Monthly Archives: July 2017

Cape Cod Blog, Cape Cod Photography, Cape Cod Wildflowers

The Yuccas Are Blooming And Hardy Here On Cape Cod

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The Yuccas are absolutely stunning this year on Cape Cod. I wonder if it’s because of all the moisture that we’ve had.

I saw this “pastoral scene” with the luscious Yuccas on one of my early morning bike rides around to the different beaches. It’s amazing what you can see when you’re not worried about traffic and pedestrians.

I edited it in 2 different ways. Which one do you like better?

The Yuccas seem to grow quite well on Cape Cod due to the sandy soil and the amount of rain that Cape Cod receives during the growing months.

Cape Cod Blog, Cape Cod Hiking, Cape Cod Photography, Cape Cod Wildflowers

Purple Climbing Nightshade Wildflower At Fort Hill On Cape Cod

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The Climbing Nightshade wildflowers, also known as Bittersweet Nightshade,  are just beautiful at Fort Hill in Eastham on Cape Cod. You can see them on the trail near the Cutting Rock or on the trail leading up to the overlook parking lot.

Climbing Nightshade wildflowers are a climbing vine with purple shooting star-shaped flowers of about 1/2″ which grow in clusters at the ends of long stems. Their petals are swept back from a yellow central “beak.”

One of my friends just commented that these plants are extremely toxic. I did some research on the internet and learned:

“The foliage is toxic to many people and should be handled with care. The fruit is said to also be toxic, particularly to children.”

Be careful and not touch this wildflower!

Thanks, Mike, for the “heads up!”

Cape Cod Blog, Cape Cod Hiking, Cape Cod Photography

American Copper Butterfly At Fort Hill On Cape Cod

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I almost missed this  little American Copper butterfly at Fort Hill on Cape Cod. He was pretty camouflaged until he opened his wings for a second and I saw the beautiful orange color and black spots.

American Copper butterflies are small, only about 1″ with orange forewings and about 8 black dots and a black outer edge. When their wings are closed up, they look light grey with fine black dots and blend in very nicely .

Have you ever seen an American Copper butterfly?

The American Copper is one of Massachusetts more common butterflies. During the height of its flight periods it can be found in almost all areas of the state.