.
- Agrimony
- Bedstraw
- Beggar-ticks
- Bellflower
- Bittersweet nightshade
- Black medick
- Bladder campion
- Blue flag
- Bluebead lily
- Blue-stemmed goldenrod
- Broad dock
- Bugle
- Bugleweed
- Bunchberry
- Burdock
- Burr-reed
- Canada goldenrod
- Canada mayflower
- Canada thistle
- Cardinal flower
- Celandine
- Chicory
- Clearweed
- Coltsfoot
- Common plantain
- Curled dock
- Daisy fleabane
- Dame's rocket
- Enchanter's nightshade
- Evening primrose
- Everlasting pea
- False nettle
- Figwort
- Flat-topped white aster
- Foamflower
- Forget-me-not
- Fragrant water-lily
- Fringed loosestrife
- Garlic mustard
- Grass-leaved goldenrod
- Gray goldenrod
- Ground ivy
- Hairy lettuce
- Heal-all
- Heart-leaved aster
- Helleborine
- Hog-peanut
- Hop clover
- Horsetail
- Indian pipe
- Jewelweed
- Kidneyleaf buttercup
- Knotweed
- Lady's thumb
- Large-leaved aster
- Lesser stitchwort
- Mad dog skullcap
- Marsh St Johnswort
- Marsh skullcap
- Milkweed
- Moneywort
- Mouse-eared chickweed
- Mugwort
- Mullein
- Musk mallow
- New England aster
- Orange hawkweed
- Ox-eye daisy
- Pale corydalis
- Pale plantain
- Panicled aster
- Partridgeberry
- Pearly everlasting
- Pennsylvania bittercress
- Periwinkle
- Philadelphia fleabane
- Pickerel weed
- Pineapple weed
- Pipsissewa
- Pointed-leaved tick trefoil
- Poison ivy
- Purple fringed orchis
- Purple loosestrife
- Purple-flowering raspberry
- Purple-stemmed aster
- Purslane
- Queen Anne's lace (wild carrot)
- Ragweed
- Rattlesnake-root
- Red clover
- Rough cinquefoil
- Rough-fruited cinquefoil
- Rough-stemmed goldenrod
- Round-leaved hepatica
- St Johnswort
- Sarsaparilla
- Shinleaf
- Silvery cinquefoil
- Small sundrops
- Smoothish hawkweed
- Sow thistle
- Spotted Joe-pyeweed
- Spreading dogbane
- Square-stemmed monkey flower
- Starflower
- Stinging nettle
- Swamp candle
- Swamp milkweed
- Sweet white clover
- Tall goldenrod
- Tall meadowrue
- Thyme-leaved speedwell
- Tufted loosestrife
- Tufted vetch
- Turtlehead
- Violet
- Virginia creeper
- Virginia waterleaf
- White avens
- White baneberry
- White clover
- White sweet clover
- Whorled loosestrife
- Whorled wood aster
- Wild mint
- Willow-herb
- Wintergreen (Checkerberry)
- Wood nettle
- Wood strawberry
- Wormwood
- Wormseed mustard
- Yarrow
- Yellow avens
- Yellow wood-sorrel
Agrimony
Agrimonia spp
Family: Rose
There are several species of agrimony. They look like cinquefoils but have a column of small yellow flowers.
Agrimo'nia: both the Jepson Manual and Munz's Flora of Southern California posit that this name is derived from the Greek argema, an eye-disease, because of its supposed medicinal value, but I can't find any reference to agrimony's having been used for eye conditions. Another possibility is that it is a misrendering of some other epithet, perhaps argemone, an old name used by Dioscorides and Pliny for the poppy, or argemonion, a name Dioscorides applied to the Anenome. These two derivations could actually relate to the same thing because argemone is supposedly a word given by the Greeks to plants which were healing to the eyes. Umberto Quattrocchi also suggests the less likely explanation that it could be from the Greek agros, "field or open land," and monos, "alone, lonely." The genus Agrimonia was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus.
Agrimonia spp
Family: Rose
There are several species of agrimony. They look like cinquefoils but have a column of small yellow flowers.
Agrimo'nia: both the Jepson Manual and Munz's Flora of Southern California posit that this name is derived from the Greek argema, an eye-disease, because of its supposed medicinal value, but I can't find any reference to agrimony's having been used for eye conditions. Another possibility is that it is a misrendering of some other epithet, perhaps argemone, an old name used by Dioscorides and Pliny for the poppy, or argemonion, a name Dioscorides applied to the Anenome. These two derivations could actually relate to the same thing because argemone is supposedly a word given by the Greeks to plants which were healing to the eyes. Umberto Quattrocchi also suggests the less likely explanation that it could be from the Greek agros, "field or open land," and monos, "alone, lonely." The genus Agrimonia was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus.
Agrimony
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Bedstraw
Family: Bedstraw Galium spp There are several species of these floppy, 4 tiny petalled plants. Leaves usually in whorls. Ga'lium: from the Greek word gala, "milk," and alluding to the fact that certain species were used to curdle milk. The genus Galium was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 
Bedstraw
Beggar-ticks
Bidens frondosa Family: Composite 
Beggar-ticks
Bellflower
Campanula rapunculoides. Family: Bellflower This is probably Creeping bellflower. The creeping refers to runners; the plant itself is erect. Campanular'ia: bell-flowered or bell-shaped rapunculoides: s an old reference to the root looking like little turnips (ramps) |
Bellflower
Bittersweet nightshade
Solanum dulcamara
Family: Tomato
Solanum dulcamara
Family: Tomato
Black medick
Medicago lupulina
Family: Pea
Clover-like leaves and small heads of yellow flowers. Common by roadsides and waste places.
Resembles: hop-clover; also yellow wood-sorrel though the flowers are very different
Medica'go: derived from Medike, or medick, the Greek name for alfalfa, which came to Greece from Medea. The genus Medicago was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. (ref. genus Medicago)
lupuli'na: hop-like
Medicago lupulina
Family: Pea
Clover-like leaves and small heads of yellow flowers. Common by roadsides and waste places.
Resembles: hop-clover; also yellow wood-sorrel though the flowers are very different
Medica'go: derived from Medike, or medick, the Greek name for alfalfa, which came to Greece from Medea. The genus Medicago was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. (ref. genus Medicago)
lupuli'na: hop-like
Bladder campion
Silene cucubalis
Family: Pink
Common along roadsides in summer. Recognizable by the swollen green bladder below the five white petals.
Nothing else is very similar.
Sile'ne: probably from the Greek sialon, "saliva," referring to the gummy exudation on the stems, and/or named for Silenus, the intoxicated foster-father of Bacchus (god of wine) who was covered with foam, much like the glandular secretions of many species of this genus. The genus Silene was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Silene)
cucubalus: exact meaning may be unknown
Silene cucubalis
Family: Pink
Common along roadsides in summer. Recognizable by the swollen green bladder below the five white petals.
Nothing else is very similar.
Sile'ne: probably from the Greek sialon, "saliva," referring to the gummy exudation on the stems, and/or named for Silenus, the intoxicated foster-father of Bacchus (god of wine) who was covered with foam, much like the glandular secretions of many species of this genus. The genus Silene was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Silene)
cucubalus: exact meaning may be unknown
Bladder campion
Blue flag
Iris versicolor
Family: Iris
Often in moist places. This is the Larger Blue Flag. The Slender Blue Flag has grass-like leaves and I have not seen it in our area.
I'ris: named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow. Iris was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
versic'olor: variously-colored
Iris versicolor
Family: Iris
Often in moist places. This is the Larger Blue Flag. The Slender Blue Flag has grass-like leaves and I have not seen it in our area.
I'ris: named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow. Iris was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
versic'olor: variously-colored
Blue flag
Bluebead lily
Clintonia borealis
Family: lily
Clintonia borealis
Family: lily
Bluebead lily
Blue-stemmed goldenrod
Solidago caesia
Family: Composite
I think this is the only local goldenrod with flowers occurring at intervals along the stem. The stem itself may or may not be bluish in colour.
See Canada goldenrod for general discussion.
Solidago caesia
Family: Composite
I think this is the only local goldenrod with flowers occurring at intervals along the stem. The stem itself may or may not be bluish in colour.
See Canada goldenrod for general discussion.
Blue-stemmed goldenrod
Broad dock
Rumex obtusifolius
Family: Buckwheat
Ru'mex: the ancient Latin name for the docks or sorrels. The genus Rumex was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
obtusifo'lia/obtusifo'lium/obtusifo'lius: obtuse- or blunt-leaved.
Rumex obtusifolius
Family: Buckwheat
Ru'mex: the ancient Latin name for the docks or sorrels. The genus Rumex was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
obtusifo'lia/obtusifo'lium/obtusifo'lius: obtuse- or blunt-leaved.
Broad dock
Bugle
Ajuga reptans
Family: Mint
This plant spreads via leafy runners and indeed what I see behind my cottage is a big expanses of green and sometimes purple-tinged leaves low to the ground with the occasional rising flowering plant. Like all mints, bugle has a square stem and opposite leaves.
Ajuga, from the Greek a, "not, without," and the Latin jugum, "yoke," referring possibly to the undivided calyx.
reptans: creeping
Bugle
Bugleweed
Lycopus virginicus
Family: Mint
Lycopus virginicus
Family: Mint
Bunchberry
Cornus canadensis
Family: Dogwood
A very low plant. The fruit is a rather tasteless red berry. This photo taken June 24, 2020.
Cor'nus: a Latin name for dogwood. The genus Cornus was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Cornus)
Cornus canadensis
Family: Dogwood
A very low plant. The fruit is a rather tasteless red berry. This photo taken June 24, 2020.
Cor'nus: a Latin name for dogwood. The genus Cornus was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Cornus)
Bunchberry
Burdock
Arctium minus
Family: Composite
These are among the largest leaves one encounters in our area. The plant produces familiar burrs.
Arct'ium: from the Greek arction, the name of a plant taken from arctos, "bear," because of the rough involucre [whorl of bracts at the base of the flower]. The genus Arctium was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Arctium)
Minus: smaller [there is also a "Great burdock]
Arctium minus
Family: Composite
These are among the largest leaves one encounters in our area. The plant produces familiar burrs.
Arct'ium: from the Greek arction, the name of a plant taken from arctos, "bear," because of the rough involucre [whorl of bracts at the base of the flower]. The genus Arctium was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Arctium)
Minus: smaller [there is also a "Great burdock]
Burdock
Bur-reed
Sparganium spp
Bur reed family
This might be large-fruited bur-reed, sparganium eurycarpum as it has a thick, keeled leaf.
Sparganium spp
Bur reed family
This might be large-fruited bur-reed, sparganium eurycarpum as it has a thick, keeled leaf.
