The Goat willow (Salix caprea) or Saileach dubh in Irish is inconspicuous for most of the year. However, in March it displays its male catkins which are covered in golden pollen. These make it stand out in the hedgerows before it fades back into obscurity for another year (1). This willow displays its male catkins…
It’s always interesting on March walks to examine different types of buds and identifying the trees they are growing on. Today, we will concentrate on the above three.Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) or Caorthann in Irish has buds that are egg shaped, grey, pointy and furry. The furriness is caused by white hairs which are tightly packed…
St. Patrick arrived to spread Christianity throughout the island in 432 A.D. and it is said that he used the shamrock as a metaphor for the holy Trinity. But which one? There are five contenders for the title.The word “Shamrock” itself is derived from two Irish words, Seamair Óg, which mean young clover. If you…
Primrose (Primula vulgaris) or Sabhaircín in Irish is a true harbinger of spring. Its English name derives from the Latin words prima rosa which means “first flower”. It has pale yellow petals and wrinkled dark green leaves (1). There are lines of darker yellow towards the centre of the flower. These are bee guidelines and…
