Bitter willow The bitter willow (Salix eleagnos) is a small tree that grows to a height of 7-8 meters, sometimes reaching 15 meters. It lives along rivers and streams, occasionally even in the damp sands of riverbeds that are periodically flooded. It can be found from the plains up to 1800 meters in elevation. Its branches are long and slender, and its leaves are lanceolate, measuring 6-12 cm in length. It can be easily confused with other willow species. The flowers are inconspicuous and clustered in catkins, appearing in March-April, and they constitute one of the first sources of food [...]

Scarce swallowtail The Most Elegant Flight The Scarce swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius, Papilionidae family) is a beautiful butterfly, large and striking, with a distinctive and delicate flight. The background color is a pale yellow, with six thin black bands in a V shape. The Scarce swallowtail is very common and widespread, even in orchards and gardens. It is associated with mild climates and is rarely observed in Northern Europe. The caterpillar primarily develops on Rosaceae plants, such as peach, apricot, blackthorn, etc. Adult butterflies feed on nectar , playing an important role as pollinators. Did you know? The colorful spots on [...]

Clustered bellflower An enchanted flower Its scientific name, Campanula glomerata, describes the shape and arrangement of its flowers: "Campanula" refers to the bell shape , while "glomerata" indicates that the flowers are gathered in clusters at the top of the stems. The individual flower is up to 2 cm long and has 5 pointed lobes . This plant grows in meadows and dry, rocky places, up to an altitude of 1500 meters. It can reach a height of up to 70 cm, standing out among other vegetation with its beautiful blue-violet flowers, an irresistible invitation to pollinating insects . Campanula [...]

Manna ash The Manna Tree The manna ash (scientific name Fraxinus ornus) is a tree native to southern Europe and can reach a height of 24 meters. The flowers appear before the leaves and are grouped in panicles. They are small, cream-white, fragrant flowers with 4 petals. The fruits are called samaras, composed of a seed wrapped in a kind of wing. It thrives in sunny areas, with hot summers and mild winters, and is often associated with the Mediterranean scrubland. This plant, considered a pioneer species, is useful in reforestation in challenging environments and is also appreciated as an [...]

Small tortoiseshell One of the most common European butterflies The Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a butterfly with bright colors - brick-red with black and yellow-orange patches alternated, adorned with a series of blue spots on the wing edges. It belongs to the Ninphalydae family and is widespread in Europe, particularly in mountainous regions, even at high altitudes. The yellow and black caterpillars feed on nettles. During winter, the adult butterflies go into a sort of hibernation , often found inside buildings or houses. And it is one of the first butterflies to wake up at the end of winter. [...]