Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Sunset Park Elm

Ulmus americanaThe chartreuse edition.Ulmus americanaAnd on the micro level, a single seed from the rich crop the tree is now laden with. Remember, elms are wind-pollinated, so the early flowering resulting in early fruiting. On average, it takes 70,900 of these little winged seeds to make up a pound, according to this USFS site.

But wait, a bonus video! If you’re in the area today, you’ll have noticed it’s as windy as all get-out. Here’s the old beast standing up to the gusts with ease. Turn the sound down.

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