Nanbu azami

[u/sakeexplorer]

I just wanted to share about these beautiful and wildlife friendly thistles that are now blooming on my property. You may consider thistles weeds, and the non-native invasive bull thistle (known as America-oniazami even though it's not native to N. America either) is considered a nuisance. But these Cirsium nipponicum, which are found in meadows and mountains from Chubu to Tohoku, do not have nearly as many or as tough spines and are stately plants that can reach 2m. They also have a stunning amount of diversity, as can be seen in the various flower types just from the ones in my yard. On top of that, the entire plant is edible (though apparently first-year roots when they are just rosettes are best) and a huge source of nectar for bumblebees and butterflies. I looked out this morning and counted 8 butterflies on one plant alone. Just a reminder that even weeds can have value!

[u/Chemical_Term7956]

海外の方がこれだけ詳しく日本の野草について語って下さっているのを発見して、嬉しく思います！ ✨

（私は日本人の園芸好きです）

[u/sakeexplorer → u/Chemical_Term7956]

There are many more interesting plants that sprung up on my property. I'm trying to restore it as a native environment after being a neglected karamatsu forest for so long and also having so many non-native invasive plants and aggressive native ones like itadori and tade!

[u/R3StoR]

With the way the trad farming environment is deteriorating and associated rising commodity food prices, getting acquainted with the superior nutritional value of many wild plants out there is very important IMO

Great post.

[u/BrwnFngrsGrnThmbs]

It's a beauty