Invasive Pink

Lonicera tatarica, Pink Honeysuckle, Ross Twp, Pittsburgh, 2019

On a strip of land meant to deal with storm water runoff, an imported ornamental escapee flourishes.  Introduced in 1845 from China, L. tatarica is a woody bush rather than a ground covering vine such as Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), although L. tatarico will twine around surrounding vegetation and trees, choking them out in the same manner that L. japonica will if left unchecked.  That's why, despite what beauty and medicinal properties are to be gotten from these plants, they're considered invasive and noxious.  I have collected honeysuckle for medicinal purposes, and it's important to note that the flowerhead is what holds the most potent active properties, and should constitute the bulk of your collection.  To a much lesser degree are the leaves useful.

Filius Ante Patrem

Tussilago farfara, Colt's Foot, Filius Ante Patrem Pittsburgh, PA 2019

A very early wildflower, Tussilago farfara, aka colt's foot, aka filius ante patrem ('the son before the father' because the plant flowers and dies back long before leaves appear). Once a very prominent medicinal herb, it is now known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that have a mutagenic effect on DNA. Because of it's continued popularity in Germany and Belgium in particular, colt's foot is available commercially with the alkaloids removed.  I've never used colt's foot, and probably will continue to avoid it.

2 Violets

Two Violets, Pittsburgh, 2016


While on a walk, I came upon a clutch of downy yellow violet (Viola pubescens) with a more common purple cousin nearby (V. reichenbachiana).  You have to love spring!