Clearing Woods - Ferns and Other Forbs - Part 2

Ferns and Other Forbs - Part 2

In all but the deepest, darkest woods, plant life covers the ground - at least early in the season. In my USDA zone 7 woods, many residents complete their race by early August and recede to browned stems and seed heads. In our house, we say that the "woods are starting to thin out" then, as they regain the depth lost by the seemingly solid wall of summer greenery that stops the eye at the height of the season.

Other Forbs

Since my woodland spent many years as a pasture before Mother Nature reclaimed it, many of the interesting wildflowers of Maryland are not present - or at least not present in late summer. Pictured is what most of the woodland floor looked like before clearing.

In years past, in other parts of the property, I have found may apples (Podophyllum peltatum) and fleeting clumps of spring beauty (either Claytonia caroliniana or C. virginica). Scattered about are isolated plants and colonies of jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum).

Weedy Forbs

Unfortunately, the majority of residents are in the rampant weed category, and I've written about them in other articles. Here are the prime contenders; select the plant's name under the image if you're interested in finding out more about it. (Hit your back button to return to this article)

One other plant, originally from India, who falls into the weed category is Impatiens biflora, most commonly known as jewelweed, but also by several other common names:

The 'touch-me-not' names derive from the fact that the ripe seed heads burst at the slightest touch, sending seed buzz bombing all over the place.

This is one of those weedy plants that you think twice about pulling because the flowers, though small, are very neat and hummers love them. Deer also love them and munch the plants continually. It's said to be a cure for poison ivy, but I've tried a poultice of mashed stems and leaves after exposure to the dreaded vine and not found it to do anything but turn my arm green. Others, however, have said they find it works.

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