Category Archives: native plants

Oh Happy Death

Posted on April 8, 2014 by prairiebotanist

Today should have been a happy day. I found a rare gem…for me, a first-time discovery. The occurrence had been documented before, but I have stood poised through winter, waiting for the moment that I would encounter the elusive and … Continue reading →

Posted in native plants, Phenology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Spring Commencing

Posted on April 8, 2014 by prairiebotanist

Finally, the bloom calendar may begin. Beth and I came across some skunk cabbage, Symplocarpus foetidus, blooming at Stute Springs in Waukesha County, WI on April 6. These first blooms of spring may convey the death and decay of the … Continue reading →

Posted in native plants, Phenology | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Native and Exotic Plants: Problematic Terminology

Posted on December 7, 2013 by prairiebotanist

I have always taken terms like “native” and “exotic” for granted. Native species may be assigned ecological value, but it is what they reveal about our natural heritage that I have always valued more. As integral parts of my human … Continue reading →

Posted in native plants, restoration | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment