One leaf at time
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
Don’t let its pretty name fool you, Japanese knotweed is one tough plant! While young shoots are tasty in pies and its roots have medicinal uses, it’s also a garden invader. This fast-growing plant forms dense thickets, providing habitat for some critters. Knotweed is a survivor, regrowing from tiny fragments, making it incredibly hard to … Read more
Meet Blue-green sedge, a versatile plant adding beauty to moist areas! Its striking color makes it a popular choice for landscaping, erosion control, and even green roofs. Wildlife loves it too, using it for food and shelter. Uniquely, Blue-green sedge stays green year-round in many climates, providing constant color and vital ecological support. Blue-green sedge … Read more
Woodbine, or honeysuckle, is a charming vine beloved for its sweet fragrance and trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Its berries provide food for birds, playing a key role in the ecosystem. Often used to add a romantic touch to gardens, Woodbine climbs and twines, creating a beautiful, wildlife-friendly haven. Some varieties even change … Read more
Meet the Cowslip, a cheerful meadow flower dotting springtime landscapes! Its golden, bell-shaped blooms aren’t just pretty; they’ve traditionally been used in teas and to flavor wines. These little beauties are vital for early-season pollinators, like bees and butterflies. Interestingly, Cowslips have a fascinating pin-eyed” and thrum-eyed” flower structure, helping ensure genetic diversity! Cowslip Description … Read more