Bur-reed spp
Canada goldenrod
Solidago canadense
Family: Composite
Goldenrods can be difficult to tell apart. Even the guide books give conflicting descriptions for the same species. I am using a simplified system and considering only goldenrods commonly found in this area.
Canada goldenrod: has parallel-veined lanceolate leaves which are sharply but shallowly toothed. The stem is a little fuzzy up high, smooth at the bottom. It can appear red. The flowers are so small that it is difficult to discern and count the petals. It appears to be the most common goldenrod in this area. Canada goldenrod is vert common here.
Quick ID: Green, almost shiny stem, obviously parallel-veined.
Tall goldenrod (S altissima) has less-discernible parallel veins but rough leaves. On the plants I see, the leaves are not as narrow as Canada goldenrod. It's stem is fuzzy-hairy all along which differentiates it from Canada goldenrod and from the other parallel-veined goldenrod, S gigantea (late goldenrod) which has a smooth stem and which I have not seen. The flowers look just as small as Canada goldenrod.
Quick ID: Like Canada goldenrod and found with it. Somewhat broader leaves, dull stem because of hair.
Rough-stemmed goldenrod is the common representative of those with feather-type vein pattern. The stem is hairy, the leaves are rough, broader than Canada goldenrod and coarsely toothed. The petals are big enough to be obvious.
Quick ID: Still broader leaves, heavly toothed, dull stem because very hairy.
And then there are goldenrods which are relatively easy to identify because they have special features: grass-leaved goldenrod, gray goldenrod, blue-stemmed goldenrod.
Solidago canadense
Family: Composite
Goldenrods can be difficult to tell apart. Even the guide books give conflicting descriptions for the same species. I am using a simplified system and considering only goldenrods commonly found in this area.
Canada goldenrod: has parallel-veined lanceolate leaves which are sharply but shallowly toothed. The stem is a little fuzzy up high, smooth at the bottom. It can appear red. The flowers are so small that it is difficult to discern and count the petals. It appears to be the most common goldenrod in this area. Canada goldenrod is vert common here.
Quick ID: Green, almost shiny stem, obviously parallel-veined.
Tall goldenrod (S altissima) has less-discernible parallel veins but rough leaves. On the plants I see, the leaves are not as narrow as Canada goldenrod. It's stem is fuzzy-hairy all along which differentiates it from Canada goldenrod and from the other parallel-veined goldenrod, S gigantea (late goldenrod) which has a smooth stem and which I have not seen. The flowers look just as small as Canada goldenrod.
Quick ID: Like Canada goldenrod and found with it. Somewhat broader leaves, dull stem because of hair.
Rough-stemmed goldenrod is the common representative of those with feather-type vein pattern. The stem is hairy, the leaves are rough, broader than Canada goldenrod and coarsely toothed. The petals are big enough to be obvious.
Quick ID: Still broader leaves, heavly toothed, dull stem because very hairy.
And then there are goldenrods which are relatively easy to identify because they have special features: grass-leaved goldenrod, gray goldenrod, blue-stemmed goldenrod.
Canada goldenrod
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Canada goldenrod
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Canada mayflower (Wild lily of the valley)
Maianthemum canadense
Family: Lily
Maianth'emum: from the Greek for May flower, from the blooming season. The genus Maianthemum was published in 1780 by Friedrich Heinrich Wiggers.
Maianthemum canadense
Family: Lily
Maianth'emum: from the Greek for May flower, from the blooming season. The genus Maianthemum was published in 1780 by Friedrich Heinrich Wiggers.
Canada mayflower
Canada thistle
Cirsium arvense
Family: Composite
Cir'sium: derived from the Greek kirsion, "a kind of thistle," in turn from kirsos, "a swollen vein or welt," because thistles were often used as a remedy against such things. The genus Cirsium was published by Philip Miller in 1754
arven'se/arven'sis: of the fields
Cirsium arvense
Family: Composite
Cir'sium: derived from the Greek kirsion, "a kind of thistle," in turn from kirsos, "a swollen vein or welt," because thistles were often used as a remedy against such things. The genus Cirsium was published by Philip Miller in 1754
arven'se/arven'sis: of the fields
Canada thistle
Cardinal flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Family: Bluebell family, lobelia subfamily
A scarlet red striking flower. Wet areas.
Lobe'lia: after Matthias de l'Obel (1538-1616), (also known as Lobelius), a Flemish botanist. According to Umberto Quattrocchi, L'Obel "studied at the University of Montpellier, [was a] traveller and plant collector, from 1565 to 1566 worked with Guillaume Rondelet at Montpellier, [was] physician to William, Prince of Orange, attended Lord Edward Zouche in his embassy to the court of Denmark, [was] botanist and physician to King James I of England, [and] superintended a physic garden at Hackney." "His Stirpium adversaria nova (1571, written with Pierre Pena) is one of the milestones of modern botany. Later, Stirpium observationes, a sort of complement to the
Adversaria, was joined to it under the title Plantarum seu stirpium historia (1576). His botanical work was directed toward the pharmacological use of plants. L'Obel published an essay on the pharmacology of Rondelet as part of a reissue of his Adversia in 1605. He referred to Lord Zouch's garden as the garden of medicine." (Quoted from a website called the Galileo Project at Rice University). The genus Lobelia was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
cardina'le/cardina'lis: red, possibly referring to the color of the garb worn by cardinals (is it only a coincidence that the red bird is called a cardinal?
Lobelia cardinalis
Family: Bluebell family, lobelia subfamily
A scarlet red striking flower. Wet areas.
Lobe'lia: after Matthias de l'Obel (1538-1616), (also known as Lobelius), a Flemish botanist. According to Umberto Quattrocchi, L'Obel "studied at the University of Montpellier, [was a] traveller and plant collector, from 1565 to 1566 worked with Guillaume Rondelet at Montpellier, [was] physician to William, Prince of Orange, attended Lord Edward Zouche in his embassy to the court of Denmark, [was] botanist and physician to King James I of England, [and] superintended a physic garden at Hackney." "His Stirpium adversaria nova (1571, written with Pierre Pena) is one of the milestones of modern botany. Later, Stirpium observationes, a sort of complement to the
Adversaria, was joined to it under the title Plantarum seu stirpium historia (1576). His botanical work was directed toward the pharmacological use of plants. L'Obel published an essay on the pharmacology of Rondelet as part of a reissue of his Adversia in 1605. He referred to Lord Zouch's garden as the garden of medicine." (Quoted from a website called the Galileo Project at Rice University). The genus Lobelia was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
cardina'le/cardina'lis: red, possibly referring to the color of the garb worn by cardinals (is it only a coincidence that the red bird is called a cardinal?
Cardinal flower
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Cardin al flower (fruit)
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Celandine
Chelidonium majus
Family: Poppy
Chelidonium majus
Family: Poppy
Celandine
Chicory
Cichorium intybus
Family: Composite
Cichor'ium: the Latinized version of an Arabic name for one species of this genus from the Greek kichore, which usually carries a common name of chicory or endive. The genus Cichorium was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
in'tybus: derived from Egyptian tybi, "January," the month that this species was customarily eaten.
Cichorium intybus
Family: Composite
Cichor'ium: the Latinized version of an Arabic name for one species of this genus from the Greek kichore, which usually carries a common name of chicory or endive. The genus Cichorium was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
in'tybus: derived from Egyptian tybi, "January," the month that this species was customarily eaten.
Chicory
Clearweed
Pilea pumila
Family: Nettle
Pilea pumila
Family: Nettle
Coltsfoot
Tussilago farfara
Family: Composite
This dandelion-like plant blooms very early in the spring. It is unusual in that its leaves appear only after the flower has withered. The leaves are very broad multi-sided and usually there are large colonies of them.
Tussilago: tussi- = "cough"; -ago = "act upon" - Wikipedia
farfara: may refer to white poplar whose leaves are somewhat similar or may be a derivative of an old French word for tussilago - https://www.labunix.uqam.ca/~fg/MyFlora/Asteraceae/Tussilago/tussilago.e.shtml
Tussilago farfara
Family: Composite
This dandelion-like plant blooms very early in the spring. It is unusual in that its leaves appear only after the flower has withered. The leaves are very broad multi-sided and usually there are large colonies of them.
Tussilago: tussi- = "cough"; -ago = "act upon" - Wikipedia
farfara: may refer to white poplar whose leaves are somewhat similar or may be a derivative of an old French word for tussilago - https://www.labunix.uqam.ca/~fg/MyFlora/Asteraceae/Tussilago/tussilago.e.shtml
Coltsfoot leaves
Coltsfoot leaves
Common plantain
Plantago major
Family: Plantain
A common weed of lawns and cracks in sidewalks.
Planta'go: a Latin name for the plantain from planta meaning "foot print." The genus Plantago was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus
Plantago major
Family: Plantain
A common weed of lawns and cracks in sidewalks.
Planta'go: a Latin name for the plantain from planta meaning "foot print." The genus Plantago was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus
Common plantain
Curled dock
Rumex crispus
Family: Buckwheat
A common plant of waste places, also in urban areas. There are several species of dock. The leaves of curled dock have wavy edges.
Similar: burdock has bigger broader leaves
Ru'mex: the ancient Latin name for the docks or sorrels. The genus Rumex was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Cris'pa/cris'pum/cris'pus: from Latin meaning "curled or wavy" in reference to the leaves.
Rumex crispus
Family: Buckwheat
A common plant of waste places, also in urban areas. There are several species of dock. The leaves of curled dock have wavy edges.
Similar: burdock has bigger broader leaves
Ru'mex: the ancient Latin name for the docks or sorrels. The genus Rumex was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Cris'pa/cris'pum/cris'pus: from Latin meaning "curled or wavy" in reference to the leaves.
Curled dock
Daisy fleabane
Erigeron anuus
Family: Composite
This common roadside plant looks like a small daisy.
Similar: Its close relative, Philadelphia fleabane, has purple-tinged petals and leaves that clasp the stem; ox-eye daisy; some asters
Erig'eron: from the Greek eri, "early," and geron, "old man," thus meaning "old man in the spring," referring to the fluffy, white seed heads and the early flowering and fruiting of many species. The genus Erigeron was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
annus: annual
Daisy fleabane
Dame's rocket
Hesperis matronalis
Family: Mustard
The four petals can be purple, white or red. This is a tall mustard family plant.
Similar: other mustards though most have yellow flowers.
hesper'idis/Hesper'is: from the Greek hespera, "the evening," alluding to the time of the day when some of these flowers are most fragrant
matrona'lis: relating to March 1st, the Roman festival of the matrons or married ladies.
Hesperis matronalis
Family: Mustard
The four petals can be purple, white or red. This is a tall mustard family plant.
Similar: other mustards though most have yellow flowers.
hesper'idis/Hesper'is: from the Greek hespera, "the evening," alluding to the time of the day when some of these flowers are most fragrant
matrona'lis: relating to March 1st, the Roman festival of the matrons or married ladies.
