Pinks AKA carnations (Dianthus spp.) noted in Haliburton Flora include the uncommon to likely now more common Deptford pink (Dianthus armeria), found on sandy roadsides amoung grasses. I see Deptford’s bright pink often along park edges and well used trails. A couple rare varieties included are maiden pink (D. deltoides) and garden pink (D. plumarius). …
Common gromwell (Lithospermum officinale) was noted in Haliburton Flora in a dry sandy waste area and in open damp ground beside a swamp. I found the pictured specimen in the middle of a spruce grove. The spruce had grown over an old foundation for a homestead that burnt down many decades ago. None of Ontario’s …
Most local knapweeds (Centaurea spp.) look similar to bull thistle or Canada thistle. However, you’re more likely to find your knapweed in patches instead of lone like bull thistles. Spotted knapweed (C. maculosa) is noted in Haliburton Flora on the edge of the highway, which is where I’ve seen it too. Another Centaurea is bachelor’s …
Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflata) has yet to be renamed, but I imagine it will be decolonized in the future (please let me know if you see this happening). Another less common name for it is “wild tobacco”. I was going to cover cardinal flower this month, a showier, bright-red close relation. But usage-wise our title …
In Haliburton Flora, there are 9 clubmosses (Lycopodium spp.) listed. Although, since that survey was taken most of them have been reclassified. Genus flipping aside, by narrowest circumscription just 2 of these are Lycopods hereabouts, and 4 Ontario-wide. Clubmoss/Lycopodium species are vascular plants often referred to as fern allies, closely related to ferns and plants …
Agrimonies (Agrimonia spp.) are another oft overlooked edible and medicinal herb. Starting around medieval times common agrimony was a popular heal all. For sometime it was available at apothecaries or pharmacies. Despite its decline in popularity it is still used by herbalists today. Like the wild lettuces we posted two weeks ago, most agrimonies found …