Species library

Field marks, habits, and camera tips for the wildlife that visits backyard habitats.

289–324 of 583 species

lesser pond sedge

lesser pond sedge

Carex acutiformis

The lesser pond sedge is the architectural backbone of the water's edge, offering shimmering grey-green foliage and e...

Plants
lesser rattlesnake plantain

lesser rattlesnake plantain

Goodyera repens

A miniature marvel of the forest floor, the lesser rattlesnake plantain is a hardy orchid known for its stunning whit...

Plants
Lesser Skullcap

Lesser Skullcap

Scutellaria minor

A delicate gem of the marshlands, the Lesser Skullcap offers a masterclass in understated beauty. Its tiny, paired li...

Plants
lesser stitchwort

lesser stitchwort

Stellaria graminea

A delicate star among the grass, the lesser stitchwort adds a spray of white to summer meadows with its unique, deepl...

Plants
Leyland cypress

Leyland cypress

× Hesperotropsis leylandii

The ultimate backyard fortress, the Leyland cypress offers unrivaled privacy for homeowners and a sanctuary for local...

Plants
licorice fern

licorice fern

Polypodium glycyrrhiza

Transforming mossy branches into vertical emerald gardens, the licorice fern is the iconic winter greenery of the Pac...

Plants
Lingonberry

Lingonberry

Vaccinium vitis-idaea

A hardy survivor of the far north, the Lingonberry is a vibrant evergreen shrub famous for its tart, crimson fruits a...

Plants
Little Brown Jugs

Little Brown Jugs

Asarum arifolium

A hidden gem of the forest floor, Little Brown Jugs features striking mottled leaves and mysterious flowers that hide...

Plants
Littleleaf Sagebush

Littleleaf Sagebush

Syncolostemon parvifolius

A pollinator's paradise in a compact, aromatic package, the Littleleaf Sagebush is a hardy survivor that paints the l...

Plants
lizard's tail

lizard's tail

Saururus cernuus

An elegant wetland resident, lizard's tail transforms muddy shorelines into lush green sanctuaries topped with noddin...

Plants
London rocket

London rocket

Sisymbrium irio

Named for its rapid emergence after the Great Fire of London, this resilient mustard plant is a herald of spring. Its...

Plants
longbeak sedge

longbeak sedge

Carex sprengelii

An elegant, drooping sedge that adds movement and texture to the forest floor. Known for its distinctive long-beaked ...

Plants
longbeard hawkweed

longbeard hawkweed

Hieracium longiberbe

Meet the cliff-dwelling rarity of the Pacific Northwest. With its shaggy, 'bearded' leaves and bright yellow blooms, ...

Plants
Longtom

Longtom

Paspalum denticulatum

A resilient specialist of the wetlands, Longtom creates lush, green carpets in the dampest corners of the backyard. T...

Plants
Lovage

Lovage

Levisticum officinale

A towering herb with a savory soul, Lovage is a striking perennial that doubles as a skyscraper for beneficial backya...

Plants
low sagebrush

low sagebrush

Artemisia arbuscula

The low sagebrush is a master of the high desert, a dwarf shrub that provides critical food and shelter for iconic We...

Plants
lowbush blueberry

lowbush blueberry

Vaccinium angustifolium

The wild lowbush blueberry is more than just a summer treat; it's a foundation of the northern ecosystem, providing v...

Plants
male fern

male fern

Dryopteris filix-mas

The male fern is a prehistoric masterpiece of the forest floor, known for its iconic 'shuttlecock' shape and shaggy, ...

Plants
man fern

man fern

Dicksonia antarctica

A living relic from the age of dinosaurs, the Man Fern transforms any damp corner into a lush, prehistoric sanctuary ...

Plants
marsh fern

marsh fern

Thelypteris palustris

A vibrant anchor of the wetlands, the marsh fern brings a splash of lime-green elegance to any damp corner of your ya...

Plants
Marsh foxtail

Marsh foxtail

Alopecurus geniculatus

A lover of mud and marshes, the Marsh foxtail adds a touch of fuzzy elegance to the wettest parts of your landscape. ...

Plants
Marsh Hay Cordgrass

Marsh Hay Cordgrass

Sporobolus pumilus

The swaying 'salt hay' of the Atlantic coast, Marsh Hay Cordgrass creates a shimmering green and gold carpet across o...

Plants
marsh Labrador tea

marsh Labrador tea

Rhododendron tomentosum

A fragrant staple of the northern muskeg, marsh Labrador tea charms with its clusters of snowy white blossoms and uni...

Plants
marsh mallow

marsh mallow

Althaea officinalis

More than just the namesake of a campfire treat, the marsh mallow is a stunning wetland perennial with velvety leaves...

Plants
Marsh Pennywort

Marsh Pennywort

Hydrocotyle vulgaris

A charming, coin-shaped wonder of the wetlands, Marsh Pennywort creates lush emerald carpets across boggy gardens and...

Plants
Marsh Thistle

Marsh Thistle

Cirsium palustre

A towering presence in damp meadows, the Marsh Thistle is a biennial wonder that supports a hidden world of pollinato...

Plants
Marsh Woundwort

Marsh Woundwort

Stachys palustris

A champion of the wetlands, Marsh Woundwort brightens damp ditches and pond edges with its striking spikes of mottled...

Plants
Meadow barley

Meadow barley

Hordeum brachyantherum

An elegant, tufted native grass that defines the western landscape, Meadow barley provides vital forage and shelter f...

Plants
meadow buttercup

meadow buttercup

Ranunculus acris

The Meadow Buttercup is the 'tall' golden icon of summer fields, famous for its mirror-like petals that seem to glow ...

Plants
meadow fescue

meadow fescue

Lolium pratense

A hardy, clump-forming perennial that anchors the meadow ecosystem. Meadow Fescue provides essential texture to the l...

Plants
Meadow Foxtail

Meadow Foxtail

Alopecurus pratensis

A soft, shimmering highlight of the spring meadow, Meadow Foxtail brings texture and movement to your backyard. Its s...

Plants
meadow hawkweed

meadow hawkweed

Pilosella caespitosa

A hardy perennial with a 'king devil' reputation, meadow hawkweed stands out with its clusters of brilliant yellow bl...

Plants
Mexican Bush Sage

Mexican Bush Sage

Salvia leucantha

A late-season spectacular, Mexican Bush Sage paints the garden in velvety purple hues while serving as the ultimate n...

Plants
Mexican feathergrass

Mexican feathergrass

Nassella tenuissima

Transform your backyard into a shimmering sea of gold with Mexican feathergrass, a hardy ornamental that dances in th...

Plants
Mexican Ruellia

Mexican Ruellia

Ruellia simplex

A hardy survivor with striking violet blooms, Mexican Ruellia is a pollinator magnet that brings vibrant color and co...

Plants
Mānuka

Mānuka

Leptospermum scoparium

A resilient pioneer of the southern wilderness, Mānuka is more than just a source of world-class honey. Its delicate ...

Plants

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