I know the Latin names a important, but aren't some of the old used names so lovely to hear. Thanks for sharing this Georgia.
Some pictures from today’s walk in the woods. The highlight for me was Rhododendron periclymenoides, even though it was way past its prime (first four photos).
Regarding the moth above in post 403 . This is a butterfly in the skipper family. Here is a rough guide on the 15 or so species of the family in your area: Observations · iNaturalist I think it is Hesperis colorado, the western branded skipper. Similar observations include: Western Branded Skipper from Thompson-Nicola, BC, Canada on August 08, 2020 at 12:13 PM by Liz Osborn · iNaturalist and Western Branded Skipper from Squamish-Lillooet, BC, Canada on August 14, 2020 at 09:28 AM by Cole Gaerber · iNaturalist Your observation would be valuable for iNaturalist as other observations of this species (so far) in iNaturalist are all in early August to mid-September. It would be helpful to know it can be seen there as early as late May / early June.
This morning we had a lovely walk along the River Itchen and although not much about in the way of colourful plants to photograph, this Iris pseudacorus or Yellow flag stood out along the river Bank.
Good morning D. Is the yellow flag iris considered an invasive species in Hampshire? It is here in B.C. And when I was on Ruxton Island, the wetland area literally had tens of thousands of them. We did start to try and reduce the population, but I think it would be an exercise in futility as they covered an area of several acres.
No not at all Keith. It is actually quite rare to see them along the river where we walk every day. So we have 1 and you have thousands. There is a pattern forming again!!! Lol.
Yes I am w Keith Elliott of Ruxton Isl on this plant I have also seen them on Newcastle Island (we have old coal mines out here) invading wetlands (Newcastle is somewhat close to Ruxton near Nanaimo BC) Pretty flower tho (which I’m not surprised if that rationale is reason for many invasives hère incl Broom) Hère is a link for yellow flag and other invasives in BC incl what lots of people call Scotch Broom - in any event Broom. Bridge Lake Homeowners Take Action Against Yellow Flag Iris - Invasive Species Council of British Columbia
@Goergia Strait, I well remember at our annual general meetings being told repeatedly to pull all the broom plants that we saw. Some of them simply would not let go, the roots were so well entrenched. And further to that, if I remember, the seeds are supposed to be viable for 70 years! So really, there is no practical way to be rid of them. Also on many of the highways on Vancouver Island, broom plants are quite prevalent.
When you give a plant absolutely amazing conditions to grow, then there really is no stopping them, other than by human beings. But it is such a shame that the human beings of the past unwittingly introduced them there in the first place. So much more knowledge now fortunately.
Sounds like you can give your county (or village) council something to talk about —- get rid of it now if (big if) it is invasive or taking over previous wetland system - or clogging water intakes and outlets
Hmmm, that's presuming that they actually listen Georgia. But you have made a very good point. Tbh I have not seen them invade as you obviously have there.
You can't call a plant growing in its native range invasive. Nuisance, uncontrollable, and thug can be appropriate terms in some circumstances, but seemingly not for this one. British site Iris pseudacorus - BBC Gardeners' World Magazine (gardenersworld.com) says "Iris pseudacorus is ideal for wildlife gardens".