Plant Fact Sheets

Dead Nettle (Lamium)

Depending on the author, this genus comprises 25-30 species, some of which are widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, while others are native to specific regions.

Distribution

The cut-leaved dead nettle (Lamium hybritium) is commonly found on fallow land, along roadsides, on cultivated fields, and in gardens. It blooms from May to October.

Appearance

The cut-leaved dead nettle is a herbaceous plant with strong stems, from which leaves branch out and flowers are arranged. The flowers are pink to light purple.

Special Features

Dead nettle flowers are particularly attractive to bumblebees, but also to other bees. Seed dispersal occurs via ants.

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References (Sources in German)

Spear or Common Thistle (Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten., Syn.: Cirsium lanceolatum (L.) Scop.)

Distribution

The spear thistle is native to Central Europe but has spread across much of the world. It is commonly found along paths, on waste grounds, riverbanks, and in forest clearings. It can be a troublesome weed that is difficult to control.

Appearance

The plant is biennial and can grow up to 350 cm tall. The stems are very sturdy and, like the leaves, are spiny and hairy. The leaves are toothed and end in a thorn. The plant blooms from July to October with bright violet flowers.

Special Features

The flowers are pollinated by insects. Seeds are primarily dispersed by the wind, but some bird species, like finches and the goldfinch, enjoy eating them. The plant is also a food source for the larvae of the painted lady butterfly(Vanessa cardui).

References (in German)

Speedwell (Veronica L.)

Distribution

The genus Veronica includes up to 450 species, found almost everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Persian speedwell(Veronica persica) originates from the Caucasus and escaped from botanical gardens in the 19th century.

Appearance

It frequently colonizes plowed fields, vineyards, and gardens, and can also be found in grain fields and along paths. It blooms bright blue from February to October. Seed dispersal occurs via ants or humans. The plant is herbaceous and forms creeping shoots along the ground.

References (in German)

Thyme-leaved Speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia)

Distribution

Thyme-leaved speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) is found across the Northern Hemisphere, growing in meadows, pastures, fields, fallow lands, riverbanks, and roadsides.

Appearance

The plant spreads by sending out herbaceous shoots along the ground. Its flowers are white with light blue spots and they bloom from May to October. Flies often perform pollination, and seed dispersal occurs via wind, rain, or animals.

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References (in German)

Common Vetch (Vicia sativa)

Distribution

Common vetch is an ancient cultivated plant, spread worldwide by humans, which grows wherever it is sown. There are also some wild varieties, mostly found in meadows, roadsides, and fallow lands.

Appearance

A herbaceous plant with leafy tendrils. It blooms violet to purple from March to April, with a second bloom from August to October. The plant is mostly self-pollinating, though bees or butterflies sometimes help with pollination.


References (in German)

Grass (Poales)

"Grass" is a general term for plants that form closed plant cover as meadows or lawns. They serve as a food source for animals, prevent topsoil erosion, and decompose into nutrient-rich humus.

Distribution

Grass-like plants first appeared in the Cretaceous period, contributing significantly to the development of today’s landscapes. With over 12,000 species, the Poaceae (grasses) family is one of the largest flowering plant families, with global distribution. In addition, the Cyperaceae (sedge) family, with 5,500 species, is also widespread around the world.

In Europe, about 6,400 years ago, forests were steadily reduced to create grassland for livestock and farmland. In recent decades, species-rich, extensive meadows and pastures have been largely replaced by species-poor, monotonous grazing and grassland areas. Today, common forage grasses include perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), timothy (Phleum pratense), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) and fescue grasses (Festuca pratensis, Festuca arundinacea).

Special Features

In addition to being a food source, grasses have increasing importance as a fiber provider, for alcohol production, and as building materials.


References (in German)

Clover (Trifolium)

This genus includes 245 species, belonging to the Fabaceae (legume) family.

Distribution

Clover occurs naturally on all continents except Australia and Antarctica, where some species have been introduced. The species inhabit a wide range of habitats. Clover can be found in gardens and meadows.

Appearance

Clover has green, trifoliate leaves that vary in size and pattern depending on the species. The flower is round and can be white, pink, or violet. Typical examples include red clover Trifolium pratense red flowers) and white cloverTrifolium repens. The flower is often visited by insects with long proboscises, such as butterflies, as well as by bees and bumblebees.

Special Features

Clover has been used as a fodder plant for centuries. Thanks to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in its roots through a symbiotic relationship with nodulating bacteria, clover is also used as a cover crop to improve soil fertility. Some clover species have applications in folk medicine. Additionally, the shamrock is the national symbol of Ireland and holds significance in religion, mysticism, and architecture. The rare four-leaf clover is considered a good luck charm.


References (in German)

Dandelion (Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia)

Distribution

The common dandelion is found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It grows in meadows and along roadsides. Its main blooming season is in April and May, though some plants bloom into the autumn.

Appearance

Dandelions have herbaceous leaves, which can vary in size depending on environmental conditions. The flower is yellow and eventually forms the characteristic “dandelion clock” of seeds, which are carried away by the wind.

Special Features

Dandelions are highly resilient and adaptable to different climates and environments. Although they are often considered unwanted weeds in gardens, their early and abundant blooms are an important food source for bees. The leaves are edible and can be used in salads. During the post-war years, roasted dandelion roots were used as a coffee substitute, and there were efforts to produce a natural rubber alternative from the plant’s white sap.


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References (in German)

Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum)

Distribution

Mouse-ear chickweed and its subspecies, such as common chickweed, are found worldwide in various habitats: fallow land, forest edges, high altitudes, and grasslands.

Appearance

It is a herbaceous plant with dark green, slightly hairy, leafy stems. The small white flowers bloom from March to October.

Special Features

The plant is undemanding, can tolerate light salinity, and is considered a pioneer species, meaning it can colonize bare, vegetation-free areas first. Flies are the primary pollinators.


References (in German)

Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)

Distribution

Ribwort plantain is widespread globally and is a characteristic component of grasslands. It can be found in meadows, parks, along roadsides, and in fields. It blooms from May to September.

Appearance

Due to its inconspicuous flowers, ribwort plantain often goes unnoticed. It has herbaceous, elongated leaves with a longitudinal pattern.

Special Features

The leaves of ribwort plantain are edible as a salad. Due to its blood-clotting and antibacterial properties, ribwort plantain was named “Medicinal Plant of the Year” in 2014.


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References (in German)