Sightings – Plants

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/23/23

Observation Time: 7:35 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon WIldlife Sanctuary (boardwalk)

Common Name: Alder Buckthorn

Scientific Name: Frangula alnus

Comments: Alder buckthorn, also known as glossy buckthorn, is a tall shrub. I saw a hummingbird moving from tiny blossom to tiny blossom. Otherwise I probably would not have noticed that it was in bloom. I also saw some bees and wasps feeding on the tiny blossoms.

Alder buckthorn does not have thorns. It was introduced in eastern North America from Asia about a century ago. It is now widespread and invasive. Birds eat the berries when they ripen in fall.

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 8/15/18

Observation Time: 12:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Amanita mushroom

Scientific Name: Amanita sp.

Comments: The genus of this mushroom is probably Amanita, but it’s hard to say which of the numerous species of Amanita this is. Mushrooms of the genus Amanita account for most mushroom-related deaths.

More information: MushroomExpert.com

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/19/19

Observation Time: 3:10 p.m.

Observation Location: Billings Loop Botanical Trail

Common Name: American Beech Tree

Scientific Name: Fagus grandifolia

Comments: These specimens were observed in a shady, wooded area. The American Beech is a shade-tolerant species, favoring shade more than other trees, commonly found in forests in the final stage of succession. Ecological succession is essentially the process of forests changing their composition through time; it is a pattern of events often observed on disturbed sites. Although sometimes found in pure stands, it is more often associated with sugar maple (forming the beech-maple climax community), yellow birch, and eastern hemlock, typically on moist well-drained slopes and rich bottomlands.

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/22/18

Observation Time: 10:45 a.m.

Observation Location: Town-owned conservation land near Sandy Ridge Circle

Common Name: American Beech tree

Scientific Name: Fagus grandifolia

Comments: The American Beech is a shade-tolerant species, favoring shade more than other trees, commonly found in forests in the final stage of succession. Ecological succession is essentially the process of forests changing their composition through time; it is a pattern of events often observed on disturbed sites. Although sometimes found in pure stands, it is more often associated with sugar maple (forming the beech-maple climax community), yellow birch, and eastern hemlock, typically on moist well drained slopes and rich bottomlands.

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/27/24

Observation Time: 6:30 p.m.

Observation Location: Massapoag Brook trail between Ames St. and Mann’s Pond

Common Name: American Beech Tree

Scientific Name: Fagus grandifolia

Comments: This beech tree is infected with Beech Leaf Disease (BLD). The disease kills and causes dieback of American beech trees. Since its discovery, BLD has been detected in 13 states, including Ohio, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia and the Canadian province of Ontario.

More Information:  USDA Forest Service

Observer: Rita Corey

Observation Date: 8/13/20

Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Rattlesnake Hill

Common Name: American burnweed (a.k.a. fireweed)

Scientific Name: Erechtites hieraciifolius

Comments: Burnweed is a native annual in the daisy family, Asteraceae. American Burnweed is an underrated and unappreciated wild edible. Although Burnweed has no history as a food source here in America, everywhere else in the world where it grows it is eaten. It’s a common food in all of Asia and most of Europe. It also has medicinal properties2. The oil derived from the plant can be used to treat wounds, hemorrhages, poison ivy rashes, and other ailments such as piles.

Burnweed got its unique name by being one of the first plants to grow after a fire has burned out an area. Burnweed is also referred to as fireweed.

More Information: Go Botany

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 4/19/15

Observation Time: 2:35 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: American Chestnut

Scientific Name: Castanea dentata

Comments: American chestnut was once very common in New England, but it has been practically wiped out by the chestnut blight, a pathogenic fungus. The fungus does not kill the roots, which continue to send up shoots for years. However, the fungus usually prevents the shoots from maturing into nut-bearing trees.

More Information: Wikipedia

This chestnut tree in the woods at Moose Hill has managed to survive despite being partially girdled by the blight. It has actually grown large enough to produce nuts.

Chestnuts on the ground:

This photo taken 8/6/10 shows what American Chestnut leaves look like:

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/24/10

Observation Time: 3:45 p.m.

Observation Location: Beaver Brook near tennis courts

Common Name: American Chestnut Tree

Scientific Name: Castanea dentata

Comments: The term “dentata” in the scientific name refers to the “teeth” around the edges of the leaves. American chestnut trees were decimated by chestnut blight. Remnant root systems continue to send up shoots such as those shown in the photos, but the blight prevents most of these shoots from getting large enough to produce nuts.

