Blog posts | Identify that Plant | Confidently master the skill of correct plant identification

Mystery plant 058

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Angelyn

This native plant can be found in central and eastern portions of North America. When you can identify it, please leave its common name, scientific name and a story of any personal connection you may have with this plant — in a comment below.

Young plant

Mature plant beginning to bloom

Middle and upper portion of plant showing leaf arrangement, stem and inflorescence

Leaves and flower at node

Side view of flower

Close view of flower

Developing seed pods

Mature seed pods and dying plant

ANSWER (subsequently added to this post to facilitate the “search” function for these images): Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflata)

Also, read the blog post and watch the plant portrait video for Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflata).

Posted in Mystery plant | 5 Comments

False Solomon’s seal (Maianthemum racemosum)

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Angelyn

False Solomon’s seal (Maianthemum racemosum) includes two subspecies which — between them — cover the North American continent. This post highlights subspecies racemosum which has the greatest range, as it can be found throughout eastern and mid-western regions.

After blooming, the plant develops its berries. The young greenish-yellow berries develop at the tip of the arching stem with its alternating leaves.

False Solomon's seal

Watch this video to see close images of the flowers and berries, hear a discussion of the type of inflorescence (flower arrangement) grown by False solomon’s seal (Maianthemum racemosum ssp. racemosum), and to view the plant’s zig-zag stem.

Posted in Plant Identification videos, Plant portraits | 1 Comment

Mystery plant 057

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Angelyn

This Asian native plant is an invasive species throughout significant portions of North America. When you can identify it, leave a comment below with both its common and scientific names. And . . . share a personal story about it.