Saved Image Database

February 09, 2022

Saved Image Database

This is an extension of the Project Proposal in which all my research will be saved and organized.

The plant list is from this site here:

https://open.alberta.ca/publications/6740590

However I also have some knowledge of other invasive species that I picked up over time in Alberta such as the dandelion that I may add to this series.

Here are my source images:

Not From List:

Dandelion:

Latin name: Taraxacum officinale

Other Names: Lion’s Tooth, Blowball

Native to Europe and can be used for many purposes such as medicine, salad, wine, and vodka.

Broadleaf Plantain:

Latin Name: Plantago major

Other Names: White Man’s Foot, White Man’s Footsteps, Greater Plantain

Originally from Europe, Northern and Central Asia. It was given the name “White man’s foot” due to the fact that it appeared wherever colonizers appeared in America and across the world. It was such a reliable tell as to colonizer activity that the Native Americans named it this.

From List:

Autumn Olive:

Latin Name: Elaeagnus umbellata

Himalayan Balsam:

Latin Name: Impatiens glandulifera

Common Barberry:

Latin Name: Berberis vulgaris

Red Bartsia:

Latin Name: Odontites vernus

Common Buckthorn:

Latin Name: Rhamnus cathartica

Sulphur Cinquefoil:

Latin Name: Potentilla recta

Common Crupina:

Latin Name: Crupina vulgaris Persoon

Other Names: Bearded-creeper, False Saw-wort, and Starry Scabious

Native to Europe, Asia and North Africa.

Dyer’s Woad:

Latin Name: Isatis tinctoria

Other Names: Woad, Glastum, and Asp of Jerusalem.

Originally from Russia and cultivated for its blue dye. To achieve this blue dye colour, one must collect and dry the leaves and then soak them in water.

Eurasian Water Milfoil:

Latin Name: Myriophyllum spicatum

Other Names:

Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa this is what my sister and I called sea weed when we were kids. I still hate this stuff when I go swimming in lakes because it tickles your feet and gets wrapped around your legs when you’re swimming. YUCK!

Flowering Rush:

Latin Name: Butomus umbellatus

Other Names: Grassy Rush and Water Gladiolus.

Originally from Eurasia and was first recorded in the St.Laurence River though how it got there is unknown. I think its really pretty.

Garlic Mustard:

Latin Name: Alliaria petiolata

Other Names: Jack-by-the-hedge, Garlic root, Hedge garlic, Sauce-alone, Jack-in-the-bush, Penny hedge, Poor man’s mustard.

Originally from Europe, Western and Central Asia as well as North Western Africa. It is one of the oldest spices used in Europe as it appears on pottery dating back to 4100-3750 BCE. In 17th century Britain it was recommended as a flavouring for fish, as a sauce for dipping and even to spice lamb. With a name like that I’m thinking its probably pretty good! Maybe we should make it into a foraging staple, then it wouldn’t be invasive anymore. I see them in the mountains all the time.

Jointed Goatgrass:

Latin Name: Aegilops cylindrica Host

Other Names:

Native to

Meadow Hawkweed:

Latin Name: Hieracium caespitosum

Other Names: Field Hawkweed, Yellow Hawkweed, King devil, Yellow paintbrush, Devil’s paintbrush, Yellow devil, Yellow fox-and-cubs, and Yellow king-devil.

Originally from Europe and was thought to improve eyesight if you eat it (like carrots).

Mouse-ear Hawkweed:

Latin Name: Hieracium pilosella

Other Names: N/A

Native to Asia and Norther Europe. At first glance I would think these are dandelions.

Orange Hawkweed:

Latin Name: Hieracium aurantiacum

Other Names: Fox-and-cubs, Orange hawk bit, Devil’s paintbrush, and Grim-the-collier.

Native to the alpine regions of Central and Southern Europe and is purely used as an ornamental plant.

Hoary Alyssum:

Latin Name: Berteroa incana

Other Names: False hoary madwort, Hoary berteroa, Hoary Alison

Native to Eurasia and is an ornamental plant and for ground cover in mining areas.