More Information: Wikipedia

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/13/20

Observation Time: 5:30 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: American Groundnut

Scientific Name: Apios americana

Comments: Apios americana is found in every state east of the Rocky Mountains. It is a perennial vine that grows to 10 feet long in wet areas – marshy meadows and thickets, stream and pond banks, and moist woodlands. Both the tuber and the seeds are edible. Apios americana was a noteworthy food of both native Americans as well as early colonists of New England. It is a good source of carbohydrates and protein.

More Information: Wildflowers of the United States

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/11/15

Observation Time: 1:36 p.m.

Observation Location: near Gavins Pond

Common Name: American Groundnut

Scientific Name: Apios americana

Comments: Apios americana is found in every state east of the Rocky Mountains. It is a perennial vine that grows to 10 feet long in wet areas – marshy meadows and thickets, stream and pond banks, and moist woodlands. Both the tuber and the seeds are edible. Apios americana was a noteworthy food of both native Americans as well as early colonists of New England. It is a good source of carbohydrates and protein.

More Information: Wildflowers of the United States

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/23/19

Observation Time: 10:45 p.m.

Observation Location: Billings Loop Botanical Trail

Common Name: American Hornbeam

Scientific Name: Carpinus caroliniana

Comments: The common English name hornbeam derives from the hardness of the wood (likened to animal horn) and the Old English beam, meaning “tree” (cognate with German Baum). The American hornbeam is also occasionally known as blue-beech, ironwood, or musclewood, the first from the resemblance of the bark to that of the American beech Fagus grandifolia, the other two from the hardness of the wood and the muscular appearance of the trunk, respectively. Hornbeams are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species (i.e. butterflies and moths), including autumnal moth, common emerald, feathered thorn, walnut sphinx, Svensson’s copper underwing, and winter moth. 

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/4/11

Observation Time: 4:20 p.m.

Observation Location: Conservation land near Billings Street

Common Name: American Hornbeam

Scientific Name: Carpinus caroliniana

Comments: The common English name hornbeam derives from the hardness of the wood (likened to animal horn) and the Old English beam, meaning “tree” (cognate with German Baum). The American hornbeam is also occasionally known as blue-beech, ironwood, or musclewood, the first from the resemblance of the bark to that of the American beech Fagus grandifolia, the other two from the hardness of the wood and the muscular appearance of the trunk, respectively. Hornbeams are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species (i.e. butterflies and moths), including autumnal moth, common emerald, feathered thorn, walnut sphinx, Svensson’s copper underwing, and winter moth. 

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/24/21

Observation Time: 3:40 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Amur Cork Tree

Scientific Name: Phellodendron amurense

Comments: Phellodendron amurense is a perennial tree that can grow from 35-45 ft. (10-14 m) tall. The tree has a short trunk with spreading branches. The bark is thick and corky.

This tree is demonstrating invasive characteristics in suburban and urban fringe forests. It escapes intended plantings to invade and displace native hardwood forest. Note: only female plants have potential to become invasive. Phellodendron amurense is native to eastern Asia and was introduced into the United States in 1856. Trees prefer full sun and rich soils.

More Information: Invasive Plant Atlas

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/16/23

Observation Time: 4:55 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Ash Tree (diseased)

Scientific Name: genus Fraxinus

Comments: This tree was killed by emerald ash borer beetles, which have killed millions of ash trees and threaten the future of ash trees.

More Information: Britannica

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/22/18

Observation Time: 9:35 a.m.

Observation Location: banks of Beaver Brook (upstream of the tennis courts)

Common Name: Atlantic White Cedar tree

Scientific Name: Chamaecyparis thyoides

Comments: Atlantic White Cedars live almost exclusively in freshwater wetlands and are considered an obligate wetland species. They prefer habitats where the soil is saturated with water at least during the majority of the growing season. Though this tree species is not listed as threatened, Atlantic White Cedar wetlands are considered a globally threatened ecosystem, and often serve as carbon sinks because of their peat-building abilities. Caterpillars of the Hessel’s Hairstreak butterfly feed exclusively on C. thyoides, where its green color helps keep it camouflaged.

Sharon’s 250-acre Atlantic White Cedar swamp naturally purifies and stores the rainwater that recharges the springs that feed Lake Massapoag and the aquifers that provide Sharon residents with drinking water.