Dames rocket
Enchanter's nightshade
Circaea quadrisulcata
Family: Evening-primrose
The flowers are very small 4-petalled, appearing as two and two. Why such a modest wildflower should have so remarkable a name or be named after Circe, I would like to know.
Circae'a: after Circe (pronounced sir-see), the enchantress of Greek mythology. According to a website called Characters of Greek Mythology, "Circe is the daughter of Helios, the Sun God, and Perse. She was a powerful witch who had no love for mortals. Initially, she was married to a king and poisoned him in hopes of taking over the kingdom. But, she was banished from the city and went to live on the Island of Dawn, Aeaea. She is best known from The Odyssey where she turned Odysseus' men into animals with a magic potion. Of course, the gods helped Odysseus, and Hermes was sent to give him a herb that would make him immune to Circe's magic. She eventually agreed to turn his men back, but only on the condition that Odysseus sleep with her. Then she warned him of the perils in the next part of his journey. Odysseus and Penelope's son, Telemachus, is said to have married her. The genus Circaea was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
quadrisulcata: four grooves or furrows
Circaea quadrisulcata
Family: Evening-primrose
The flowers are very small 4-petalled, appearing as two and two. Why such a modest wildflower should have so remarkable a name or be named after Circe, I would like to know.
Circae'a: after Circe (pronounced sir-see), the enchantress of Greek mythology. According to a website called Characters of Greek Mythology, "Circe is the daughter of Helios, the Sun God, and Perse. She was a powerful witch who had no love for mortals. Initially, she was married to a king and poisoned him in hopes of taking over the kingdom. But, she was banished from the city and went to live on the Island of Dawn, Aeaea. She is best known from The Odyssey where she turned Odysseus' men into animals with a magic potion. Of course, the gods helped Odysseus, and Hermes was sent to give him a herb that would make him immune to Circe's magic. She eventually agreed to turn his men back, but only on the condition that Odysseus sleep with her. Then she warned him of the perils in the next part of his journey. Odysseus and Penelope's son, Telemachus, is said to have married her. The genus Circaea was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
quadrisulcata: four grooves or furrows
Evening primrose
Oenothera biennis
Family: Evening primrose
Oenothera biennis
Family: Evening primrose
Evening primrose
Evening primrose
Everlasting pea
Lathyrus latifolius
Family: Pea
A rather striking flower. The flowers are large, the tendrils are prominent. Nothing resembles it in our area to my knowledge. Seems to occur among other higher-growing plants and grass.
Lath'yrus: from the Greek lathyros, an old name for "pea." The genus Lathyrus was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
latifo'lia/latifo'lium/latifo'lius: having wide leaves
Lathyrus latifolius
Family: Pea
A rather striking flower. The flowers are large, the tendrils are prominent. Nothing resembles it in our area to my knowledge. Seems to occur among other higher-growing plants and grass.
Lath'yrus: from the Greek lathyros, an old name for "pea." The genus Lathyrus was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
latifo'lia/latifo'lium/latifo'lius: having wide leaves
Everlasting pea
False nettle (Bog hemp)
Boehmeria cylindrica
Family: Nettle
Boehmeria cylindrica
Family: Nettle
Figwort
Scrophularia lanceolata
Family: Snapdragon
The flowers are small, brown "open mouths", seen in the second picture.
Scrophularia lanceolata
Family: Snapdragon
The flowers are small, brown "open mouths", seen in the second picture.
Flat-topped white aster
Aster umbellatus
Family: Composite
Few rays, flattish topping of flowers, lance-shaped leaves. Taller plants more obviously flat-topped.
Aster umbellatus
Family: Composite
Few rays, flattish topping of flowers, lance-shaped leaves. Taller plants more obviously flat-topped.
Flat-topped white aster
Foam flower
Tiarella cordifolia
Family: saxifrage
Tiarella cordifolia
Family: saxifrage
Forget-me-not
Myosotis scorpioides
Family: Forget-me-not
Myosotis scorpioides
Family: Forget-me-not
Forget-me-not
Fragrant water-lily
Nymphaea odorata
Family: Water-lily
Nymphaea odorata
Family: Water-lily
Water-lily (among the pickerelweed)
Fringed loosestrife
Lysimachia ciliata
Family: Primrose
Lysimachia ciliata
Family: Primrose
Fringed loosestrife
Garlic mustard
Alliaria officinalis
Family: Mustard
This mustard has quite characteristic triangular leaves with broad teeth.
Al'lium: Latin for "garlic."
Alliaria officinalis
Family: Mustard
This mustard has quite characteristic triangular leaves with broad teeth.
Al'lium: Latin for "garlic."
Garlic mustard
Grass-leaved goldenrod
Solidago graminifolia
Family: Composite
Also called lance-leaved goldenrod. It is the only goldenrod with such leaves. As with all goldenrods, a late summer flower.
See Canada goldenrod for a general discussion of goldenrods found locally.
Solida'go: from the Latin solido, meaning "to make whole or heal" and a reference to the supposed, medicinal qualities of these plants. The genus Solidago was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
graminifo'lia: with foliage like grass
Grass-leaved goldenrod
Gray goldenrod
Solidago nemoralis
Family: Composite
This small goldenrod can be mistaken for blue-stemmed goldenrod. It leans as well and has a wand distribution of flowers. However it has broader leaves, the lower ones tapering to the stem. The stem is fuzzy and can look rather blue itself. Blue-stemmed goldenrod has a smooth stem. It has 8-10 quite prominent petals vs the 3-5 also fairly large petals of blue-stemmed goldenrod. It has tiny leaflets in many but not all axils.
Solidago nemoralis
Family: Composite
This small goldenrod can be mistaken for blue-stemmed goldenrod. It leans as well and has a wand distribution of flowers. However it has broader leaves, the lower ones tapering to the stem. The stem is fuzzy and can look rather blue itself. Blue-stemmed goldenrod has a smooth stem. It has 8-10 quite prominent petals vs the 3-5 also fairly large petals of blue-stemmed goldenrod. It has tiny leaflets in many but not all axils.
Gray goldenrod
Ground ivy
Glechoma hederacea
Family: Mint
A common weed of lawns. It spreads by runners so when weeding one pulls long runs of these leaves.
Glecho'ma: from the Greek glechon, an old name for a kind of mint, possibly the pennyroyal, Mentha pulegium. The genus Glechoma was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus
hedera'cea: of or pertaining to ivy
Glechoma hederacea
Family: Mint
A common weed of lawns. It spreads by runners so when weeding one pulls long runs of these leaves.
Glecho'ma: from the Greek glechon, an old name for a kind of mint, possibly the pennyroyal, Mentha pulegium. The genus Glechoma was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus
hedera'cea: of or pertaining to ivy
Ground ivy
Hairy lettuce
Lactuca hirsuta
Family: Composite
Lactuca hirsuta
Family: Composite
Hairy lettuce - 6 ft tall
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Heal-all
Prunella vulgaris
Family: Mint
A common low plant that seems to be able to grow anywhere. As with all mint family species, the leaves are oppositely arranged.
Prunel'la: from a German word for "quinsy," a malady that this plant was used to treat. The genus Prunella was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
vulgaris: common
Prunella vulgaris
Family: Mint
A common low plant that seems to be able to grow anywhere. As with all mint family species, the leaves are oppositely arranged.
Prunel'la: from a German word for "quinsy," a malady that this plant was used to treat. The genus Prunella was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
vulgaris: common
Heal-all
Heart-leaved aster
Aster cordiflous
Family: Composite
Similar to large-leaved aster but basal leaves are not as big and are more prominently-toothed. Here, this one seems to bloom a little later.
Asters of this area
John Gillett published Cultivated and Native Asters of Ontario but there is also Asters of the Ottawa Region online via the Ottawa Field Naturalist Club at https://ofnc.ca/programs/fletcher-wildlife-garden/flora-and-fauna-at-the-fwg/asters-of-the-ottawa-region which narrows things down more. He lists 14.
A cordifolius - heart-leaved aster: the lower leaves are heart-shaped, petioles are not winged. Can be confused with A ciliolatus (Lindley's aster) which usually has winged lower leaf petioles that can look heart-shaped. Can be confused too with A macrophyllus (large-leaved aster) but it has fewer, longer, Raggedy-Ann petals that tend to curve and usually some very large leaves sometimes found a couple of feet away.
A novo-angliae (New England aster) can be confused with A puniceus (purple-stemmed aster). A lanceolatus (panicled aster) is very common and may resemble A borealis (rush aster). A acuminatus (whorled wood aster) has raggedy petals similar to large-leaved aster and A umbellatus (white flat-topped aster).
A lateriflorus (calico aster) is few-petalled and all flowers are on one side of the branch. Toothed lanceolate leaves and hairy stem. It can resemble panicled aster.
A ontarionis (Ontario aster) is rare. A ericoides (heath aster is uncommon). A nemoralis (bog aster) is limited to bogs and fens. A brachyactis (rayless aster) is rayless.
Petal colour is of limited use in identification.
The list
Common
Heart-leaved aster (vs Lindley's aster)
Large-leaved aster
Lindley's aster
New England aster (vs purple-stemmed aster)
Purple-stemmed aster
White flat-topped aster
Whorled wood aster
Rush aster
Panicled aster (vs rush aster and calico aster)
Calico aster
Uncommon or special
Bog aster
Rayless aster
Ontario aster
Heath aster
Heart-leaved aster
Helleborine
Epipactus helleborine
Family: Orchid
Epipac'tis: either from the Greek epipaktis or epipegnuo, the name adopted for this genus which was originally called hellebore, and which refers to a milk-curdling property claimed for some species. The genus Epipactis was published by Johann Gottfried Zinn in 1757.
Epipactus helleborine
Family: Orchid
Epipac'tis: either from the Greek epipaktis or epipegnuo, the name adopted for this genus which was originally called hellebore, and which refers to a milk-curdling property claimed for some species. The genus Epipactis was published by Johann Gottfried Zinn in 1757.
Hog peanut
Amphicarpa bracteata
Family: Pea
A climbing plant but is often seen not climbing. The delicate three leavcd clusters can resemble poison ivy but the middle leaf is on a shorter petiole, the leaves are more delicate, don't droop and don't exhibit the variability in appearance that poison ivy does. Once familiar with hog peanut leaves, it is easy enough to distinguish the two. The flowers are not often seen.
amphicarpa: amphi = both; carpa:
bractea'ta/bractea'tus: bearing bract
Amphicarpa bracteata
Family: Pea
A climbing plant but is often seen not climbing. The delicate three leavcd clusters can resemble poison ivy but the middle leaf is on a shorter petiole, the leaves are more delicate, don't droop and don't exhibit the variability in appearance that poison ivy does. Once familiar with hog peanut leaves, it is easy enough to distinguish the two. The flowers are not often seen.
amphicarpa: amphi = both; carpa:
bractea'ta/bractea'tus: bearing bract
Hog-peanut
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Hog peanut flower
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Hop clover
Trifolium agrarium
Family: Pea
Trifolium agrarium
Family: Pea
Hop clover
Horsetail
Genus: Equisetum
There are several species of horsetail. This is not a flowering plant and is found in fern guidebooks.
