The Birds Thank You for Native Plants! Compiled by Joyce Tuharsky, Wild Ones River City Chapter Member Native plants produce berries and other fruits that provide crucial, high-energy food for birds in winter, when other food is limited. The following plants help birds survive the coldest months: Dogwoods (Cornus sp.): Dogwood berries appear in early […] Continue reading "The Birds Thank You for Native Plants!"
Bluebead Lily, Clintonia borealisBy Joyce Tuharsky, WORC Member Bluebead lilies are charming woodland perennials that emerge in early spring with simple, smooth, glossy leaves that grow wide and strappy. Each plant has 2 to 4 curved leaves, up to 12 inches long, with parallel veins, including a prominent central vein. Before its blooms appear, this […] Continue reading "Natives to Know: Bluebead Lily"
Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus By Joyce Tuharsky, WORC Member Thimbleberries are native to western North America from California to Alaska and in some northern areas of the continental U.S. such as the cool, moist, coastal regions of the Great Lakes. In Michigan specifically, Thimbleberries are found on Isle Royal, throughout much of the upper peninsula, and […] Continue reading "Natives to Know: Thimbleberry"
Natives to Know: Wild Quinine, Parthenium integrifolium By Joyce Tuharsky, WORC Member Wild Quinine is an upright, clump-forming perennial, typically found in dry areas of prairies, savannas, upland forests, or limestone glades. It grows 3-4 feet tall, with a spread of 2-4 feet. The leaves are medium green, somewhat aromatic, and sandpapery in texture with […] Continue reading "Natives to Know: Wild Quinine"
NATIVES TO KNOW: Jewelweed, Impatiens capensisBy Joyce Tuharsky, WORC Member Jewelweed is an annual plant in the balsam family (Balsaminaceae)—which is characterized by succulent stems, translucent leaves, eye-catching colorful flowers, and seed capsules that burst explosively, scattering seeds in all directions. The seedlings of this plant sprout in early spring and reach a maximum height of 2–5 […] Continue reading "Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)"