Happy Mystery Monday! What enthusiastic native flower is blooming in our Parking Lot Alive! gardens?

Last week, we asked you about ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)! There are three species of ragweed recorded for Maryland, though this annual ragweed seems to be the most common in our area. While many may dread the ragweed for its wind dispersed pollen, ragweed is an excellent plant for wildlife. It produces abundant seeds that are high in fat and protein and offers cover for birds like quail and turkeys.
#mysterymonday #adkinsarboretum #mysteryplant #nativeplant #ragweed #whatsinbloom #parkinglotalive #plantsforwildlife

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

Happy Mystery Monday! What plant is just starting to appear along the meadow edges? Hint: this native plant is often considered a weed, but its ecological benefits are nothing to sneeze at.

Last week, we asked you about the Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)! Tree Swallows have iridescent blue wings with black tips and a white chest. They are often found around open meadows and wetlands, which host plenty of their favorite food — flying insects! They will line the nest with gently curving feathers to protect the eggs and lay 4-7 pure white eggs in each clutch.
#mysterymonday #adkinsarboretum #treeswallow #mysteryplant #nativeplants

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

Happy Mystery Monday! What bird lays pure white eggs and lines their nest with feathers?

Last week, we asked you about the netted chain fern (Woodwardia areolata). This fern looks very similar to sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), but can be distinguished by its glossy fronds, alternate pinnae, and netted venation. The netted chain fern has dimorphic fronds where the fertile frond is much more slender than the sterile. Sensitive fern fertile fronds tend to have shallowly lobed pinnae that are opposite to each other. Of course, if you are fortunate enough to see the spore stalks, the netted chain fern spores appear in a netted chain pattern, while sensitive fern has a spike of many paired branches.
#fernsoftheforest #mysteryfern #mysterybird #adkinsarboretum #mysterymonday

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

Happy Mystery Monday! Now is a wonderful time to see the ferns of the forest! Do you know which fern is seen here — growing in the floodplain?

Last week, we asked you about elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)! Elderberry is a powerhouse of a native plant! It is a fast growing shrub that tolerates pruning and is a host plant to over 40 species of butterflies and moths. The abundant white blooms are pollinator magnets and the fruits are favorites among birds and other mammals. For our own use, the blooms can be harvested to make elderflower cordial or wine and the fruits can be made into an immune-boosting syrup, jelly, or pie. The twigs can even be made into whistles and flutes. Please note that the twigs, leaves, and unripe fruits can be toxic; follow proper guidance and instruction when learning how to use any plant.
#fernsoftheforest #adkinsarboretum #mysterymonday #elderberry #powerhouseplant #nativeplants

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

Happy Mystery Monday and Memorial Day! Do you know what native shrub is blooming now? It has prolific white blooms and produces black berries that are known for their immune-boosting qualities!

Last week, we asked you about the snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)! They tend to range from 10 to 35 pounds and are the largest freshwater turtles in Maryland. They are estimated to lay anywhere from 12 to 55 eggs in a clutch, though the average is closer to 27. They prefer to keep to themselves in the security of ponds and marshy habitats, but if found on land they can be a bit ill-tempered. They are best left undisturbed unless they need help crossing the road, which you can do with caution. #admirefromadistance #snappingturtle #adkinsarboretum #mysterymonday #mysteryshrub

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

Happy Mystery Monday! It’s World Turtle Day, so we’re celebrating with a turtle-themed mystery! Which prehistoric looking turtle did we find searching for a suitable location to lay her eggs?

Last week, we asked you about the adult antlion (family Myrmeleontidae). There are eight species of antlions recorded in Maryland, though there are over 2,000 species in the world. This antlion is likely in the genus Myrmeleon. The larvae in this genus will create funnel-like pits to lure in and trap their prey (primarily ants). Interestingly, the larvae can only move backwards.

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.