Category: Uncategorized
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Corylus americana
Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: KOR-ih-lus ah-mer-ih-KAY-nuh Description: Distribution/Location: Found in woodlands and forest edges throughout eastern North America. Commonly grown throughout the US, and also in our garden! However, the American Hazelnuts, unlike the European ones, are not commerically grown. Environmental Benefits: Provides food for birds, small mammals, and humans. They can also work as…
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Asarum canadense
Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: ah-SAIR-um kan-a-DEN-say Description: Distribution/Location: Native to the woodlands of eastern North America. Also found in East Asia where they are often used for herbal medicines and daily teas. Environmental Benefits: Wild Ginger acts as a natural ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion in forested areas. Fun Fact: Wild Ginger’s roots…
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Monarda fistulosa
Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: moh-NAR-duh fis-too-LOH-suh Description: Distribution/Location: Native to North America, commonly found in prairies, meadows, and along roadsides. Environmental Benefits: A magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while its leaves improve soil health. Fun Fact: Wild Bergamot was used by Native Americans to treat colds and as a seasoning in teas, similar to…
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Chamaenerion angustifolium
Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: kam-ay-NER-ee-on an-gus-tih-FOH-lee-um Description: Distribution/Location: Native to temperate regions of North America, thriving in open areas, especially after wildfires. Environmental Benefits: One of the first plants to colonize after wildfires, stabilizing soil and providing nectar for pollinators. Fun Fact: Fireweed gets its name because it quickly appears after forest fires and helps…
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Baptisia sphaerocarpa
Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: bap-TIS-ee-uh sfee-ruh-KAR-puh Description: Distribution/Location: Native to the southern United States, growing in prairies and open woodlands. Environmental Benefits: A nitrogen-fixer, improving soil quality while providing nectar for pollinators. Fun Fact: Historically used to make a yellow dye, Wild Indigo is now popular in native gardens for its toughness and prettiness.