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Violet-toothed Polypores
I’m intrigued by colourful fungi and have a special fondness for purplish ones. I was thus very happy to come across these Violet-toothed...
katemacquarrie22
Jul 20, 20252 min read


Hawkweeds
We often associate Asters with fall, but PEI has members of this family that flower in spring and summer too. Right now, the bright...
katemacquarrie22
Jul 16, 20252 min read


Sheep Laurel
This time of year, beautiful wildflowers are blooming in all of PEI’s habitats. Many people miss out on seeing those that thrive in bogs,...
katemacquarrie22
Jul 13, 20252 min read


Goatsbeard
PEI has several yellow wildflowers that are sometimes mistaken for Dandelions. In early spring it’s Coltsfoot; in summer, it’s the...
katemacquarrie22
Jul 9, 20252 min read


Partridgeberry
There are a few PEI plants that I’m always especially happy to find. One of those is the lovely Partridgeberry ( Mitchella repens ). ...
katemacquarrie22
Jul 6, 20252 min read


Smooth Bedstraw
Welcome back to Ask a Naturalist, your own personal Google for information on all things natural on PEI! Over the past week, I’ve gotten...
katemacquarrie22
Jul 2, 20252 min read


Blue-flag Iris
PEI has showy wild plants that outshine any domestic blooms I can think of. One flowering now is the lovely Blue-flag Iris ( Iris...
katemacquarrie22
Jun 29, 20252 min read


White Spring Moth
Welcome back to Ask a Naturalist, your own personal Google for information on all things natural on PEI! I was thrilled to get this photo...
katemacquarrie22
Jun 25, 20252 min read


Dame's Rocket
Lupins aren’t the only colourful wildflower decorating the Island’s roadside ditches in June. Dame’s Rocket ( Hesperis matronalis ) is...
katemacquarrie22
Jun 22, 20252 min read


Chokeberry
PEI has so many beautiful wild plants. One of my favourites is Black Chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa ), a shrub that has it all: lush...
katemacquarrie22
Jun 18, 20252 min read


Wine-caps
On PEI, wild food is everywhere. While walking to a meeting in downtown Charlottetown recently, I spotted some delicious, edible...
katemacquarrie22
Jun 15, 20252 min read


Ground Ivy
Today’s PEI plant is one that many of you will be familiar with. This time of year, the scent of its flowers and sound of bees buzzing...
katemacquarrie22
Jun 11, 20252 min read


Veiled Polypore
This spring, I’ve been introducing you to some of PEI’s early-season fungi. Today’s example hits the trifecta: it’s common, easy to...
katemacquarrie22
Jun 8, 20252 min read


Wild Chervil
On PEI, it’s common to mistake any tall, white, roadside flower for Queen Anne’s Lace (aka Wild Carrot). But there are at least eight...
katemacquarrie22
Jun 4, 20253 min read


White-lipped Snail
Let’s start the day with a quiz: which PEI animals can be found in saltwater, freshwater, and on land? If you guessed snails, give...
katemacquarrie22
May 28, 20253 min read


Snakes
Finding snakes is one of my favourite springtime activities. Cooler weather means they spend more time sunning themselves in the open,...
katemacquarrie22
May 25, 20253 min read


Bloodroot
There are several plants not yet known to grow wild on PEI that I suspect are here somewhere. Although those in the photo have been...
katemacquarrie22
May 21, 20253 min read


Amber Jelly Roll
This spring, I’m exploring some of PEI’s early-fruiting fungi, and today’s example sounds more like a pastry than a mushroom. Meet Amber...
katemacquarrie22
May 18, 20253 min read


Magnolias
PEI’s Magnolia trees ( Magnolia spp.) are putting on an amazing show right now (Photo 1). You’re likely familiar with the beautiful...
katemacquarrie22
May 14, 20253 min read


Magnolia Flower Recipes
Magnolia flowers ( Magnolia spp.) aren’t just beautiful, they’re delicious! With a flavour that’s a combination of ginger, cloves, and...
katemacquarrie22
May 14, 20252 min read
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