Equise'tum: Latin for "horsetail" from equus, "horse," and seta, "bristle." The genus Equisetum was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
Genus: Equisetum
There are several species of horsetail. This is not a flowering plant and is found in fern guidebooks.
Equise'tum: Latin for "horsetail" from equus, "horse," and seta, "bristle." The genus Equisetum was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
Horsetail
Indian pipe
Monotropa uniflora
Family: Wintergreen
Monotropa uniflora
Family: Wintergreen
Jewelweed
Impatiens capensis
Family: Touch-me-not
Spotted jewelweed is found in damp places, often many in one place. Flowers are orange. When a leaf is placed in water, it can reflect back as silver.
Impa'tiens: from the Latin impatiens, " desiring immediate action," referring to the sudden dehiscence of the capsules.
capen'sis: of or from the Cape of Good Hope
Impatiens capensis
Family: Touch-me-not
Spotted jewelweed is found in damp places, often many in one place. Flowers are orange. When a leaf is placed in water, it can reflect back as silver.
Impa'tiens: from the Latin impatiens, " desiring immediate action," referring to the sudden dehiscence of the capsules.
capen'sis: of or from the Cape of Good Hope
Jewelweed
Kidneyleaf buttercup
Ranunculus abortivus
Family: Buttercup
This looks more like an avens than a buttercup. The small kidney-shaped leaves show up a little ways away from the rest of the plant. The flowers are rather insignificant with very small petals. The photo below is poor. Try to identify the tiny yellow flowers and the scattered kidney-shaped leaves on the ground.
Ranunculus abortivus
Family: Buttercup
This looks more like an avens than a buttercup. The small kidney-shaped leaves show up a little ways away from the rest of the plant. The flowers are rather insignificant with very small petals. The photo below is poor. Try to identify the tiny yellow flowers and the scattered kidney-shaped leaves on the ground.
Knotweed
Polygonum spp
Family: Buckwheat
Polygonum spp
Family: Buckwheat
Knotweed
Lady's thumb
Polygonum persicaria
Family: Buckwheat
Polygonum persicaria
Family: Buckwheat
Lady's thumb
Large-leaved aster
Aster macrophyllus
Family: Composite
For a discussion of asters of this area, see heart-leaved aster. Few long, raggedy, often curving petals. Very large leaves often two feet or so away. Often many such
Aster macrophyllus
Family: Composite
For a discussion of asters of this area, see heart-leaved aster. Few long, raggedy, often curving petals. Very large leaves often two feet or so away. Often many such
Large-leaved aster
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Large-leaved aster
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Lesser stitchwort
Stellaria graminea
Family: Pink
Stellar'ia: from the Latin stella for "star' because of the star-like shape of the flowers or some other feature. The genus Stellaria was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
gramin'ea/gramin'eus: resembling grass, grassy.
Stellaria graminea
Family: Pink
Stellar'ia: from the Latin stella for "star' because of the star-like shape of the flowers or some other feature. The genus Stellaria was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
gramin'ea/gramin'eus: resembling grass, grassy.
Lesser stitchwort
Mad dog skullcap
Scutellaria laterifolia
Family: Mint
Scutellaria laterifolia
Family: Mint
Mad dog skullcap
Marsh St John's wort
Hypericum virginicum
Family: St John's wort
Hypericum virginicum
Family: St John's wort
Marsh St John's wort
Marsh skullcap (Common skullcap)
Scutellaria epilobiifolia
Family: Mint
A mint found in wet areas.
Scutellar'ia: from the Latin scutella, "a small dish, tray or platter," and referring to the sepals which appear this way during the fruiting period. The genus Scutellaria was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Scutellaria epilobiifolia
Family: Mint
A mint found in wet areas.
Scutellar'ia: from the Latin scutella, "a small dish, tray or platter," and referring to the sepals which appear this way during the fruiting period. The genus Scutellaria was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Marsh skullcap
Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Family: Milkweed
This rather special plant has pink downturned flowers, opposite broad untoothed leaves, a milky latex fluid in the stem, seedpods with fluffy material and is the favourite of monarch butterflies.
Asclep'ias: named for the Greek god of healing Asklepios. The genus Asclepias was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
syriaca: Syrian
Asclepias syriaca
Family: Milkweed
This rather special plant has pink downturned flowers, opposite broad untoothed leaves, a milky latex fluid in the stem, seedpods with fluffy material and is the favourite of monarch butterflies.
Asclep'ias: named for the Greek god of healing Asklepios. The genus Asclepias was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
syriaca: Syrian
Milkweed
Moneywort
Lysimachia nummularia
Family: Primrose
A creeping trailing plant with opposite leaves and bright yellow flowers.
Similar: partridgeberry and twinflower are creeping plants with oval opposite leaves.
Lysimach'ia: named for Lysimachos, King of Thrace, or more likely from the Greek lysimachos, "ending strife," from lysis, "a loosening, releasing," and mache, strife, from whence came the English name of loosestrife, which the Jepson Manual gives as the common name for this genus (in addition to Lythrum). Lysimachos was according to legend the first one to discover that the plant now known as loosestrife had a calming effect on oxen (see more below). Lysimachia was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
nummular'ia: resembling a coin, nummus, often applied to plants with small, almost circular leaves.
Moneywort
Mouse-eared chickweed
Cerastium vulgatum
Family: Pink
Cerastium vulgatum
Family: Pink
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
Family: Composite
(I am not sure this is a correct identification)
Artemisia vulgaris
Family: Composite
(I am not sure this is a correct identification)
Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
Family: Snapdragon
A very tall plant with velvety leaves and yellow flowers. This is common mullein. Peterson lists two more species.
Verbas'cum: corrupted form of Barbascum, the ancient Latin name for this plant. The genus Verbascum was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
thap'sus: David Hollombe provides this derivation: "Nikander, Theocritus and Theophrastus wrote about Thapsos, a plant from Thapsos, Sicily. The root was used to produce a yellow dye. Some sources claim it was Cotinus coggygria." The name Verbascum thapsus was published by Linnaeus in 1753.
Verbascum thapsus
Family: Snapdragon
A very tall plant with velvety leaves and yellow flowers. This is common mullein. Peterson lists two more species.
Verbas'cum: corrupted form of Barbascum, the ancient Latin name for this plant. The genus Verbascum was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
thap'sus: David Hollombe provides this derivation: "Nikander, Theocritus and Theophrastus wrote about Thapsos, a plant from Thapsos, Sicily. The root was used to produce a yellow dye. Some sources claim it was Cotinus coggygria." The name Verbascum thapsus was published by Linnaeus in 1753.
Common mullein
Musk mallow
Malva moschata
Family: Mallow
Notched pink or white petals and finely cut leaves
Similar: geraniums, eg cranesbill
Mal'va: a Latin name for mallow taken from the Greek malache, or malakos, referring to the leaves and an ointment made from the seeds which was supposed to be soothing to the skin. The genus Malva was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
moscha'ta/moscha'tum/moscha'tus: having a musky scent
Musk mallow
New England aster
Aster Novae-Angliae
Family: Composite
This is our showiest aster. It is large, has a deeper purple colour. Leaves are abundant and clasp the hairy stem.
Aster Novae-Angliae
Family: Composite
This is our showiest aster. It is large, has a deeper purple colour. Leaves are abundant and clasp the hairy stem.
New England Aster
Orange hawkweed
Hieracium aurantiacum
Family: Composite
Unmistakeable dandelion-like flower with its orange flower.
Hierac'ium: the classical name hierakion comes from the ancient Greek hierax, "a hawk." The Roman naturalist Pliny believed that hawks fed on this plant to strengthen their eyesight and thus it became the Greek and Latin name for this and similar plants, the common name of which is hawkweed. The genus Hieracium was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Hieracium).
auranti'aca/auranti'acus: orange, orange-yellow or orange-red.
Hieracium aurantiacum
Family: Composite
Unmistakeable dandelion-like flower with its orange flower.
Hierac'ium: the classical name hierakion comes from the ancient Greek hierax, "a hawk." The Roman naturalist Pliny believed that hawks fed on this plant to strengthen their eyesight and thus it became the Greek and Latin name for this and similar plants, the common name of which is hawkweed. The genus Hieracium was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Hieracium).
auranti'aca/auranti'acus: orange, orange-yellow or orange-red.
Orange hawkweed
Ox-eye daisy
Crysanthemum leucanthemum
Family: Composite
The familiar daisy. Daisy fleabane and Philadelphia fleabane are daisy-like but smaller and with different leaves.
Chrysan'themum: from the Greek chrysos, "gold," and anthos, "flower." The genus Chrysanthemum was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Leucan'themum: from the Greek leukos, "white," and anthemon, "flower," C. leucanthemum is the Old World ox-eye daisy now renamed Leucanthemum vulgare. Leucanthemum was published by Philip Miller in 1754
Crysanthemum leucanthemum
Family: Composite
The familiar daisy. Daisy fleabane and Philadelphia fleabane are daisy-like but smaller and with different leaves.
Chrysan'themum: from the Greek chrysos, "gold," and anthos, "flower." The genus Chrysanthemum was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Leucan'themum: from the Greek leukos, "white," and anthemon, "flower," C. leucanthemum is the Old World ox-eye daisy now renamed Leucanthemum vulgare. Leucanthemum was published by Philip Miller in 1754
Ox-eye daisy
Pale corydalis
Corydalis flavula
Family: Poppy
Corydalis flavula
Family: Poppy
Pale corydalis
Pale plantain
Plantago rugellii
Family: Plantain
This resembled common plantain but the flower stalk is somewhat thinner and more compact. The base of the leaves is red. The leaves themselves are a little narrower. This one found by a pond.
Plantago rugellii
Family: Plantain
This resembled common plantain but the flower stalk is somewhat thinner and more compact. The base of the leaves is red. The leaves themselves are a little narrower. This one found by a pond.
Pale plantain
Pale plantain
Panicled aster
Aster simplex
Family: Composite
For a discussion of local aster species see heart-leaved aster. I am less sure about the identification of this aster.
Aster simplex
Family: Composite
For a discussion of local aster species see heart-leaved aster. I am less sure about the identification of this aster.
Panicled aster
Partridgeberry
Mitchella repens
Family: Bedstraw
In woods particularly, trailing plant with small roundish opposite leaves. The flower appears at the tip of the horizontal stem.
