sharp-lobed hepatica (Anemone acutiloba) leaves at Malanaphy Springs State Preserve IA 653A1717
I went ice fishing this evening in hopes of having a fish to show here but that didn't happen as you can plainly see. So I'm substituting these leftover hepatica leaves that caught my eye on the forest floor a couple days ago. Surprisingly, these hepatica leaves emerged and started photosynthesizing in late March, nine months ago, continuing that food production all summer and fall. In fact they could still be adding sustenance to the root system right now since they're considered to be evergreen and are not buried by snow yet. These durable leathery leaves will last all winter and their dark maroon color will absorb precious warming sunlight in early spring to thaw the soil beneath them and boost new growth.
sharp-lobed hepatica (Anemone acutiloba) leaves at Malanaphy Springs State Preserve IA 653A1717
I went ice fishing this evening in hopes of having a fish to show here but that didn't happen as you can plainly see. So I'm substituting these leftover hepatica leaves that caught my eye on the forest floor a couple days ago. Surprisingly, these hepatica leaves emerged and started photosynthesizing in late March, nine months ago, continuing that food production all summer and fall. In fact they could still be adding sustenance to the root system right now since they're considered to be evergreen and are not buried by snow yet. These durable leathery leaves will last all winter and their dark maroon color will absorb precious warming sunlight in early spring to thaw the soil beneath them and boost new growth.