This tiny forming Hemlock cone represents hope for the future of the trees.Hemlock woolly adelgid is a true bug native to East Asia that feeds by sucking sap from hemlocks ( the egg sacs look like tiny puffs of cotton) In eastern North America, it is a destructive pest that poses a deadly threat to the eastern hemlock . But as long as there are Hemlocks. there is hope they can find a way to control their insect enemy.
We were just told today by a tree person (we need one taken down that could land on our house if we have a big storm) that this is a potential problem now for the trees on Beaver Island! I'd never heard of this before today...a beautiful image with a scary message.
Beautiful shot. I love reading your facts about nature - very interesting! Are you a biologist? I have been meaning to get a similar shot of new cones as well. I have a big old beautiful hemlock in my yard. I tried to do a one week subject of only that tree - if interested check it out (May 8th is my cone shot). I managed to do 5 days in a row.
@linah no,just a retired preschool teacher!Being a teacher means you are a lifelong student..and my favorite subject is nature!You hemlock shots are gorgeous,by the way!
I wonder if I have seen these bugs? I think we have a few of these trees in our yard and on our lot at the lake. I thought they were Cedar trees. I love the bokeh in this!
@espyetta look for white stuff on the needles.And new growth that turns yellow.These trees,in nature create beautiful environments.Hemlock ravines are my favorite places to hike.so magical.It is sad that we may lose these trees.
Great shot - we are losing our hemlocks here to form the same pest. Local colleges are trying things to save them - many bird species will be affected if we lose all the hemlocks.
