The Wicked Witch of the Wizard of Oz, a notorious character in this beloved story, is often depicted as flying around on her broomstick. However, what if she decided to take up a different form of transportation? Imagine, for a moment, the Wicked Witch riding a bike through the magical land of Oz. Picture the scene: the Wicked Witch, famously dressed in black and green, pedals along on a shiny black bicycle with vibrant green accents. The wind whips through her long, dark hair as she cruises down the yellow brick road, cackling with wicked delight. It's an unexpected sight, to say the least. The residents of Oz, both friendly and frightful, pause in astonishment as they catch a glimpse of this unusual mode of transportation for the normally sinister Witch.
Surviving neglect, Solanum umbelliferum (Bluewitch Nightshade) is a rounded to spreading, evergreen to deciduous shrub boasting a profusion of small umbels of blue-purple flowers adorned with a cone of prominent yellow stamens. Though the main bloom period is spring and summer, some flowers will occur most of the year. The flowers are frequented by bumblebees and a few other bee species. Borne on slender stems, the frilly blossoms close into round buds overnight. They attract insects and give way to small round green fruits, which turn purple when ripe and resemble small eggplants. Birds feast on the fruit. The blossoms stand out nicely against the foliage of simple, oval, gray leaves. The leaves are summer deciduous if the plant is not given enough moisture. Solanum umbelliferum is native to Chaparral and Juniper-Oak Woodland plant communities from northern California to Baja California and east into Arizona, where it can be found growing on dry rocky slopes and canyons from sea level to above 5,000 feet. Bluewitch Nightshade is a tough, hardy shrub that can grow in rocky and clay soils and springs up in areas recovering from wildfires or other disturbances. Deer resistant, Bluewitch Nightshade is a great plant for a dry rock garden, perennial border, or as a container specimen.
I ve also seen blue witch mounded singularly upon the sheer slopes of a coastal bluff in the heat of early summer, still showing off their distinctive colors long after peak wildflower season. If you haven t had the honor, look for grey-green stems poking up through chaparral and northern coastal scrub, or along the edges and openings of oak and mixed evergreen woodlands.
The residents of Oz, both friendly and frightful, pause in astonishment as they catch a glimpse of this unusual mode of transportation for the normally sinister Witch. Glinda the Good Witch watches from her crystal palace, a smile playing on her lips at the sight of her wicked counterpart pedaling away. Riding a bike offers the Wicked Witch a unique perspective on the land she once terrorized.
Solanum xanti - Blue Witch, Purple Nightshade (Plant)
Long bloom season with deep, infrequent watering. Good wildlife plant--berries attract birds, but are not edible for humans. This is a member of the nightshade family. Caution: all parts are toxic.
| Plant Characteristics | |
| Family Name | Solanaceae |
| Species Name | Solanum xanti |
| Common Name | Blue Witch, Purple Nightshade |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Sun Exposure | Coast-Sun, Coast-Part Sun, Inland-Part Sun, |
| Water Requirement | Low |
| Soil Type | Any |
| Flower Color | Purple, Violet, Lavender |
| Flowering Months | March, April, May, June, February |
| Evergreen/Deciduous | Evergreen |
| Height by Width | 3ft. x 3ft. |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Endangered | Not Ranked |
| Growth Habit | Rounded, |
| Cold Hardy to | 15 degrees F |
| Distribution | Throughout the California Floristic Province (except Cascade Range, Central Valley), Desert Mtns; Baja CA |
| Natural Habitat | Shrubland, oak/pine woodland, coniferous forest; below 8,600' |
We are committed to lowering our impact on the planet by using eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging materials. We also embrace the power of recycling and often give old packaging a second life; as a result, your items may arrive in a reused package.
This purchase builds habitat.
Proceeds from every purchase in the TPF store support our nonprofit programs such as Adult Education, California Native Plant Landscaper Certification, Native Plant Garden Tour, Seed Conservation and much more. Your support makes the work we do possible!
As she cycles past the Emerald City, she takes in the sparkling spires and glistening emerald façades from a whole new vantage point. The Munchkins, no longer afraid, cheer her on, waving their tiny hands in support. With each turn of the pedals, the Witch's laughter carries through the air, mixing both wicked amusement and newfound playful glee. The bike becomes her trusted sidekick, propelling her forward on her mischievous adventures. She stops to chat with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, offering them a ride on the handlebars, a gesture of unexpected kindness. But as with any tale involving a wicked witch, there must be a twist. Suddenly, the bike screeches to a halt and shudders. The wheels spin rapidly in reverse, emitting a billowing cloud of black smoke. The Witch panics, realizing that she has crossed into a magical zone where her bike, like her broomstick, is no longer functional. Frustrated but undeterred, the Witch tosses her bike aside and resumes her journey on foot, plotting her devious return to power. Although her biking adventure may have been short-lived, it brought a touch of whimsy to her dark and twisted world. So, next time you read or watch the Wizard of Oz, take a moment to imagine the Wicked Witch of the West, green face, pointy hat, and all, riding a bike through the enchanting land of Oz. It's a surreal image that adds a playful twist to the tale and reminds us of the unexpected and delightful surprises that can be found even in the most wicked of stories..
Reviews for "Pedaling Power: The Wicked Witch of the Wizard of Oz's Secret to Speed"
1. Samantha - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to see "Wicked witch of the wizard of oz riding a bike" as I am a huge fan of the Wizard of Oz. However, I was completely disappointed with the performance. The concept of the wicked witch riding a bike seemed intriguing, but it lacked depth and coherence. The storyline was scattered and difficult to follow, leaving me confused and bored throughout the show. The acting was also subpar, with many of the characters lacking emotion and energy. Overall, I found "Wicked witch of the wizard of oz riding a bike" to be a disappointing experience.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - I cannot express how disappointed I was with "Wicked witch of the wizard of oz riding a bike". The entire production felt underwhelming and poorly executed. The bike-riding aspect seemed forced and unnecessary, adding nothing of value to the storyline. The performances were lackluster, with the actors seeming disinterested and disconnected from their characters. The set design was minimal, making the stage feel empty and uninteresting. All in all, "Wicked witch of the wizard of oz riding a bike" was a complete waste of time and money for me.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - "Wicked witch of the wizard of oz riding a bike" was not what I expected at all. The idea of incorporating a bike into the iconic Wizard of Oz narrative seemed innovative, but unfortunately, the execution fell flat. The choreography and staging were awkward, making the bike scenes appear clumsy and staged. The music selection was questionable, and the songs lacked the catchiness and appeal I was hoping for. While there were some moments of creativity, overall, the show did not live up to its potential and left me feeling disappointed.