Always Reach

As we were biking on a trail in Fredericksburg, OH, we came upon this beautiful tree. At the time, I had no idea as to what it was. At the tip of... more

by Gena Weiser

Title

Always Reach

Artist

Gena Weiser

Medium

Photograph - Photography & Digital Art

Description

As we were biking on a trail in Fredericksburg, OH, we came upon this beautiful tree. At the time, I had no idea as to what it was. At the tip of each branch were red cones formed of fruit clusters and seeds; only edible to birds. These cones are hard and covered with long hairs.

If you are allergic to poison ivy, oak, or sumac; it is advised to not touch this plant. Although it is not poison sumac, it does come from the cashew family; just like the other three plants I mentioned earlier. The plants will grow in the most inhospitable conditions, any type of soil, on hillsides, roadsides, open woods, and even cracks in the sidewalks. It grows from Quebec to Georgia and almost every county in OH, except for a few central and west counties.

The native americans used sumac as an antiseptic and astringent. They also used it in place of tobacco.

The flowering begins in June and July. Many birds have been observed eating the fruit in the winter months. This is how the plant grows in so many places due to the spread of rhizomes.

I have added this quote and a few textures to give the image the feel of fine art. With the cone at the top; I was reminded of how a plant is always reaching for the sun in the sky. So it should be the same for each and everyone of us.

Uploaded

July 20th, 2015