Daily Diversity! Week 5

Here are the species for this week!

Twinleaf

Scientific name: Jeffersonia diphylla

Anishinabemowin name: unknown

What a rarity! This perennial plant grows in deciduous forests with limestone soil, making it so rare that it has been listed as threatened or endangered in 5 states.

Fun Fact: The name “diphylla”  comes from the fact that the plant has two leaves. In Greek, “di” means “two” and “phyll” means “leaf”!

For more information, check out this website!

Jewelweed

Scientific name:  Impatiens capensis

Anishinabemowin name: ozaawashkojiibik

This annual plant gets its name from the way the flowers can be yellow or orange with red dots, giving it the look of a jeweled pendant or “necklace of the woods.”

Fun Fact: Jewelweed is known for its skin-healing properties. It is especially effective against a poisonous plant that grows with it in the woods. Check back here tomorrow to what that plant is!

For more information, check out this website!

Poison Ivy

Scientific name: Toxicodendron radicans

Anishinabemowin name: nimkikibug

Keep your eyes peeled for this rash-inducing plant. Growing as vines or shrubs, poison ivy is common across North America. If you do come into contact with it, the Jewelweed from yesterday can help heal your skin!

Fun Fact: Although this plant is poisonous to most humans, white-tailed deer actually love to eat it!

For more information, check out this website!

White Oak

Scientific name: Quercus alba

Anishinabemowin name: wiishkobi-mitigomizh

This eastern deciduous hardwood can be found as far north as Ontario and as far south as Florida. It can sometimes even grow over 100 feet tall!

Fun Fact: Some white oaks have been found to be over 450 years old! What a wise tree!

For more information, check out this website!

Northern Red Oak

Scientific name: Quercus rubra

Anishinabemowin name: wiisagi-mitigomizh

The northern red oak (not to be confused with the southern or Spanish red oak) is native to the eastern US and southern Canada, and it provides an important source of lumber!

Fun Fact: Although we often hear about foreign plants invading North America, the red oak is an example of a North American plant that has actually become invasive in Asia.

For more information, check out this website!