The Colors of Winter

Do you get hungry for bright colors in February? I do. In a 30-minute walk this week, I found three examples. The fourth example, winterberry, was showing its brilliant hues on a snowy day in January.

Globe arborvitae in winter

 broomsedge winter red

How about the exquisite gold, rust and green of this globe arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)? In the background, the peeling stems of native physocarpus.

I believe these are broomsedge--rusty red against this golf course green.
Cranberry in winter

winterberry in snow

I love how this cranberry (Vaccinum macrocarpon) not only keeps it leaves in winter but develops a color true to its name.

And then there's the ever-reliable winter color of winterberry (Ilex verticillata).

(Photo: Robert Lorenz Photography)