Plant of the Month
Balsam Poplar
Balsam Poplar The Balsam Poplar tree has the rough bark that is deeply grooved. Why? So that the tree can catch the rain and channel it to run right down the grooves, to the roots. Balsam Poplar is a ‘wet foot’ tree. Because it loves moisture, it tends to grow in the prairies, foothills and…
Read MoreCommon Dandelion
“Dear common flower that grow’st beside the way Fringing the dusty road with harmless gold ‘Tis the spring’s largess which she scatters now To rich and poor alike with lavish hand Though most hearts never understand To take it at God’s value, but pass by The offered wealth with unrewarded eye.” James Russell Lowell (in…
Read MoreTree of the Month – Balsam Poplar
The Balsam Poplar is a moisture-loving tree that lives in river valleys, from the Red Deer River north to the Sheep River in the south. These water storing trees, like all leaf-bearing trees, form the buds for their spring leaves in the fall. The buds overwinter and from February 2nd (the Celtic marker of the…
Read MoreWillow (g. Salix)
Willow is a shrub that loves to grow in moist habitat. Not only does it provide winter food for Elk and Moose, but it also contains Salicin, a chemical that is also found in Aspirin. Willow bark tea has been used for centuries as a pain killer for headaches, injuries and wounds. We have over…
Read MorePlant of the month – Canada Buffaloberry (Shepherdia Canadensis)
“Beary” delicious – not just for bears! This beautiful shrub is key to the survival of Grizzly and Black Bears in Southern Alberta. The ripe red berries are a sweet and fattening treat eaten before hibernation. One male Grizzly Bear can eat up to 200,000 berries in a 24-hour period. For humans, these berries have…
Read More