More Information: Wikipedia

The bark of Atlantic White Cedars has a spiral pattern up the tree trunk:

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 11/6/06

Observation Time: 2:10 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road

Common Name: Autumn Olive

Scientific Name: Elaeagnus umbellata

Comments: Autumn-olive is a hardy, prolific shrub that thrives in a variety of conditions, in part because it is capable of fixing nitrogen. Some varieties can produce up to 80 pounds (37 kilos) of bright red edible berries in a season, which ripen in October and give the plant its common name. Introduced from Japan in 1830 and widely planted in the 1940s to revegetate disturbed habitats, it is now invasive in many parts of North America. Birds (especially starlings) and mammals relish its copious fruits and spread it far and wide.

Having a sweet and tart flavor when ripe, the berries can be eaten fresh or processed for jam, condiments, or fruit leather. When mature, the red berries contain carotenoids, including considerable amounts of lycopene, a substance also found in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, pink guava, papaya, and rosehip.

More Information: Go Botany and Wikipedia

 

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/23/18

Observation Time: 9:10 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Autumn Olive

Scientific Name: Elaeagnus umbellata

Comments: Autumn-olive is a hardy, prolific shrub that thrives in a variety of conditions, in part because it is capable of fixing nitrogen. Some varieties can produce up to 80 pounds (37 kilos) of bright red edible berries in a season, which ripen in October and give the plant its common name. Introduced from Japan in 1830 and widely planted in the 1940s to revegetate disturbed habitats, it is now invasive in many parts of North America. Birds (especially starlings) and mammals relish its copious fruits and spread it far and wide.

Having a sweet and tart flavor when ripe, the berries can be eaten fresh or processed for jam, condiments, or fruit leather. When mature, the red berries contain carotenoids, including considerable amounts of lycopene, a substance also found in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, pink guava, papaya, and rosehip.

More Information: Go Botany and Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/26/19

Observation Time: 2:40 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Autumn Olive

Scientific Name: Elaeagnus umbellata

Comments: Autumn-olive is a hardy, prolific shrub that thrives in a variety of conditions, in part because it is capable of fixing nitrogen. Some varieties can produce up to 80 pounds (37 kilos) of bright red edible berries in a season, which ripen in October and give the plant its common name. Introduced from Japan in 1830 and widely planted in the 1940s to revegetate disturbed habitats, it is now invasive in many parts of North America. Birds (especially starlings) and mammals relish its copious fruits and spread it far and wide.

The undersides of the leaves are silvery green – noticeably lighter than the top sides.

Having a sweet and tart flavor when ripe, the berries can be eaten fresh or processed for jam, condiments, or fruit leather. When mature, the red berries contain carotenoids, including considerable amounts of lycopene, a substance also found in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, pink guava, papaya, and rosehip.

More Information: Go Botany and Wikipedia and Wintergreen Botanicals

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 4/27/23

Observation Time: 3:45 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Azure Bluet

Scientific Name: Houstonia caerulea

Comments: Azure bluets are also know as Quaker ladies.

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/4/24

Observation Time: 11:40 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Azure Bluet

Scientific Name: Houstonia caerulea

Comments: Azure bluets are also know as Quaker ladies.

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/2/11

Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road near soccer field parking lot

Common Name: Beach Rose

Scientific Name: Rosa rugosa

More Information: University of Rhode Island

Beach Rose

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 10/6/21

Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Near the footbridge over Beaver Brook near the outbound train station

Common Name: Bear’s Head Tooth Fungus (a.k.a. Lion’s Mane or Comb Tooth)

Scientific Name: Hericium americanum

Comments: While driving very slowly along the dirt road from the outbound train station parking lot to the footbridge over Beaver Brook, I almost drove past this bizarre fungus growing on a dying tree trunk. This year was exceptionally wet, which has led to more mushrooms than usual this fall.

Bear’s Head Tooth Fungus is native to eastern North America. It was first scientifically described by James Ginns of Canada in 1984. Bear’s Head Tooth Fungus grows on both rotting and living wood, mostly hardwood, and they are typically seen in the wild during the late summer and autumn months, though they are able to be cultivated.

Young Bear’s Head Tooth Fungus can be cooked and eaten, having a taste comparable to that of lobster, though once picked the fungi do not store well, and need to be consumed within a couple of days. Otherwise they will become bitter. High amounts of vitamin D are found in Bear’s Head Tooth Fungus, and it also contains significant quantities of protein and fibre, as well as other beneficial health properties that are still being understood.  However, I never eat mushrooms or fungi that I find in the wild. With plenty of mushrooms available in the supermarket, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.