Giant Hogweed:

Latin Name: Heracleum mantegazzianum

Other Names: Cartwheel-flower, Giant cow parsley, Giant cow parsnip, Hogsbane, and Wild rhubarb.

First, I would like to address how absolutely massive these are. They’re HUGE like can be eight feet tall. Originally from western Eurasia and the sap of this huge plant causes blisters and scars that are very painful. These plants were brought over as an “ornamental curiosity” probably because some people love to have poison gardens and these fit the bill perfectly. I actually came across some of these in Crowsnest Pass on a hike and believe me I was very nervous as I had to walk though a forest of them. All in all the hike was fun and full of beautiful wildflowers but these were not.

Pale Yellow Iris:

Latin Name: Iris pseudacorus

Other Names:

Originally from Africa, Asia, and Europe and was introduced as an ornamental plant.

Bighead Knapweed:

Latin Name: Centaurea macrocephala

Other Names:

Originally found

Black Knapweed:

Latin Name: Centaurea nigra

Other Names:

Native to

Brown Knapweed:

Latin Name: Centaurea jacea

Other Names:

Originally found

Diffuse Knapweed:

Latin Name: Centaurea diffusa

Other Names:

Originally from

Hybrid Knapweed:

Latin Name: Centaurea psammogena

Other Names:

Originally found in

Meadow Knapweed:

Latin Name: Centaurea moncktonii

Other Names:

Native to

Russian Knapweed:

Latin Name: Acroptilon repens

Other Names:

Originally from

Spotted Knapweed:

Latin Name: Centaurea stoebe

Other Names:

Originally native to

Squarrose Knapweed:

Latin Name: Centaurea virgata

Other Names:

Originally from

Tyrol Knapweed:

Latin Name: Centaurea nigrescens

Other Names:

From

Giant Knotweed:

Latin Name: Fallopia sachalinensis

Other Names:

Native to

Hybrid Japanese Knotweed:

Latin Name: Fallopia x bohemica

Other Names:

Native to

Japanese Knotweed:

Latin Name: Fallopia japonica

Other Names:

Originates from

Purple Loosestrife:

Latin Name: Lythrum salicaria

Other Names: Spiked loosestrife, Purple Lythrum

Native to Asia and Europe it was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant.

Medusahead:

Latin Name: Taeniatherum caput

Other Names:

Native to the Mediterranean region of Europe. Not to be confused with Foxtail Grass which is also a weed and can harm your pets.

Yellow Nutsedge:

Latin Name: Cyperus esculentus

Other Names:

Originates

Puncturevine:

Latin Name: Tribulus terrestris

Other Names:

Originally from Southern Eurasia and Africa.

Tansy Ragwort:

Latin Name: Senecio jacobaea

Other Names: Ragwort, Common ragwort, Stinking willie, Benweed, St.James Wort, Stinking nanny/ninny/willy, Staggerwort, Dog standard, Cankerwort, and Stammerwort.

Native to Northern Eurasia specifically dry open areas (like Lethbridge). These plants only resemble Tansy in looks and have a toxic effect on horses and cattle but bees love it.

Rush Skeletonweed:

Latin Name: Chondrilla juncea

Other Names: Gum succory, Devil’s grass, Nakedweed

Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, this plant is edible and used in many traditional Greek dishes. It is very difficult to get rid of, if any root is left behind it comes back with a vengeance.

Saltcedar:

Latin Name: Tamarix ramosissima

Other Names:

Native to

Saltlover:

Latin Name: Halogeton glomeratus

Other Names: Aral barilla, and Halogeton

Originates from Russia, Central Asia, and China, these darn things grow in my backyard everywhere but are super easy to weed. Not only is it toxic to livestock but it excretes mineral salts which make the earth where it grows infertile.

Common St John’s-wort:

Latin Name: Hypericum perforatum

Other Names:

Originally from Europe and was introduced as a common garden plant. It has many medicinal uses.

