Plant Hike Today - Lots of Pics

[Brian Andrews]

Of bushcraft type skills, plant ID has to be one of my weakest areas. It is so boring for me to learn this stuff from a book. So, for me, the only thing that works well is dirt time.

Having 3 kids, a lot of my time in the woods does not allow for me to sit and study plants. But, today was different. I went out in the woods all alone, with the sole purpose of plants…..and maybe a little fishing : )

BTW, I am recalling these from memory, so feel free to correct me.

First up, I saw some burdock. In the past I have ate the root like has browns. But, will leave it alone today.

Next, I saw some day lilies.

Someone had been digging and the roots of one were already half exposed. So, I wanted to verify by the cow udder roots.

Everyone should know these. They were yummy!

I came across some Japanese Knotwood. I know what it looks like, but it was so HUGE this time of year, I passed it 3 times without knowing it.

In the spring, it is great to eat. Unfortunately, this time of year it is just woody and hard.

Wild geranium was all over the place.

Wild ginger was all over as well.

The root.

To Be Continued......

 

[Brian Andrews]

Literally fields of the stuff.

Mayapple of course.

Supposedly all poisonous except the ripe fruit. I am not good enough to test that out!

I was so absorbed in looking around that I started to wonder why my thighs and knees were burning. Ahh……wood nettle!

Ouch!

The good thing about being knee deep in wood nettle is that I saw some blood root.

It is not hard to tell how it gets its name.

Not surprisingly, it can be used as a dye, but also as an insect repellant. Boy, did I need it today! The mosquitoes were thick out there today. It was really ridiculous.

I decided to try a bit of fishing in the river.

To Be Continued.....

 

[Brian Andrews]

My take down pole is attached to my pack in the brown tube.

Had I caught a couple fish, I would have been starting a fire and staying for dinner. However, I only caught one rock bass and I was using my son’s barbless hooks, and he got off : ( No dinner in the woods today.

I did see a couple trees I don’t see so often in my neck of the woods.

I love hemlock.

There was also some ironwood.

Finally, some basswood.

I love carving basswood. Even though I had no dinner to cook, I had to carve something. So, this was my 2 minute spatula with pot lifting hook built in : )

My attempt at self portrait.

Well, I guess that is all for today. I was hoping for a few more plants and a couple fish. But, it was still a good time. I guess I will be hanging up my hat until next time.

Take care,
B

 

[Rockywolf]

Thanks Brian. I am just about completely ignorant in this area and love to learn! And that knife is so awesome! I want one!

 

[tonym]

Great stuff Brian!

I love getting out and learning plants. It's the only way to do it IMO.

Excellent photography by the way!

 

[Mentor]

Terrific pics, and a nice gear set-up. I like the take-down rod and carrying case.

Thanks for the plant info. I really do need to pay more attention to my flora knowledge.

All the best,

- Mike

 

[Mack]

Great thread Brian. I always enjoy learning about plants. Love that knife too.
I believe that may be the most popular hat on this forum. I know I have one.

 

[LMT66]

Great pictures Brian. How far up in Michigan are you?

 

[mtnfolk mike]

awesome pics Brian...:thumbup: i have to go to Michigan one of these days.

 

[yolbolsun]

Thank you, Brian, you have finally identified for me a mystery plant that has been driving me crazy for years. I have a large stand of this Japanese Knotweed and thought it was bamboo, but found out it was not. No one could ID it. Now you have!!! I enjoyed your pics on your hike.

 

[TheGame]

Lots of great pics and information in the post! Thanks for the post, really appreciate this one!

 

[jcl-MD]

Good info on plants.
Rat Pack #141

 

[DOC-CANADA]

Great pictures, Brian. Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis) is my favourite natural cordage material.

Doc

 

[John G]

Thanks for the great info! Now you've got me wanting to search out some wild Ginger.

 

[goatariba]

Great stuff!!! all very recognizable from my walks around south-western ontario.
Man does that stuff burn! one of the many reasons pants are a must any time of the year in my books.
i carry a very similar setup, tube with breakdown pole included
nice self-portrait too, they can be a pain in the woods. Plus being alone and all, there's no one there to tell you your fly is down!
Russell

 

[Wildewinds]

My attempt at self portrait.

Nice shot. Great lighting, good composition, XYZ, nice background.

 

[ZombaiO]

Great pics !

 

[myright]

Great pics, Brian. That blood root is pretty cool looking.

 

[Brian Andrews]

Great pictures Brian. How far up in Michigan are you?

Unfortunately, I am a very low in the state, in the city. Berkley to be exact.

Great pictures, Brian. Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis) is my favourite natural cordage material.

Doc

Hey Doc,

I have seen nettle used for cordage in videos, but have not done it. I can see how removing the leaves would be easy, but how do get around all the hairs on the main stem?

Did you see any errors in my descriptions? I figured if anyone was going to catch anything, it would be you

Plus being alone and all, there's no one there to tell you your fly is down!
Russell

Good catch! I noticed that too, and was hoping nobody else would

Nice shot. Great lighting, good composition, nice background.

I got lucky I guess. I chose the spot for back ground and decent light and there happened to be a stump for my camera to sit on. Also, this was the only photo that I did a manual crop on because I couldn't actually see what was going on. I also didn't really want to kneel that is where the stump had the camera pointing I had no choice.

Thanks for the comments.

B

 

[jds1]

Nice stuff Brian. My wife and I have been hitting the Poto Trail a few nights a week (with LOTS of bug dope) and we always enjoy calling out plant and tree names as we hike. I picked up one of those folding pocket sized plastic cards with native Michigan species listed and it's been very useful for ID.

Jeff