12 Comments
User's avatar
Kollibri terre Sonnenblume's avatar

I haven't heard the Dandelion seed heads called "clocks" before.

And was that pinkish flower with the pinnately lobed foliage an Erodium?

Expand full comment
Anne Thomas's avatar

Dandelion clock is a very British term which I hadn't heard much before living there, and seemed funny at first, but it grew on me! The pinkish flower could be Erodium, could be Geranium--Geraniaceae anyway!

Expand full comment
Kollibri terre Sonnenblume's avatar

yeah I like the term "clock" and might start using it!

This is the particular Erodium I'm thinking of:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erodium_cicutarium

It's introduced here and thrives in sunny disturbed areas, especially places where the soil has been graded. There's a huge patch of it mixed with grass in one section of the homestead where I'm staying right now.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erodium_cicutarium

"cicutarium" refers to the resemblance of the leaves to the Cicuta genus (Hemlock).

Expand full comment
Anne Thomas's avatar

I think herb robert, geranium robertianum, looks like a closer match for the leaves, but that’s just a guess!

Expand full comment
Kollibri terre Sonnenblume's avatar

The seed of Erodium species has a spiraled tail, which allows them to drill themselves into the soil. Super cool adaptation.

Expand full comment
Anne Thomas's avatar

Yes, I saw a lot of this in plant surveys in southern Utah and always loved those seeds! Storks bill is a common name I believe?

Expand full comment
Kollibri terre Sonnenblume's avatar

Yep or Heronsbill

Expand full comment
Linda Slow Growing in Scotland's avatar

Common children's game in Britain - "telling the time" by blowing at a dandelion clock and counting how many puffs it takes to have all the seed heads fly off.

Expand full comment
Kollibri terre Sonnenblume's avatar

so cool!

Expand full comment
Anne Thomas's avatar

Charming!

Expand full comment
Julie Gabrielli's avatar

How do I miss the tulip trees blooming!! I have such affinity for their weird, Dr Seuss flowers. And everything else about them! 💚

Expand full comment
James Lee's avatar

love the radiant greens at this time of year - stepping outside is so energising 🌿✨

Expand full comment