#southeastern canada

[have-you-seen-this-animal]

Could you do [Cardinalis cardinalis]?

Have you seen the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)?

I have now

Yes, in photos/videos

Yes, irl

I'm not sure

Voting ended onMar 8

[larc2430ricciardi]

Pinus strobus | Eastern White Pine

Plant Community: Old Field

Type: Needled evergreen

Family: Pinaceae

Native Status: Southeastern Canada, eastern United States; Native

Mature Size: Height 50′ - 80′ | Spread 20′ - 40′

Habitat / Conditions: Eastern white pine is a rapid-growing, long-lived, needled evergreen tree that is native to the northeastern United States and Canada (State tree of Maine and Michigan). Easily grown in acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers fertile soils and cool, humid climates. Intolerant of compacted, clayey soils, alkaline conditions, and many air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and ozone.

Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8

Leaf Color: Evergreen

Flower Color / Bloom Time: 

Medicinal Properties:  

Historic: White pine was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who valued it especially for its antiseptic and vulnerary qualities, using it extensively in the treatment of skin complaints, wounds, burns, boils etc. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and so was used in treating coughs, colds, influenza and so on

Modern: The turpentine obtained from the resin of all pine trees is antiseptic, diuretic, rubefacient and vermifuge. It is a valuable remedy used internally in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints and is used both internally and as a rub and steam bath in the treatment of rheumatic affections. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and so is useful in treating diseases of the mucous membranes and respiratory complaints such as coughs, colds, influenza and TB. Externally it is a very beneficial treatment for a variety of skin complaints, wounds, sores, burns, boils etc and is used in the form of liniment plasters, poultices, herbal steam baths and inhalers. A poultice of pitch has been used to draw out toxins from boils and reduce the pain. The dried inner bark is demulcent, diuretic and expectorant[4]. An infusion was used as a treatment for colds and it is still used as an ingredient in commercial cough syrups, where it serves to promote the expulsion of phlegm. A poultice made from the pounded inner bark is used to treat cuts, sores and wounds. The wetted inner bark can be used as a poultice on the chest in treating strong colds. The dried inner bark contains 10% tannin, some mucilage, an oleoresin, a glycoside and a volatile oil. A tea made from the young needles is used to treat sore throats. It is a good source of vitamin C and so is effective against scurvy. An infusion of the young twigs has been used in the treatment of kidney disorders and pulmonary complaints. The powdered wood has been used as a dressing on babies chaffed skin, sores and improperly healed navels.

Sources:

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a914

https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pinus+strobus

[larc2430ricciardi]

Lycopodium obscurum | Princess Pine or Rare Clubmoss

Plant Community: Oak Hickory

Type: Perennial Shrub

Family: Lycopodiaceae

Native Status: Eastern US, Southeastern Canada; Native

Mature Size: Height < 0.5′ | Spread < 0.5′

Habitat / Conditions: It is native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada from Georgia to Minnesota to Nova Scotia. It grows in the understory of temperate coniferous and deciduous forests, where it is involved in several secondary succession, growing in clonal colonies some years after disturbance has occurred. It has also been found in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Russian Far East, and northeastern China.

Hardiness Zone: 3 - 7

Leaf Color: Green –> Yellow / Orange

Flower Color / Bloom Time: White w/ purple petal base | May

Medicinal Properties: The plant is analgesic, antispasmodic, blood tonic, diuretic and tonic. A decoction has been used as a herbal steam in the treatment of rheumatism. The spores of this plant are dusted on wounds or inhaled to stop bleeding noses. They can also be used to absorb fluids from injured tissues. The spores can be used as a dusting powder to prevent pills sticking together.

The plant contains lycopodine, which is poisonous by paralysing the motor nerves. It also contains clavatine which is toxic to many mammals.

Sources:

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a884

[thestylishvelociraptor]

Wow, we are in the middle of the first snowstorm of the year! Actually, the biggest snowstorm in a real while since last winter was so warm and non- snowy. So. Much. Snow. And this is reminding me that, despite my dislike of the cold, I really love the weather here. I really love it here, in general, or at least I really love this general corner of the world. I cant imagine ever wanting to live more than a few hours in any direction.

It's so beautiful around here, in every season.