NATIVES TO KNOW American Spikenard, Aralia racemosa By Linda Shuster, WORC Board Member-at-Large Common names for Aralia racemosa include spikenard, American spikenard, spignet, life-of-man, and Indian root. It belongs to the ginseng (Araliaceae) family. It is, according to the University of Michigan Herbarium, one of the largest herbaceous species in our Michigan flora. American spikenard is […] Continue reading "Natives to Know: American Spikenard"
RANGER STEVE’S NATURE NICHE Astersby Ranger Steve Mueller (8/13/1950 – 6/16/2022) Wonderous, extravagant, elegant, gorgeous, attractive, dazzling, splendid, magnificent, enjoyable, and pleasant are beauty expressions captivating our attention for the New England and Frost Asters. Many asters populate the countryside but these two dominate the season. The deep purple ray flowers of New England Asters with […] Continue reading "Ranger Steve’s Nature Niche: Asters"
RANGER STEVE’S NATURE NICHE 76 Natural Communitiesby Ranger Steve Mueller Seventy-six trombones led the big parade is a tune from the musical The Music Man. Hopefully, Michigan’s 76 natural communities within the Great Lakes ecosystem are even more popular. They are essential to the survival of specialized life forms adapted to unique habitats and for […] Continue reading "Ranger Steve’s Nature Niche: 76 Natural Communities"
Living with Biodiversity By Dr. Douglas Tallamy (for Biodiversity Day, May 22, 2022) In case you haven’t heard, life on earth is in trouble. This is why I am asking you to get on the Homegrown National Park® MAP. Each and every one of us has the power to regenerate biodiversity and we don’t have […] Continue reading "Living with Biodiversity by Douglas Tallamy"
NATIVES TO KNOW Ramps, Allium tricoccumBy Linda Shuster, WORC member Allium tricoccum goes by many common names, including ramps, ramp, ramson, wild leek, wood leek, spring onion, and wild garlic. Ramps belong to the onion (Alliaceae) family. It is a native herbaceous perennial that is harvested as food. Ramps are found in nearly all Michigan counties […] Continue reading "Natives to Know: Ramps"