For an hour I've searched my nature guides and haven't been able to identify this young tree growing in my woods. Tomorrow, I'll take an even closer look at this beauty when I pass and try again. I suspect it's a very common shrub or tree - what caught my eye this morning is this stunning transition  – from deep green leaves to purple. Which leaves me wondering, why now? And what is this bud-like growth in the center? Is that this year's bloom, or next? Lots of mysteries to solve.

I know I'll soon be able to name this splendid young tree. In the meantime, I'm grateful for the nourishment it's providing by growing wild on my property. 

And now it is also the season of tree fungus springing up in bold colors and patterns; and the cardinal flower is blooming in the brook where Charlie loves to swim. He's grateful the drought of last August has passed and the Charle River is high and cold and fresh this summer.