Botany and Forestry

When botanist Thomas Meehan died in 1901, I’m sure he went to the big forest in the sky feeling proud that Nathaniel Lord Britton had named a genus of plants in his honor. I’d also bet that he didn’t know how wonderful his namesake plant was. In fact, most people don’t know how wonderful Meehania … Read more

If you’ve read any of my past diatribes, you know that I favor scientific botanical nomenclature above common names. That’s caused many readers to come to think of me as a snob or know-it-all. That’s not the case! But, I’m going to save the “plant name” discussion for a later date. I just wanted to … Read more

Friday’s high winds and warm temperatures have officials at the W.Va. Division of Forestry asking West Virginians to avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve. Forestry officials cite media reports of multiple brush fires in south-central West Virginia, including Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, and Putnam counties. Forestry fire personnel also continue to fight a fire in a … Read more

A picture speaks a thousand words, and that’s a good thing because I have a lot to say about this plant that could best be said in pictures. And I’d be happy to hear that this article stimulated you enough to go out hunting for Hydrophyllum virginianum in the wild this spring. First, let’s chat … Read more

You may have to stretch your imagination a bit to embrace the common name of this exciting West Virginia resident. That plant, Tipularia discolor, is a terrestrial orchid closely related to Aplectrum hyemale, aka “Adam & Eve,” aka “Putty Root.” Its common name is “Crane Fly Orchid,” as the blossoms resemble a Crane Fly lighting on … Read more

Due to an observed decline in their population, ramps may no longer be harvested on properties managed by the National Park Service in southern and south-central West Virginia. Harvesting will no longer be allowed within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the Gauley River National Recreation Area, or the Bluestone National Scenic River, effective … Read more

I guess I’d have to attribute my love of woodland gardening to Errol Flynn, the swashbuckling MGM heartthrob of the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s. My mother had a serious crush on the daring star, and whenever one of his movies was on The Late Show, or The Late, Late Show, or The Late, Late, Late … Read more

These days it seems that just about every gardener I speak with is searching for pollinator plants. There’s a major focus on Lobelia cardinalis, and with good reason, although its cousin Lobelia siphlitica is being sadly overlooked, and not with good reason. Lobelia cardinalis, also known as the “Cardinal Flower,” surely does its job attracting … Read more

Women landowners who wish to learn more about forestry in West Virginia and network with other women involved in woodlands management can now register for the W.Va. Division of Forestry’s “Women Owning Woodlands” workshop. The event led by women instructors provides women landowners with an opportunity to ask questions, practice skills, and connect with woodland … Read more

After several days of battling a blaze in scenic Pendleton County—notably home to Seneca Rocks—the W.Va. Division of Forestry declared the South Mill Creek fire in patrol status. “Patrol status” means that no active fire threatens to get out of control, although smoke and hot spots may be visible, and firefighters will continue to monitor … Read more