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red trillium

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Our ace botanists are here to help you identify wild New England plants and to answer questions about their ecology and conservation. When posting a question, please provide the location, habitat (e.g. river, mountain, woodland), and photographs of the plant.

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Recently answered questions

Question

According to all the web sites, Helesia Carolina is not found in Maine. I beg to differ. I live in Greenbush Maine and this sure looks like that plant. Could it be?

Answer

Dear ckozerow, the websites that state Halesia carolina doesn't occur in ME aren't making an assertion to that fact. What they are stating is that this woody plant has never been found before. Hopefully I'm making clear the distinction between these two points of view. The plant you have posted a picture of is a species of Malus (apple), though I can't tell you which one based on the image you uploaded. If you ever do find Halesia carolina growing outside of cultivation (i.e., wild) in ME, don't hesitate to contact me directly (ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org). Best wishes. (Monday, 26 May 2025)
Question

I and others have some confusion regarding the native presence of tradescantia in New England. In brief BONAP indicates a scattered presence of both ohiensis and virginiana, ( actually more than scattered depending which species) in contrast to GoBotany The Flora indicates a very limited presence of ohiensis confined to MA and CT, but the maps on the same GoBotany species page picture its complete absence from New England. And no virginiensis. Could you clarify? thank you lawrence

Answer

Dear ethnobotanist. Continued research on these species suggests that none of the species of Tradescantia are native to New England. It is most likely that they are all introduced from points further west and south. The issue with maps on Go Botany may be something on your end. When I view the maps on Safari, everything seems to be working normally. I hope this is helpful. (Monday, 26 May 2025)
Question

Bluntseed sweetroot?

Answer

Dear Tiannamamma90, there are no images associated with your question. Without them, I won't be able to assist. If you are having trouble uploading images, feel free to attach them to an email and send them to ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org and I will try to assist. (Monday, 26 May 2025)