Rattlesnake Weed

Rattlesnake Weed (Hieracium venosum). Native to south-central Canada, through the eastern United States. It has the common name of Rattlesnake Weed, since it is thought to be found in areas where rattlesnakes frequent. That common name too, is an excellent example why one should depend on the scientific name rather than the common name. There is another plant, native to the southwestern portion of North America with the very same common name of Rattlesnake Weed. But each and every plant has its very own unique scientific name. This other plant has its own scientific name of Euphorbia albomarginata. If only they had easy to remember scientific names.

But back to the Rattlesnake Weed of my woods. Its basal leaves, which are normally its only leaves, are unusual. Bluish-green with deep red veins, and hairy at the edges.

The flowers, bright yellow, look a little bit like Dandelions on wiry stems, growing one to two feet tall.

Ah nature! So many amazing things to discover. So many things to learn about.

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