Hobblebush

I stopped at the spring in Canterbury on my route home today so I could get some pictures of the hobblebush while it is still in bloom.

Hobblebush (Viburnum lantanoides)

When the branches of this species of viburnum droop down and touch the ground, the branch takes root at that point. This creates loops of branches rooted at both ends. If you (or a horse) are walking through a thicket of this stuff, it would be pretty easy to trip on these loops. Thus the name “hobble bush”. The large, showy flowers along the outside are sterile. The fertile flowers are those smaller ones in the center.

Canterbury Spring (which is what I call it – I have no idea if it has some other name) is a pretty cool place. There’s a pipe coming out of the side of the hill where there is an artesian spring. People stop here to fill up jugs of drinking water all the time. It’s some really good-tasting water. I’d estimate that I see someone doing that at least twice a week, which is roughly one trip in five past this spot.

Canterbury Spring

In fact, someone was there filling a five gallon jug when I got there, but since I was there for the hobblebush and not the water (this time), I pulled in right behind her. She was curious about what I was doing so I told her about the hobblebush. It’s only in bloom for maybe two weeks, so you’ve got to look at these when you’ve got the chance.

When I got home I decided to see if I could get a better photo of the gaywings (Polygala paucifolia) from yesterday. As I figured, there were a lot more of them open today as compared to yesterday, so I wasn’t limited by slim pickin’s. I liked this shot because I get two plants in the same shot. The gaywings are showing off for the Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) which will probably bloom this weekend. Or maybe later next week, I’m not sure.

Gaywings (P. paucifolia) and Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense)

Here’s a solo shot for the gaywings:

P. paucifolia

These always make me think of an airplane, complete with wings, fuselage, and propeller.