THE VILLAGE VOICE

"The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man." ~ Author Unknown A GATHERING of WILDFLOWERS ( Hubbard Lake Woods ~ Northern MI ) CANADA GOLDENROD ( Solidago canadensis ) "There are over 100 types of goldenrod in North America and over 20 in Michigan, all looking similar, thus difficult to identify. While most yellow autumn flowers are a type of goldenrod and are often blamed for hay fever, most hay fever is caused by Ragweed. Only 1-2 percent of autumn airborne pollen is from goldenrod." ( Wildflower of Michigan Field Guide ~ Stan Tekiela ) SPOTTED TOUCH-ME-NOT ( Impatiens capensis ) "Also called Jewelweed because water droplets on its leaves shine like tiny jewels, the Spotted Touch-me-not is a tall annual plant of wet areas. Its stems are nearly translucent and contain a slippery juice that can be used to soothe the sting from nettles or Poison Ivy." ( Wildflower of Michigan Field Guide ...

"May all your weeds be wildflowers." ~ Author unknown Queen Anne's Lace (Wild Carrot) ( Daucus carota ) Gardener's Note: "Queen Anne's Lace, also called Wild Carrot, is tall with stems covered by tiny hairs. Once a European garden plant, it has escaped to the wild and is considered a week because of its aggressive growth. Flower clusters dry and curl, forming the bird's nest shape often used in dried flower arrangements. its long taproot can be dug, roasted and ground as a coffee substitute. During its first year, the roots are soft enough to eat. It is thought to be the ancestor of the common garden carrot. TAKE CAUTION: Queen Anne's Lace is sometimes confused with deadly WATER HEMLOCK. Look closely for Queen Anne's CENTRAL PURPLE FLORET . A host plant for Black Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars." ~ Stan Tekiela WILDFLOWERS of MICHIGAN Queen Anne's Lace Her body is not so white as anemone petals nor so smooth--nor so remote a thi...