While the rattail is putting on its crazy little fireworks display, the Euphorbia did something we’d not witnessed before. It was super-hot last weekend — just a few degrees shy of 100° — and we kept hearing this funny popping-snapping sound all around the garden, like firecrackers past their “use by” dates. It was the Euphorbia seeds exploding out of their bracts, banging into each other in flight. Audible, projectile reseeding. Craziest thing I ever saw in the garden, and I’m not sure why we’ve never seen them do this before. I can only guess it had something to do with the heat.
Wisteria pods also pop, only they're triggered by cold. Freaked us out until we figured what was exploding in the back yard at night.
Posted by: Kaethe | Tuesday, 26 May 2009 at 07:21 AM
Is that the same rattail in your April post? It's just beautiful! Interesting about the Euphorbia seeds.
Posted by: Elaine | Monday, 01 June 2009 at 08:58 PM
Your rattail inspired me to pick one up from Flora Grubb last week. It's a little one, but still.
Posted by: Leah | Monday, 01 June 2009 at 11:19 PM
Wow. Fabulous.
Posted by: Gina Hyams | Saturday, 27 June 2009 at 05:11 AM
What lovely plants to put in your garden. I think that a garden's looks is based on what type of flowers they have in it.
Posted by: small garden ideas | Wednesday, 21 April 2010 at 06:43 AM