Similar: twinflower, moneywort
mitch'ellii: named for William Warren Mitchell (1923- ). He received a B.A. in 1957 and a Master's degree in botany in 1958 both from the University of Montana in 1958 and a doctor of philosophy degree in botany and plant pathology from Iowa State University in 1962. He was at both the Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Palmer, Alaska, and the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. He conducted a plant ecological survey of the northern section of the proposed oil pipeline route for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. He was assistant professor of taxonomy and ecology at the Alaska Agricultural Experiment Station.
re'pens: having creeping and rooting stems
Mitchella repens
Family: Bedstraw
In woods particularly, trailing plant with small roundish opposite leaves. The flower appears at the tip of the horizontal stem.
Similar: twinflower, moneywort
mitch'ellii: named for William Warren Mitchell (1923- ). He received a B.A. in 1957 and a Master's degree in botany in 1958 both from the University of Montana in 1958 and a doctor of philosophy degree in botany and plant pathology from Iowa State University in 1962. He was at both the Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Palmer, Alaska, and the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. He conducted a plant ecological survey of the northern section of the proposed oil pipeline route for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. He was assistant professor of taxonomy and ecology at the Alaska Agricultural Experiment Station.
re'pens: having creeping and rooting stems
Partridgeberry
Pearly everlasting
Anaphalis margaritacea
Family: Composite
Anaphalis margaritacea
Family: Composite
Pearly everlasting
Pennsylvania bittercress
Cardamine pensylvanica
Family: Mustard
The leaf of this small and inconspicuous plant tastes like horseradish if chewed for a little while. Usually found close to water.
Cardamine pensylvanica
Family: Mustard
The leaf of this small and inconspicuous plant tastes like horseradish if chewed for a little while. Usually found close to water.
Periwinkle
Vinca minor
Family: Dogbane
Vin'ca: from the Latin name Vinca pervinca from vincio or vincire, "to bind," referring to its long creeping vines which were used to prepare garlands. The genus Vinca was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Vinca minor
Family: Dogbane
Vin'ca: from the Latin name Vinca pervinca from vincio or vincire, "to bind," referring to its long creeping vines which were used to prepare garlands. The genus Vinca was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Periwinkle
Philadelphia fleabane
Erigeron philadelphicus
Family: Composite
These look like small daisies. They could be mistaken for asters. There are two species which can appear very similar: this one and daisy fleabane. Philadelphia fleabane leaves clasp the stem whereas daisy fleabane leaves do not. This fleabane is often purple-tinged whereas daisy fleabane is white.
Erig'eron: from the Greek eri, "early," and geron, "old man," thus meaning "old man in the spring," referring to the fluffy, white seed heads and the early flowering and fruiting of many species. The genus Erigeron was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Erigeron philadelphicus
Family: Composite
These look like small daisies. They could be mistaken for asters. There are two species which can appear very similar: this one and daisy fleabane. Philadelphia fleabane leaves clasp the stem whereas daisy fleabane leaves do not. This fleabane is often purple-tinged whereas daisy fleabane is white.
Erig'eron: from the Greek eri, "early," and geron, "old man," thus meaning "old man in the spring," referring to the fluffy, white seed heads and the early flowering and fruiting of many species. The genus Erigeron was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Philadelphia fleabane
Pickerelweed
Pontederia cordata
Family: Pickerelweed
A water plant with a large triangular leaf and many small blue flowers.
Pontederia: the genus was named by Linnaeus in honour of the Italian botanist Giulio Pontedera - Wikipedia
cordata: heart-shaped
Pontederia cordata
Family: Pickerelweed
A water plant with a large triangular leaf and many small blue flowers.
Pontederia: the genus was named by Linnaeus in honour of the Italian botanist Giulio Pontedera - Wikipedia
cordata: heart-shaped
Pickerelweed
Pineapple weed
Matricaria matricarioides
Family: Composite
Matricaria matricarioides
Family: Composite
Pineapple-weed
Pipsissewa
Chimaphila umbellata
Family: Heath
So far I have not been able to find one in flower, to clinch the identification. I have found only a few examples, in shady woods in the company of wintergreen.
Chimaphila umbellata
Family: Heath
So far I have not been able to find one in flower, to clinch the identification. I have found only a few examples, in shady woods in the company of wintergreen.
Pipsissewa
Pipsissewa
Pointed-leaved tick trefoil
Desmodium glutinosum
Family: Pea
Desmodium: glutinosum: sticky
In the top photo, the many light-green leaves are hog-peanut. The bigger darker ones belong to this plant.
When seen without the flower stalk, this can look like an ash sapling. However, it has no woody stem, the leaves are more oval with an extended tapering tip and they radiate from one point. Ash leaflets are usually 5, not 3 and the ash leaves are paired, not whorled.
When not in flower, it can look like poison ivy, having three leaflets, the center one stalked. However, the leaves are usually whorled, the middle one is decidedly bigger and has a very round base. The leaf edges are entire with only a touch of waviness at times.
Desmodium glutinosum
Family: Pea
Desmodium: glutinosum: sticky
In the top photo, the many light-green leaves are hog-peanut. The bigger darker ones belong to this plant.
When seen without the flower stalk, this can look like an ash sapling. However, it has no woody stem, the leaves are more oval with an extended tapering tip and they radiate from one point. Ash leaflets are usually 5, not 3 and the ash leaves are paired, not whorled.
When not in flower, it can look like poison ivy, having three leaflets, the center one stalked. However, the leaves are usually whorled, the middle one is decidedly bigger and has a very round base. The leaf edges are entire with only a touch of waviness at times.
Pointed-leaved tick trefoil
Pointed-leaved tick trefoil
Poison ivy
Toxicodendron radicans
Family: Cashew
This nasty plant can be difficult to identify because it is non-descript, can assume more than one form (climbing or not), is usually seen with no flowers. Important identifiers are its three leaflets of which the central one is on a longer stalk. These also tend to droop somewhat especially the middle one. I note that the leaves have almost a rubbery look to them (don't feel them!), and usually several plants will be seen spread over an area.
Similar: Hog peanut can resemble poison ivy but has smaller leaves which don't vary in appearance and no woody stem. Strawberry has three leaflets but the center one is not on a longer little stalk. The raspberries and blackberries can look similar but most have thorns of some size and don't droop. Pointed-leaved tick trefoil has three leaflets with the center one stalked. See its description.
Toxicoden'dron: means "poison tree." The genus Toxicodendron was published by Philip Miller in 1754.
rad'icans: with rooting stems.
Toxicodendron radicans
Family: Cashew
This nasty plant can be difficult to identify because it is non-descript, can assume more than one form (climbing or not), is usually seen with no flowers. Important identifiers are its three leaflets of which the central one is on a longer stalk. These also tend to droop somewhat especially the middle one. I note that the leaves have almost a rubbery look to them (don't feel them!), and usually several plants will be seen spread over an area.
Similar: Hog peanut can resemble poison ivy but has smaller leaves which don't vary in appearance and no woody stem. Strawberry has three leaflets but the center one is not on a longer little stalk. The raspberries and blackberries can look similar but most have thorns of some size and don't droop. Pointed-leaved tick trefoil has three leaflets with the center one stalked. See its description.
Toxicoden'dron: means "poison tree." The genus Toxicodendron was published by Philip Miller in 1754.
rad'icans: with rooting stems.
Poison ivy
Purple fringed orchis
Habenaria fimbrinata
Family: Orchid
The two examples I found have been close to water.
Habenar'ia: derived from the Latin habena meaning "the rein of a horse," referring to the shape of the rein orchid's spur. The genus Habenaria was published by Carl Ludwig von Willdenow in 1805
fimbrinata: fringed
Habenaria fimbrinata
Family: Orchid
The two examples I found have been close to water.
Habenar'ia: derived from the Latin habena meaning "the rein of a horse," referring to the shape of the rein orchid's spur. The genus Habenaria was published by Carl Ludwig von Willdenow in 1805
fimbrinata: fringed
Purple fringed orchis
Purple loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria
Family: Loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria
Family: Loosestrife
Purple loosestrife
Purple-flowering raspberry
Rubus odoratus
Family: Rose
The large single raspberry is fuzzy, somewhat tasty and leaves a puckered feel in the mouth.
Similar: The leaf has a somewhat maple-like appearance. I can confuse it with the leaf of striped maple.
Rubus odoratus: fragrant rose
Purple-flowering raspberry
Purple-stemmed aster
Aster puniceus
Family: Composite
The stem is substantial, red-purple with white bristles. The leaves gently clasp the stem and are oblong and with some teeth. This feature and the paler white-purple colour, for me, distinguish this species from New England aster.
For a discussion of local aster species see heart-leaved aster
Aster puniceus
Family: Composite
The stem is substantial, red-purple with white bristles. The leaves gently clasp the stem and are oblong and with some teeth. This feature and the paler white-purple colour, for me, distinguish this species from New England aster.
For a discussion of local aster species see heart-leaved aster
Purple-stemmed aster
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Purple-stemmed aster
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Purslane
Portulaca oleracea
Family: Purslane
Portula'ca: an old name, probably Latin, from words meaning "small gate or door" because of the capsule lid. The genus Portulaca was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
olera'cea/olera'ceus: oleraceous, resembling garden herbs or vegetables used in cooking.
Portulaca oleracea
Family: Purslane
Portula'ca: an old name, probably Latin, from words meaning "small gate or door" because of the capsule lid. The genus Portulaca was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
olera'cea/olera'ceus: oleraceous, resembling garden herbs or vegetables used in cooking.
Purslane
Queen Anne's lace
Daucus carota
Family: Parsley
Also known as wild carrot. A tall summer plant especially notable as its flowers curl inward to make what resembles a bird's nest
Dau'cus: an ancient Greek name. The genus Daucus was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
caro'ta: Latin name for carrot, derived from the Greek karoton
Daucus carota
Family: Parsley
Also known as wild carrot. A tall summer plant especially notable as its flowers curl inward to make what resembles a bird's nest
Dau'cus: an ancient Greek name. The genus Daucus was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
caro'ta: Latin name for carrot, derived from the Greek karoton
Queen Anne's lace
Ragweed
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Family: Composite
This photo July 14/20 so it is the early stage of growth. By mid-August it is causing hay fever.
Ambro'sia: Greek for "food of the gods." The genus Ambrosia was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
artemisiifo'lia: having leaves that resemble those of Artemisia.
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Family: Composite
This photo July 14/20 so it is the early stage of growth. By mid-August it is causing hay fever.
Ambro'sia: Greek for "food of the gods." The genus Ambrosia was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
artemisiifo'lia: having leaves that resemble those of Artemisia.
Ragweed
Raspberry
Rubus idaeus
Family: Rose
Ru'bus: a Latin name for "bramble" or "blackberry" from ruber, "red." The genus Rubus was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Rubus idaeus
Family: Rose
Ru'bus: a Latin name for "bramble" or "blackberry" from ruber, "red." The genus Rubus was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Raspberry
Rattlesnake-root
Prenanthes spp
Family: Composite
Also known as white lettuce. There are several species too similar to differentiate
Prenanthes is derived from the Greek prenes, "prone, prostrate, with face downward," and anthos, "flower."
