“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he (or she) seeks.” – John Muir
American Beech (Fagus grandiflora) and Loblolly Pine Needles (Pinus taeda)
American beech leaves are marcescent, meaning the dead leaves hang onto to the tree during the winter months. Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Berenice Boddy Camellia (Camellia japonica 'Berenice Boddy')
Camellias are symbolic of South Carolina winter gardens. Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Stages of shelf mushroom development
Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Squirrel Dining Debris
Hickory nuts, maple seeds, and acorns make up a squirrel's winter diet. Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Spotted-wintergreen or Pipsissewa (Chimaphila maculata)
This perennial evergreen wildflower is native to eastern North America. Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Shelf Mushrooms
Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Shelf fungi and Green Algae
Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides)
The resurrection fern is epiphytic which means it uses other plants for support. During a drought, it will shrivel up to a brownish clump of fronds. When exposed to water, the plant will be lush, green, and healthy. It is most commonly seen growing on oak trees. Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Paper Bush Flower Buds (Edgeworthia chrysantha)
Edgeworthia is one of the stars of the winter garden. In a few weeks, these flower buds will burst into beautiful, fragrant orange-red flowers. Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Orange Mushrooms
Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Johnny Jump Ups (Viola tricolor)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Mosses and Shelf Fungi
Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Moss on the north side of an oak
Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Lichens
Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Japanese Pieris flower buds (Pieris japonica)
Pieris blooms in the early spring, but forms the flower buds in late summer for the next spring's bloom. Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Golden sunset light on White Oak (Quercus alba)
There's nothing like a winter Carolina blue sky and the golden sunlight of sunset hitting bare oak trees. Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Florida Sunshine Anise (Illicium parviflorum 'Florida Sunshine)
Florida Sunshine Anise is a beautiful addition to a partially shaded garden. The glossy, chartreuse-yellow leaves and red stems add interest to the landscape. Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
D'Or Burford Holly (Ilex cornuta 'D'Or')
Instead of the more commonly known red berries of a Burford Holly, the D'Or Burford Holly has yellow berries. Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Don's Variegated Deciduous Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum 'Don's Variegated')
These interesting native azalea buds will burst into a brilliant orange flowers in the spring. Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Snow Drops (Galanthus elwesii)
Barbara H. Smith, ©2018 HGIC, Clemson Extension
