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"
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)"
Trailing Arbutus, Epigaea repens By Joyce Tuharsky, WORC Member Trailing arbutus is a short spreading shrub, almost like ground cover, in the Ericaeae (heath) family—a group that also includes cranberries and blueberries. This plant grows 4–6 inches high, up to 20 inches long, and has woody stems and twigs that are covered in stiff rust-colored […] Continue reading "Natives to Know: Trailing Arbutus"
NATIVES TO KNOW Wintergreen, Gaultheria procumbens By Joyce Tuharsky, WORC Member Although the term “wintergreen” applies to any plant that remains green throughout the year, the “Wintergreen plant” is a title that refers to the genus Gaultheria and is notable as the original source of the wintergreen oil used in flavoring candies, chewing gum, and […] Continue reading "Natives to Know: Wintergreen"
NATIVES TO KNOWShagbark Hickory, Carya ovata By Joyce Tuharsky, WORC Member I once had a neighbor who thought she should remove a tree that looked sickly, because the bark appeared to be falling off in strips. I said I thought that the tree was a Shagbark hickory and looked very healthy. I was correct, the tree […] Continue reading "Natives to Know: Shagbark Hickory"