One leaf at time
Don’t let the name fool you! Black thistle, despite its prickly reputation, is a friend to many. Bees and butterflies adore its nectar-rich flowers, vital for pollination. Traditionally, it’s been used in herbal remedies. Uniquely, its dark, almost black bracts around the flower give it a striking appearance, making it a fascinating, if somewhat fierce-looking, … Read more
New Zealand bent grass is a handy little plant! Often used to create lush, low-maintenance lawns or golf course greens, it’s also ecologically important, providing food and shelter for insects and small animals. What’s neat? It tolerates lots of different soil types and growing conditions, making it a tough and adaptable grass for various environments. … Read more
Meet Cowgrass clover, a vibrant, adaptable plant commonly seen in fields and meadows! Farmers love it for grazing animals and enriching soil. Bees adore its nectar-rich flowers, making it an ecological superstar. Interestingly, Cowgrass is quite hardy, tolerating tougher conditions than other clovers, making it a resilient little gem in the plant world. Cowgrass clover … Read more
Meet Heal-all, nature’s handy helper! This common plant, found in fields and gardens, is traditionally used to soothe cuts, bruises, and sore throats. Bees and butterflies adore its nectar-rich flowers, making it a vital food source. Unique among plants, it self-pollinates if insects are scarce, ensuring its survival. Truly a resilient and useful member of … Read more
Meet Old-man’s-beard, a captivating moss-like lichen draping from trees! It’s used in traditional medicine and crafts, and provides crucial nesting material for birds and food for wildlife. This fascinating organism is an air quality indicator, thriving only where the air is clean. Its whimsical, beard-like appearance adds a touch of magic to forests, reminding us … Read more
Meet Horseweed, a common plant with a surprising side! Often found along roadsides, it’s been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. It’s also a vital food source for many insects and birds. Interestingly, Horseweed’s seeds have a built-in parachute, letting them travel far and wide on the breeze. So, while it might look ordinary, this … Read more
Meet common sowthistle, a familiar friend often called “milk thistle!” This edible plant pops up everywhere, offering tasty leaves to salads and seeds loved by birds. Important for pollinators, it attracts bees and butterflies. An interesting trait? Its stems ooze a milky sap when broken, hence the nickname. Though sometimes considered a weed, sowthistle quietly … Read more
Meet prostrate knotweed, a humble but mighty plant! Often overlooked, it’s a champion groundcover, helping stabilize soil and feeding wildlife with its seeds. Historically, people have used it for food and medicine. This adaptable plant thrives in tough spots, even compacted soil, making it a vital, though unsung, hero of our ecosystems. Prostrate knotweed Description … Read more
Meet Common mouse-ear, a fuzzy, low-growing plant you’ve probably seen! Traditionally, people used it for wound healing and soothing skin. It’s a boon for pollinators, providing nectar and pollen for various insects. Its leaves, resembling tiny mouse ears, are a clever survival trick, retaining moisture in dry conditions. It’s a small plant with a big … Read more
Meet Matgrass, the tough little grass that thrives in poor soils! Often found carpeting heaths and grasslands, it plays a vital role in preventing erosion and supporting unique wildlife. Its dense growth makes it useful for erosion control, while its resilience helps preserve biodiversity in challenging environments. Despite its unassuming appearance, Matgrass is a champion … Read more