Photos / Sounds
What
Wild Carrot (Daucus carota)Observer
ekm88Description
Named for its resemblance of lace, this weed is often used as a companion plant for crops. It is also considered a noxious weed by the USDA.
Photos / Sounds
What
Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)Observer
ekm88Description
Dames Rocket is an invasive plant species that can be found in much of the United States, often mistaken for Phlox.
Photos / Sounds
What
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)Observer
ekm88Description
Virginia bluebell flowers are typically a bluish hue; narrow and conical hanging in groups on a drooping stem.
Photos / Sounds
What
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)Observer
ekm88Description
This deciduous tree is known for its large leaves and smooth light gray bark.
Photos / Sounds
What
Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)Observer
ekm88Description
The Red Pine is a coniferous evergreen with soft dark green needles. It is native to North America and can be identified by its reddish brown bark.
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What
Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)Observer
ekm88Description
Shagbark hickories are scattered across eastern North America and typically live for over 300 years. They grow best in humid environments and can be found among oak trees, maple trees and pine trees.
Photos / Sounds
What
Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna)Observer
ekm88Description
Part of the Buttercup family, this flower is scientifically known as Ficaria verna, better known as the fig buttercup. It originates in Europe and was introduced to the U.S. as an ornamental plant. It is scattered (ground cover) in the temperate deciduous forest climate throughout most of the northern United States and Canada. The fig buttercup thrives in a number of wet habitats such as wetlands, shaded forests, riverbanks, roadsides and soggy yards.
Glossy yellow petals bloom in March and April. I found this plant a stone's throw away from the Chives. This plant is considered an invasive species by the USDA. A noxious weed, it often outcompetes native plants.
Like many plants, this flower is not edible. The entire plant is toxic, especially the flower petals. Who would have thought? It is considered safe only for cows to consume in dried form.
Photos / Sounds
What
Monocots (Class Liliopsida)Observer
ekm88Description
This is a patch of Chives on the outer edge of a garden. Scientifically named Allium schoenoprasm, this perennial is cold tolerant and part of the ground cover niche of the temperate deciduous forest biome.
Chives can be found across North America, Asia and Europe. They are tolerant to most soils and love sunshine. It helps if the soil isn't too wet or too dry. Given these conditions, they will grow just about anywhere. Chives are known for their onion flavor and bloom a round cluster of light purple flowers, often used as garnishes.
Before this observation, I didn't know chives were already sprouting and ready to eat in March.
