Forest Diary: Plants & Habitats

Parastā Lazda (Corylus avellana) is one of the earliest signs of spring in the Amata valley, quietly awakening the forest after winter. Its tiny red female flowers and golden catkins mark the beginning of the natural cycle and serve as an important early source of nectar.

Growing as a dense shrub or small tree, parastā lazda is common along forest edges, river valleys, and slopes, where it forms rich undergrowth and supports biodiversity. In the Kārļamuiža landscape, it is a characteristic part of the ecosystem, providing shelter and food for many species.

In autumn, hazelnuts ripen as a valuable gift of nature — rich in oils and minerals that support health. In the kitchen, they are widely used in salads, pesto, desserts, and confectionery, connecting wild nature with local gastronomy. More about the traditional use of hazel buds and bark can be found at fitoterapia.lv, revealing the deeper knowledge and heritage linked to this plant.

Šaurlapu ugunspuķe (Chamerion angustifolium, syn. Epilobium angustifolium)  is one of the most striking summer plants in the Amata valley, easily recognised by its vibrant pink blooms that brighten meadows, forest edges, and clearings. It flowers from June to August, gradually opening from the bottom upwards, creating a sense of continuous movement and life.

Growing tall with slender stems and narrow leaves, it thrives in sunny, disturbed areas, symbolising nature’s resilience and ability to restore balance. Around Kārļamuiža, fireweed forms vivid clusters that define the summer landscape and attract a wide range of pollinators.

Beyond its beauty, fireweed is also valued in everyday use. Its leaves are used for tea — both dried and fermented — widely known as Ivan chai. This plant connects wild nature with human experience, becoming both a visual highlight and a part of local tradition.

Gaiļbiksīte (L. Primula veris)  is one of the first flowers to bloom in the Amata valley, bringing soft yellow tones to meadows and forest edges after the snow melts. Flowering from April to May, its delicate blossoms grow in small clusters on slender stems, marking the true arrival of spring.

In the meadows of Kārļamuiža, it appears as one of the earliest signs of nature’s awakening, attracting pollinators and supporting the early spring ecosystem. Traditionally valued for its healing properties, all parts of the plant — flowers, leaves, and roots — have been used in herbal practices.

Beyond its beauty, cowslip is also appreciated in the kitchen. Its young leaves can be eaten fresh and added to salads, while the flowers are used to decorate desserts. Dried flowers and leaves are suitable for tea, offering a gentle, nourishing drink rich in vitamins and beneficial compounds, connecting spring nature with everyday wellbeing.

Pļavas āboliņš (L.Trifolium pratense) is is one of the most characteristic meadow plants of the Amata valley, easily recognised by its pink to purple flower heads and distinctive three-part leaves. Flowering from June to September, it brings vibrant colour and life to meadows at the height of summer.

Beyond its visual appeal, red clover plays an important ecological role. Its roots host nitrogen-fixing bacteria that enrich the soil, supporting plant diversity and healthy meadow ecosystems. Around Kārļamuiža, it often forms wide, blooming patches that attract bees and other pollinators, making it a valuable nectar source.

Red clover has long been valued in traditional use as well. Its flowers are used for herbal teas, commonly associated with supporting respiratory health. Rich in natural compounds, this plant connects the beauty of wild meadows with practical knowledge and everyday wellbeing.

Māllēpe (Tussilago farfara) is  

is one of the earliest signs of spring in the Amata valley, often flowering before its leaves appear. Its bright yellow blooms emerge in late April and May, bringing colour to landscapes just awakening after winter.

It commonly grows on slopes, roadsides, and other disturbed areas, where it quickly establishes itself and enriches the early spring environment. Around Kārļamuiža, coltsfoot is an important nectar source for the first pollinators, supporting the ecosystem at a time when few other meadow plants are in bloom.

Beyond its visual presence, coltsfoot has long been valued as a medicinal plant. Its name derives from the Latin tussis (cough), reflecting its traditional use in supporting respiratory health. Both leaves and flowers have been used in herbal preparations.

Coltsfoot also finds a place in the kitchen — its flowers can be added to batters and fried similarly to dandelions, as well as used to decorate salads and desserts. 

This plant brings together early spring colour, healing properties, and practical use, making it a distinctive part of the wild landscape.

Ārstniecības kumelīte (L. Matricaria recutita, syn. Matricaria chamomilla) is one of the most familiar summer plants in the Amata valley, easily recognised by its white petals surrounding a yellow, dome-shaped centre. Flowering from May to August, it brings a light and calming presence to meadows and sunny open areas.

Around Kārļamuiža, chamomile is commonly found in open fields and along paths, enriching the landscape and attracting pollinators. Its delicate, aromatic leaves and simple flowers create a sense of natural harmony in the summer environment.

Long valued for its medicinal properties, chamomile is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects, with its flowers widely used for herbal tea. It also finds a place in the kitchen — its mild, floral flavour pairs well with creams and ice cream, adding a subtle and elegant note.

This plant combines simplicity with versatility, becoming a natural part of both the meadow landscape and everyday wellbeing.

