Wild Flower or Weed, it’s Forage!

Common Yarrow

Common Yarrow Achillea millefoleum is named for  the Greek hero Achilles. It enthusiastically grows everywhere there is some sun; in yards, meadows, empty lots, pastures and along the side of roads and highways. It propagates by seed, and by vigorously growing and spreading roots. It is widespread throughout North America, and has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. Newer varieties are often found in gardens as there has been much breeding of cultivars in varied colours.

Its flowers have a distinctive smell, and provide nectar and pollen that is especially attractive to bees, butterflies, wasps and flies. The feathery leaves have a bitter taste and most mammals find them an unappealing meal. The flat arrangement of the flowers makes foraging easy from bloom to bloom. Usually blossoms from June to August.

Learn more about Yarrow from Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achillea_millefolium

Hellebore

Still blooming strong after almost three months.

Silphium Perfoliatum

Also known as Cup plant, there are a few varieties and some can grow to six feet.

Rhododendron

Some varieties of rhododendron are thought to be toxic to honey bees, but bumblebees have been seen visiting the flowers.

Azalea

Azalea are in the genus rhododendron.

Perennial Geranium

There are many types and colours of this flower.

Kerria Japonica, Japanese Rose

Iberis, Candytuft

Bergenia

A member of the Saxifrage family.

Aubrieta

Also known as Aubretia or Rock Cress