One leaf at time
Meet purple loosestrife, a plant with vibrant magenta flower spikes often found near water. While beautiful, it’s an invasive species, crowding out native plants vital for wildlife. Historically, it was used in herbal remedies for wound healing. Identifying and managing its spread is crucial to preserving our ecosystems and their natural beauty. Purple loosestrife Description … Read more
Meet Suckling clover, a cheerful little plant often found in lawns and meadows! Besides being pretty, it’s a great food source for bees and other pollinators. Farmers sometimes use it as nutritious feed for livestock. Uniquely, its flower heads turn downwards as the seeds develop, as if the plant is shyly guarding its precious cargo. … Read more
Meet common vetch, a sprawling, helpful plant! Farmers love it as livestock feed and a natural fertilizer that enriches the soil. Bees adore its vibrant purple flowers, making it great for pollinators. Plus, it’s a nitrogen fixer, pulling this vital nutrient from the air and sharing it with the earth. Talk about a plant that … Read more
Meet slender false brome, a grass with a surprisingly strong personality! It might look delicate, but this plant plays a vital role in preventing soil erosion and providing habitat for critters. Plus, certain varieties are even used as forage for livestock! Look closely, and you’ll see how it gracefully sways in the breeze, adding beauty … Read more
Scented vernal grass brings a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance to meadows! This unassuming plant flavors traditional sweets and liquors. It’s also crucial for butterflies, providing early food. While beautiful, its unique coumarin compound can cause hay fever in some and, in large doses, could be toxic to livestock. Scented vernal grass is a mixed bag of … Read more
Meet the Purple Dead-nettle, a friendly spring weed with vibrant purplish leaves! While its name might sound scary, it’s actually harmless and useful. Bees adore its early nectar, making it ecologically vital. Traditionally, people have used it for herbal remedies and even as a cooked green. Look closely, and you’ll notice its unique square stems, … Read more
Meet Cooper’s-reed, a tall, graceful grass that thrives along waterways! Its strong roots prevent erosion, providing vital habitat for wildlife. Farmers use it for fencing and livestock feed. Interestingly, the plant is incredibly adaptable, surviving both floods and droughts, making it a true survivor in diverse environments! Cooper’s-reed Description Common Name Cooper’s-reed Scientific Name Typha … Read more
Meet the Common Spruce, a widespread evergreen superstar! Often used as Christmas trees and for wood, these trees are vital for wildlife, providing food and shelter. They’re also important carbon storage, which helps keep our climate balanced. A fun fact? They have strong roots that help prevent soil erosion, making them true environmental champions! Common … Read more
English holly, with its glossy, spiky leaves and bright red berries, is a festive favourite for holiday decorations. But it’s more than just pretty! Birds love the berries, providing essential winter food. This evergreen tree also offers shelter. Fun fact: only female holly plants produce berries, needing a male nearby for pollination. English holly Description … Read more
Meet Cinquefoil, a cheerful plant dotting meadows and woodlands! Its five-fingered leaves give it away. Historically used for minor ailments, it’s now valued for its ecological role. Cinquefoil provides nectar for pollinators and supports various insects. Interestingly, some species even change flower color as they age, adding a splash of evolving beauty to its habitat! … Read more