Yellow Starthistle:

Latin Name: Centaurea solstitalis

Other Names: Golden starthistle, Yellow cockspur, St.Barnaby’s thistle.

Originated from the Mediterranean.

Chinese Tamarisk:

Latin Name: Tamarix chinensis

Other Names:

Native to

Smallflower Tamarisk:

Latin Name: Tamarix parviflora

Other Names:

Native to

Marsh Thistle:

Latin Name: Cirsium palustre

Other Names: European Swamp Thistle, Swamp thistle.

Originates in Europe in wet swampy environments. I hate thistles this one is the easiest to weed though as there are places to grab that aren’t prickly.

Nodding Thistle:

Latin Name: Carduus nutans

Other Names: Musk thistle, Nodding plumeless thistle

Native to Eurasia the reason it got to name is due to the fact that it looks like its nodding at you. It’s courteous nod doesn’t make this horrible plant any less easy to weed though.

Plumeless Thistle:

Latin Name: Carduus acanthoides

Other Names: Welted thistle and Spiny plumeless thistle.

Native to Eurasia this plant is actually related to the Sunflower. I hate these things with a passion. No matter what gloves I use when I try to pull these they always manage to poke me through them. They suck.

Common Baby’s Breath:

Latin Name: Gypsophila paniculata

Other Names:

Native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia it is incredibly drought tolerant. It was originally brought over as an ornamental plant and is often used as filler for bouquet’s and in bridal hair. It is also highly toxic and if you see it on cakes you should probably avoid eating the whole cake, like just throw it out. They are very pretty though.

Creeping Bellflower:

Latin Name: Campanula rapunculoides

Other Names: Rampion Bellflower

Originally from Siberia and was brought over as n ornamental plant. I loved these as a kid and thought fairies used them as a hats.

Field Bindweed:

Latin Name: Convolvulus arvensis

Other Names: Lesser Bindweed, European Bindweed, Withy wind, Perennial morning glory, Small-flowered morning glory, Creeping Jenny (I think there are other plants that go by this name), and Possession vin.

Native to Europe and Asia.

Blueweed:

Latin Name: Echium vulgare

Other Names: Viper’s Bugloss

Originally from Europe. Not much about these other than that nobody wants them near their garden. I think they’re very pretty and bee’s love them.

Downy Brome:

Latin Name: Bromus tectorum

Other Names:

Native to

Japanese Brome:

Latin Name: Bromus japonicus

Other Names:

Originally from

Great Burdock:

Latin Name: Arctium lappa

Other Names: Gobō, Edible Burdock, Lappa, Beggar’s buttons, Thorny burr, and Happy major.

Native to temperate areas in Eurasia. This specific type of Burdock has edible roots when young and was brought over for cultivation purposes. It can be found in many Asian dishes such as kinpira gobo, it is also used in dandelion burdock drinks from Europe. Apparently the taste resembles artichoke. This plantis also used in medicine as the seeds are used in Chinese medicine, and as an ingredient in Essiac tea which is used to treat cancer. It can also be found in some shampoos and conditioners and to treat acne and skin conditions. I actually can’t differentiate the Great Burdock and Lesser Burdock very well other than that one is bigger and tastes a little better.

Lesser Burdock:

Latin Name: Arctium minus

Other Names: Little Burdock, Louse-bur, Common Burdock, Button-bur, Cuckoo-button, and Wild rhubarb.

Native to Europe this plant is also completely edible but only when a year or younger. This plant has detoxifying effects for skin and stomach problems. The root of this plant when roasted can be a coffee supplement. When older the inner stem can be used to make paper.

Wooly Burdock:

Latin Name: Arctium tomentosum

Other Names: Downey Burdock

Native to Eurasia, this plant is easily differentiated from the other Burdocks as it has fuzzy flowers and seed pods and the leaves are fuzzy on both sides. This one can be used interchangeably with Greater Burdock when treating skin irritation or as a diuretic. It is not used in dishes to my knowledge however.

