Hobblebush (Viburnum lantanoides syn. Viburnum alnifolium) is the most common viburnum around Haliburton, Ontario. It’s easy to find along roadsides and in thickets on the edges of woods. Like some of our other shrubs, you may find it nonblooming in the understory. Sometimes called moosewood, it’s not to be confused with striped maple. Like other … [Read more…]
Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) isn’t listed in Haliburton Flora, but this rapidly growing Ontario native can be found in the south. The bark, especially characteristic on younger trees, is unique: This plant is in the same family as hops and cannabis. While I’m writing this I noticed a thread in my native plants group asking … [Read more…]
Dear Wood Folk, Have you seen the plant with doll’s eyes for berries? In Samuel Thayer’s newest book, Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants, he calls baneberry “possibly the most poisonous fleshy berry” in our region. As far as berries go both white (Actaea pachypoda) and red (Actaea rubra) baneberries can make you feel pretty … [Read more…]
We’ve covered almost every native cherry in Ontario and this fire cherry, also called bird cherry for one, is no exception to the fact cherries are fantastic for birds and other wildlife. And not just jam! Pin cherry / Fire cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) was common along roadsides, woodland slopes, lake banks, and stream banks in … [Read more…]
Prickly gooseberry (Ribes cynosbati) is a fuzzy wild currant. Spiky is more apt. Or something in between! Despite the soft flexible spikes on the fruit, it’s an edible and medicinal wild plant. And native to Ontario. There are many Ribes spp. to feature from Ontario. A couple are gooseberries. Prickly gooseberry (Ribes cynosbati) is the … [Read more…]
Joe from *Creator’s Garden calls it mskwabiimnagohns. Red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) is our most recognizable dogwood thanks to its bright red bark. It’s both a wild edible and a medicinal that you may be aching to know. *Link is to Joe’s video about red osier on Facebook, have a listen and follow 🙂 Our local … [Read more…]