More Information: Wikipedia and ediblewildfood.com

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 4/25/23

Observation Time: 1:27 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Rd. (my back yard)

Common Name: Beard lichen

Scientific Name: Usnea strigosa

Comments: Also called bushy beard, this epiphytic (i.e. growing on trees) lichen is a composite organism that emerges from algae or cyanobacteria living among the filaments of the fungi in a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship. The fungi benefit from the carbohydrates produced by the algae or cyanobacteria via photosynthesis. The algae or cyanobacteria benefit by being protected from the environment by the filaments of the fungi, which also gather moisture and nutrients from the environment, and (usually) provide an anchor to it.

More Information: Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/9/20

Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.

Observation Location: near soccer parking lot on Gavins Pond Road

Common Name: Bigtooth Aspen Tree

Scientific Name: Populus grandidentata

Comments: Bigtooth Aspen (Populusgrandidentata) is a native deciduous tree, which grows throughout northeastern North America. It is a member of the willow family. A fast-growing, but short-lived, pioneer species, Bigtooth Aspen attains heights of 60 to 80 feet.

More Information: WildAdirondacks.org

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/12/11

Observation Time: 8:15 a.m.

Observation Location: meadow near Gavins Pond dam

Common Name: Bird’s Foot Violet

Scientific Name: Viola pedata

Comments: The leaves of this pretty wildflower are reminiscent of bird’s feet. Not a common violet locally, only one site in Blue Hills. Likes dry sandy soils; has also been spotted in woods north of Knollwood Cemetery in Sharon.

More Information: US Wildflowers Database (USDA)

Bird's Foot Violet

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/19/20

Observation Time: 9:20 a.m.

Observation Location: near Gavins Pond

Common Name: Bird’s Foot Violet

Scientific Name: Viola pedata

Comments: Bird-foot violets are perennials with five-petaled flowers that bloom from March to June. The flowers are typically blue, but can range from white to purple. They spread by sending out rhizomes. The fan-shaped leaves have three lobes which are said to resemble a bird’s feet.

More Information: US Wildflowers Database (USDA)

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/27/19

Observation Time: 4:40 p.m.

Observation Location: Power lines near Walpole St.

Common Name: Bird’s Foot Violet

Scientific Name: Viola pedata

Comments: Bird-foot violets are perennials with five-petaled flowers that bloom from March to June. The flowers are typically blue, but can range from white to purple. They spread by sending out rhizomes. The fan-shaped leaves have three lobes which are said to resemble a bird’s feet.

More Information: US Wildflowers Database (USDA)

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/30/14

Observation Time: 12:05 p.m.

Observation Location: Power lines near Walpole St.

Common Name: Bird’s Foot Violet

Scientific Name: Viola pedata

Comments: Bird-foot violets are perennials with five-petaled flowers that bloom from March to June. The flowers are typically blue, but can range from white to purple. They spread by sending out rhizomes. The fan-shaped leaves have three lobes which are said to resemble bird feet.

More Information: US Wildflowers Database (USDA)

Bird's Foot Violet

Bird's Foot Violet

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/6/11

Observation Time: 1:40 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road (bridge near soccer
fields)

Common Name: Bittersweet Nightshade

Scientific Name: Solanum dulcamara

More Information: King County, WA

Bittersweet Nightshade

Bittersweet Nightshade

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/31/20

Observation Time: 5:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Trustees of Reservations’ Moose Hill Farm

Common Name: Black Gum Tree

Scientific Name: Nyssa sylvatica

Comments: Also known as black tupelo, this is one of the most attractive native trees around. Summer leaves are a dark green with a high-gloss appearance, but the most spectacular part of this tree is the fall foliage with many shades of yellow, orange, bright red, purple or scarlet that may appear on the same branch. Bark resembles alligator hide. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. Grows 30′-50′ high, with a 20′-30′ spread. Prefers well-drained, acid soils, and full sun to partial shade.

More Information: Arbor Day Foundation

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/27/19

Observation Time: 4:20 p.m.

Observation Location: Beneath high tension wires near So. Walpole St.

Common Name: Black Huckleberry

Scientific Name: Gaylussacia baccata

Comments: These are the distinctive bright red unopened flower buds of black huckleberry, Gaylussacia baccata. They are typically no more than waist-high. They often form a near-continuous shrub layer in dryish oak woods. In moister soils they tend to be replaced by dangleberry, Gaylussacia frondosa. 