Prenanthes spp
Family: Composite
Also known as white lettuce. There are several species too similar to differentiate
Prenanthes is derived from the Greek prenes, "prone, prostrate, with face downward," and anthos, "flower."
Rattlesnake-root
Red clover
Trifolium pratense
Family: Pea
A familiar plant. Red clover can appear more purple than red.
Similar: There are other plants with clover-like leaves: black medick, hop clover, yellow wood-sorrel, white and yellow sweet clover.
Trifolium: three leaves
Praten'se/praten'sis: growing in meadows.
Trifolium pratense
Family: Pea
A familiar plant. Red clover can appear more purple than red.
Similar: There are other plants with clover-like leaves: black medick, hop clover, yellow wood-sorrel, white and yellow sweet clover.
Trifolium: three leaves
Praten'se/praten'sis: growing in meadows.
Red clover
Rough cinquefoil
Potentilla norvegica
Family: Rose
This cinquefoil has three leaflets, not five.
Potentil'la: comes from the Latin diminutive of potens meaning "powerful" in reference to the medicinal properties of some species. The genus Potentilla was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Potentilla)
norvegica: Norwegian
Potentilla norvegica
Family: Rose
This cinquefoil has three leaflets, not five.
Potentil'la: comes from the Latin diminutive of potens meaning "powerful" in reference to the medicinal properties of some species. The genus Potentilla was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Potentilla)
norvegica: Norwegian
Rough cinquefoil
Rough-fruited cinquefoil
Potentilla recta
Family: Rose
There are several cinquefoils common in our area. The striking feature of this one is its shade of yellow. I believe that the word cinquefoil means five-leaflets, as in cinque feuilles.
Potentil'la: comes from the Latin diminutive of potens meaning "powerful" in reference to the medicinal properties of some species. The genus Potentilla was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Potentilla)
recta: upright
Potentilla recta
Family: Rose
There are several cinquefoils common in our area. The striking feature of this one is its shade of yellow. I believe that the word cinquefoil means five-leaflets, as in cinque feuilles.
Potentil'la: comes from the Latin diminutive of potens meaning "powerful" in reference to the medicinal properties of some species. The genus Potentilla was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Potentilla)
recta: upright
Rough-fruited cinquefoil
Rough-stemmed goldenrod
Solidago rugosa
Family: Composite
Both the stem and leaves are hairy and rough. The leaves can be quite sharply toothed and have a feather vein pattern. See Canada goldenrod for discussion.
Solidago rugosa
Family: Composite
Both the stem and leaves are hairy and rough. The leaves can be quite sharply toothed and have a feather vein pattern. See Canada goldenrod for discussion.
Round-leaved hepatica
Anemone americana
Family: Buttercup
Late October, 2023 I notice fresh green leaves of this plant. I don't think they were there all summer. Perhaps there are new leaves late in the season to permit photosynthesis of some starch for the following spring. I think this flowers early in the spring and it would be a challenge to produce enough energy that early. Just a thought.
Anemone americana
Family: Buttercup
Late October, 2023 I notice fresh green leaves of this plant. I don't think they were there all summer. Perhaps there are new leaves late in the season to permit photosynthesis of some starch for the following spring. I think this flowers early in the spring and it would be a challenge to produce enough energy that early. Just a thought.
Round-leaved hepatica May 1/22
St Johns wort
Hypericum perforatum
Family: St Johnswort
Known as common St Johnswort.
Hyperi'cum: an ancient Greek name derived from hyper, "above," and eikon, "picture," from the old practice of placing flowers above an image in the house to ward off evil spirits at the midsummer festival of Walpurgisnacht, which later became the feast of St. John held in late June when they are in bloom, and thus took the name of St. John's wort. The genus Hypericum was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
perfora'tum: perforated, with the paired leaves joined at the base and thus 'perforated' by the stem.
Hypericum perforatum
Family: St Johnswort
Known as common St Johnswort.
Hyperi'cum: an ancient Greek name derived from hyper, "above," and eikon, "picture," from the old practice of placing flowers above an image in the house to ward off evil spirits at the midsummer festival of Walpurgisnacht, which later became the feast of St. John held in late June when they are in bloom, and thus took the name of St. John's wort. The genus Hypericum was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
perfora'tum: perforated, with the paired leaves joined at the base and thus 'perforated' by the stem.
St Johnswort
Sarsaparilla
Aralia nudicaulis
Family: Ginseng
A common plant of the woods. I seldom see flowers or fruit. the leaves of ash saplings, though ash are woody.
Ara'lia: Latinization of an old French-Canadian or American-Indian name aralie. The genus Aralia was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Aralia)
Nudicaulis = bare stem; this likely is to differentiate it from the very similar bristly sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla
Shinleaf
Pyrola elliptica
Family: Wintergreen
A plant of shady woods under coniferous trees although this one was under a birch. I notice what look like fresh green leaves late in October.
Pyro'la: pear-like, from the Latin diminutive of Pyrus, meaning "pear," for the pear-like leaf shape, and a genus commonly called shinleaf or wintergreen. The genus Pyrola was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
elliptica - may refer to the leaf shape
Pyrola elliptica
Family: Wintergreen
A plant of shady woods under coniferous trees although this one was under a birch. I notice what look like fresh green leaves late in October.
Pyro'la: pear-like, from the Latin diminutive of Pyrus, meaning "pear," for the pear-like leaf shape, and a genus commonly called shinleaf or wintergreen. The genus Pyrola was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
elliptica - may refer to the leaf shape
Shinleaf
Silvery cinquefoil
Potentilla argentea
Family: Rose
Potentil'la: comes from the Latin diminutive of potens meaning "powerful" in reference to the medicinal properties of some species. The genus Potentilla was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
argentea: silvery
Potentilla argentea
Family: Rose
Potentil'la: comes from the Latin diminutive of potens meaning "powerful" in reference to the medicinal properties of some species. The genus Potentilla was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
argentea: silvery
Silvery cinquefoil
Small sundrops
Oenothera perennis
Family: Evening primrose
Small plants, small flowers, alternate straplike leaves, reddish on underside of leaf. Found on lakeshore. Meaning of latin name is uncertain. Oenos = wine; thera may be catch, hunt.
Oenothera perennis
Family: Evening primrose
Small plants, small flowers, alternate straplike leaves, reddish on underside of leaf. Found on lakeshore. Meaning of latin name is uncertain. Oenos = wine; thera may be catch, hunt.
Smoothish hawkweed
Hieracium floribundum
Family: Composite
Hawkweeds are like dandelions on long stalks usually with several yellow flowering heads on one stalk. There are many species so it can be difficult to be precise. They can be divided based on the leaves: are they primarily in a basal rosette or along the stem? King Devil is very similar but the upper surface of those leaves are hairy, so this appears to be smoothish hawkweed. The flowers don't all bloom at once. I see a single one having bloomed 23/6/20.
Hierac'ium: the classical name hierakion comes from the ancient Greek hierax, "a hawk." The Roman naturalist Pliny believed that hawks fed on this plant to strengthen their eyesight and thus it became the Greek and Latin name for this and similar plants, the common name of which is hawkweed. The genus Hieracium was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Hieracium).
floribun'da/floribun'dus: from floris, "flower," or florere, "to flower," with the Latin adjectival suffix -bundus used in the sense of doing or action accomplished, and thus meaning "profusely flowering, producing or having produced abundant flowers."
Hieracium floribundum
Family: Composite
Hawkweeds are like dandelions on long stalks usually with several yellow flowering heads on one stalk. There are many species so it can be difficult to be precise. They can be divided based on the leaves: are they primarily in a basal rosette or along the stem? King Devil is very similar but the upper surface of those leaves are hairy, so this appears to be smoothish hawkweed. The flowers don't all bloom at once. I see a single one having bloomed 23/6/20.
Hierac'ium: the classical name hierakion comes from the ancient Greek hierax, "a hawk." The Roman naturalist Pliny believed that hawks fed on this plant to strengthen their eyesight and thus it became the Greek and Latin name for this and similar plants, the common name of which is hawkweed. The genus Hieracium was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. (ref. genus Hieracium).
floribun'da/floribun'dus: from floris, "flower," or florere, "to flower," with the Latin adjectival suffix -bundus used in the sense of doing or action accomplished, and thus meaning "profusely flowering, producing or having produced abundant flowers."
Smoothish hawkweed
Spiny-leaved sow thistle
Sonchus asper
Family: Composite
Sonchus asper
Family: Composite
Spiny-leaved sow thistle
Spotted Joe-pyeweed
Eupatorium maculatum
Family: Composite
A late summer flower often in wetter areas, pink-purple flowers.
Eupator'ium: from the Greek name Mithridates VI, aka Eupator Dionysius (c.132-63 BC), King of Pontus and
Armenia Minor in northern Anatolia (now Turkey) from about 120–63 BC who is said to have discovered an antidote to a commonly used poison in one of the species. After the assassination of his father and while still a youth, he supposedly spent seven years living in the wilderness, and regularly ingested sub-lethal doses of toxic substances to the point where he believed he had developed an antidote and could not be poisoned. The Kingdom of Pontus before the rule of Mithridates occupied a coastal area southeast of the Black Sea and along the eastern coast and
mostly surrounding the Sea Of Azov and the Crimea, and during his rule it was extended greatly in area south to the Mediterranean and west to what is now Istanbul and the Aegean Sea. Mithridates was considered as one of the Roman Republic’s most formidable and successful enemies, who engaged three of the prominent generals from the late Roman Republic in the Mithridatic Wars: Lucius Cornelius Sulla, Lucius Licinius Lucullus and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. Some of these engagements were successful and some not. He has been called the greatest ruler of the Kingdom of Pontus. According to Pliny the Elder, Mithridates was a polyglot who could speak the languages of all twenty-two of the nations he governed. He had several wives including his first who was his sister, and since he claimed ancestry from the Persians he named a number of his sons after the great Persian rulers like Xerxes, Darius and Cyrus. The manner of his death seems quite ironic. Wikipedia says: "After Pompey defeated him in Pontus, Mithridates VI fled to the lands north of the Black Sea in the winter of 66 BC in the hope that he could raise a new army and carry on the war through invading Italy by way of the Danube. His preparations proved to be too harsh on the local nobles and populace, and they rebelled against his rule. He reportedly attempted suicide by poison. This attempt failed because of his immunity to the poison. According to Appian's Roman History, he then requested his Gallic bodyguard and friend, Bituitus, to kill him by the sword. Carl Linnaeus published the genus Eupatorium in 1753.
macula'ta/macula'tum/macula'tus: spotted, referring to purple splotches on the stems of leaves or on petals
Spreading dogbane
Apocynum androsaemifolium
Family: Dogbane
This plant is reminiscent of the more familiar milkweed though its leaves and flowers are more modest. It is very similar to intermediate dogbane which does not have the reflexed petal tips.
