Chicory

Chicory
Originally uploaded by paynehollow

I've not spotted chicory on the farm yet, but it is an everpresent reality in our part of the world, so I shouldn't be surprised were it to be present there somewhere.

Along with Queen Anne's Lace, Chicory is a frequent roadside weed growing everywhere along highways and in empty urban lots. Some use its roots to make a coffee, or so I'm told.

Chicory blooms its brilliant blue flowers from Mid-May through summer.

Queen Anne's Lace

Queen Anne's Lace
Originally uploaded by paynehollow

I have not spotted Queen Anne's Lace at the farm yet, but it is quite plentiful in the region. This plant (also known as Wild Carrot, as its young root is edible - in the carrot family) is often seen on roadsides beginning in late May in our region, along with the ubiquitous Chicory.

While this is an edible wild plant, extreme caution should always be exercised when eating food you're not sure of. And especially in this case, as Queen Anne's Lace looks quite similar to the deadly poisonous Hemlock.

Once the flower is finished blooming, it folds in upon itself, looking very much like a beautiful birds nest, which explains the common British name of the flower - Birds Nest.

Garlic Mustard

Garlic Mustard
Originally uploaded by paynehollow

This is an invasive transplant from Europe. The Garlic Mustard grows throughout the eastern US and blooms in mid-May.

It gets its name from the fact that its crushed leaves smell garlic-y (and, therefore, keeps the bugs away).

Also called Jack-by-the-hedge.