Blueberry bushes are similar, but have green rather than blackish second-year twigs. The berries of huckleberries are very similar to the berries of blueberries, except the latter usually contain more seeds (8-20) that are smaller in size. The foliage and woody stems of Black Huckleberry are quite similar to those of low-bush blueberries (particularly Vaccinium pallidum), except the leaf undersides of the former shrub are covered with resinous yellow dots, while the leaf undersides of blueberries lack such resinous dots.

More Information: Illinois Wildflowers

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/29/24

Observation Time: 11:00 a.m.

Observation Location: High Street, Sharon

Common Name: Black Locust tree

Scientific Name: Robinia pseudocacia

Comments: The blossoms of black locust trees are edible, but beware of the thorns.

More Information: The Foraged Foodie

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/30/15

Observation Time: 3:30 p.m.

Observation Location: near Gavins Pond

Common Name: Black Locust tree

Scientific Name: Robinia pseudocacia

Comments: The blossoms of black locust trees are good to eat, but beware of the thorns.

More Information: The Foraged Foodie 

Black locust blossoms

Black locust thorns

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/29/24

Observation Time: 11:35 a.m.

Observation Location: Sharon Historical Society, High Street, Sharon

Common Name: Black Raspberry

Scientific Name: Rubus occidentalis

Comments: The black raspberry is related to the red raspberry Rubus idaeus and Rubus strigosus, sharing the white underside of leaves, and fruit that readily detaches from the carpel.

Black raspberry grows in disturbed areas and in meadows, often near streams and lakes, trails or roadways. The native range of Rubus occidentalis extends as far east as New Brunswick, as far west as Nebraska, as far north as Quebec, and as far south as Mississippi.

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/24/21

Observation Time: 3:10 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Black Raspberry

Scientific Name: Rubus occidentalis

Comments: The black raspberry is related to the red raspberry Rubus idaeus and Rubus strigosus, sharing the white underside of leaves, and fruit that readily detaches from the carpel.

Black raspberry grows in disturbed areas and in meadows, often near streams and lakes, trails or roadways. The native range of Rubus occidentalis extends as far east as New Brunswick, as far west as Nebraska, as far north as Quebec, and as far south as Mississippi.

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/12/20

Observation Time: 6:50 p.m.

Observation Location: along Gavins Pond Road

Common Name: Black-eyed Susan

Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta

Comments: Related to cone flowers, this native biennial forms a rosette of leaves the first year, followed by flowers the second year. It is covered with hairs that give it a slightly rough texture.

More Information: USDA and wildflower.org

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/23/09

Observation Time: 9:30 a.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road

Common Name: Black-eyed Susans

Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta

Comments: The genus name honors Olaus Rudbeck, who was a professor of botany at the University of Uppsala in Sweden and was one of Linnaeus’s teachers. The specific epithet “hirta” refers to the trichomes (hairs) occurring on leaves and stems.

More Information: USDA

Black-eyed Susans

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/5/13

Observation Time: 6:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond area

Common Name: Black-eyed Susans

Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta

Comments: A type of daisy, these were growing wild in the field near Gavins Pond Dam.

More Information: USDA

Black-eyed Susans

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 8/10/24

Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.

Observation Location: beside Wolomolopoag St.

Common Name: Black-staining Polypore

Scientific Name: Meripilus sumstinei

Comments: These two large fungi were growing by a large stump. One of them was beginning to turn black.

More Information: Maryland Biodiversity

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/1/18

Observation Time: 10:30 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Bloodroot

Scientific Name: Sanguinaria canadensis

Comments: Blood-root is an attractive spring ephemeral, traditionally used in cough remedies. However, it has been characterized as unsafe by the United States Food and Drug Administration because of the presence of the toxic alkaloid sanguinarine. This flower drops its petals within a day or two of blooming.

Please do not dig up wildflowers!

More Information: Go Botany

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/31/11

Observation Time: 3:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond area

Common Name: Blue Flag Iris

Scientific Name: Iris versicolor

More Information: Wikipedia

Blue Flag Iris

Observer: Peter Higgins

Observation Date: 06/08/08

Observation Time: 6:55 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Blue Flag Iris

Scientific Name: Iris versicolor

Comments: This beautiful group of wild blue flag iris was growing in the field near the boardwalk.

More Information: LakeForest.edu

Iris

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/18/20

Observation Time: 9:30 a.m.

