On the Path October 14th, 2015

Fall is upon us. The tree tunnels are changing color.

Common Toadflax — aka 'Butter & Eggs'

Shaggy Manes (aka Lawyer's Wigs) are common but I hadn't seen any for ages. There are common reports of them lifting pavement. Almost hard to believe when they seem to be so delicate .

Last man standing—with all petals intact.

Sugar Maple leaves show more fall colors than most.

Sumachs offer brilliant oranges and reds.

Norway Maples offer other hues.

Himalayan Balsam are still going strong. Their pods are still 'poppable'.

Mottled leaves of Dogwood—I think.

There are still a fair number of Chicory blooming too. 
From the web:—You can see chicory bloom all day, even when the weather is warm. The blue flowers open as the sun comes up, but they close around midday when the sun is strongest. The chicory stem produces several blooms at a time, but each bloom opens only once.—
     I'd never have guessed that they follow that pattern. I just don't notice which are new blooms and which are old, even though I may walk past them a couple days in a row.

Crisp air and autumn colors—I love it.

- fini -