Syntrichia ruralis “Twisted Star Moss” Pottiales
Council Grove State Park, MT
March 16, 2015
Robert Niese
This is perhaps the most common moss in all of Montana. Syntrichia ruralis has a cosmopolitan distribution and occurs in a huge variety of habitat types. Its versatility and hardiness have made it an exceptional colonist of nearly every corner of the globe.
Mt. Tom Creek on the Hoh River Trail
Olympic National Park, WA
June 5, 2013
Robert Niese
Prunus sp. “Cherry” Rosaceae
Tacoma, WA
April 14, 2013
Robert Niese
Apis mellifera “European Honeybee” Apidae
on Ranunculus glaberrimus “Sagebrush Buttercup” Ranunculaceae
Council Grove State Park, MT
March 16, 2015
Robert Niese
It’s warming up here in Missoula and spring may have sprung early! The first Ranunculus glaberrimus flowers bloomed around town in early February which is several weeks earlier than previous years. Today was even warm enough to bring out a few species of bees like this European Honeybee.
Aquilegia formosa “Western Columbine” Ranunculaceae
Olympic National Park, WA
June 5, 2013
Robert Niese
This abundant, widely-distributed Northwest native flower is a favorite of hikers from Yellowstone to Yukon. Look for it blooming in open moist forests from May to August.
Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) Podicipedidae
Tacoma, WA
January 16, 2013
Robert Niese
Horned and Eared Grebes can be difficult to tell apart. Horned Grebes tend to have clear cheeks, a flat-topped head, and a sleek rear. Eared Grebes usually have more black streaking on their cheeks, a small crest above their eye, and a cute fluffy rump.
Heracleum maximum “Common Cow-parsnip” Apiaceae
Olympic National Park, WA
June 1, 2013
Robert Niese
These weedy, roadside plants, named after Hercules because of their impressive size, are Northwest natives and can grow up to 2 meters tall! This shot nicely displays cow-parsnip’s flowers which occur in compound umbells.
Berberis aquifolium “Tall Oregon Grape” Berberidaceae
Tacoma, WA
May 18, 2013
Robert Niese
The roots of these plants are often used to treat Psoriasis and can be found in topical creams such as Relieva. The stems of most members of this family contain a yellow compound called berberine which is both a strong antimicrobial and an excellent dye. Its berries are sometimes used to make barberry wine and can also produce a pleasant purple dye. Eaten alone however, the fruits of most Berberis are bitter and unpalatable.
Ramalina subleptocarpha “Strap Lichen"
Fort Casey State Park, WA
December 17, 2013
Robert Niese
Strap lichens in the genus Ramalina are relatively abundant and easy to recognize. Most grow on tree bark and have bushy bodies (i.e. a fruticose thallus)
with lots of long, flattened branches. This particular individual is densely covered in soredia (reproductive structures) giving it a coarse, bumpy appearance. This suggests that this individual is severely stressed by local air pollution.
Boltenia villosa “Hairy Sea Squirt” Ascidiacea
Fox Island, WA
June 23, 2013
Robert Niese
Hairy Sea Squirts are relatively common in the low intertidal here in the Northwest. On the rare occasion when the tide is exceptionally low and they are left exposed to the air, these tunicates will hold water inside their tunics to regulate their body temperature and oxygen consumption. With a gentle squeeze it becomes quite apparent why these odd critters are known as “sea squirts.”
Northwest Naturalist 