Some Shrubs

Here's a few interesting shrubs I've seen recently.

This Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) with it's beautiful spherical cluster of flowers was growing in dunes at Rondeau.

 

Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) looks more like Poison Ivy than like the other species of Sumac (and indeed the two genera are closely related), but the fuzzy red fruits are very reminiscent of the familiar Staghorn Sumac (R. tyhphina).

Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia) has very distinctive fruits.

 

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a common wetland shrub. The small flowers will turn into bright red berries, which persist into the winter and are thus an important food source for birds.