Observation Location: sandy high ground under high tension lines across the street from the Gavins Pond soccer fields

Common Name: Blue Ground-cedar

Scientific Name: Diphasiastrum tristachyum

Comments: Diphasiastrum tristachyum, commonly known as blue clubmoss, blue ground-cedar, ground pine, deep-rooted running-pine or ground cedar, is a North American and Eurasian species of perennial clubmoss. In North America, it has been found from Newfoundland west to Manitoba, and south as far as Georgia and Alabama. It grows from creeping underground stems which are often deeply buried at 5–12 cm deep. The above ground stems emerge at nodes from the underground stem.

More Information: Wikipedia and Go Botany

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/16/23

Observation Time: 4:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary (Bluff Trail)

Common Name: Blue Toadflax

Scientific Name: Nuttallanthus canadensis

Comments: These diminutive wildflowers bloom from April to September. At first glance they look like nondescript spindly weeds, but viewed up close they are stunningly beautiful.

More Information: Conn. Botanical Society

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/31/11

Observation Time: 4:05 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond area

Common Name: Blue Toadflax

Scientific Name: Nuttallanthus canadensis

More Information: Conn. Botanical Society

Blue Toadflax

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/9/20

Observation Time: 2:50 p.m.

Observation Location: meadow near Gavins Pond dam

Common Name: Blue Toadflax

Scientific Name: Nuttallanthus canadensis

Comments: These diminutive wildflowers bloom from April to September.

More Information: Conn. Botanical Society

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/11/15

Observation Time: 3:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond area

Common Name: Blue Toadflax

Scientific Name: Nuttallanthus canadensis

Comments: Flowers from April to September.

More Information: Conn. Botanical Society

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/30/20

Observation Time: 3:05 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Blue-eyed grass

Scientific Name: Sisyrinchium angustifolium

Comments: Blue-eyed grass grows in fields, meadows and the edges of wetlands. This clump was growing along the dirt road under the high-tension lines. Except in spring when its small, blue flowers make it conspicuous, this plant is hard to pick out among other kinds of grasses.

Native Americans cooked and ate the greens, and used the plant medicinally to regulate the bowels.

More Information: Go Botany

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/14/11

Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.

Observation Location: meadow near Gavins Pond dam

Common Name: Blueberry

Scientific Name: Vaccinium corymbosum

Comments: Blueberries grow wild in the woods around Sharon, often near ponds and streams, where their roots can access moisture during dry weather. They flower in May and ripen in mid-summer.

More Information: Mother Earth News

Blueberry

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/29/11

Observation Time: 11:35 a.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond

Common Name: Blueberry

Scientific Name: Vaccinium

Comments: These unripe blueberries were growing in sandy soil in the vicinity of Gavins Pond near a bluebird nesting box. The baby bluebirds will probably fledge around the time the berries ripen.

More Information: Mother Earth News

Blueberry

Observer: Kurt Buermann

Observation Date: 7/14/13

Observation Time: 11:00 a.m.

Observation Location: backyard

Common Name: Bondarzewia

Scientific Name: Bondarzewia berkeleyi

Comments: This was growing on an old oak stump. Very large, 2 ft long clusters. It grew very quickly, over a day or so. This is not chicken-of-the-woods, but is edible if gathered when very young.

More Information: MushroomExpert.com

Bondarzewia

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/23/18

Observation Time: 9:45 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Bracken Fern

Scientific Name: Pteridium aquilinum

Comments: Bracken fern often becomes dominant after disturbances such as fire, logging and grazing due to its deep rhizome. Humans have used bracken fern for thatch, livestock, bedding, and food, though it does contain some toxic compounds.

More Information: Go Botany

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 12/4/09

Observation Time: 3:30 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road opposite soccer fields

Common Name: British Soldier Lichen

Scientific Name: Cladonia cristatella

More Information: Backyard Nature: Lichen

British Soldier Lichen

Compare the British soldier lichen to the pink earth lichen below. These photos were taken at about the same time, and in the same area.

British Soldier Lichen

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 9/7/20

Observation Time: 5:45 p.m.

Observation Location: conservation land near Lakeview & Morse

Common Name: Brittle Gill Mushroom

Scientific Name: Russula pulchra

Comments: Wikipedia lists an enormous number of Russula species, so I am not certain of this identification.

