Curious Plant Names

If you've read some of my previous posts, then you know I have a fascination with plant names. And it's not only me; entire books have been written about weird plants and their strange names. Searching the Internet also produces hundreds of sites with articles about strange plants and names. For me, I prefer to "focus" on the local findings, so as to make it more relevant. I try to envision what went through the minds of the original folks doing the name giving. Sometimes this seems to have little connection to the real world, but in most cases the name does have some bearing on usage or appearance.

Here's a few of those local favorites, previously unpublished in this blog (wow!).

Shoo-Fly Plant (Nicandra physalodes)

As the name implies, this member of the Nightshade family has some insect repellent qualities. It is native to South America and can grow to about 3 feet high. I found these growing at Champoeg State Park, which can be a buggy place by the river. The flowers have a wonderful blue tint and produce a "paper lantern" type of seed pod, seen below.

The attractive flower is about the size of a silver dollar.

     

Leafy Beggarticks (Bidens frondosa)

These wetland plants can populate large areas, where their fruits provide good eating for songbirds and waterfowl. The curious name is derived from the tick-like appearance of the tiny fruits and their habit of sticking to just about anything, such as my socks and pants! Rood Bridge Park and Jackson Bottom have acres of these currently in bloom, as well as the similar Nodding Beggartick, which has flowers that "nod" their flower heads downward.

      

   

Nodding Beggarticks

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

This small daisy-like, bushy plant is a traditional medicinal herb that has been used for migraines and arthritis. The name implies it can be used as a fever reducer, but scientific evidence shows it has little use beyond the placebo effect! Interestingly, you can search the Internet and buy bottles of Feverfew capsules even now. Feverfew is native to Eurasia and is sometimes grown as an ornamental. We found some growing in our yard as well as along the road where we walk the dog!

     

This bush is about 18 in. tall and the flowers are about the
 size of a quarter

Bugloss Fiddleneck (Amsinckia lycopsoides)

Also called Tarweed Fiddleneck, you'll see this easy to spot, native weedy plant growing in disturbed areas and wetlands in late spring and summer. The bent top end of the plant resembles a fiddle, hence the name. The sticky nature of the plant accounts for the Tarweed but the Bugloss part is a stretch as Fiddlenecks are part of the Borage family and most of those have blue flowers. Hmmm... We found these blooming at Jackson Bottom in late May 2014.

Classic Fiddleck bloom

A stand of Fiddlenecks.

Jointed Charlock (Raphanus raphanistrum)

One of my favorite weedy flowers, this non-native wild radish belongs to the Mustard family. The simple flowers have just four petals, and can vary in color from white to blue. They are excellent pollinators and grow in most sunny spots at low elevations. The Jointed name refers to the string bean-like fruits that have joints between the seeds. As for Charlock, this name is elusive. Its origins are unclear and it may well be a phonetic adaptation of a proper name (i.e., Sherlock). In any event, we found this rare tan one at Jackson Bottom.