Tag Archives: nature
Invasive silk tree
It’s now in full bloom. Some think the flowers are gorgeous and want one in their yard. Maybe if they quit mowing their lawn they’d get their wish. The mimosa is that ‘Dr. Seuss-like’ tree with spreading branches and copious … Continue reading
Dayflower
Walk around the edges of your yard and you might see it. Dayflower is that grass-like weed with the little blue flowers. It finds its way into our flowerbeds and goes unnoticed, hiding itself under the cover of larger plants … Continue reading
Wild daylilies
Take a drive down any road right now and you’ll see them. Daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva) are everywhere. Those wild orange ones spread into the ditches and are quite adept at holding the soil and curbing erosion. It’s a shame they … Continue reading
Yarrow – A versatile medicinal herb
A couple weeks ago I wrote a column about Queen Anne’s lace. Someone brought in a sample the other day and inquired if it was the wild carrot or maybe the poisonous water hemlock. I smiled and told her it … Continue reading
Mother’s Day Memories
Timing is the key. Everyone has heard that before. Every place has its treasures, but you must be in the right place at the right time. I love wild greens and I love Maine. It’s where I was born and … Continue reading
Queen Anne’s Lace
On roadsides those big clusters of white flowers are starting to appear. If we dug them up we would notice a root that looks a little like and smells exactly like a carrot. There’s good reason for that. Queen Anne’s … Continue reading
Wild Violets
Our lawns are starting to green up well. Troublesome weeds are rearing their ugly heads also. Well, depending upon one’s perspective some are quite attractive. The common violet is a prime example. Those bright bluish-purple flowers and heart-shaped leaves would … Continue reading
Redroot Pigweed
Some tasty greens are beginning to emerge. I saw some young lambsquarter recently and now redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) is showing itself. If you like mild cooked greens reminiscent of beet greens, spinach or Swiss chard this one’s for you. … Continue reading
Sheep Sorrel
Some wild plants seem to intrigue kids. Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is one of them. Its leaves have an arrowhead shape and their flavor is sour like a combination of lemon and sour apple. Yes, they are edible, so these … Continue reading
Spring Salad
The name sounds a little imposing, but fear not. Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) forms the backbone of a fine salad if collected when young. Older specimens can be bitter, particularly when they are flowering, so don’t eat them. Prickly lettuce … Continue reading
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