One leaf at time
Meet Meadow foxtail, a cheerful grass that brightens meadows! Farmers love it for yummy animal fodder, while wildlife appreciates its seeds. This adaptable plant provides vital habitat and erosion control. Look for its fluffy, cylindrical flower head, resembling a fox’s tail – a tell-tale sign of spring’s arrival in grasslands! Meadow foxtail Description Common Name … Read more
Meet Yellow Archangel, a cheerful plant with bright yellow flowers! It’s often used as ground cover in shady gardens, adding a splash of color. This plant is ecologically vital, providing nectar for early pollinators. Interestingly, Yellow Archangel can be quite the garden wanderer, sometimes popping up where you least expect it! Yellow archangel Description Common … Read more
Daisies: sunshine on stalks! These cheerful flowers pop up everywhere, brightening fields and gardens. Bees and butterflies adore their nectar, making them vital for pollinators. Historically, daisies were used in folk remedies, and their petals still adorn daisy chains. Did you know they close up at night and reopen with the sun, earning them the … Read more
The wood violet, a charming wildflower, graces woodlands with its purple blooms! More than just a pretty face, its leaves and flowers are edible and sometimes used in herbal remedies. These little violets provide vital nectar for early spring pollinators and are host plants for certain butterfly species. Uniquely, wood violets spread via seeds and … Read more
Meet Marsh horsetail, an ancient plant found in damp places! Historically used for scouring due to its silica content, it’s also a vital habitat and food source for wildlife. Interestingly, it produces both fertile and infertile stems, the fertile ones sporting a cone-like structure. Just be careful: while not poisonous, it can sometimes accumulate toxins … Read more
Meet Greater bird’s-foot trefoil, a cheerful yellow wildflower! Often found in meadows and along roadsides, it’s a valuable food source for livestock and a haven for pollinators. Its uniquely shaped seed pods resemble a bird’s foot, hence the name. This nitrogen-fixing plant enriches the soil and creates diverse habitats, playing a vital role in supporting … Read more
Common privet, a familiar sight in many gardens, is often used for hedges and topiary because it’s easy to shape. It’s also a haven for birds, providing shelter and berries. Though pretty, privet is considered invasive in some regions, where it can outcompete native plants, highlighting its contrasting roles in different environments. Common privet Description … Read more
Meet smooth meadow grass, a friendly face in fields and pastures! This versatile plant is a popular choice for lawns, golf courses, and livestock grazing. It plays a vital role in preventing soil erosion and providing habitats for insects. Notably, it’s one of the first grasses to flower in spring, offering an early treat for … Read more
Meet the European alder, a helpful tree with a knack for improving soil! Its wood is often used for furniture and even underwater pilings. Alders are ecological superheroes, hosting wildlife and enriching the soil with nitrogen. Plus, these trees can thrive in wet conditions, making them perfect for streamside planting. European alder Description Common Name … Read more
Meet the Norway maple, a common city tree! This adaptable plant offers lovely shade and vibrant fall colors, making it a popular choice for lining streets and parks. However, it can be a bit of a bully, sometimes crowding out native plants. Uniquely, its leaves ooze a milky sap when broken, and it spreads widely, … Read more