On Wednesday I found more signs of Spring in Schenley Park.

Above and below, a star magnolia near the Westinghouse Fountain showed off its fist-shaped buds that burst into wild petals.  Did you know these flowering trees are imported from Japan?

Below, northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin) opened its tiny yellow flowers.  You can identify this shrub by smell.  Just rub your fingernail against the twig’s bark and smell the spicy citrus scent.

Most native trees haven’t opened their buds but this oak is getting there.

These buds will distend their wind-pollinated flowers first, then open the leaves.  This timing gives the flowers full access to the wind without any leaves in the way.

p.s. The oak bud photo looks fake but it’s a trick of the bright sunlight that put shadows on the buds in the background.  No retouching required.

(photos by Kate St. John)