Catkins fallen and effete in the rain

May 3

Another cool, rainy day. 

May 3, 2016

May 3, 2022

May 3, 2026

A staminate balm of Gilead poplar by Peter’s path. Many of the catkins fallen and effete in the rain, but many anthers still red and unopen. Probably began five or six days ago.

H. D. Thoreau, Journal, May 3, 1856

Catkins . . . fallen and effete in the rain. See April 22, 1855 ("Balm-of-Gilead probably to-morrow."); April 25, 1855 ("Balm-of-Gilead will not shed pollen apparently for a day or more. ");April 27, 1854 ("The balm-of-Gilead is in bloom, about one and a half or two inches long, and some hang down straight."); April 27, 1855 ("The balm-of Gilead catkins are well loosened and about three inches long, but I have seen only fertile ones. Say male the 25th, 26th, or 27th."); April 30, 1857 ("Balm-of-Gilead plucked yesterday, not yet (nor on May 1st) in house.");  May 2, 1852 ("The balm-of-Gilead begins to show its male (?) catkins.");May 4, 1857 ("Balm-of-Gilead pollen in house to-day; outdoors, say to-morrow, if fair.")

The Balm of Gilead, Balsam Poplar : Populus balsamifera is dioecious, that is male and female flowers occur on separate trees. Male (staminate) flowers have a cup shaped disc with 20 to 30 reddish stamens. These are bunched on a short curved catkin. Female (pistillate) flowers are in moderately dense 2 to 3 inch yellow-green drooping catkins . . . After pollination, the female catkins elongate up to 4 inches in length."

Gilead poplar

staminate catkins fallen

effete in the rain.