Conyza canadensis – 9th November – Canadian Fleabane
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Canadian Fleabane is advancing rapidly northwards, often accompanied by three other related species. It is said to be in the top ten of the most invasive species in Europe, and it was one of the first species reported to be resistant to the herbicide glyphosate.
Lactuca virosa – 2nd November – Great Lettuce
John Grace recounts a Great Lettuce experience in the streets of Leith, and finds a much older record.
Claviceps purpurea – 26th October – Ergot, a fungal parasite of wild and cultivated grasses
Maria Chamberlain writes about the history and symptoms of ergotism, and the life cycle and management of the fungus which causes it.
Impatiens glandulifera -19th October- Himalayan balsam
Heather Forbes has chosen one of the most notorious invasive plants for her Plant of the Week. For those of a nervous disposition: beware exploding capsules and do not touch.
Tilia spp. – 12th October – Lime or Linden
Roger West has been investigating the Lime tree, native in England and often planted in parks and gardens in Scotland.
Alnus glutinosa -5th October- Alder
Roger West has been looking at our native Alder, a familiar tree of wet places which has served mankind well for many centuries, and which has much to offer for the future.
Ambrosia artemisiifolia – 29th September – Common ragweed
A fast-growing plant recently appeared beneath our peanut feeder. We didn’t recognise it, and in the spirit of botanical inquiry we let it grow rather than putting it on the compost heap.
Polypogon viridis – 21st September – Water Bent Grass
This is said to be one of the fastest spreading plants in the British Isles, yet little is known about its ecology. John Grace found it close to his house, and tells the story.
Adoxa moschatellina – 14 September – Moschatel
This week, Richard Milne writes about finding Adoxa moschatellina (moschatel, aka town hall clock, or five-faced bishop). The clusters of flowers always contain exactly five flowers, which between them have 24 petals. Read the article to learn more.
Arum maculatum and A. italicum – 7th September – Cuckoo Pints
These plants of shady places are self incompatible and rely on female owl-midges carrying pollen between plants for their fertilisation. The midges are attracted to the flowers by heat and smell and a trapping mechanism prevents the flies escaping until pollination has occurred.
