Mike fixing fence
Gardening,  Homesteading,  Nature

Backcountry Briar and Biennial Bloomers

I took a few photos of shrubs, small trees and plants that are in bloom up on the hill so I could identify them for future reference.


American Yellow-Rocket
American Yellow-Rocket

The American Yellow Rocket, also known as Barbarea orthoceras, is a biennial or short-lived perennial flowering herb in the mustard family native to western North America and Asia. It is found naturally on the banks of streams, swamps, wetland or riparian areas, or forests. The plant has bright golden yellow flowers and erect slender green seed pods.

The American Yellow Rocket has been used as a food source, with its leaves and stems being edible and used in salads or as a cooking green. The plant is also used in traditional medicine, with its leaves and stems being used to treat various ailments.

Autumn olive

Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is a deciduous shrub native to Asia that has spread as an invasive species throughout the United States. It was introduced in 1830 as an ornamental plant that could provide habitat and food to wildlife, and was widely planted by the Soil Conservation Service as erosion control near roads and on ridges. Autumn olive is known for its silvery foliage, showy flowers, and colorful berries, making it popular in landscaping. However, it has also been extensively planted in natural areas to provide erosion control, wind breaks, and wildlife food.

Autumn olive is a hardy, aggressive invasive species that can readily colonize barren land, becoming a troublesome plant in the central and northeastern United States and Europe. It can form dense thickets and change native habitat, including forest understory. Its nitrogen-fixing abilities give it a competitive advantage over native species, especially in poor soils.

The berries of autumn olive are edible and rich in vitamins A, C, and E, flavonoides, and lycopene, making them a popular choice for foraging. They are often referred to as “autumnberries” and can be used in sweet and savory dishes.

Autumn olive
Autumn olive

Chokecherry

A chokecherry is a type of deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to North America. It is a member of the rose family and is scientifically known as Prunus virginiana. The chokecherry is aptly named for the astringent, acidic taste of its reddish cherries, which can be used to make jelly and preserves. The tree can grow up to 41 feet tall, but it is typically maintained at a height of around 12 feet. It has a wide range of uses, including as a landscape specimen, wildlife food source, and for making jams and preserves.

Chokecherry
Chokecherry
Pink Honeysuckle
Pink Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the family Caprifoliaceae. It is a climbing vine or shrub that is native to various parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, and North America. Honeysuckle is known for its fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red.

Honeysuckle has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia, where it is believed to have various health benefits. The plant contains a number of bioactive compounds, including iridoids, anthocyanins, flavonols, and phenolic acids, which may contribute to its potential health benefits.

Honeysuckle is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, where it is valued for its attractive flowers and fragrant foliage. However, some species of honeysuckle, such as the Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), are considered invasive in certain regions and can outcompete native plants for resources.

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Nannyberry

Viburnum lentago, also known as nannyberry, sheepberry, or sweet viburnum, is a species of Viburnum native to North America. It is a large shrub or small tree growing up to 9 meters (30 feet) tall with a trunk up to 25 cm (10 inches) in diameter and a short trunk, round-topped head, and pendulous, flexible branches. The plant is known for its clusters of creamy white flowers in the spring, which give way to edible berries that are dark blue-black in color and about 1/4 inch in diameter.

Viburnum

Paul of Tarsus

1 Corinthians 3:7-8

So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

~ Paul, Apostle

2 Comments

  • Elaine

    Beautiful pictures and great to know. With the things the Creator provided there are So many wild flowers and shrubs that are edible and healthy for you to live and survive off the land.

    • Marlene

      Thanks Elaine. I agree with you, we know so little about the plethora of natural foods that God has given us. I try to learn as much as possible. The problem is trying to remember it all; hence this post. 😄

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