#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream
Honey Locust seed pod in my woods
“Honey Locust Tree Pod
The fruit of the honey locust is a flat legume (pod) that matures in early autumn. The pods are generally between 15–20 cm (6–8 in). The pulp on the insides of the pods is edible, unlike the black locust, which is toxic. The seeds are dispersed by grazing herbivores such as cattle and horses, which eat the pod pulp and excrete the seeds in droppings; the animal’s digestive system assists in breaking down the hard seed coat, making germination easier. In addition, the seeds are released in the host’s manure, providing fertilizer for them. Honey locust seed pods ripen in late spring and germinate rapidly when temperatures are warm enough.”
Alder seeds in a nearby meadow
“Alders
One of the easiest deciduous (non evergreen) plants to identify in winter is the alder (Alnus). This is because the alders. . . bear seed pods that resemble miniature pine cones. . . .
. . . The seed pods that mature in August and September finally open early in the following spring to release small, light brown, triangular seeds. These seeds are rather flat and have little wings on them which help them float on the wind. The wings have small air sacs so the seeds will also float on water, and this is one reason that alders are so often found near water. Many birds eat alder seeds, including ducks, grouse, widgeons, kinglets, vireos, warblers, goldfinches and. . . Black Capped Chickadees.
. . . Alders are in the Birch family and though the male catkins on both plants are very similar, alders usually grow as tall shrubs rather than trees; often in thickets that many animals and birds like to hide in.
. . . Alders create large amounts of nitrogen and are often planted in tree groves so trees have more of it. Alders also help the ecosystem by quickly colonizing burned or disturbed areas and improving the soil so other plants can move in.”
Milkweed pod without seeds in a nearby meadow
All photos and text copyright Kelly DuMar 2016