Heracleum maximum “Common Cow-parsnip” Apiaceae
Olympic National Park, WA
June 1, 2013
Robert Niese
These weedy, roadside plants, named after Hercules because of their impressive size, are Northwest natives and can grow up to 2 meters tall! This shot nicely displays cow-parsnip’s flowers which occur in compound umbells.
Berberis aquifolium “Tall Oregon Grape” Berberidaceae
Tacoma, WA
May 18, 2013
Robert Niese
The roots of these plants are often used to treat Psoriasis and can be found in topical creams such as Relieva. The stems of most members of this family contain a yellow compound called berberine which is both a strong antimicrobial and an excellent dye. Its berries are sometimes used to make barberry wine and can also produce a pleasant purple dye. Eaten alone however, the fruits of most Berberis are bitter and unpalatable.
Erythronium montanum “Avalanche Lily” Liliaceae
Mount Rainier National Park, WA
August 4, 2012
Robert Niese
Avalanche Lilies are some of the first montane flowers to bloom in the PNW. As soon as the snow begins to melt, these guys are sprouting and preparing for the brief alpine summer. E. montanum is endemic to the Pacific Northwest and is only found in alpine and subalpine regions of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.
Aulacomnium androgynum “Little Grove Moss” Bryales
Missoula, MT
May 13, 2014
Robert Niese
This teensy-tiny moss species is readily identified by its adorable, round, lolly-pop structures known as gemmae. Each gemma is actually a mass of cells that will scatter on the wind or rain to produce a new moss (asexual reproduction). In total, this plant was barely more than 1cm tall! Look for A. adrogynum among pixie cup lichens (Cladonia) on rotting logs in moist-dry coniferous forests here in the Northwest. (ID courtesy of Mandy Slate)
Acer macrophyllum “Bigleaf Maple” Aceraceae
Tacoma, WA
April 14, 2013
Robert Niese
The blooming of the Bigleaf Maples coincides with the arrival of many small insectivorous bird species to the Pacific Northwest. Birds such as the Orange-crowned Warbler, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, and Warbling Vireo rely on the insects attracted to these flowers in the springtime.
Acer macrophyllum “Bigleaf Maple” Aceraceae
Olympic National Park, WA
June 6, 2013
Robert Niese
The largest leaves on Bigleaf Maples easily reach 2 feet in length! These trees are keystone species in riparian zones throughout the wet lowlands of the PNW and are particularly important for sustaining healthy moss populations.
Rosa nutkana “Nootka Rose” Rosaceae
Tacoma, WA
June 11, 2012
Robert Niese
This wild rose is a gorgeous and common inhabitant of moist forests throughout the northwest. When the flower dies in the fall, it leaves behind what is called a “hip.” This fruit is fantastic in teas and rich in vitamin C.
Adiantum pedatum (aleuticum) ”Northern Maidenhair Fern” Pteridaceae
Olympic National Park, WA
June 6, 2013
Robert Niese
One of my favorite Pacific Northwest Plants, these beautiful ferns are most common in very wet areas of our lowland forests. They are particularly fond of waterfalls.
Rubus parviflorus “Thimbleberry” Rosaceae
Tacoma, WA
May 2013
Robert Niese
Thimbleberry is an abundant edible berry found throughout forests in the west. They tend to grow best in disturbed areas such as roadsides, landslides, and clear cuts.
Moneses uniflora “Single-delight” Ericaceae
Olympic National Park, WA
June 1, 2013
Robert Niese
This unique Ericad is found in moist coniferous forests across the northern hemisphere and is the sole member of its genus. It truly is delightful!
Northwest Naturalist 