Author: Father Pitt

  • Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata

    Alliaria petiolata

    A flavorful vegetable that came to our country because of its utility and found it liked its new home, Garlic Mustard can be a nuisance in the spring woods. It also grows in urban yards, as it did here in Beechview, where these pictures were taken April 16.

    Garlic Mustard

    For a fuller description, see the Alliaria petiolata reference page.

    Alliaria petiolata
  • Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

    Taraxacum officinale

    It’s the middle of April, and cheery yellow dandelions are everywhere. We always have room for more pictures of them.

    Dandelion
    Three heads
    Dandelions
  • Purple Archangel (Lamium purpureum)

    Lamium purpureum

    Also called Purple or Red Dead-Nettle, these little flowers are in full bloom right now in the middle of April. These tiny flowers pop up in lawns and along the edges of sidewalks. If they were larger or rarer, they would be garden treasures; their success makes them unappreciated. These pictures were taken in Beechview on April 12 and 14.

    For a fuller description, see the Lamium purpureum reference page.

    Purple Archangel
    Purple Dead-Nettle
    Red Dead-Nettle
    Lamium purpureum
    Lamium purpureum
  • Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

    Tussilago farfara
    Photographed April 8.

    Coltsfoot is one of our earlier spring flowers. It likes the edge of the woods, but it can sprout almost anywhere; these plants were growing at the edge of a parking lot in Banksville. The blooming stalks come straight out of the ground before any leaves appear.

    Coltsfoot

    Coltsfoot is a European import, but around here it is not invasive enough to be a pest.

    For a fuller description, see the Tussilago farfara reference page.

    Nodding heads
  • Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica)

    Claytonia virginica
    Photographed April 7.

    One of our early woodland flowers, beating even the Bloodroots. These were blooming along the Trillium Trail in Fox Chapel.

    For a full description, see the Claytonia virginica reference page.

    Spring Beauty
    Claytonia virginica
    Claytonia virginica
    Another one
    Claytonia virginica