One leaf at time
Meet common fireweed, a vibrant plant known for its stunning pink blooms that paint landscapes after fires. More than just pretty, its leaves are used for teas and salves. As a colonizer of disturbed areas, it helps restore ecosystems and provides food for wildlife. Its ability to quickly establish itself makes it a crucial and … Read more
Red fescue, a grass you’ve likely seen in lawns and meadows, is a real workhorse! It’s commonly used in turf mixes for its fine texture and hardiness. Ecologically, it stabilizes soil and provides habitat for wildlife. Uniquely, it can tolerate shade and poor soils, making it a champion in tough spots where other grasses struggle. … Read more
Meet the Alpine strawberry, a tiny but mighty plant! Unlike its supermarket cousins, these woodland gems offer intense flavor in petite packages. Perfect for jams, desserts, or snacking straight from the garden, they’re a favorite of both humans and wildlife. They also help stabilize soil and provide food for pollinators, making them garden heroes. Plus, … Read more
Meet Garlic Mustard! This plant smells like garlic and mustard, hence its name. While tasty in salads and pesto, it’s also an invasive species that threatens native wildflowers in woodlands. Despite its culinary uses, Garlic Mustard’s rapid spread crowds out other plants, disrupting the delicate balance of forest ecosystems. A double-edged herb, isn’t it? Garlic … Read more
The European white birch, a graceful tree with distinctive white bark, adds beauty to many landscapes. Its wood is useful for furniture and firewood, while its bark has historical medicinal uses. Birch trees are important for wildlife, providing food and shelter. Interestingly, the peeling bark is naturally waterproof and even fire-resistant, making this tree both … Read more
Meet the European filbert, your friendly neighborhood hazelnut tree! These trees provide delicious nuts perfect for snacking and baking, while also feeding wildlife like squirrels and birds. Beyond its tasty treats, the filbert supports healthy ecosystems and offers welcome shade. Interestingly, its catkins (the male flowers) can predict the onset of spring! European filbert Description … Read more
Meet meadow cress, a cheerful wildflower dotting meadows! This edible plant is a tasty treat in salads and adds a peppery zing to dishes. It’s a vital food source for butterflies and other pollinators, helping our ecosystems thrive. Unique for its rapid seed dispersal, meadow cress ensures its survival by shooting seeds far and wide! … Read more
Meet the common horsetail, an ancient plant thriving today! Often found in damp soil, it’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a mild abrasive for cleaning. Horsetail plays an important role in stabilizing soil, and provides food/shelter for some creatures. Interestingly, it lacks flowers and spreads through spores, a throwback to its … Read more
Meet the Marsh thistle, a tall, spiky plant often found in damp meadows! Bees and butterflies adore its vibrant purple blooms, making it a vital nectar source. Historically, people used its roots and leaves for various remedies. Uniquely, while fiercely prickly, its downy seeds provide nesting material for birds, showcasing nature’s resourceful balance. Marsh thistle … Read more
Meet the European bird cherry, a charming tree bursting with fragrant white flowers in spring! Its berries provide a feast for birds (hence the name!), playing a vital role in the ecosystem. Historically, people used its bark for medicinal purposes. A unique feature? These beautiful trees can sometimes sucker, creating lovely thickets and providing even … Read more