Flower of witchhazel, Hamamelis virginiana.  Witchhazel is the only native shrub that flowers in the winter in the eastern US. It is commonly found along streambanks and in coves and other rich, moist sites.  Witchhazel is the source of the astringent and cleansing agents sold as Witch Hazel. 

Witchhazel is pollinated by the winter moth, Eupsilia spp., which is active on warm winter days. This insect should not be confused with the non-native winter moth, Operophtera brumata, which is a harmful pest species in the northeastern US.

Hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae, on eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis.

Near Asheville NC. Picture by Tom Kimmerer

Old wound in a red maple, Acer rubrum, near Asheville, NC. The thick, rolled tissue around the wound are a growth response to the presence of decay fungi. Wounds in trees do not heal, but are compartmentalized, or walled off.

Picture by Tom Kimmerer

Stems and flowers of dwarf mistletoe, Arceuthobium vaginatum, on ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa. Coconino National Forest, Arizona. Photo by Tom Kimmerer