May 2026 – Page 3 – hashiworks

Quercus agrifolia

Published on May 11, 2026May 10, 2026 by Hashi1 Comment

Phacelia cicutaria

Published on May 10, 2026May 9, 2026 by HashiLeave a comment

It’s the first time I’ve ever looked closely at Phacelia seed structures. They are delicate and beautiful.

This California native is clearly a fire-follower: Professors Carol and Jerry Baskin of the University of Kentucky noted a 27% increase in germination as compared to control when treated with aqueous extracts of charred wood, or the charred wood itself. Cool!

eat more greens

Published on May 9, 2026May 8, 2026 by Hashi1 Comment

squeeze me

Published on May 8, 2026May 7, 2026 by HashiLeave a comment

Centauria cineraria

Published on May 7, 2026May 6, 2026 by HashiLeave a comment

I thought this shrub was wormwood until I saw it flowering today. Endemic to southern Italy, dusty miller (also known as velvet centaurea and silver dust) grows on coastal cliffs in its natural setting—hence the plant’s Italian name, fiordaliso delle scogliere (“cliff cornflower”).

Taricha torosa

Published on May 6, 2026May 5, 2026 by Hashi1 Comment

Every winter I scan the creeks for newts, my favourite amphibians. Last weekend at SciCon I saw a whole bunch of babies, 5-8cm long. It was like winning the lottery.

Claytonia perfoliata

Published on May 5, 2026May 4, 2026 by Hashi1 Comment

bear creek

Published on May 4, 2026May 4, 2026 by HashiLeave a comment

I’m just back from a weekend conference for outdoor educators held at the Clemmie Gill School of Science and Conservation (SCICON), an amazing 1,100 acre property in the western Sierra Mountains.