flowers – Page 2 – Critters and Craft

Aren’t these pretty? The app PlantSnap identifies these as Scarlet gilia. Here is an interesting article on the Scarlet Gilia, which is native to the western US. I’ve spread native wild flower seeds, but this one wasn’t in the mix. Bonus flower!

The hummingbirds love them, which I love, because I am terrible about remembering to change hummingbird food every three days, and after reading that the black mold kills hummingbirds, I don’t even bother making sugar water anymore. I plant flowers the hummingbirds like instead. Win win.

We ordered some Scarlet gilia seed too, since this plant is doing well. We are all about planting native species that don’t need lots of specialty care and attention!

Silverleaf Nightshade fruit in front of startled deer (winter).

So when we moved here over a year ago, in the dead of winter, I noticed yellow fruits on withered stalks all along my walks in town. Nothing ate these fruits, so neither did I, but I did wonder what they were.

Summer rolled through and headed toward fall and there were beautiful purple flowers. Beautiful, purple, poisonous flowers. Everywhere. I was told they were Silverleaf Nightshade. Toxic to most mammals (but not goats, go figure). I have not seen these invasive plants on our property, but will certainly be on the lookout!

As a bonus, here is a water color of a different Solanum species that was done by a student in England in the 19th century. Enjoy! And while you are there, check out other water colors on Watercolour World. Neat!