Redwood Tree at Magnolia

I’ve been on this corner at the back of the old rice field when the Nature Train was passing and heard the tour guide point out this Redwood Tree as they pass.

Redwood Tree
Redwood Tree – February 23, 2023, Looking towards the rice field

They either didn’t say, or I’ve never paid enough attention, why this single Redwood happens to be right here.

Redwood Tree
Redwood Tree – March 11, 2023, taken with my back to the rice field

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC

Plantation House at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

The view across the big field of the Plantation House. Previous visitors to this location may notice that the hedge to the right of the house and the English boxed garden in front of the house have been removed.

Plantation House at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Plantation House at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Another view taken a few days later, on a grey afternoon, image cooked up just a bit.

Plantation House
Plantation House

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 11 & 13, 2023

Red-bellied Woodpecker Working Hard

It took me awhile to spot this Red-bellied Woodpecker after listening to the rat-a-tat for several minutes.

Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker

He was working very high up in a dead pine tree on what I presume will be a nesting cavity.

Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker

All in, the pecking continued.

Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker

He took a few pauses and you can see there are several other holes.

Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker

I tried for a different angle, and this isn’t a great image of the bird but it shows off more of the well-used tree.

Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 11, 2023

Tung Oil Tree In Bloom

From a distance I thought these white blossoms were dogwood.

Tung Oil Tree
Tung Oil Tree and Wisteria

As much as I like dogwood, I was happily surprised as I got closer to find that it was a Tung Oil tree.

Tung Oil Tree Blossoms
Tung Oil Tree Blossoms

How could you not love these gorgeous blossoms? Although some of the shine came off when I discovered it is non-native and invasive in the gulf coast states where it was grown as a cash crop in the early 1900s.

Tung Oil Tree Blossoms
Tung Oil Tree Blossoms

These blossoms will produce fruits with seeds that are the source of tung oil (tungoil). The oil is used for manufacturing varnishes and paints, and as a waterproofing agent for linoleum and oilcloth. Unfortunately, all parts of the plant are toxic to livestock and humans.

Tung Oil Tree Blossoms
Tung Oil Tree Blossoms

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 12, 2023