More Information: Mushroom Expert

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/13/20

Observation Time: 4:55 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Broad-leaved Dock

Scientific Name: Rumex obtusifolius

Comments: Rumex obtusifolius, commonly known as broad-leaved dock, bitter dock, bluntleaf dock, dock leaf or butter dock, is a perennial plant in the family Polygonaceae. It is native to Europe, but is found on all temperate continents. It is a highly invasive species in some zones, resulting from its abundant seed dispersal, adaptability to reproduce, aggressive roots, ability to tolerate extreme climates, and hardiness.

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/7/20

Observation Time: 6:30 p.m.

Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road (my back yard)

Common Name: Broad-leaved Speedwell

Scientific Name: Veronica austriaca

Comments: Broad-leaved speedwell, also know as large speedwell, Austrian speedwell, or saw-leaved speedwell,  is a perennial, herbaceous plant that is native to Europe. It is cultivated and can escape the garden setting.

More Information: Wikipedia and Flickr

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/14/09

Observation Time: 11:30 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm, Trustees of Reservations land

Common Name: Bull Thistle

Scientific Name: Cirsium vulgare

More Information: UGA Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health

Bull Thistle

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/15/12

Observation Time: 5:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Rd. soccer field parking lot

Common Name: Bull Thistle

Scientific Name: Cirsium vulgare

Comments: The beautiful blossom of the bull thistle comes with sharp thorns.

More Information: Wikipedia

Bull Thistle

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/7/18

Observation Time: 3:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Butternut (White Walnut)

Scientific Name: Juglans cinerea

Comments: Butternut is a deciduous tree growing to 20 m (66 ft) tall, rarely 40 m (130 ft). Butternut is a slow-growing species, and rarely lives longer than 75 years. It has a 40–80 cm (16–31 in) stem diameter, with light gray bark.

More Information: Wikipedia and Arbor Day Foundation

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/17/14

Observation Time: 12:55 p.m.

Observation Location: Beaver Brook near tennis courts

Common Name: Canada Mayflower

Scientific Name: Maianthemum canadense

Comments: This common plant carpets the forest floor in many parts of Sharon.

More Information: Wikipedia

Canada Mayflower

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/27/20

Observation Time: 5:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Beaver Brook near tennis courts

Common Name: Canada Mayflower

Scientific Name: Maianthemum canadense

Comments: This common plant carpets the forest floor in many parts of Sharon.

More Information: Wikipedia

I took this photo at the same place on June 2:

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/4/11

Observation Time: 2:40 p.m.

Observation Location: Conservation land near Billings Street

Common Name: Canada Mayflower

Scientific Name: Maianthemum canadense

Comments: Carpets the ground in many wooded areas of Sharon.

More Information: Wikipedia

Canada Mayflower

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/12/20

Observation Time: 6:40 p.m.

Observation Location: along Gavins Pond Road

Common Name: Canada Wild Lettuce

Scientific Name: Lactuca canadensis

Comments: This edible plant can grow to over six feet tall. It has leaves that are shaped like those of a dandelion, and produces dandelion-like yellow flowers.

More Information: Wikipedia and iNaturalist

Observer: Rita Corey

Observation Date: 8/13/20

Observation Time: 3:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Morse St.

Common Name: Cardinal Flower

Scientific Name: Lobelia cardinalis

Comments: Cardinal flowers are typically found near water. These were growing in a dry streambed.

Since most insects find it difficult to navigate the long tubular flowers, cardinal flowers depend on hummingbirds, which feed on the nectar, for pollination. Its common name alludes to the bright red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.

Although relatively common, overpicking this handsome wildflower has resulted in its scarcity in some areas. Please do not dig up wildflowers.

More Information: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/13/20

Observation Time: 6:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Carolina Allspice

Scientific Name: Calycanthus floridus

Comments: Also known as Carolina Sweetshrub, this plant deserves its name. The blossoms are fragrant and the leaves are aromatic when bruised. I wish I had encountered this plant a week earlier when the blossoms were at their prime. Maybe next year…

More Information: North Carolina Native Plant Society

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/4/24

Observation Time: 9:05 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Carolina Allspice

Scientific Name: Calycanthus floridus

Comments: Also known as Carolina Sweetshrub, this plant deserves its name. The blossoms are fragrant and the leaves are aromatic when bruised.

More Information: Wikipedia and North Carolina Native Plant Society

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 8/11/23

Observation Time: 4:45 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Rd. (garden in my back yard)

Common Name: Carolina Horsenettle

Scientific Name: Solanum carolinense

Comments: As the name implies, the natural range of this invasive, thorny weed is the mid-Atlantic states, but it is spreading north as the climate warms.

