Plant of the Day: Go Botany

A highly variable species, American field chickweed closely resembles the European import, field chickweed (Cerastium arvense) and the two are both highly variable and difficult to distinguish. American field chickweed is typically (but not always) found on cliffs, talus slopes, quarries, rocky beaches, coastal headlands, and in high-pH and serpentine communities. The exotic field chickweed, by c…

Cheat brome is native to Eurasia and introduced throughout the temperate regions of the world as well as throughout North America, where it is classified as a noxious weed in some states. Its growth and spread rate are rapid, and its recruitment may be aided by fire. Full profile for this plant

Jasmine tobacco is native to warm-temperate South America, and is used as a garden ornamental with many cultivars. Full profile for this plant

Small-flowered bitter-cress is a native species that has nevertheless increased its range to human-disturbed habitats in some states. In this it shows invasive potential similar to several non-native species of bittercress. Full profile for this plant

Dutchman's-breeches occurs in the same mesic woodland habitats as squirrel-corn (Dicentra canadensis) and looks similar, but Dutchman's breeches flowers a little earlier. Full profile for this plant

The leaves of naked tick-frefoil are bunched toward the center of the stem, making this species fairly distinctive. Full profile for this plant

Gray goldenrod is one of the smaller goldenrods, and it flowers later than most. Its stems and often its leaves are minutely and densely pubescent (covered with tiny hairs). Full profile for this plant

Hieracium kalmii was named for Pehr Kalm (1715-1779), a Swedish botanist who spent time in America and has several other species bearing his name (for example Lobelia kalmia and Hypericum kalmianum). The Ojibwa nibbled the root for luck in hunting, to attract a doe. Full profile for this plant

Among the smallest of all flowering plants, common duckweed is a free-floating aquatic perennial that forms a floating mat of minute foliage on the water surface. Common duckweed can be used to remove excess nutrients or toxic metals from water bodies (called phytoremediation) because it is an efficient bio-accumulator, is fast-growing and hardy, and is easily removed from the water after use. Fu…

Hairy hedge-nettle was used by the Delaware in combination with other herbs to treat venereal disease. Full profile for this plant

While sedges are generally thought not to form associations with mycorrhizal fungi in the soil, recent research has shown that pale sedge may form relationships with arbuscular mycorrhizae. Full profile for this plant

The Cherokee and Iroquois used Erigeron pulchellus medicinally to treat colds and coughs. Full profile for this plant

Lakeside sedge can be dominant in wetlands, and sometimes large stands are found that have no fertile stems. Full profile for this plant

The roots of water-parsnip are edible, and were widely eaten by Native American tribes. The plant was also used for medicinal purposes. However, it bears some resemblance other members of the carrot family (Apiaceae) that are toxic. Full profile for this plant

Tall goldenrod may form large colonies, and is introduced in some western states as well as in other countries. It often has insect galls (outgrowths of plant tissue caused by insects) on its stem, which have been the subject of numerous ecological and entomological studies. Full profile for this plant

Common greenbriar has oval leaves that are green (not white-green/glaucous) on the underside, plus stout green prickles with dark tips. This vine climbs with tendrils, producing nearly impenetrable thickets in a range of wet and dry habitats. Birds eat the berries, particularly in winter. Common greenbriar has been recommended as a planting to depress other plant growth under power line rights-of…

Large-leaved wood-aster is one of the earliest asters to bloom in Northeastern forests, but even when flowering stems are absent, large colonies of the distinctive four- to eight-inch wide basal leaves can be found. The tender young leaves may be cooked and eaten as greens. Full profile for this plant

The waxy, fleshy leaves of seaside goldenrod are distinctive. They help the plant retain water and are an adaptation to the drying effects of salt spray. Full profile for this plant