leaves budding out already. I can't wait to see if the survive a minnesota winter. I was especially surprised when I seen lots of new growth on them. They were well packaged and the trees had lots of healthy roots. I ordered these trees last fall and they arrived this may. In April, the rich green fire-retardant leaves turn to fiery-red, signalling the threat of summer fires has passed. I ordered two of the two pack red maples and they came looking very healthy. I have planted it now I need to wait for it comeup. The leaves of red maples are palmate (like the palm of your hand), 5-15 cm long and about as wide, with 3 to 5 lobes. The tress are thriving and leaves are already growing. Growth and Yield- Red maple is a short- to medium-lived tree and seldom lives longer than 150 years. Ordered 4, 3 exceptionally healthy and one that had to be pruned down, but looks to be recovering. A fully-grown specimen has a wonderful form that looks for all the world. Interactive Excerpt From USDA Plant Guide Japanese maples have a certain air to them that always brings you to pause and reflect. Please Read Our Store Policies HEREBefore You Order!! The red maple tree is used to treat eye disorders and as a drying agent, but scientific data does not support its treatment for any condition. Red maples provide food, shade, and nesting habitat for wildlife while squirrels and other rodents consume the fruits, rabbits, and deer consume the delicate shoots and leaves. 3.25-Gallon Red Feature Red Japanese Maple In Pot (With Soil) Model NURSERY. The leaves, bark, and sap of these maples contain biological compounds that may fight inflammation, the underlying root cause of many diseases. 2.06-Quart Red Feature Autumn Blaze Maple In Pot (With Soil) Model MAP-BLA-34-2QT. Its blooms are pinkish-red and grow in drooping clusters, while its fruits are paired clusters of winged seeds. Leaf buds are rounded, dark red-wine in colour. The leaves are medium-green in the spring and summer, changing to a red-orange hue in the fall. Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Twigs are slender, shiny and dark red with whitish dots. As the tree matures, its smooth and gray bark becomes wrinkled, scaly, and dark gray. It has a pleasant oval form that proliferates and has stronger wood than most soft maples. The red maple is one of the most widespread deciduous trees in the eastern and central United States. Most references describe red maple as wind pollinated, but insect pollination may be important, as many insects, especially bees, visit the flowers.Red Maple – A Popular Deciduous Tree Why Red Maple (Acer Rubrum)? According to the USDA's Plant Guide, red maple's early-produced pollen may be important to the biology of bees and other pollen-dependent insects. Compared to sugar and black maple, red maple is a relatively short-lived tree, rarely living longer than 150 years. Acer rubrum, commonly called red maple, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that is native to Eastern North America from Quebec to Minnesota south to Florida. Tea brewed from the inner bark has been used for treating coughs and diarrhea. Native Americans used red maple bark as an analgesic, a wash for swollen eyes and cataracts, and as a remedy for hives and muscular aches. This tree has long been valued as an ornamental tree because of its ease of establishment, rapid growth, brightly coloured flowers and fruit, and fall leaf colours. Red maple is also known as scarlet maple, swamp maple, soft maple, Carolina red maple, Drummond red maple, water maple as well as some other names. To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.).

[beanbones]

German Shepherd Skull | Japanese Maple

[ayanos-pl]

イロハモミジの若葉の色が夢のように美しい（4月23日）

[hi-technique]

Palmate maple by withcamera on Flickr

[indefenseofplants]

The Strangest Maple

I love being humbled by plant ID. Confusion usually means I am going to end up learning something new. This happened quite recently during a trip through The Morton Arboretum. Admittedly trees are not my forte but I had spotted something that seemed off and needed further inspection. I was greeted by a small tree with leaves that screamed "birch family" (Betulaceae) yet they were opposite. Members of the birch family should have alternately arranged leaves. What the heck was I looking at?

It didn't take long for me to find the ID tag. As a plant obsessed person, the information on the tag gave me quite the thrill. What I was looking at was possible the strangest maple on the planet. This, my friends, was my first introduction to Acer carpinifolium a.k.a the hornbeam maple.

