365Caws is now in its 14th year of publication, and was originally intended to end after 365 days. It has sometimes been difficult for me to find new material, particularly during the winter months, but now as I enter my own twilight years, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to provide daily posts. It is my hope that along the way I may have inspired someone to a greater curiosity about the natural world. If so, I can rest, content in the knowledge that my work here has been done.
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Geum Macrophyllum
Day 239: Although common along roadsides and in ditches, Geum macrophyllum (Large-leaved Avens) is not a weed in the sense of "introduced species." It is native to the Pacific Northwest and can be found from sea level to the subalpine zone in locations where there is sufficient moisture. Its leaves and stems are somewhat prickly to the touch, and can grow to heights of over two feet. Its achenes (fruits which do not open to release the seed) are hooked at the tips, which allows them to cling to animal fur and hikers' socks when dry and ready to fall from the plant. Although its flowers resemble those of buttercups, the species are unrelated.
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