The American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea), also called Yellow Lotus, Yellow Water Lotus, or Water Chinquapin, is one of those native plants that looks almost too exotic to belong here. Huge blue-green leaves rise above the water, creamy…

American Elder (Sambucus canadensis) is the generous grandmother of the hedgerow. It offers clouds of fragrant flowers in early summer, clusters of dark berries in late summer, and enough folklore to fill an entire bookshelf. If you've ever…

Welcome to another edition of Backyard Botanist. This time, we’re talking about morel mushrooms: the wrinkly little forest goblins that send otherwise normal people marching into the woods with mesh bags, fierce optimism, and absolutely no chill. And honestly…

Datura (Datura stramonium) goes by many names: Thornapple, Jimsonweed, Devil’s trumpet, hell's bells, moonflower, or just “that spooky plant your grandma warned you about.” Sprawling across disturbed ground like it owns the place, this powerful and poisonous…

Sumac (Rhus glabra) is the tart jewel of sunny slopes, field edges, and roadside thickets. This shrubby, flame-colored wildling is often mistaken for something poisonous, but rest assured—edible sumac (not to be confused with Poison Sumac, Toxicodendron vernix)…

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is the plant that slaps before it soothes. Covered in fine hairs that deliver a sharp sting on contact, it’s not exactly giving “hug me” vibes at first glance. But get to know it, and you’ll…

The Common Cattail (Typha latifolia) is like a sword-wielding sentinel of marshes and pond edges. Instantly recognizable by its brown 'forbidden corndog' flower spikes, this wetland wonder is more than just a backdrop for ducklings and sunsets—it’s a survival plant…

Ground Cherries (Physalis spp.) are the hidden gems of the hedgerow, nature’s candy wrapped in a lantern. Belonging to the nightshade family (Solanaceae), these charming little fruits grow in papery husks that resemble delicate lanterns or crinkled fairy dresses. There…

Last time on Backyard Botanist, we learned the secrets of the Spotted Touch-Me-Not. In this, our first toxic edition, we hone in on poison Hemlock.

Hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a tall, lacy-leaved biennial in the carrot family (Apiaceae), if you…

Last time on Backyard Botanist, we gave a nod to the prickly purple puff known as Nodding Thistle. Now I'd like to introduce you to the Spotted Touch-Me-Not.

Spotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis) is the woodland’s little prankster—bright, bouncy, and impossible…

Last time on Backyard Botanist, we learned all about the ecological importance of Swamp Milkweed. Now we turn the page to learn all about the bristly Nodding Thistle! Another pollinator favorite!

Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans), also known as…

Last time on Backyard Botanist, we fancied Fleabane and tried our hand at some green rice. It was……very…green. This time, our sights are set on Swamp Milkweed!

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a tall, showy perennial native to North America…

Last time on Backyard Botanist, we pondered plantain and questioned our life choices. Huh? Nevermind. Anyway, in this edition we're going back to the prairies and roadsides of the midwestern United States.

Okay. So, you may be asking yourself…

Last time on Backyard Botanist, many people on Earth made plans for their new alien friends. Meanwhile in other news, dummies on a dock get dealt with in Alabama. As if that wasn't entertaining enough, this weeks plan involves…

Previously on Backyard Botanist, seawater along the tip of Florida has exceeded hot tub temperatures of 37.8C (100F) in recent days, making it potentially the hottest ever measured, and we discovered the Orange Daylily. This week the false…

Previously, on Backyard Botanist, zoologist called pandas “lazy”, and we discovered the wonders of Echinacea. This installment will be just as exciting as we are covering the ditch lily!

More specifically Hemerocallis fulva, the orange daylily or ditch…

Purple Coneflower, also known as Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), belongs to the plant family Asteraceae. It's pretty. It's pokey. But what else is there to learn about it? Well, a lot actually.

Echinacea grows abundantly in both…

Hello again and welcome to the (belated) fourth volume of Backyard Botanist!  We are gathered here today to learn all about a plant called Amaranth (Amaranthus). But first, I have to tell you a funny (not really)…

Here we go, with the third volume of Backyard Botanist! Eating foraged foods can feel great. As with any harvest, I would imagine. It's wild once you realize how many edible plants grow all around you. And that's what…

Welcome to the second edition of Backyard Botanist! Each week I will introducing you to a new edible plant that can be plucked from your own backyard, roadside, or forest. As I share with you how to properly identify…