Tall Buttercup:

Latin Name: Ranunculus acris

Other Names: Meadow Buttercup, Common Buttercup and Giant Buttercup.

From Europe and Temperate Eurasia. I was told if you hold a buttercup flower under your chin, the amount of yellow reflected off of it shows how much you like butter. I think that’s probably true because it reflected off the bottom of my chin a lot and I love butter.

Scentless Chamomile:

Latin Name: Tripleurospermum perforatum

Other Names: Scentless False Mayweed, False Mayweed, Wild Chamomile, Mayweed, False Chamomile, Baldr’s Brow.

Originally from Europe this plant has no smell and is not good for tea.

Yellow Clematis:

Latin Name: Clematis tangutica

Other Names: Golden Clematis, Golden Tiara, and Virgin’s-Bower.

Originally from high mountain area of India and China it is actually part of the buttercup family. Honestly I don’t know of a clematis that isn’t invasive but they are stunningly gorgeous and I wouldn’t mind a whole garden of them. If you go into Writing on Stone Provincial Park you will see the river valley area is completely overrun with them.

White Cockle:

Latin Name: Silene latifolia Poiret ssp.

Other Names: White Campion

Native to Europe.

Oxeye Daisy:

Latin Name: Leucanthemum vulgare

Other Names: Ox-eye Daisy, Dog Daisy, and Marguerite.

Originated from Europe and temperate regions of Asia. It was introduced as a decorative plant. Super pretty and can be purchased in greenhouses still here in Lethbridge.

Dame’s Rocket:

Latin Name: Hesperis matronalis

Other Names: Damask-violet, Dame’s violet, Dame’s wort, Dame’s gilliflower, Night-scented gilliflower, Queen’s gilliflower, Rogue’s gilliflower, Summer lilac, Sweet rocket, Mother-of-the-evening, Good and Plenties, and Winter Gilliflower.

Originated in Eurasia.

Black Henbane:

Latin Name: Hyoscyamus niger

Other Names: Henbane, and Stinking Nightshade

Originates from Temperate Europe and Siberia these plants are poisonous. This plant was used by the oracles of Apollo as it has psychoactive abilities when taken in small amounts (though it is unclear what is considered a small amount). Taking the seeds of this plant is thought to induce a state of rage thus it is thought the Viking berserkers would take this before battle. It is also associated with witches and witchcraft. While it is an endangered species in Europe it is a noxious weed here in the Americas. One can find recipes for this plant and how to properly prepare it so it wont kill you online still and it can be used in medicine, incense and smoking blends, as well as in tea’s and beers. Lethal dosage is unknown however I would assume its probably about a glass or two… unless you concentrate it… which I’m sure some people know how to do… not me though… I’m bad at stuff like that. Cool plant though!

Globe-Podded Hoary Cress:

Latin Name: Lepidium appelianum

Other Names: Hairy Whitetop

Native to Western Asia and Southastern Europe. The internet has very little on this subspecies of Hoary Cress though I think they’re all very similar apart from their seed pods.

Heart-Podded Hoary Cress:

Latin Name: Lepidium draba

Other Names: Hairy Whitetop, and Thanet Cress

Originated in Western Asia and Southeastern Europe this type of Hoary Cress is the most common. It was introduced to North America through contaminated seeds and has no uses.

Lens-Podded Hoary Cress:

Latin Name: Lepidium chalepense

Other Names: Broad-leaved Pepper-grass.

Originally from the same place as the other two and has all the same attributes however this one is the only one with the additional name of Broad-leaved Pepper-grass, not sure why.

Hound’s Tongue:

Latin Name: Cynoglossum officinale

Other Names: Hound’s tooth, Dog’s tongue, Gypsy flower, and Rats and mice (because of its smell)

Native to Europe this plant is loved by bees. It can also be used to treat inflammatory diseases it was also used as an antiaphrodisiac.

Common Mullein:

Latin Name: Verbascum thapsus

Other Names: Great mullein, Greater Mullein, Cowboy toilet paper, Hig candlewick, Indian ragweed, Bullicks lungwort, Adam’s-rod, Hare’s-beard, Ice-leaf, Wooly mullein, Velvet mullein, Blanket mullein, Beggar’s blanket, Moses’ blanket, Poor man’s blanket, Our Lady’s blanket, Old man’s blanket, Feltwort, Shepherds club, Aaron’s rod, Velvet dock, Mullein dock.

Native to Europe, Northern Africa and Asia it has many many uses, for example toilet paper, dyes, torches, to treat pulmonary problems, lung infections, skin infections, and even insulation for shoes in the cold. These plants are so useful!

Field Scabious:

Latin Name: Knautia arvensis

Other Names: Lady’s Pincushion, Bachelor’s buttons, Blue bonnets, Blackamoor’s beauty, Pins-and-needles, Snake flower, Curl-doddy, an Curly-head

Native to Europe this flower was used to rest skin conditions as its flowers feel similar to scabs… ew. In Belgium girls would pick the seeds and give each a lovers name and whichever bloomed the best was the right lover. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds love them.

Perennial Sow Thistle:

Latin Name: Sonchus arvensis

Other Names: Field milk thistle, Field sow thistle, Corn sow thistle, Dindle, Gutweed, Swine thistle, Tree sow thistle, and as I used to call it when I was little “Biiiiig dandelion.”

Originally from Europe this plant is actually related pretty closely to the Dandelion so I wasn’t too far off as a kid. The leaves can be eaten in a salad but this plan can also be used to make a poison according to Wikipedia which tells you how right in the write up for this plant which is kinda weird.

Leafy Spurge:

Latin Name: Euphorbia esula

Other Names: Green spurge.

Native to Europe, Asia, Siberia, and Korea. This plant contains a toxic white milky sap.

Common Tansy:

Latin Name: Tanacetum vulgare

Other Names: Bitter buttons, Cow bitters, Golden buttons

Originates from Eurasia this plant was considered integral to a garden in the 16th century. It was used for many different reasons including fevers, sores, intestinal worms, and in high doses used for abortions. Ironically in smaller doses it was also used to prevent miscarriages. It can also lighten the skin and makes a great bug repellent (just not if you’re trying to tan). It was also used in embalming practices and was packed into winding sheets along with the deceased or around the neck in a wreath and soon became associated with death. If mixed with fleabane and penny-royal it does become an excellent mosquito repellent however on its own it wont do anything. It can also produce a beautiful golden dye.

Canada Thistle:

Latin Name: Cirsium arvense

Other Names: Creeping thistle, Field thistle, Lettuce from hell, California thistle, Corn thistle, Cursed thistle, Green thistle, Hard thistle, Perennial thistle, Prickly thistle, Setose thistle, Small-flowered thistle, Way thistle, Are-you-tired-of-reading-thistle thistle, and Stinger-needles.

Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa, unlike it’s name suggest, this plant is not from Canada at all. It was named the Canada thistle because early New England residents blamed it’s appearance on French traders from Canada. It is an important food source for many different pollinators and birds. While this plant is edible it does create a very large amount of flatulence so I would advised against eating it.

Dalmatien Toadflax:

Latin Name: Linaria dalmatica

Other Names: Balkan toadflax, Broadleaf toadflax, and Wild snapdragon.

Originally from Western Asia and Southeastern Europe. This one is taller and only spreads by seeds.

Yellow Toadflax:

Latin Name: Linaria vulgaris

Other Names: Common toadflax, Butter-and-eggs, Yellow snap-dragons, Lemon drop toadflax,

Originates from Europe, Siberia and Central Asia this plant was my favourite to find growing up because if you squeeze it’s flower the right way you can make it “talk.” If you boil it in milk it makes an interesting insecticide. It can also be used for a variety of other medicinal uses. This one is shorter and spreads mostly by roots.