More Information: Minnesota Wildflowers

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/22/18

Observation Time: 10:55 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Carolina Silverbell tree

Scientific Name: Halesia carolina

Comments: Carolina silverbell is a vigorous, fast-growing deciduous shrub or tree growing to 8 m (26 ft) tall by 10 m (33 ft) broad, bearing masses of pendent, bell-shaped white flowers which appear in spring. The flowers are followed by green, four-winged fruit. The leaves turn yellow in autumn.

Carolina silverbell grows mostly in the Piedmont and mountains of the Carolinas, eastern Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Its distribution extends beyond this central area, however, in small populations scattered over the southeastern Coastal Plain, western Virginia, West Virginia, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, central Arkansas, and southeastern Oklahoma. The species has been successfully cultivated as far north as southern New England, in California, and in Europe .

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/6/23

Observation Time: 10:15 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Carolina Silverbell tree

Scientific Name: Halesia carolina

Comments: Carolina silverbell is a vigorous, fast-growing deciduous shrub or tree growing to 8 m (26 ft) tall by 10 m (33 ft) broad, bearing masses of pendent, bell-shaped white flowers which appear in spring. The flowers are followed by green, four-winged fruit. The leaves turn yellow in autumn.

Carolina silverbell grows mostly in the Piedmont and mountains of the Carolinas, eastern Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Its distribution extends beyond this central area, however, in small populations scattered over the southeastern Coastal Plain, western Virginia, West Virginia, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, central Arkansas, and southeastern Oklahoma. The species has been successfully cultivated as far north as southern New England, in California, and in Europe .

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/25/16

Observation Time: 1:40 p.m.

Observation Location: Maskwonicut Street near Beaver Brook

Common name: Catalpa tree

Scientific Name: Catalpa speciosa

Comments: Large, bell-shaped 2″ white flowers are borne in 4″-8″ long panicles in late spring. The very large, 6″-12″ slightly heart-shaped, leaves turn yellow-greenish or brown in fall. Bean-like seed capsules, 8″-20″ long are green in color changing to brown and splitting open when ripe.

More Information: Arbor Day Foundation

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/13/20

Observation Time: 6:10 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Catchweed Bedstraw

Scientific Name: Galium aparine

Comments: Native to North America and Eurasia, this weed is an annual broadleaf plant with a shallow, branching taproot. The stems of catchweed bedstraw are square in cross-section, weak, mostly unbranched, and grow to about 6 feet long, but are unable to stand on their own, so they often clamber over upright plant species.

Catchweed bedstraw, also known as Stickywilly, Cleaverwort, White Hedge, Goosegrass, Gripgrass, Scarthgrass, and Velcro Plant, remains low and sprawling, forming dense, tangled mats. Hairlike bristles cover the stems and leaves of the plant; these bristly hairs are responsible for its characteristic tangled growth habit and the “sticky” way it clings to clothing and animals.

Historically used as an herbal remedy for various ailments, its dried and roasted fruits have also been used to make a coffee substitute (in fact, the plant is in the same family as coffee, Coffea spp).

More Information: Washington State University

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/14/09

Observation Time: 11:30 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm, Trustees of Reservations land

Common Name: Celandine

Scientific Name: Chelidonium majus

More Information: Flora Health Herb Encyclopedia

Celandine

 

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 9/7/20

Observation Time: 5:40 p.m.

Observation Location: conservation land near Lakeview & Morse

Common Name: Chicken of the Woods

Scientific Name: Laetiporus sulphureus

Comments: These relatively small specimens were growing on a dead oak tree. Chicken of the Woods can grow to very large size. They are edible, but it is wise to refrain from eating any wild-harvested food unless you are absolutely sure it is not poisonous. As the saying goes, everything is edible – at least once!

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/27/15

Observation Time: 2:45 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road near soccer fields

Common Name: Chicory

Scientific Name: Cichorium intybus

Comments: A perennial herb with blue, lavender, or occasionally white flowers, chicory grows as a wild plant on roadsides in its native Europe, and in North America and Australia, where it has become naturalized. Common chicory is also known as blue sailors, succory, and coffeeweed.

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/7/10

Observation Time: 7:05 a.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road near soccer fields

Common Name: Chicory

Scientific Name: Cichorium intybus

Comments: A perennial herb with blue, lavender, or occasionally white flowers, chicory grows as a wild plant on roadsides in its native Europe, and in North America and Australia, where it has become naturalized. Common chicory is also known as blue sailors, succory, and coffeeweed.

More Information: Wikipedia

Chicory