Tag: ecology
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The Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata)
Physical Description Spanish Cedar is a large, evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters (98 feet) tall. It has a straight trunk with reddish-brown bark and a broad canopy of compound leaves. The tree produces small, fragrant flowers followed by woody capsules containing seeds. Environmental Concerns Spanish Cedar is endangered due to overexploitation…
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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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Eriophorum vaginatum
Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: air-ee-oh-FOR-um vaj-ih-NAY-tum Description: Eriophorum vaginatum is a perennial herbaceous plant that forms dense clumps, or tussocks, typically growing 30 to 70 centimeters (12 to 28 inches) tall. It is recognized for its distinctive white, fluffy, cotton-like flower heads. The leaves are narrow, grass-like, and grow primarily from the base of the…
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Picea sitchensis
Common Names: Sitka Spruce Phonetic Spelling: PIE-see-uh sit-CHEN-sis Description: Picea sitchensis is a large evergreen coniferous tree that can grow up to 50 to 70 meters (165 to 230 feet) tall, with some individuals reaching up to 100 meters (330 feet). The trunk diameter can be 1 to 2.5 meters (3 to 8 feet). The…