Arisaema atrorubens
Arum Family
Habitat: Moist woodlands
Size: 1-3’
Notes: Blooms mid to Late April.
Folklore and Facts: 1This plant has an ingenious method by which it can conserve energy. If times are good and there is plenty of sun, rain and nutrients Jack-In-The-Pulpit will produce a female flower which will turn into a bright crimson red cluster of fruit. On the other hand if the previous season did not offer ample resources the plant may have pollen producing male flowers or no flowers at all. The sex change is controlled by the amount of excess energy stored in the plants corm (enlarged stem base that grows underground). A healthy well stocked corm with plenty of energy will provide the nutrients required to produce fruit, while an energy starved corm will lead to a less fruitful season. Because the survival of this plant depends on the energy it can store in its specialized roots it is no surprise that the plant (especially to corm) contains a chemical that makes it unattractive as a food source. When eaten calcium oxalate it can cause intense burning in the mouth.

Thalictrum dioicum
Buttercup Family
Habitat: Woodland
Size: 6-24”
Notes: Blooms early-mid April. Flowers appear to have 5 greenish petals (actually sepals).

Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Composite Family
Habitat: Disturbed areas and roadsides.
Size: 1-6’ Flowers tiny growing in racemes 1-6” long.
Notes: Blooms early August. Note the leaves are narrowly divided whereas great ragweed has a large 3-5 lobed leaf. Pollen is a major cause of seasonal allergies such as hay fever.

Ambrosia trifida
Composite Family
Habitat: Moist fields
Size: 3-15’ Flowers tiny growing in racemes 1-6” long.
Notes: Blooms late July early August. Much larger than common ragweed, has broad, lobed leaves instead of narrowly divided leaves. Pollen is a major cause of seasonal allergies such as hay fever.

Urtica dioica (Non-native)
Nettle Family
Habitat: Disturbed Areas
Size: 1-3’
Notes: Blooms late August to early September

Laportea canadensis
Nettle Family
Habitat: Moist to wet woodlands
Size: 1-4’
Notes: Blooms Mid August