(KAIR)--Recent cool weather seems to indicate that spring weather has arrived about two weeks later than normal, and about four weeks later than last year.
That, according to K-State Research and Extension Forester Charles Barden, who adds that the cooler weather has had an effect on many plants in the area, most of which are blooming later this year. He says that by mid March of 2012, apricot, crabapple, and flowering pear trees were all in full bloom, but as of March of this year, only witchhazel was blooming.
Barden says this weather is ideal for people to get out and enjoy nature with a walk in the woods. It's not too hot, and the filtered sunlight coming through the trees is easy on the eyes. Most woodland flowers grow and bloom before the leaves have fully expanded to shade them, while their open prairie counterparts bloom during the summer.
If you enjoy looking for edible plants, Barden says April is a great time to hunt for edible mushrooms, but advises caution when identifying what is safe to consume and what isn't.
Barden says that just because some plants are late blooming, it does mean we will continue to be two weeks behind normal. Above normal temperatures will allow plants to at least partially catch up to where they should be at this time.
© Many Singnals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Severe storms move through NE KS
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
LATEST STORIES
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Brown Co Sheriff's Office releases April stats
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Commission takes action related to bridge project
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire