Composite Family This plant can grow very thickly along roadsides. I found these growing in Oak Ridge. The flowers look like tiny dandelions. Perennial Where seen:Oak Ridge
Iris Family Aquatic (INN) Rank 3 The seeds of the Aquatic Iris are spread by water, they can become weedy. This picture was taken along Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge in late April. It is also found in the pond at the University of Tennessee Arboretum, because a woman planted it there years ago even though she had been told not to! These rhizomes contain irisin, iridin, or irisine and are poisonous to swine and cattle. Humans are also poisoned by these plants if eaten. Perennial Where seen:Oak Ridge (Melton Hill Lake), University of Tennessee Arboretum, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Warriors' Path SP
Wood Sorrel Family This is a common yard weed. I photographed this plant in my yard. This is not related to grass, the "sour grass" name comes from the taste of the leaves. Don't sample too many of them though, they contain oxalic acid which can adversely affect the kidneys. Perennial Where seen:Oak Ridge, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Warriors' Path SP, widespread {Formerly known as: Oxalis dillenii}
