Discovering Minnesota's Native Forbs: A Quiz on Local Plant Species

Yarrow is scientifically known as Achillea millefolium, not Lavandula angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, or Hypericum perforatum.

Acorus americanus is commonly known as sweet flag due to its sweet and spicy fragrance. It is often found in wet edges and shorelines.

Actaea rubra is commonly known as Red baneberry. Black cohosh and Blue cohosh are other plant species while Goldenseal is a separate herb, not to be confused with Actaea rubra.

Agastache foeniculum is commonly known as Fragrant giant hyssop, not Lavender, Daisy, or Rose.

Ageratina altissima, also known as White snakeroot, is commonly found in rich woods.

Alisma subcordatum is commonly known as Water plantain due to its habitat preferences near water bodies.

Allium canadense is commonly known as Meadow garlic due to its similarity in taste to garlic and its natural habitat in wet prairies.

Allium tricoccum is commonly known as wild leek, not wild garlic, spring onion, or chives.

Amorpha canescens is commonly known as Leadplant, due to its greyish-white foliage. It is a semi-woody legume native to North America.

Anaphalis margaritacea is commonly known as Pearly everlasting due to its appearance.

Anemone canadensis is commonly known as Canada anemone because of its geographical association with Canada.

Anemone cylindrica is commonly known as Thimbleweed and is found in dry sands and savannas.

Anemone patens is commonly known as the Pasque flower and thrives in outcrops with thin soils, making it a perfect fit for this flowering plant.

Antennaria neglecta is commonly known as Pussytoes due to its soft, hairy leaves that resemble the pads of a cat's paw.

Apocynum androsaemifolium is commonly known as Common dogbane due to its toxic properties that can be harmful to dogs.

Aquilegia canadensis is the scientific name for Columbine, a flowering plant known for its distinctive bell-shaped flowers.

Aralia nudicaulis is commonly known as wild sarsaparilla due to its resemblance to the sarsaparilla plant. While wintergreen, goldenseal, and bloodroot are all plants with medicinal properties, they are not alternative names for Aralia nudicaulis.

Aralia racemosa is commonly known as American spikenard, not Eastern white pine, Purple coneflower, or Yellow buckeye.

Arisaema triphyllum is commonly known as Jack-in-the-pulpit due to its unique flower structure resembling a preacher in a pulpit.

Asarum canadense is commonly known as wild ginger due to its similar smell to ginger, despite not being a true ginger plant.

Asclepias incarnata is commonly known as swamp milkweed due to its preference for wet, swampy conditions.

Asclepias ovalifolia is commonly known as Oval-leaf milkweed due to the shape of its leaves.

The scientific name for Common milkweed is Asclepias syriaca. It is a species of milkweed native to North America known for its importance in supporting the monarch butterfly population.

Asclepias tuberosa is commonly known as Butterfly weed due to its vibrant orange color which attracts butterflies. Milkweed is a different species in the Asclepias genus. Goldenrod and Black-eyed Susan are also different plant species commonly found in North America.

Asclepias verticillata is commonly known as whorled milkweed, not butterfly weed, swamp milkweed, or common milkweed.

Baptisia alba is commonly known as Wild indigo due to its resemblance to true indigo plants.

Caltha palustris is commonly known as Marsh marigold due to its characteristic bright yellow flowers that resemble marigolds and its preference for marshy wetland habitats.

Calylophus serrulatus is commonly known as tooth-leaved primrose due to its serrated (tooth-like) leaf edges.