#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream
Common Mullein with Bee
Bees are enjoying the common mullein in full bloom at the edge of the railroad trestle bridge over the Charles.
Another fascinating July wildflower has bloomed. I walked past it without noticing it yesterday – it's growing at the edge of the trail, low to the ground amidst the brown leaves and brambles.
Turtlehead, named for a nymph in Greek mythology, likes damp, swampy areas and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
“Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
Turtlehead is also known as balmony, bitter herb, codhead, fish mouth, shellflower, snakehead, snake mouth, and turtle bloom. It is part of the Figwort family (Scrophulariacea) and has the scientific name Chelone glabra. In Greek mythology, there was a nymph named Chelone who insulted the gods; in punishment, she was turned into a turtle. The flowers of this plant are said to look like the heads of turtles. Glabra is from the Latin word meaning smooth because of the lack of hairs or texture on the stems and leaves.”
I was out early, with the mist rising on the river. We've had so much rain the soil is soft and moist, muddy in spots. In my Vibrams, my toes, heels, and even my arches mold naturally into the soft earth with each step.
All photos and text copyright Kelly DuMar 2017, unless otherwise attributed