The cuckoo pint plant (Arum maculatum) is a colourful, sometimes bizarre-looking flower that has spurred the imaginations of gardeners, naturalists and children for centuries. Native to Europe and North Africa, this perennial of the Araceae family (of nearly 1000 species) can be a nuisance due to its poison and self-pollinating nature. The cuckoo pint has …
Fleabane is a genus of annual plants found in temperate regions. The genus consists of around 40 species within the family Asteraceae. Fleabanes are strongly aromatic herbs and are characterised by their tall flower spikes. Some fleabanes (which we discuss in this post) include Pulicaria dysenterica, which is often called common fleabane or carpet daisy. …
The birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a flowering plant in the pea family of Fabaceae, native to Europe and Asia. It is also known as common bird’s foot trefoil, eggs and bacon, and birdsfoot deervetch. One of the more evocative names is granny’s toenails due to the appearance of the claw-like seed pods. The Latin …
The ragged robin (scientific name Silene flos-cuculi) is a species of flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family and is well known for its distinctive pink flowers. There are many fascinating things to learn about this humble flower, such as how it got its name, its meaning in various cultures around the world, and how it …
Viper’s-bugloss is a flowering herbaceous plant belonging to the family Boraginaceae. They are perennial plants with an erect stem, hairy leaves and many dense spikes of bright blue or violet funnel-shaped flowers. The scientific name Echium vulgare has two meanings: “vulgar” (common) and “A city of Lydia” (Echium = Echioion). The word “Bugloss” comes from …
The common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a plant of the Onagraceae family, which typically blooms from June to September. It goes by many common names such as coffee plant, cure-all, fever plant, heavenly blue, blue star, and evening star. The flowers of the common evening primrose open in the evening and fold back to …
Common monkshood is a perennial herb belonging to the genus aconitum and family Ranunculaceae. It is native to Europe and North America; introduced to Australia, New Zealand and parts of East Asia, where it is considered invasive because it has displaced native plants. It is also known as wolfsbane, old wives hood, soldiers helmet, dogs …
The common knapweed (centaurea nigra), also known by many other common names (lesser knapweed, black knapweed, and brown knapweed) is a flowering plant that is a member of the daisy family. It is native to Europe and North Africa, but has become invasive in some other parts of the world. What Does Knapweed Look Like? …
Purple loosestrife is an invasive perennial herbaceous plant that grows on the shores of lakes and rivers as well as in moist, shaded areas around ponds and marshes. The closest relative of purple loosestrife is another invasive plant called yellow loosestrife (“Lythrum salicaria”). The two are known for forming impenetrable stands where they grow, causing …
Marsh marigold (caltha palustris) is a member of the buttercup family. It is also known as king cup, caltha biflora (in Europe), and potamogeton cymbalaria (in Latin America). Identification The Marsh marigold is a low growing large buttercup-like flower with heart-shaped scalloped leaves and bright orange or yellow flowers that bloom from March through June. …
