Category Archives: Botany

ALERT: MOW DOWN MUGWORT BEFORE SEEDS RIPEN

ALERT: MOW DOWN MUGWORT BEFORE FROST, WHEN ITS SEEDS START TO FLY Connecticut plant scientists and volunteers who work on invasive issues are gravely concerned that mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is spreading rapidly throughout our road network. Minute seeds are blown … Continue reading

Posted in Botany, food chain, Invasive Species | 2 Comments

Where are the Starry Campions?

  Starry Campion  (Silene stellata)   source:  www. ct- Botanical- Society.org    In the 1960’s  on the north shore of Long Island, I recall seeing this exquisite native campion along hayfield edges, partly shaded by oak woods.  It grew both … Continue reading

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Lesser Celandine – a Temptress

When lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) came up in a shady moist part of my yard, I admit, I did not promptly rip it out, though I do know it is a confirmed Invasive Plant Species, on the official Connecticut List.  … Continue reading

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Critical Habitats in Connecticut

Introduction I am often asked, just what is a critical habitat, and is it protected or not?   My answer is drawn from  a hybrid  DEEP document  (map plus explanations and keys)  called “Critical Habitats” last revised in 2011.  Recently retired … Continue reading

Posted in Botany, Invasive Species, Soils, Uncategorized, Water Quality, Wildlife Habitat | 1 Comment

Rich and Poor in the Plant World – Part 1

My much-loved,  old, heavy botanical manuals (e.g. Fernald and Britton and Brown)  always include a sentence or two about the habitat where a plant is found, as well as exceedingly detailed morphological descriptions.  “Found in rich soil” is a frequent … Continue reading

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