One leaf at time
Meet Ashweed, a humble plant with surprising superpowers! Often overlooked, it’s a vital food source for many insects and birds, supporting local ecosystems. Historically, people have used it for medicinal purposes and even as a natural dye. Interestingly, Ashweed thrives in disturbed soils, showing its resilience and playing a key role in land recovery. Ashweed … Read more
Meet barley, a versatile grain loved worldwide! It’s a star ingredient in beer and bread, and a nutritious food source for both people and animals. This hardy plant plays a vital role in soil health, preventing erosion and supporting wildlife. Fun fact: Barley was one of the first cultivated grains, making it a true ancient … Read more
Meet the Joint-leaf rush! This common wetland plant helps prevent erosion and provides vital homes for wildlife. You’ll find it stabilizing shorelines and filtering water. Interestingly, its tough, cylindrical stems were once used for weaving mats and chair bottoms. A true eco-hero and useful plant all in one! Joint-leaf rush Description Common Name Joint-leaf rush … Read more
Lowland rice, a staple food for billions, thrives in flooded fields! This amazing plant is more than just dinner; it provides habitat for diverse creatures. What’s special? Its roots can breathe underwater! Growing rice paddies also help control water flow, reducing erosion. Next time you enjoy rice, remember this fascinating and vital plant. Lowland rice … Read more
The charming Forget-me-not, with its sky-blue petals and sunny yellow center, is more than just a pretty face! Often gifted as a symbol of remembrance and love, this tiny wildflower attracts vital pollinators. Its delicate blooms provide early nectar for bees and other insects, while helping to stabilize soil in damp areas. Legend says it … Read more
Meet the Cork Oak! This amazing tree gives us cork for wine bottles, flooring, and more. Its thick bark is harvested without harming the tree, making it super sustainable. These oaks also create vital habitats for wildlife and help prevent soil erosion. Unique fact? Cork oaks can live for hundreds of years and regenerate their … Read more
Meet Elder, a plant brimming with helpfulness! Its flowers make delicious cordials and fritters, while the berries become jams and wines. Elder is an ecological superstar, feeding birds and insects, and providing shelter. Uniquely, its hollow stems were once used for pipes, giving it the old name “pipe tree.” A versatile friend to both humans … Read more
Meet Quackgrass! Often called a weed, this tough plant is more than meets the eye. It helps prevent soil erosion with its strong roots, offering food and shelter to small critters. Historically, people used it for its medicinal properties and as a food source. While sometimes pesky, Quackgrass proves that even the most overlooked plants … Read more
Meet Klamathweed, also known as St. John’s Wort! This sunny, yellow-flowered plant is often used to lift spirits and soothe minor scrapes. While sometimes seen as a pesky weed, Klamathweed supports diverse insect life and helps stabilize soil. It’s a fascinating plant with a rich history, known for its unique, translucent-dotted leaves that seem to … Read more
Loosestrife, a vibrant plant with tall flower spikes, adds beauty to gardens but be warned! Some varieties are incredibly invasive. Historically used for medicine and dyeing, it now primarily attracts pollinators. While it provides nectar, its aggressive growth can outcompete native plants, disrupting local ecosystems. A lovely but potentially problematic addition to any landscape! Loosestrife … Read more