a spring preview of autumn brilliance

our maples are blossoming. though individually small, the effect of an entire tree in flower is striking. these flowers, once pollinated by bees, will soon turn into the more readily recognizable whirligig maple seeds. i’ve photographed a lot of maple seeds (samaras) over the years, but these short-lived blossoms are a little more elusive. take a close look at the branches supporting the blossoms. they look as though wound by fine black wire.

maple blossoms