Month of Macro Part 1: Trees & Shrubs

Month of Macro Part 1: Trees & Shrubs

As mentioned in my previous post, I recently received a new macro lens attachment for my cell phone. It’s been really fun to wander around my yard and nearby trails with this new close-up perspective. Some things are obviously enhanced by a zoomed-in look, such as insects, moss, lichens and other “tiny” things. But I’ve also really enjoyed a new look at things you wouldn’t necessarily assume you need a macro lens to observe, like trees and shrubs.

Below are a few different perspectives on some of our common local trees and shrubs, by taking a closer look…

  1. Some different views of our ubiquitous Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida).
Resinous twig tip, and the bases of the fascicles (bundles of needles – found in groups of 3 in Pitch Pines).
Interesting texture of the needles’ stomatal pores.
Significant “prickles” at the edge of each Pitch Pine cone scales.
Platy texture of Pitch Pine bark.

2. Some close up views of an American Hazelnut (Corylus americana). Compare these to the Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta) here.

American hazelnut twig. Note the bristles, which help distinguish this species from the beaked hazelnut in winter.
American hazelnut male catkin. The female flowers are not present yet.

3. Some different perspectives on Scarlet Oak.

Fuzzy buds at the end of a Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) branch. By comparison, White Oak buds are hairless.
Galls on a fallen Scarlet Oak leaf.
Lichen (likely a Lecanora species) on a Scarlet Oak trunk.

4. A close-up of the new growth and buds at the tips of Sheep Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia).

I think more than anything, I’ve been impressed with the incredible patterns and textures found on these plants that aren’t readily apparent with a casual glance. A macro lens, while helpful, isn’t necessary to see these; looking closely with a hand lens, or even an unaided eye, would allow one to observe these details. It just takes an extra moment to look closely.

What new patterns and textures do you notice on otherwise familiar trees and shrubs when you take the time to explore?

2 thoughts on “Month of Macro Part 1: Trees & Shrubs”

  1. The tiny pattern on the pitch pine needles!! Wow! Who knew? I also adore all the miraculous-seeming, but purposeful, intricacies to be found in nature. My faves are definitely lichens and leaves. Thanks for continuing to post! Noticing is so much fun! (And doesn’t it also engender appreciation!)

    1. I was definitely surprised by the details on the pitch pine needles – the surprises are a big part of what makes photographing things with this new lens fun. But I agree – lichens are infinitely more interesting when you can see the details. I’ll be putting together a whole lichen-specific post soon. šŸ™‚

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