Witch hazel blossom

Most of the autumn wildflowers, asters to gentians, goldenrods to bur-marigolds, are fading from view. But as they disappear and leave the countryside to earthier blossoms, chiefly mushrooms and mosses, one plant breaks the mold and bursts into bloom. The Witch Hazel—the same species that gives us a tried-and-true liniment to sooth tried-and-true aches and pains—waits until the days grow shorter and the fall foliage spectacle is past peak to send forth its curious yellow-green, crepe-paper flowers. These have a delicate scent that exerts a magnetic pull on any bees, small flies, and night-flying moths that are still on the wing. These insects visit the last blossoms of the year and work their pollination magic. I visit the witch hazel flowers as well, enjoying the scent, enjoying the sight... enjoying the possibility of being a flower photographer for a while longer.