One leaf at time
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
Meet Soft rush, a common plant found in damp spots! Often used for weaving mats and baskets, it’s surprisingly versatile. This humble plant is also a haven for insects and helps filter water in wetlands, boosting biodiversity. Uniquely, its stems are soft and easily bent, making it a natural and eco-friendly resource. Soft rush Description … Read more
Meet the Curlew-berry, a humble plant with surprising benefits! Loved by birds (curlews especially!) for its tasty berries, it’s a vital food source in coastal habitats. People traditionally used it for dyes and even to soothe skin. Its tough nature helps stabilize dunes, preventing erosion. Look out for its vibrant berries—a sign of a thriving … Read more