Winter is not all gray and white.
I am hoping this is false bittersweet vine (Celastrus scendens) rather than the Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) which is considered a nasty invasive. The former is more rare. I picked this from along the country roadside where they were many. Both species are easier to identify with more berries along a larger portion of the stem and certainly with the leaves which I could not see this late in the year. While the Eastern American version is not as prolific in growing, it is just as beautiful and I hope to order one and plant it at the edge of my woods this spring! Hopefully I will have some of this next winter to look at closer to my house.
I returned just a few days ago and have several interesting bird photos to share. Already missing the sound of the ocean on the beach and the feel of tropical mist on my cheek.
It's always a joy to come to your blog. I thrill and learn in equal measure.
ReplyDeleteOne year at church for All Saints' the flower guild made huge balls of bittersweet (like about 2.5' to 3' in diameter) and hung them from the light fixtures. They were stunning.
ReplyDeletejust a bit of color to brighten the day....smiles. glad you had a good trip, i think i would be missing it as well...
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Tabor
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, delicate shot, and I love the finch photos in your earlier post!
ReplyDeleteWe have tons of these vines here. Sometimes they spring up out of the lawn n takes months of pulling to get them out. They are known to grow up to 6 feet of vine per day!
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