The hornbeam maple is endemic to Japan where it can be found growing in mountainous woodlands and alongside streams. Maxing out around 30 feet (9 m) in height, the hornbeam maple is by no means a large tree. It would appear that it has a similar place in its native ecology as other smaller understory maples do here in North America. It blooms in spring and its fruits are the typical samaras one comes to expect from the genus.

It probably goes without saying that the thing I find most fascinating about the hornbeam maple are its leaves. As both its common and scientific names tell you, they more closely resemble that of a hornbeam (Carpinus spp.) than a maple. Unlike the lobed, palmately veined leaves of its cousins, the hornbeam maple produces simple, unlobed leaves with pinnate venation and serrated margins. They challenge everything I have come to expect out of a maple. Indeed, the hornbeam maple is one of only a handful of species in the genus Acer that break the mold for leaf shape. However, compared to the rest, I think its safe to say that the hornbeam maple is the most aberrant of them all. 

Not a lot of phylogenetic work has been done on the relationship between the hornbeam maple and the rest of its Acer cousins. At least one study suggests that it is most closely related to the mountain maple of neartheastern North America. More scrutiny will be needed before anyone can make this claim with certainty. Still, from an anecdotal standpoint, it seems like a reasonable leap to make considering just how shallow the lobes are on mountain maple leaves.

Regardless of who it is related to, running into this tree was truly a thrilling experience. I love it when species challenge long held expectations of large groups of plants. Hornbeam maple has gone from a place of complete mystery to me to being one of my favorite maples of all time. I hope you too will get a chance to meet this species if you haven't already!

Photo Credits: [1] [2] [3]

Further Reading: [1] [2]

[anskupics]

Acer palmatum ’Atropurpureum’ — Japanese maple a.k.a. palmate maple a.k.a. smooth Japanese maple

[tartagliaxx]

。MAYBE IT'S INTUITION (BUT SOME THINGS YOU JUST DON'T QUESTION)

━━ INCLUDES: ayato, gorou, heizou, itto, kazuha, scaramouche, thoma

━━ SUMMARY: sometimes it's a "eureka!" moment but sometimes, all you need is a little mundanity before realizing that your heart has been begging to love a certain someone for the longest time.

━━ CONTAINS: brief mentions of violence, reader is kidnapped to get under ayato's skin

━━ NOTES: posting new content? it's more likely than you think...

。 AYATO — “ cypressus custos | warden of the cypress forest ”

He knew he loved you when his carefully crafted façade melted under the fire that raged in his blood. His ever-present smile faltered as the paper he was holding crumpled at the intensity of his grip. The Commissioner of the Yashiro Commission knew very well the responsibilities and expectations that rest on his shoulders but as the dreadful report reached his ears, Kamisato Ayato found it easy to postpone his duties, rushing out into the field where you laid captured by his enemies. Very few would think it wise to play with the young man’s patience, knowing that the still waters could easily crash and break the bones of those who tried their luck against the waves but it appears that some people have yet to learn their lesson: he does not take lightly those who dared take from him, especially when it is someone particularly close to his heart.

。 GOROU — “ canis bellatoris | warrior's dog ”

He knew he loved you when a nightmare left him panting and disturbed and the first thing that came into his mind was making sure that you were safe. The logical part of his mind argued that no harm can ever befall you under the blanket of safety the Watatsumi Island offers you but the pounding anxiety in his being remained undeterred nonetheless. He found it unbecoming that a mighty General of the Army was now speeding through the quiet dirt paths of the village in his patterned nightwear but he couldn’t bring himself to care. Though ridicule from his peers may await him the next morning, all he could think about at the present was the dread that stems from the lack of your presence in his world.

。 HEIZOU — “ cervus minor | lesser deer ”

He knew he loved you when he hid the truth of his whereabouts from you with ease. Your birthday was fast approaching and while it pained him to do so, the esteemed Doushin of the Tenryou Commission smiled apologetically as he turned down your recent offer to have dinner together. He’d love nothing more, really, and any prior commitments, as long as they were not work-related, had always mattered less than short rendezvouses with you. Unfortunately, he couldn’t afford to miss the appointment he had with a glass blower whom he had commissioned to make your gift. What could he say? Some things are more important than the truth and the unadulterated glee that would soon cross your face was one of those few things.

。 ITTO — “ taurus iracundus | raging bull ”

He knew he loved you when his gang brought you up to fluster him into losing another match in TCG. Rather than being angry at their lowly methods to steal the victory from Arataki “The Ultimate TCG Champion” Itto, he only giggled before falling into a tangent about how “absolutely perfect you are and he’s a hundred and ninety-nine point nine, nine, nine, nine, nine percent sure that you’re the one for him because of course, the most stunning person in Teyvat should be with the handsomest, most friggin’ cool and awesome oni out there duh-“ His gang could only sigh before placing down their cards and mumbling lackluster “mhms” and “uh-huhs.” They know better than anyone that their boss man has so much pride for those he loves and when he starts talking about those he’s proud of? There’s no shutting him up until you or Shinobu take pity and decide to work your magic.

。 KAZUHA — “ acer palmatum | palmate maple ”

He knew he loved you when one cool autumn night, he found himself feeling lonely as he wandered about the mountain peaks of Liyue. The Crux fleet was stocking up on resources at the nearby harbor for their next venture in the seas and while that alone filled him with a sense of excitement, a lingering echo in the deepest crevices of his heart resounded loud and clear. An itch — or rather, a sincere longing that can only be satiated by catching a mere glimpse of your visage. Very rarely can you find the young heir of the Kaedehara clan resisting the direction of the wind but for the first time in a while, Kazuha was eager to come home. Alas, he'd probably only disappoint with how little tales he would be able to share with you so for now, he supposed he could busy himself with finding the perfect flower to press into a bookmark for you.

。 SCARAMOUCHE — “ kunikuzushi | country destroyer ”

He knew he loved you when thunder roared tremendously in his fury, shaking even the most stable of the earth but not once did lightning strike the trembling form of this pathetic, good-for-nothing subordinate of his. The balladeer is not one who hesitates and certainly not because his long-lost morality decided that it was the perfect time to resurface. Still, his fingers twitched in place and the venomous curses in his throat rumbled before dying down into more docile whispers. The thought that he, of all people, would show mercy unsettles him but he found that there is little that he could do when his treacherous mind posed him the question: “what would you think if you saw him?”

。 THOMA — “ rubeum scutum | red shield ”

He knew he loved you when he would subconsciously pause his duties at the mere mention of your name. Truthfully, he ought to take down the laundry before the rain starts to fall from the murky skies but as competent as he was, he couldn’t help but listen in as a few of your shrine maiden friends talked about your recent endeavors in Sumeru. A deep longing and a youthful giddiness clashed and fueled the rapid tha-thumps of his heart. It is not every day that Thoma hopes that he was not the Kamisato Clan’s reliable housekeeper but for the briefest of moments, he knew that there was nothing he couldn’t give if it meant being able to bear witness to your radiant smile instead of the cobwebs he should’ve been cleaning by now.

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© 2021 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐗𝐗. all rights reserved. do not copy, claim, repost or translate in any platforms but reblogs are appreciated.

[heritagetreecareie]

Arborists Advise: How to Identify Your Trees

How to ID your trees by looking at bark, leaves, needles, scales… and apps

Are you struggling to identify your trees in your back garden? Not sure what you have, how big it will grow, when you should prune it and how to take care of a tree? Well the first thing you need to know is how to identify it!

There are over 23,000 different types of trees in the world, from towering Sequoias to tiny bonsai trees; and 7,500 different types of these trees are found in Ireland. All trees have clues and features that can help with identification. You just need to know what to look out for. This quick guide will give you a few basic hints and tips on tree recognition.

