The zygomorphic flowers of red clover (Trifolium pratense) can be white-pink, pink or red. They usually appear between May and September. Some plants, especially in mown areas, can be seen as late as November. How tall Trifolium pratense grows depends on the habitat. It colonises meadows, roadsides, embankments and dams, where it can reach heights… Continue reading Red Clover
Chicory
At first glance, it is not obvious that chicory (Cichorium intybus) is the mother of radicchio and sugar loaf. However, if these popular vegetables were on sale in flower, the relationship would be easily recognisable. The same goes for endive, to which it is also closely related. Cichorium intybus is a perennial that can grow… Continue reading Chicory
Petty Spurge, Cancer Weed, Radium Weed
Euphorbia peplus is an annual that grows to a height of 30 centimetres and produces inflorescences from May to October. In mild climates it can produce two generations a year, so that fruiting specimens can be seen as late as December. As with many spurges, all parts of the plant are poisonous. Petty Spurge contains… Continue reading Petty Spurge, Cancer Weed, Radium Weed
Bittersweet, Bittersweet Nightshade
Solanum dulcamara is a perennial climbing semi-shrub. Its shoots can grow several meters long and are woody at the base. This member of the nightshade family has many popular names. It is most often called Bittersweet or Bittersweet Nightshade. But also Bitter Nightshade, Climbing Nightshade, Woody Nightshade or just Dulcamara (Source). The flowering season can… Continue reading Bittersweet, Bittersweet Nightshade
Annual Fleabane, Daisy Fleabane
Annual Fleabane, also known as Daisy Fleabane or Eastern Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus), is so common in our urban areas that it feels as if it has always grown here. However, it is native to North America and is considered a neophyte here. Erigeron annuus can grow as an annual, when its seeds germinate in… Continue reading Annual Fleabane, Daisy Fleabane
Hairy Galinsoga
Galinsoga quadriradiata is an annual plant that belongs to the composite family (Asteraceae) and is closely related to asters, chrysanthemums and dahlias. The commonly known as Hairy Galinsoga, Shaggy Soldier or Peruvian Daisy originates from Mexico but grows invasively in many European countries such as in some Nort American and African regions. It can reach… Continue reading Hairy Galinsoga
European Rabbit
The European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is not only the wild form of the domestic rabbit, it is also commonly found in urban areas. For example, in parks and gardens. Since it digs deep burrows with long tunnels, it is not loved everywhere. Moreover, it can multiply en masse, especially if it is fed. But nature… Continue reading European Rabbit
Miniature Awlsnail
The Miniature Awlsnail or Thumbnail Awlsnail is in Germany called Brasilian Trumpet Snail. It belongs to the Achatinidae family, but does not get as big as its African relatives, for example the Giant African Snail (Achatina achatina). Its shell reaches a maximum length of two centimeters, and it can live up to 4 years. Subulina… Continue reading Miniature Awlsnail
Black-Bindweed, Wild Buckwheat
Fallopia convolvulus is closely related to Buckweed and Rhubarb, it belongs to the Knotweed family. Some of its popular names are Black-Bindweed, Wild Buckwheat, Climbing Buckwheat, Climbing Bindweed and Corn-Bind. Where does Fallopia convolvulus come from? Black Bindweed is native to North Africa, most of Europe and many Asian countries. In Asia, its range extends… Continue reading Black-Bindweed, Wild Buckwheat
Thorn Apple
The Thorn Apple, Jimsonweed or Devil’s Snare is not related to the “real” apple from the rose family. Instead, it is related to potato and tomato. Datura stramonium belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Where does Datura stramonium come from? Its original area of distribution is in Mexico and reaches as far south as the… Continue reading Thorn Apple