I discovered this tree growing near a river in the Appalachian Mountains. I’m not sure what kind of tree it is. It’s roots drew my attention.
Who might take shelter among these roots during winter?
The tree was surrounded by what looked like flowerless rhododendrons or perhaps mountain magnolia. They must be cousins.
The ethereal treetop was a mystery. I reveled in the lush greenery close to the earth. The trail was calling.
Thursday Tree Love is a photo feature hosted by Parul Thakur on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. For more tree love, visit:
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July 11, 2019 at 11:37 am
I love the exposed roots. I wonder if that was from flooding?
July 12, 2019 at 8:52 pm
That sounds like a reasonable theory. There are some exposed roots here on the coast, too, in a brackish river. It looks like the trees have legs.
July 12, 2019 at 9:02 pm
It’s amazing how strong that root structure can be.
July 12, 2019 at 10:03 pm
Right! I’ve read and believe there’s a lot more going on underground than we realize, like deep root networks and trees holding on to each other just for starters.
July 13, 2019 at 7:22 am
That thought makes me smile.
July 13, 2019 at 3:33 pm
Me, too. 🙂
July 11, 2019 at 11:50 am
Beautiful JoAnna, the tree looks like a wonderful work of art.
You do walk in beautiful places and enjoy the shade of the trees.
miriam
July 12, 2019 at 8:53 pm
Thank you, Miriam. I am grateful to be in these places and that you see the beauty, too.
July 13, 2019 at 1:23 am
So am I. 😊
July 11, 2019 at 3:55 pm
Oooooo! Marvelous, JoAnna. A fine old tree and a beautiful trail to explore. Hugs.
July 12, 2019 at 9:18 pm
Exploring wooded trails is one of my most favorite things. Thanks for appreciating this tree with me, Teagan.
July 11, 2019 at 5:54 pm
I also wonder if the tree roots were exposed through flooding as another commenter suggested; there is way too much flooding in our country in recent years. And I should know what those leaves are. It just isn’t coming to me.
July 12, 2019 at 9:19 pm
The leaves below look like mountain magnolia or rhododendron, but I’m not sure if those same leaves were at the tree top or just surrounding the tree. Thanks for caring and wondering with me. 🙂
July 11, 2019 at 9:51 pm
Beautiful!
I see the rhododendron similarity as well. I wonder.
July 12, 2019 at 9:27 pm
Thanks for appreciating it with me. 🙂
July 12, 2019 at 6:06 am
Fascinating
July 12, 2019 at 9:28 pm
I thought so, too! Thanks for seeing that, Derrick!
July 12, 2019 at 8:09 am
Beautiful! This made me think of where I used to live (Marshall, NC) and we had 5 acres in a little mountain valley. There were many trees on our property and we found these little porcelain gnome creatures the previous owners had scattered about. We placed them in hollows like the one you showed here and made little trails up the mountain back behind our house. When we’d walk by, the little gnomes made me smile. I would think about the trees, this life…all the infinite possibilities in the universe…ah! Hehe. I hope you’ve had a good week!
July 12, 2019 at 9:32 pm
How enchanting! I have a very small yard at the mountain house, but plenty of trails nearby. I will imagine your little gnomes with a smile when I explore the trails and maybe get some for my little yard. All the infinite possibilities – now that makes me smile! 🙂 The week just got better. I hope yours is full of delight.
July 12, 2019 at 11:14 am
Absolutely amazing! The gaps in the roots look like large enough to host a human being!! What a beautiful area for your walks!!
July 12, 2019 at 9:33 pm
I’m glad you enjoyed the tree with me. Definitely room for a family of foxes or raccoons. 🙂