Questions tagged [plants]
Questions about plants that are likely to be found in the outdoors or the use of plants in outdoor activities, including classification, use as food, use for shelter, medicinal use, etc.
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How to find true north without compass, sun, and stars?
Is there any reliable method from nature to find north without the stars, sun, or compass?
I have read a little bit on this subject, and a lot of it seems to be controversial.
Let's say I am lost in ...
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Baccharis neglecta vs Juniperus ashei in central texas
It's my understanding both Baccharis neglecta and Juniperus ashei thrive in nutrient poor soils but I rarely see them together. I mean, they're both in central Texas, but like where I see Baccharis ...
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What is this plant with red stalks and greenish-red leaves?
This plant has been sprouting up from time to time in my yard. I've been cutting them down as I see them, but it has me curious.
What is this plant? Currently its maybe 10 inches tall, which red ...
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Pacific Northwest - how can I find about sea Bioluminescence events?
I happened to stumble upon the last bits of a bioluminescence event on Cortes Island, in BC, in 2011. It was absolutely amazing, but most of it had happened in the previous days.
I'd love to go ...
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Are there any toxic berries that can be easily confused with the Serviceberry (saskatoon berry)?
I'm pretty confident I have a serviceberry (saskatoon berry) in my front yard. It looks like all the pictures I've seen, I live in its habitat, and it tastes as described. Before I eat too many, I ...
user17482
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A river of moss - what to call it?
Is there any distinct term or phrase (biological or otherwise) for this pattern of mossy growth within a stream-bed?
The photo shows little moss islands on individual rocks, within a very sodden &...
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Mimosa Pudica (touch-me-not) medicinal uses and edibility
I started reading about an interesting plant that is common around here called Mimosa Pudica, known as "touch-me-not" because of its leaves that close upon touching.
It seems to be a plant with ...
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Can I get fresh water from ocean plants?
In the answer to Can I get fresh water from ocean fish flesh? I learned that the water I can get from eating fish has a low enough salt content that it will hydrate me, BUT the high protein count will ...
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Are these yellow orange hawthorns edible?
I have lots of these hawthorns in my neighborhood (Mount Lebanon) but I am afraid to eat from them. Are they safe ?
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What plants can be heard when they are growing?
Growing up in the Midwest, USA I have heard of being able to hear corn grow on a quiet night. I believe I may have actually experienced this at one time while waiting for some co-workers in the ...
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Are there any reliable plants to use for navigation?
I've always heard that moss grows on the north side of a tree. Presumably, this is because conditions on the north side, at least in the northern hemisphere, tend to get less sunlight and are damper. ...
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Can I safely eat grass?
A recent comment
Cows eat grass, doesn't mean you can!
got me thinking. Corn, wheat, rice, etc are all grass that we eat regularly. I am not sure the human race could survive on the planet ...
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Can I eat raw acorns?
I know that they are full of starch and fat. I also know that deer and boars eat them. Is it safe for a human to eat them?
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What are these small blue berries growing in clusters on a medium size bush in Southern Ontario, Canada?
These blue berries are growing in clusters on a medium size bush in Southern Ontario, Canada.
What are they, and are they edible?
Here are some details:
The leafs are leathery and slippery.
The ...
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What is this plant with fluffy white flowers in the Canadian Rockies?
I was hiking in the Ptolemy Plateau in the Canadian Rockies yesterday.
There were all these plants that looked like something right out of a Dr. Seuss book. What are they?
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