One leaf at time
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
Meet Silverweed (Argentina anserina), a hardy plant with silvery leaves! This common herb offers edible roots and leaves, historically used for food and traditional medicine. It’s ecologically important, stabilizing soil and providing habitat. Interestingly, Silverweed spreads easily via runners, quickly carpeting areas, making it a resilient survivor and a valuable resource for both people and … Read more
Meet Cleavers, the clingy plant that loves to hitchhike! This sprawling green vine, also known as sticky weed, uses tiny hooks to latch onto anything passing by. It’s a helpful little herb, traditionally used for cleansing and soothing skin. Cleavers also provide food and shelter for insects and birds, playing a vital role in its … Read more
Meet the Mountain Geranium! This cheerful plant, often found gracing mountain meadows, offers pretty pink or purple blooms. Known for soothing properties, it’s traditionally used in herbal remedies. Crucially, it provides food for pollinators and stabilizes mountain soils. A fun fact? Its seed pods have a unique ‘ejection’ mechanism, flinging seeds to new locations! Mountain … 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 rough milk thistle, a prickly character with a purpose! This plant helps support pollinators and provides food for wildlife. Historically, it’s been used for liver support. Keep an eye out for its distinctive marbled leaves and vibrant purple flowers. But be careful—it’s got some serious spines! Rough milk thistle Description Common Name Rough milk … 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 Cowberry! These tiny, tart berries are a favorite for jams and juices, adding a pop of flavor to Scandinavian cuisine. As a low-growing groundcover, they provide vital habitat and food for local wildlife. Thriving in acidic soils, these hardy plants often paint northern landscapes red, proving that even small things can have a … Read more
Meet the European blueberry, a delightful woodland shrub! These small, dark berries are a tasty treat enjoyed fresh, in jams, or baked goods. They’re also vital snacks for forest animals, helping spread seeds. Unlike their American cousins, European blueberries stain your fingers (and tongue!) a vibrant purple. They thrive in acidic soils and support diverse … Read more
Meet Common Gum Cistus, a sun-loving shrub! It’s used in perfumes and traditional medicine for its fragrant resin. This tough plant helps prevent soil erosion and provides food/shelter for local wildlife. Uniquely, it thrives in poor soils and survives wildfires, quickly regenerating to paint landscapes with its delicate, papery white flowers. Common gum cistus Description … Read more