12 Comments

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

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

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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!

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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).

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

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

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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?

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Yep or Heronsbill

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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.

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so cool!

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Charming!

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

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

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