Read below to find out all the basic principles of how to ID your trees! If you still need advice from professional and experienced arborists - tree surgeons, feel free to contact us.

Tree Morphology

Woody plant identification is based on morphology. This is the size, shape and appearance of your tree. Some trees are easily recognisable from afar: Compare the distinctive heavily-spread crown of an Oak, to the light narrow shape of a silver birch, for example, very different!

The morphology of a tree can be affected by its location. Trees in woodland can’t spread out, so they often have narrower crowns compared to trees in parks with lots of space around them.

Leaves of a tree

Leaf type, shape, appearance, texture and colour are all key characteristics when identifying trees. They are also often the most obvious feature, particularly in spring and summer.

The leaves of broadleaved trees fall into two basic types - simple and compound. Recognising the difference between a simple leaf ad a compound leaf is the first step of identification.  A leaf is determined by the presence of a bud where it attaches to a stem.  

A Simple Leaf

A 'simple' leaf, is what you would commonly recognise a leaf to be. It is just a single leaf that is only made up of one part. It is not subdivided into leaflets (1 blade, needle etc). It is always attached to a twig by its stem or the petiole. The margins, or edges, of the simple leaf can be smooth, jagged, lobed, or parted. Lobed leaves will have gaps between lobes but will never reach the midrib.

Common trees with Simple Leaves

Sycamore

Hawthorn

Maple

Birch

Oak

A Compound Leaf

In contrast to a single leaf, a compound leaf has two or more leaflets, which are attached to the middle vein and have their own stalks. It is sometimes confusing to know whether you're looking at a leaf or a leaflet. In these situations, locate lateral buds along the twig or branch. All leaves, whether simple or compound, will have a bud node at the place of petiole attachment to the twig. Compound leaves have a bud node at the base of each stem or petiole but no bud node at the base of each leaflet on midribs and the rachis of the compound leaf.  

Compound leaf formations can either be 'palmate' or 'pinnate'.

Pinnate are feather-shaped where leaflets are attached in pairs along the central vein.

Palmate are palm-shaped, like the outstretched fingers of a hand.

Getting confused ?  Look at the images (in the original post) to better understand the different arrangements!

Common trees with palmate leaves

Horse chestnut

Maple (Acer sp.)

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

Common trees with pinnate leaves

Rowan

Ash

Elder

Hickory

Walnut

Identifying some tree species requires recognising relatively minor leaf, bud or twig characteristics. For example, the type of leaf margin, the shape of the leaf base or leaf apex, the presence of hairs on the upper or lower leaf surfaces, or even the colour of the twigs.

Look at the image below to see the different leaf margins. You will recognise some leaves, such as the Oak leaf, which is lobed and the Beech tree has serrated margins etc.

One little trick arborists like to use in identification, is to narrow down the genus of the tree, based on whether the tree has an ‘opposite’, ‘whorled’ or ‘alternate’ leaf and bud arrangement.

Evergreen trees all look the same! Not for a professional arborist.

If the foliage on the tree is needles or scales then you are probably looking at a conifer. A conifer is a cone-bearing tree. The needles and scales of conifers are also considered types of leaves.

Common Conifers include:

Pine

Fir

Cypress

Larch

Spruce families.

Needles & Scales

Most conifer trees have needles or scales present all year that can be used for identification. One of the few exceptions is European larch which loses its needles in winter. Pines, Spruces, Firs, Cedars and Larches have needles. They can be different shapes, sizes and be arranged differently on twigs. Pines have needles, usually borne in clusters of two, three or five. Spruces and Firs produce their needles singularly. Spruce starts with an ’S’, making it easier to remember that their needles are short, sharp, single and square.

