Posted by wilde on September 28th, 2006 — Posted in Vegetable
We are fortunate to have a few native orchids on the property. It is a delight to take a walk in the woods and see these orchids growing in their natural habitat.
Rattlesnake-plantain flowered this summer and all that is left are seed stalks. The rattlesnake-plantains are orchids with their white and dark green checkered leaves arranged in a basal rosette.
Rattlesnake-plantain flowered this summer leaving behind a seed stalk.
Rattlesnake-plantain leaves are easily noted for the white lines that criss-cross a dark green background.
Partridgeberry, Mitchella repens, is a creeping perennial on the oak forest floor. Partridgeberry produced twin flowers in July-August and now has red berries that should last through the winter. The rounded leaves are in pairs opposite one another. The leaf or berry tea was used historically for many female complaints, which earned partridgeberry the nickname Squaw Vine.
Partridgeberries on the vine on the oak forest floor.
No Comments »
Posted by wilde on September 28th, 2006 — Posted in Vegetable
Not too many wild herbs are flowering near the end of September. One exception is the group called ‘thoroughworts’ of the Compositae family.
In open areas of the woods and along the lane the white flowers of White Snakeroot can be seen. Native Americans used white snakeroot as a poultice for snakebites and hence the name stuck.
The herb and roots were used for a variety of other ailments, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Drinking the milk from cows that have eaten the herb can be fatal to humans!
White snakeroot growing in the woods of South Central Pennsylvania.
Branched clusters of white snakeroot flowers.
No Comments »
Posted by wilde on September 28th, 2006 — Posted in Vegetable
Haven’t seen this before…the star magnolia has produced some berries. The little tree is about 5-6 feet tall and 8-9 years old. It flowered beautifully in very early spring. The number of blossoms was twice that of the previous year. The year before that there was only one blossom. Now this small decorative magnolia tree is showing several groups of two or three red-orange berries. What a nice surprise!
Star magnolia sporting orange berries and a winter bud for a new blossom next year.
False Soloman’s Seal is heavy with bright red berries. The terminal cluster of berries is so heavy it weighs the tip of the plant down to the ground. Perfect for repopulating the area with more soloman’s seal plants for next year. The berries are practically on the ground, so many critters would have easy access to them as a food source.
False Soloman’s Seal berries almost touch the ground.
No Comments »