Parastais pelašķis (L.Achillea millefolium) is one of the characteristic meadow plants of the Amata valley, easily recognised by its finely divided, feathery leaves and flat clusters of small white flowers. Flowering from July to August, it adds a soft, balanced texture to the landscape in the second half of summer.

Around Kārļamuiža, yarrow grows in meadows, forest edges, and along paths, forming natural clusters that attract a wide range of pollinators. As an important nectar plant, it supports biodiversity and contributes to the stability of the local ecosystem.

Yarrow has long been valued for its medicinal properties, known to support digestion and reduce inflammation. It also finds its place in the kitchen — used to make yarrow butter or refreshing lemonade, adding a distinctive, slightly bitter note.

This plant brings together simplicity and versatility, connecting wild meadow landscapes with traditional knowledge and everyday use.

Parastā gārsa (L. Aegopodium podagraria) is Ground elder is a common and easily recognisable plant in the Amata valley, thriving in shady forest edges, gardens, and along trails. Its three-part, serrated leaves and delicate white umbrella-shaped flowers form dense green patches that bring a fresh, vibrant texture to the landscape.

Around Kārļamuiža, it is a characteristic part of the undergrowth, enriching biodiversity and contributing to the lush, green environment. As one of the earliest edible plants of spring, its young leaves are rich in vitamin C and minerals, making it a valuable seasonal food.

Ground elder is widely used in the kitchen — fresh in salads, drinks, and pesto, or cooked together with root vegetables and grains. Its mild, green flavour makes it both versatile and nourishing, connecting wild plants with everyday cooking.

Traditionally valued for its anti-inflammatory and strengthening properties, this plant reflects a long history of practical use, where simple forest species become an essential part of both nature and human wellbeing.

Parastais rasaskrēsliņš (Alchemilla vulgaris) is a delicate and characteristic meadow plant of the Amata valley, known for its soft, fan-shaped leaves that hold shimmering drops of morning dew. These glistening droplets give the plant a quiet, almost magical quality and have long inspired its name and folklore.

It grows in meadows, forest edges, and natural grasslands, adding a gentle green texture to the landscape. Around Kārļamuiža, it is a natural part of the meadow ecosystem, flowering from June to July and often again in early autumn.

Traditionally valued for its calming and astringent properties, lady’s mantle has long been used in herbal practices. Today, it also finds a place in the kitchen — added to smoothies and sorbets, where it brings a fresh, subtle note.

This plant combines fragile beauty with practical use, becoming part of the living rhythm of meadows and the delicate balance of nature.

Parastā priede (L. Pinus sylvestris) is one of the most characteristic and widespread tree species in Latvia, commonly found along the trails and forests of Kārļamuiža. With its tall, straight trunk, reddish bark in the upper part, and evergreen needles growing in pairs, it shapes the landscape and creates a distinct, light-filled environment ideal for various meadow plants. From an ecological perspective, Scots pine plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity within forest ecosystems. Its open canopy allows sunlight to reach the forest floor, fostering suitable conditions for a rich variety of native flora, including grasses, mosses, lichens, and even wild orchids. Pine forests provide habitat for numerous bird, insect, and animal species, making them an essential component of natural ecosystems. Scots pine is well adapted to poor, sandy soils and harsh conditions, often thriving where other trees cannot. Its deep roots help stabilize the soil, while its long lifespan—often several hundred years—ensures it remains a lasting element of the landscape. Throughout the seasons, pine forests offer a changing yet constant presence, from the fresh green of spring shoots to the calm stillness of winter. In addition to its ecological importance, Scots pine has long been valued as a medicinal plant. Its buds, needles, cones, and resin are used in traditional remedies, particularly for respiratory health, immunity, and skin care. This combination of resilience, ecological value, and practical use makes pine a true symbol of northern landscapes and a vital part of the natural environment.

Parastā raudene (L. Origanum vulgare) is an aromatic perennial herb found along the trails and meadows of Kārļamuiža, contributing to the region's native flora. This plant grows 20–80 cm tall, featuring upright, slightly hairy stems and opposite, dark green, fragrant leaves. Its small flowers—pink, purple, or sometimes white—form clustered inflorescences at the top of the stems and bloom from June to September, filling the air with a warm, characteristic scent. As an essential meadow plant, oregano plays a vital role in forest ecosystems by attracting a wide range of pollinators, including bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. It thrives in sunny, well-drained soils and is commonly found in dry grasslands, along roadsides, and at the edges of shrubs. By forming dense patches, it enhances biodiversity and enriches the landscape both visually and ecologically. For medicinal use, the above-ground parts of the plant are harvested at the beginning of flowering, when the concentration of active compounds is highest. Oregano contains essential oils—especially thymol and carvacrol—as well as flavonoids, tannins, and vitamins, which are responsible for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In traditional medicine, oregano is used as an expectorant, diaphoretic, and mild sedative, particularly in cases of colds, coughs, and nervous tension. It also supports digestion by stimulating gastric and bile secretion. However, oregano is a biologically active plant, and its use should be moderate, especially for individuals with sensitivities or certain health conditions.