The needles of firs detach from the stem, leaving a circular ‘pad’, whereas Spruce needles leave a tiny stalk. Other conifers may have awl-like or scale-like foliage. Flattened needles could mean your tree is a Yew or whorls of three needles may be indicative of juniper. Larch needles are arranged in clusters. Species of the cypress family have scales. These are flattened and shield-shaped that overlap on the twigs.

Palms are grasses not trees!

Palms are classified as monocots, and as such are related to grasses. The variety within palms is remarkable. There are thousands of species, different one being native to each different continent (except Antarctica). Despite being related to grasses, Palms can be identified in similar ways to trees. Their leaves - known as fronds, are compound and either in pinnate or palmate formation.

Most of the common species are single stem (instead of multi-stemmed). Some are shrubby, others are vine-like. There are species that can grow over 200ft (65m) tall! Coconut palms produce the largest seeds of any plant, and they float allowing them to travel from island to island.

Most palm species are native to tropical or sub-tropical rainforests, but some do survive here in Ireland! The loop through wild country in the Ring of Kerry area, around the Iveragh Peninsula, have palm trees. Areas like Glengarriff, who luxuriate in the warm waters of the gulf stream, have wonderful displays of palms for example!

Bark

In the winter time , when leaves aren’t present on deciduous trees, then bark can be a great  aid to identifying trees. Take a closer look at the appearance, texture, markings and colour of the bark. What colour is it? Bark isn’t just brown, it can be grey, white or green! It develops over time as the tree ages, becoming more interesting, gnarled, and fissured as the tree gets older. Does your tree’s bark have a pattern of ridges or depressions, peeling flakes or is it fissured, smooth or shiny?

There are some brilliant apps for bark identification, so you can download one of these if easier. Good identification apps are listed at the bottom of this  page.  

The difference between young Oak bark and ancient Oak bark

Tree identification: Use all your senses!

Tree identification is sometimes based on more than visual senses. Smell, and even taste, may be useful to determine unique characteristics of twigs, leaves, flowers or fruit. Tropical arborists often have to consider the colour the sap, or other obscure characteristics to distinguish similar looking species.

All though using leaves as your identity giver is the easiest option; it is important to use all available information to identify your tree. If you think your leaf looks like an Oak leaf, but you really aren’t sure, then take a step back and look at the tree’s form. An Oak tree, to use this example, will have a spreading habit and may have Spanish moss growing on it.

Using Books, Keys & Tech

Many trees and shrub reference books use identification keys. This is the premise that most tree identification apps work off too. These are used to systematically obtain the identification of the plant, by analysing the shape, texture, arrangement of leaves, bud characteristics and twig shapes (i.e the morphology of the tree).

A few notes of caution about relying on keys:

A certain level of expertise and understanding of the terms used in keys is necessary (all explained above!)

Owing to seasonal differences in plant colour and morphology, the plant may not match its written characteristics annotated in the book, or uploaded onto app software. Sometimes tree identification requires a more… holistic approach.

Some apps and books only have generic trees listed, rather than trees specific and native to your location; and thus may not recognise them. Nevertheless, it is always helpful, and quite fun to use books and apps for a go-to reference point.

Good apps for Tree identification

Woodland Trust - British Trees ID app

Leafsnap - Plant identification app

Plantnet - Plant identification app

How can an arborist help?

Arborists are excellent at identifying trees as they have been trained to have the fundamental, and essential, knowledge of woody plant anatomy.  Although arborists usually concentrate on leaves and overall form when identifying trees and shrubs; botanical identification is often based more on the reproductive characteristics - i.e the flowers and the fruit.

A good arborist has learnt to identify trees using many characteristics- obvious ones that you can see too, if you take a good look at your trees. These include bark, buds, twigs, leaves, flowers, fruit and even scent! Spotting key characteristics enables an arborist to identify trees in any season- even when deciduous trees are all stripped back and bare in the winter time.

We hope this blog will aid in your understanding of tree terminology. If you feel totally out of your depth then do not hesitate to contact us, as we have trained arborists who will happily help you out!