Kentucky - Jefferson County

 

Fungi on fallen tree

Sometimes one discovers something surprising.  Look at the variety of colors here, the surprising rich amount of colors.  This was seen in the woods in Iroquois Park, an Olmsted Park. 

A tree in Kentucky

American hornbeam - Jenny Wiley State Park

This Kentucky tree is the American Hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana. The American Hornbeam is a small tree with one or more trunks that are angled with a broad, rounded crown. The elliptical leaves are 2 inches to  4 ½ inches in length and 1 inch to 2 ½ inches wide.  The leaf edge is saw toothed. The bark is blue-gray, thin, smooth and is “muscle like” in its appearance.  In some areas the tree is called “ Muscle Wood." The fruit is leaf like, three pointed and hangs on slender stalks in clusters. These hairy, greenish nutlets mature in late Spring. The word “Hornbeam” is from the words “horn” for toughness and “beam” for tree. This tree is a member of the birch family; however, many people talk of it as a beech tree because of its smooth bark. 

Hammer's Cave Spring and Spring Mill Inn

The water from Hammer's Cave Spring at Spring Mill

The restaurant at Spring Mill Inn near Mitchel, Indiana is a popular place for good food.  I had heard that a desert made from the fruit of the persimmon tree was available for patrons.  I looked for it but I did not find it.  I asked if the persimmon tree dessert was available for me.  Yes! I had it and the only drawback is I think the preparer is adding sugar to the fruit.  Nonetheless it is a treat to enjoy.

The forest area around the inn is very healthy.  It is possible and I hope it is true that the persimmon fruit desserts at Spring Mill Inn are local food.