Similar: Spreading dogbane has opposite leaves and without flowers could be confused with honeysuckle, ash sapling, sumac, intermediate dogbane and milkweed.
Apoc'ynum: from the Greek apo, "away from," and kyon or kunos, "dog," i.e. noxious to dogs, in reference to its ancient use as a dog poison, hence dogbane. The genus Apocynum was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus.
androsaemifo'lium: with leaves like Androsaemum, a genus which takes its appellation from the old Greek name Androsaimon used by Dioscorides for a kind of Hypericum, which is derived from andros, "man," and haima, "blood," in reference to its blood-red sap or juice.
Apocynum androsaemifolium
Family: Dogbane
This plant is reminiscent of the more familiar milkweed though its leaves and flowers are more modest. It is very similar to intermediate dogbane which does not have the reflexed petal tips.
Similar: Spreading dogbane has opposite leaves and without flowers could be confused with honeysuckle, ash sapling, sumac, intermediate dogbane and milkweed.
Apoc'ynum: from the Greek apo, "away from," and kyon or kunos, "dog," i.e. noxious to dogs, in reference to its ancient use as a dog poison, hence dogbane. The genus Apocynum was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus.
androsaemifo'lium: with leaves like Androsaemum, a genus which takes its appellation from the old Greek name Androsaimon used by Dioscorides for a kind of Hypericum, which is derived from andros, "man," and haima, "blood," in reference to its blood-red sap or juice.
Spreading dogbane
Square-stemmed monkey flower
Mimulus ringens
Family: Snapdragon
Mi'mulus: may come either from the Greek mimo, "an ape," because of a resemblance on the markings of the seeds to the face of a monkey, or from the Latin mimus, "an actor or mimic," because the flower is like the mouthpiece of one of the grinning masks worn by classical actors. The genus Mimulus was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
rin'gens: gaping, referring to the corolla.
Mimulus ringens
Family: Snapdragon
Mi'mulus: may come either from the Greek mimo, "an ape," because of a resemblance on the markings of the seeds to the face of a monkey, or from the Latin mimus, "an actor or mimic," because the flower is like the mouthpiece of one of the grinning masks worn by classical actors. The genus Mimulus was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
rin'gens: gaping, referring to the corolla.
Square-stemmed monkey flower
Starflower
Trientalis borealis
Family: Primrose
This photo was taken after the flower had faded.
Trienta'lis: one-third of a foot in height, about the height of these small plants. The genus Trientalis was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Trientalis borealis
Family: Primrose
This photo was taken after the flower had faded.
Trienta'lis: one-third of a foot in height, about the height of these small plants. The genus Trientalis was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Starflower
Stinging nettle
Urtica dioica
Family: Nettle
Ur'tica: from uro, "I burn," alluding to the nettle's sting. The genus Urtica was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
dio'ica/dio'icus: dioecious, having male and female flowers on separate plants
Urtica dioica
Family: Nettle
Ur'tica: from uro, "I burn," alluding to the nettle's sting. The genus Urtica was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
dio'ica/dio'icus: dioecious, having male and female flowers on separate plants
Stinging nettle
Swamp candle
Lysimachia terrestris
Family: Primrose
Also known as yellow loosestrife. Found along lake shores.
Lysimach'ia: named for Lysimachos, King of Thrace, or more likely from the Greek lysimachos, "ending strife," from lysis, "a loosening, releasing," and mache, strife, from whence came the English name of loosestrife, which the Jepson Manual gives as the common name for this genus (in addition to Lythrum). Lysimachos was according to legend the first one to discover that the plant now known as loosestrife had a calming effect on oxen (see more below). Lysimachia was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Swamp candle
Swamp milkweed
Ascleptias incarnata
Family: milkweed
Ascleptias incarnata
Family: milkweed
Swamp milkweed
Tall goldenrod
Solidago altissima
Family: Composite
I am not certain about this identification. There appear to be 3 common parallel-veined goldenrods (tall, Canada and late) in this area of which only this one is rough-stemmed, top to bottom. The leaves seem even narrower than Canada goldenrod in this one example. The stem here is purple-brown.
Solidago altissima
Family: Composite
I am not certain about this identification. There appear to be 3 common parallel-veined goldenrods (tall, Canada and late) in this area of which only this one is rough-stemmed, top to bottom. The leaves seem even narrower than Canada goldenrod in this one example. The stem here is purple-brown.
Tall meadowrue
Thalictrum polygamum
Family: Buttercup
Thalic'trum: from thaliktron, a name used to describe a plant with divided leaves, and a name given to the genus by Dioscorides, the Greek physician and pharmacologist who wrote the Materia Medica, which remained the leading pharmacological text for sixteen centuries. The genus Thalictrum was published by Carl Linnaes in 1753.
polyg'amus: presumably meaning polygamous, that is bearing both unisexual and bisexual flowers on the same plant.
Thalictrum polygamum
Family: Buttercup
Thalic'trum: from thaliktron, a name used to describe a plant with divided leaves, and a name given to the genus by Dioscorides, the Greek physician and pharmacologist who wrote the Materia Medica, which remained the leading pharmacological text for sixteen centuries. The genus Thalictrum was published by Carl Linnaes in 1753.
polyg'amus: presumably meaning polygamous, that is bearing both unisexual and bisexual flowers on the same plant.
Tall meadowrue
Thyme-leaved speedwell
Veronical serpyllifolia
Family: Snapdragon
Veronical serpyllifolia
Family: Snapdragon
Tufted loosestrife
Lysimachia thyrsiflora
Family: Loosestrife
This is one of the rare wildflowers not included in the Peterson guide but is in Newcomb. The long linear leaves are opposite with the flowers at the axils.
Lysimachia thyrsiflora
Family: Loosestrife
This is one of the rare wildflowers not included in the Peterson guide but is in Newcomb. The long linear leaves are opposite with the flowers at the axils.
Tufted vetch
Vicia cracca
Family: Pea
Common along roadsides. Tendrils, climbs among other plants.
Vic'ia: the classical Latin name for this genus. The genus Vicia was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
rac'ca: from the Latin cracca, a name given to a vetch
Vicia cracca
Family: Pea
Common along roadsides. Tendrils, climbs among other plants.
Vic'ia: the classical Latin name for this genus. The genus Vicia was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
rac'ca: from the Latin cracca, a name given to a vetch
Tufted vetch
Turtlehead
Chelone glabra
Family: Snapdragon
Chelone glabra
Family: Snapdragon
Turtlehead
Violet
Violet
Virginia creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Family: Vitaceae
A common vine in urban areas, often seen on telephone poles.
Parthenocis'sus: from the Greek parthenos, "a virgin," and kissos, "ivy," a genus whose common name is woodbine or virginia creeper, Virginia having been named after England's virgin queen Elizabeth I. The genus Parthenocissus was published by Jules Émile Planchon in 1887.
quinquefolia: five leaves
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Family: Vitaceae
A common vine in urban areas, often seen on telephone poles.
Parthenocis'sus: from the Greek parthenos, "a virgin," and kissos, "ivy," a genus whose common name is woodbine or virginia creeper, Virginia having been named after England's virgin queen Elizabeth I. The genus Parthenocissus was published by Jules Émile Planchon in 1887.
quinquefolia: five leaves
Virginia creeper
Virginia waterleaf
Hydrophyllum virginianum
Family: Waterleaf
There was no flower so I am not entirely certain about this identification. However it does seem to match in Peterson and the violet node on the stem is present. Located within a couple of feet of the pond. The stem is somewhat angular. The leaves are opposite and compound.
Hydrophyllum virginianum
Family: Waterleaf
There was no flower so I am not entirely certain about this identification. However it does seem to match in Peterson and the violet node on the stem is present. Located within a couple of feet of the pond. The stem is somewhat angular. The leaves are opposite and compound.
Virginia waterleaf
Virginia waterleaf - violet colour at the node
White avens
Geum canadense
Family: Rose
The description in Peterson and elsewhere shows normal-looking sepals but the example I see has reflexed petals. I read though that the petals can reflex when the flower is in bloom.
Geum canadense
Family: Rose
The description in Peterson and elsewhere shows normal-looking sepals but the example I see has reflexed petals. I read though that the petals can reflex when the flower is in bloom.
White baneberry
Actaea pachypoda
Family: Buttercup
The example shown does not have either flowers or mature fruit yet, so I don't know if it is white or red baneberry at this point.
Ac'taea: the Jepson Manual says "an ancient Greek name, from its wet habitat and similarity to Sambucus leaves," and Umberto Quattrocchi says: "Latin actaea for a strong-smelling plant, herb Christopher (Plinius); Greek aktea, akte, 'the elder-tree, elder,' referring to the leaves or to the fruits." The genus Actaea was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
pachypo'da: with a thick foot or stalk
Actaea pachypoda
Family: Buttercup
The example shown does not have either flowers or mature fruit yet, so I don't know if it is white or red baneberry at this point.
Ac'taea: the Jepson Manual says "an ancient Greek name, from its wet habitat and similarity to Sambucus leaves," and Umberto Quattrocchi says: "Latin actaea for a strong-smelling plant, herb Christopher (Plinius); Greek aktea, akte, 'the elder-tree, elder,' referring to the leaves or to the fruits." The genus Actaea was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
pachypo'da: with a thick foot or stalk
Baneberry
White clover
Trifolium repens
Family: Pea
Very common. A component of many lawns.
Trifolium: three leaves
Repens: having creeping and rooting stems
Trifolium repens
Family: Pea
Very common. A component of many lawns.
Trifolium: three leaves
Repens: having creeping and rooting stems
White clover
White sweet clover
Melilotus alba
Family: Pea
A rather tall-growing almost bushy plant with flowers in tapered clusters.
Melilo'tus: from the Greek words meli, "honey," and lotos, a leguminous plant. The genus Melilotus was published by Philip Miller in 1754.
alba: white
Melilotus alba
Family: Pea
A rather tall-growing almost bushy plant with flowers in tapered clusters.
Melilo'tus: from the Greek words meli, "honey," and lotos, a leguminous plant. The genus Melilotus was published by Philip Miller in 1754.
alba: white
White sweet clover
Whorled loosestrife
Lysimachia quadrifolia
Family: Primrose
Lysimachia quadrifolia
Family: Primrose
Whorled wood aster
Oclemena acuminata
Family: Composite
For a discussion of local aster species see heart-leaved aster.
Oclemena acuminata
Family: Composite
For a discussion of local aster species see heart-leaved aster.
