False Solomon’s Seal – Maianthemum racemosum Seemingly disappearing in the Fall and Winter, this native flower pops back up in the Spring. When mature, the stems zig-zag in lengths from 1 to 3 feet. The leaves extend alternately along the … Continued
Stinging Nettle – Urtica dioica Stinging nettle is highly regarded for its health and healing benefits. It stings by releasing formic acid which is present in most bee stings. When harvested correctly, stinging nettle can be used to treat muscle … Continued
Some of the trees here at SHADOW are hundreds of years old. Standing tall, sharing nutrients, weathering storms. These beings were growing tall while the original inhabitants of the wetland harvested Bog Tea, settlers changed the landscape, and when the … Continued
Labrador Tea – Ledum groenlandicum Highly valued for its numerous medicinal uses, Labrador tea is an especially bog-loving species. It can tolerate standing water and stresses like low nutrients and acidic soils. Ledum groenlandicumresponds to low-intensity fires by re-sprouting from stems. … Continued
Sword Fern – Polystichum munitum Another classic plant in the Pacific Northwest is the sword fern. These ferns are extremely versatile and resilient. They thrive in moist soil and almost full shade, but can also survive in full shade and … Continued
Scarlet Elderberry – Sambucus racemosa To identify a scarlet elderberry, try to find shrubs that have downy green leaves with strong, distinctive odor. They have half-ball mound of small white flowers in conical or pyramidal shaped clusters that appear in … Continued
Sitka Spruce – Picea sitchensis If you have ever grabbed a conifer tree and were poked by its particularly spiky needles, those needles likely belonged to a spruce tree. Known for its tough leaves and scaly bark, the Sitka spruce … Continued
Walking through a coniferous forest in summer is like walking through an art exhibit on the various shades of green. Deep browns serve as the backdrop to an impressive display of deep, emerald tones and bright, lime highlights. But if … Continued
Rattlesnake Plantain- Goodyera oblongifolia One surprising treasure in Shadow Lake Bog is an orchid: Goodyera oblongifolia or Rattlesnake Plantain. Yes, you can find an wild orchid at your local nature preserve. The western rattlesnake plantain is similar to other orchids … Continued
Photo curtesy of King County Noxious Weeds Known by many as Stinky Bob or Herb Robert, Geranium Robertianum, is as invasive a weed as they come. This little plant has an incredible super power that helps it dominate wherever its … Continued