Fierce flora

While walking around the gardens of concrete and asphalt we call sidewalks, I am struck by the variety of plants we find in nooks and crannies. Wherever a bit of tobacco, or fallen leaves, or sand from winter shovels accumulate, we find a distinct group of plants growing on the merest hint of soil. Sidewalk cracks and the interface between wall and sidewalk, provide the greatest opportunities to these ruderals. Often fast-growing and disturbance tolerant, they do not withstand competition well. Cement and asphalt are only temporary barriers. Many are annual in growth habit, sprouting with spring’s earliest warmth and setting seed by fall.

One is often left wondering, which came first, the cracks or the plants? Obviously cracks between sidewalk blocks are deliberate to allow for expansion and contraction of the blocks. But in ashphalt, the slightest indentation allows for the accumulation of growth medium. Once the plants arrive, the roots grow downward seeking water and nutrients, further widening the cracks. Erosion has begun albeit much slower than a raging rain-swollen stream.

Have you noticed anything wild and wonderful, fierce or otherwise in your corner? Join us tomorrow, Tuesday July 21, 10:30 and share your stories on Twitter. Use @NovaScotiaFlora or #NSBotany.

Small asphalt crack with Creeping White Clover, Hop Clover and Common Plantain. Photo by Marian Munro

Rough Cinquefoil, photo by Marian Munro

Yarrow, photo by Marian Munro

Peppergrass, photo by Marian Munro

Pineappleweed, photo by Marian Munro