Whorled wood aster
Wild mint
Wild mint
Wild strawberry
Fragaria virginiana
Family: Rose
Fragar'ia: from the Latin fraga, "strawberry," which derives from fragum, "fragrant," from the fragrance of the fruit. The genus Fragaria was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
Fragaria virginiana
Family: Rose
Fragar'ia: from the Latin fraga, "strawberry," which derives from fragum, "fragrant," from the fragrance of the fruit. The genus Fragaria was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
Wild strawberry
Willow-herb (likely Northern willow-herb)
Epilobium glandulosum
Family: Evening-primrose family
Epilobium glandulosum
Family: Evening-primrose family
Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens
Family: Heath
Crushing the leaf or berry produces a strong spearming-like fragrance.
Gaulther'ia: after Jean François Gaulthier (1708-1756), French-Canadian botanist of Quebec, appointed King's physician for Quebec in 1741. His name is variously spelled as Gautier, Gauthier, Gaulthier or Gaultier. He was born in Normandy and little is known of his early childhood and youth but he studied and practiced medicine in Paris for a number of years. After the position of King’s physician in Quebec City had been vacant for several years, Gaulthier was appointed to it and he sailed for New France in 1742. He was also appointed physician of the teaching hospital Hôtel-Dieu de Québec and the seminary. He knew the botanists Antoine de Jussieu and Bernard de Jussieu who gave him a copy of s book entitled "History of the Plants of Canada" which he carried with him. In May 1745, he was elected Henri-Louis Duhamel du Monceau 's foreign correspondent for the Royal Academy of Sciences for subjects such as meteorology , arboriculture, and agriculture. He established the first Canadian meteorological station at Quebec in November 1742. Gaultier was hospitalized in July 1756 for typhus and died that year. The disease was brought on the ship The Leopard , one of the squadron ships that brought Governor Louis-Joseph de Montcalm to Canada and affected about 1,000 people . He was not replaced because a first designated successor, Mr. Chomel, died before crossing, while a second, Mr. Lebeau, was prevented from coming to Canada because of the raging Seven Years' War. My translation of French Wikipedia says: “It was botany that, after meteorology, absorbed the bulk of his intellectual effort. Popular medicine, botanical pharmacopoeias and the use of woods hold his attention. He helped to popularize several crops, pharmaceuticals and others, and the so-called 'tea of the woods' (Gaultheria procumbens). He compiled Canadian botanical vocabularies and prepared several treatises on maple sugar and the manufacture of pitch and resin which were published. Duhamel du Monceau published about 115 pages of Gaulthier's works. In 1752, Gaulthier sent samples of minerals to minerologist Jean-Étienne Guettard, which allowed him to develop an overall theory on the distribution of minerals and the structure of continents, a theory he had already applied in studies on Egypt, France, and Switzerland . Thanks to Gaulthier, Guettard extended his theory to North America. Creating a network of local correspondents, Gaulthier made several shipments of preserved animals to the French naturalist René-Antoine Ferchault Réaumur, birds, fish and mammals especially, some of which were accompanied by descriptions of the habits of those animals. He was credited with "excellent work in entomology." The genus Gaultheria was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus based on an earlier description by the Finnish botanist and explorer Pehr Kalm. (ref. genus Gaultheria)
Gaultheria procumbens
Family: Heath
Crushing the leaf or berry produces a strong spearming-like fragrance.
Gaulther'ia: after Jean François Gaulthier (1708-1756), French-Canadian botanist of Quebec, appointed King's physician for Quebec in 1741. His name is variously spelled as Gautier, Gauthier, Gaulthier or Gaultier. He was born in Normandy and little is known of his early childhood and youth but he studied and practiced medicine in Paris for a number of years. After the position of King’s physician in Quebec City had been vacant for several years, Gaulthier was appointed to it and he sailed for New France in 1742. He was also appointed physician of the teaching hospital Hôtel-Dieu de Québec and the seminary. He knew the botanists Antoine de Jussieu and Bernard de Jussieu who gave him a copy of s book entitled "History of the Plants of Canada" which he carried with him. In May 1745, he was elected Henri-Louis Duhamel du Monceau 's foreign correspondent for the Royal Academy of Sciences for subjects such as meteorology , arboriculture, and agriculture. He established the first Canadian meteorological station at Quebec in November 1742. Gaultier was hospitalized in July 1756 for typhus and died that year. The disease was brought on the ship The Leopard , one of the squadron ships that brought Governor Louis-Joseph de Montcalm to Canada and affected about 1,000 people . He was not replaced because a first designated successor, Mr. Chomel, died before crossing, while a second, Mr. Lebeau, was prevented from coming to Canada because of the raging Seven Years' War. My translation of French Wikipedia says: “It was botany that, after meteorology, absorbed the bulk of his intellectual effort. Popular medicine, botanical pharmacopoeias and the use of woods hold his attention. He helped to popularize several crops, pharmaceuticals and others, and the so-called 'tea of the woods' (Gaultheria procumbens). He compiled Canadian botanical vocabularies and prepared several treatises on maple sugar and the manufacture of pitch and resin which were published. Duhamel du Monceau published about 115 pages of Gaulthier's works. In 1752, Gaulthier sent samples of minerals to minerologist Jean-Étienne Guettard, which allowed him to develop an overall theory on the distribution of minerals and the structure of continents, a theory he had already applied in studies on Egypt, France, and Switzerland . Thanks to Gaulthier, Guettard extended his theory to North America. Creating a network of local correspondents, Gaulthier made several shipments of preserved animals to the French naturalist René-Antoine Ferchault Réaumur, birds, fish and mammals especially, some of which were accompanied by descriptions of the habits of those animals. He was credited with "excellent work in entomology." The genus Gaultheria was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus based on an earlier description by the Finnish botanist and explorer Pehr Kalm. (ref. genus Gaultheria)
Wintergreen
Wormseed mustard
Erysimum cheiranthoides
Family: Mustard
There are many species of mustard and not all are shown in Peterson. This small mustard seems to fit the description of wormseed mustard but I am not sure.
Erys'imum: from the Greek eryomai, "to help or save," because some of the species supposedly had a medicinal value
Cheirantho'ides: resembling genus Cheiranthus. Cheiranthus: "hand" + "flower"
Erysimum cheiranthoides
Family: Mustard
There are many species of mustard and not all are shown in Peterson. This small mustard seems to fit the description of wormseed mustard but I am not sure.
Erys'imum: from the Greek eryomai, "to help or save," because some of the species supposedly had a medicinal value
Cheirantho'ides: resembling genus Cheiranthus. Cheiranthus: "hand" + "flower"
Wormseed mustard
Wood nettle
Laportea canadensis
Family: Nettle
This is the only nettle with alternate leaves. It has fewer stinging hairs than stinging nettle.
Laportea canadensis
Family: Nettle
This is the only nettle with alternate leaves. It has fewer stinging hairs than stinging nettle.
Wood strawberry
Fragaria vesca
Family: Rose
The leaves are pointier than common strawberry and the plant grows upright, not with visible runners. The berry is held above the leaves.
Fragaria vesca
Family: Rose
The leaves are pointier than common strawberry and the plant grows upright, not with visible runners. The berry is held above the leaves.
Wormwood
Artemisia spp
Family: Composite
There are many species of wormwood and mugwort. They are tall, leafy plants with inconspicuous flowers.
Artemis'ia: referring to the Greek goddess Artemis who so benefited from a plant of this family that she gave it her own name. This was also the old Latin name given to the mugwort or wormwoods. An alternative though less likely possibility for the derivation of this name is that it comes from Queen Artemisia of Halicarnassus in Asia Minor (Turkey), sister and wife of King Mausolus, who ruled after his death from 352 to 350 B.C.E. and built during her short reign one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which she unfortunately did not live to see the completion of. The genus Artemisia was published by Carl Linnaeus ini 1753
Artemisia spp
Family: Composite
There are many species of wormwood and mugwort. They are tall, leafy plants with inconspicuous flowers.
Artemis'ia: referring to the Greek goddess Artemis who so benefited from a plant of this family that she gave it her own name. This was also the old Latin name given to the mugwort or wormwoods. An alternative though less likely possibility for the derivation of this name is that it comes from Queen Artemisia of Halicarnassus in Asia Minor (Turkey), sister and wife of King Mausolus, who ruled after his death from 352 to 350 B.C.E. and built during her short reign one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which she unfortunately did not live to see the completion of. The genus Artemisia was published by Carl Linnaeus ini 1753
Wormwood
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Family: Composite
A common roadside plant. Many small flowers form a white-topped head and the leaves are fern-like.
Achil'lea: named for Achilles, who according to Homer in Greek mythology was a student of Chiron, the centaur known for his knowledge of medicinal herbs. Achilles supposedly used plants of the genus to staunch the wounds of his soldiers at the siege of Troy. Ironically called "nose-bleed, " it was apparently used to induce nose-bleeds as a means of curing headaches. Yarrow was one of the medicinal herbs that was found at a 60,000 year old Neanderthal burial site in Iraq. The genus Achillea was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus.
millefo'lia/millefo'lium/millefo'lius: with many leaves, or leaf segments, literally "a thousand leaves."
Achillea millefolium
Family: Composite
A common roadside plant. Many small flowers form a white-topped head and the leaves are fern-like.
Achil'lea: named for Achilles, who according to Homer in Greek mythology was a student of Chiron, the centaur known for his knowledge of medicinal herbs. Achilles supposedly used plants of the genus to staunch the wounds of his soldiers at the siege of Troy. Ironically called "nose-bleed, " it was apparently used to induce nose-bleeds as a means of curing headaches. Yarrow was one of the medicinal herbs that was found at a 60,000 year old Neanderthal burial site in Iraq. The genus Achillea was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus.
millefo'lia/millefo'lium/millefo'lius: with many leaves, or leaf segments, literally "a thousand leaves."
Yarrow
Yellow avens
Geum aleppicum
Family: Rose
Ge'um: an ancient Latin name. The genus Geum was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
alep'picum: of or from Aleppo, in northwestern Syria near the Mediterranean Sea.
Geum aleppicum
Family: Rose
Ge'um: an ancient Latin name. The genus Geum was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
alep'picum: of or from Aleppo, in northwestern Syria near the Mediterranean Sea.
Yellow avens
Yellow wood-sorrel
Oxalis europaea
Family: Wood-sorrel
Leaves that look like clover, small yellow flowers. This seems to be the first weed to appear in many gardens. The leaves have a sharp but pleasant taste.
Oxa'lis: from the Greek oxys for "sharp, sour," referring to the pleasantly sour taste of the leaves and stem. The genus Oxalis was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
Oxalis europaea
Family: Wood-sorrel
Leaves that look like clover, small yellow flowers. This seems to be the first weed to appear in many gardens. The leaves have a sharp but pleasant taste.
Oxa'lis: from the Greek oxys for "sharp, sour," referring to the pleasantly sour taste of the leaves and stem. The genus Oxalis was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753
Yellow wood-sorrel