Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Crocus: First sign of spring




It's still cold here, but we had a nice day last week, and the weather page said it's supposed to be nice this weekend. We've got lots of green shoots sticking up all over the yard, but this is the first one that bloomed. This photo was taken last week. Now there are more of these yellow flowers.

UPDATE:
Mom identified this as a crocus, and I found a picture of one on Wikipedia that looks just like the one in my yard. The genus name is Crocus, and there are lots of species, hybrids, and cultivars. The name crocus comes from Greek, and means saffron or saffron yellow. It also refers to egg yolks of the same color. The leaves look like pine needles. The flowers will be cup-shaped when they open all the way. It's been a while since I've added a plant to my 100 Species Challenge list. As more things start blooming, I'll have more to add. There have been buds on the dogwood trees (identified by Maggie's parents) since the fall, and I know which trees in my yard are redbuds, but I won't post pictures and add them to my list until they bloom.

1. Poison ivy
2. Virginia creeper
3. Wild blackberry
4. Lamb's Ear
5. Great laurel
6. Fireworks Goldenrod
7. Orange Jewelweed
8. Blue Anise Sage
9. Sage
10. Greek oregano
11. Rosemary
12. Azalea
13. Stilt grass
14. Crocus