It is an elegant and somewhat mysterious wild orchid found in natural meadows and forest edges, contributing to the rich biodiversity of these areas. This perennial plant typically grows 30–60 cm tall and is characterised by two broad, fleshy leaves at its base and a slender stem topped with a loose spike of delicate flowers. The blooms are white to greenish-white, subtle in appearance, and almost scentless—unlike its close relative, the fragrant Lesser Butterfly-orchid. This species is widely distributed across Europe and also occurs in parts of Asia and North Africa. In Latvia, it is relatively common in suitable habitats, though overall less frequent than similar species. It thrives in semi-natural, species-rich grasslands, where traditional, low-intensity land management has preserved native flora and biodiversity. In the meadows of Kārļamuiža, the Greater Butterfly-orchid can be found in notable abundance, reflecting the high ecological quality and careful stewardship of this landscape. Here, it forms part of a rich mosaic of meadow plants, offering a quiet yet striking presence during its flowering season in early summer. Despite its beauty, this orchid is sensitive to environmental changes. It is listed in the Latvian Red Data Book as a near threatened species. Intensive agriculture, fertilisation, and picking pose risks to its survival, making it an important plant to protect within forest ecosystems. Visitors are encouraged to admire it respectfully and help preserve this rare species for future generations.

Cīrulīšu dižtauriņš (L.Parnassius mnemosyne) is an elegant and rare butterfly belonging to the swallowtail family. With a wingspan of 56–70 mm, it is recognized by its pale, semi-transparent wings marked with dark veins and two distinct spots on the forewings. Its light, almost ethereal appearance makes it a subtle yet remarkable presence in nature. In Latvia, the species is unevenly distributed and classified as Near Threatened (NT), as its populations are small and fragmented. It inhabits moderately moist meadows, forest edges, and open deciduous woodlands where its larval host plants—Corydalis species—are present, contributing to the biodiversity of these habitats. The occurrence of this butterfly in the meadows of Kārļamuiža highlights the high ecological quality and suitability of these habitats, which support various meadow plants and native flora. The life cycle of the Cīrulīšu dižtauriņš (L.Parnassius mnemosyne) is closely tied to specific plants and environmental conditions. The caterpillars hatch in early spring and feed on Corydalis leaves, remaining hidden during the day and feeding mainly at night. Adult butterflies can be seen flying in late spring and early summer. The species is threatened by habitat changes, including intensive forestry, overgrowth of meadows, and agricultural pollution, impacting forest ecosystems. Protecting natural grasslands and forest edges is therefore essential. The Cīrulīšu dižtauriņš (L.Parnassius mnemosyne) is not only a beautiful species but also an important indicator of a healthy and diverse ecosystem, which includes the presence of wild orchids.

Plankumainā dzegužkurpīte (L. Dactylorhiza maculata ssp. maculata) is a striking and elegant wild orchid that contributes to the biodiversity of natural meadows and wet habitats. This perennial plant typically grows 20–50 cm tall, featuring a sturdy stem and broad, flat leaves adorned with distinctive dark purple spots. Its dense flower spike is cylindrical to slightly shaped, showcasing numerous pink to purplish flowers embellished with intricate patterns of dots and lines. This species is widely distributed across Eurasia and is relatively common throughout Latvia, often thriving among native flora. It usually grows in small groups in moderately moist to wet open habitats, such as meadows, marshy areas, and shrublands, while being less frequent in forest ecosystems. Its presence often indicates well-preserved, species-rich natural conditions. At Kārļamuiža, the spotted orchid can be found in natural meadows, adding a refined and colorful accent to the landscape during the summer months. It flowers from June to early August, when its patterned blooms stand out among grasses and other wild plants. Despite being relatively common, this orchid is sensitive to environmental changes and has been affected by picking and habitat loss. It is listed in the Baltic Sea Region Red Data Book as a commercially threatened species. Protecting its natural habitats is essential to ensure that this delicate and beautiful orchid continues to thrive as part of a diverse and balanced ecosystem.

Wild garlic, also known as lakši (Allium ursinum), is a vibrant spring plant that contributes to the biodiversity of forest ecosystems. Recognised by its bright green leaves, which closely resemble those of lily of the valley, it produces delicate white blossoms during flowering and releases a distinct garlic aroma, making it easy to identify in nature. This plant is one of the first edible greens to appear after winter, enriching the native flora. At Kārļamuiža, wild garlic thrives in shaded and moist areas, forming lush green carpets in early spring, alongside other meadow plants. Typically reaching up to 30 cm in height, it features two broad leaves and a small bulb hidden underground. Wild garlic flowers from May to early June, after which the above-ground parts gradually die back later in the summer. Highly valued as a food plant, its leaves, flowers, and bulbs are all edible, offering a milder and more delicate flavour than cultivated garlic. It is widely used in salads, soups, sauces, spreads, and pesto, adding a fresh seasonal taste to many dishes. In addition to its culinary uses, wild garlic has long been appreciated for its health-supporting properties. Known for its antibacterial effects, it has been traditionally used to support circulation, digestion, and overall vitality. As a protected species in the wild in Latvia, wild garlic should be harvested responsibly or grown in gardens, where it is easy to cultivate in shaded conditions, similar to other native plants like wild orchids.