Blog
Learn about native species and ecological landscaping tips from a Minnesota Master Naturalist.
What’s in a Name: Spring Ephemerals
There are many spring wildflowers, but not all are ephemeral. Spring ephemerals are wildflowers that complete their entire lifecycle before tree leaves fully emerge and create a shady, closed canopy. Ephemeral flowers primarily grow on the forest floor, but some also grow in prairie and savanna habitats.
Native Plants to Replace Buckthorn
Managing buckthorn is a multi-year process with many techniques for removal. In this post, I’m focusing on revegetation after buckthorn removal. Recent research has shown that specific native plant species are well-suited for suppressing buckthorn regrowth. These species can outcompete buckthorn in spring and fall, helping revegetate open areas with bare soil. Complementary native plants can also benefit revegetation when planted alongside early establishment species. Check out these native plants for replacing buckthorn!