Tag: ecology
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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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Chamerion angustifolium
Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: kam-EER-ee-on an-gus-tee-FOH-lee-um Description: Chamerion angustifolium is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows 0.5 to 2.5 meters (1.5 to 8 feet) tall. It has a slender, erect stem with narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged alternately along the stem. The leaves are 5 to 20 centimeters (2 to 8 inches) long, with a…
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Sporobolus heterolepis
Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: spoh-ROH-boh-lus het-er-oh-LEE-pis Description: Distribution/Location: Native to the prairies of central North America, thriving in well-drained soils. Environmental Benefits: Excellent for erosion control, drought-resistant, and supports prairie ecosystems. It is also often seen in urban areas, as decoration and Fun Fact: Prairie Dropseed was used by Native Americans to make flour from…
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Panicum virgatum
Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: PAN-ih-kum vir-GAY-tum Description: Distribution/Location: Environmental Benefits: Fun Fact: Switchgrass was one of the dominant species in the tallgrass prairies that once covered much of North America. Plays a key role in prairie restoration projects aimed at restoring these vital ecosystems!
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Puu Kahea (Colubrina oppositifolia)
Physical Description The Puu Kahea is a small, rare tree native to Hawaii, typically growing up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall. It has simple, opposite leaves that are glossy and dark green. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in clusters. Environmental Concerns The Puu Kahea is critically endangered, with very few individuals…