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Plants to key out (and learn):
31. Aquilegia canadensis (Ranunculaceae) 'Columbine'
Although botanically the flowers of this species are "regular," there is nothing ordinary about them. This species is found in a wide variety of habitats from dry to wet areas, including many people’s flower gardens. The color of the flowers you are keying is red or yellow, non-native cultivars of every color imaginable are available.
32. Sanguinaria canadensis (Papaveraceae) 'Bloodroot'
The roots are filled with a blood-red fluid giving it both its common and scientific names (sanguin is Latin for blood). The "pair of lungs" shaped leaves are a dead giveaway.
33. Podophyllum peltatum (Berberidaceae) 'May-apple,' 'Mandrake'
Although this is called 'Mandrake,' it is not the same Mandrake that was used extensively in Europe as a medicinal plant. Nevertheless, it does have many medicinal properties. It is a powerful cathartic as well as a sialagogue and a cholagogue. Its apple-looking fruit can appear as early as May giving it its common name.
Species to learn:
34. Thalictrum dasycarpum (Ranunculaceae) 'Purple meadow-rue'
The unisexual flowers of this perennial herb are found arranged in pyramid-shaped inflorescences. The distinctive compound leaves are a good way to remember this one.
35. Jeffersonia diphylla (Berberidaceae) 'Twinleaf'
Another common name for this plant is 'Rheumatism root'-possibly due to a former medicinal use. In case you were wondering, the genus is named after former president Thomas Jefferson. Clintonia on the other hand is not named after Bill Clinton. Consistent with many other members of Berberidaceae it can cause vomiting if ingested. Both the common name (twinleaf) and the specific epithet (diphylla) are names that have been applied to more than just this plant.Where did the generic name "Jeffersonia" come from?
36. Nelumbo lutea (Nelumbonaceae) 'American lotus-lily,' 'Water-chinquapin'
In addition to the material available in lab be sure to check out the small Lotus display on the wall in west end of the third floor in Birge. Throughout history a close relative of this species, Nelumbo nucifera, has been revered in the mythology of various ancient cultures, specifically India and Egypt.
Genera to learn:
37. Dicentra (Fumariaceae) 'Fumitory'
The family name is from the Latin for "smoke." This was applied to this family because the delicate leaves appear to be tender wisps of smoke. The two species that you may come across in Wisconsin are Dicentra cucullaria and D. canadensis, which are very difficult to tell apart from their vegetative features. Their flowers are distinctive though. Native American reportedly ate their swollen rootstocks .
38. Caulophyllum (Berberidaceae) 'Blue Cohosh'
You would have to go to Asia to find the only other species in this genus, so if you come across it in Wisconsin you can be sure that it is Caulophyllum thalictroides. Its flowers are green but its fruits are blue, very much resembling Blueberries. But be careful not to eat them as they are poisonous. Native Americans used them for their embryopathic properties.
39. Platanus (Platanaceae) 'Plane tree,' 'Sycamore'
This tree has several distinctive characteristics. Its bark is smooth, whitish, mottled, and peely. The flowers are in puff ball-like inflorescences. The leaves look somewhat like Maple leaves. Platanus is Latin for "flat leaf."Sycamore fun facts from NYC, of all places!
40. Chelidonium (Papaveraceae) 'Celandine'
The only Chelidonium found in Wisconsin is C. majus. It is an introduced and naturalized forb that has become an ecologically invasive weed.