Poisonous Plants: Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Karen Cardinal flower is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to North America where it grows in moist to wet areas such as stream and river banks, pond edges, marshes and swamps…
Weeds and Their Control: Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Chicory is a biennial to perennial herbaceous plant and member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes sunflower, yarrow, and lettuce. It is native to Europe, Asia and Africa,…
Plant Profile: Striped Cobra Lily (Arisaema candidissimum)
Also called striped Jack-in-the pulpit, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the arum family, Araceae, that also includes skunk cabbage, calla lily, and elephant ear. It is native to…
Plant Combinations: Hardy Ageratum ( Eupatorium coelestinum) and ‘Fireworks’ Golden Rod (Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’)
For a fabulous late summer to fall combination pair the striking blue flowers of hardy ageratum with the bright yellow flowers of ‘Fireworks’ goldenrod. ‘Fireworks appears in spring with light…
Book Review: Cannabis Pharmacy
In this revised edition of Cannabis Pharmacy, author Michael Backes, presents an overview of the uses of cannabis as medicine aimed at the layperson and designed to encourage further inquiry…
Weeds and Their Control: Bigpod Sesbania (Sesbania exaltata aka S. herbacea)
Also called coffeeweed, hemp sesbania, and Colorado River-hemp, this semi-woody, native , tender perennial can be found in moist disturbed areas in the southeastern coastal plain into the piedmont from…
Plant Profile: Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta)
Hoary vervain is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the vervain family, Verbanaceae, that also includes lantanas, verbena, and sandpaper vines. It is native to the Midwest, the Great…
Shakespeare’s Garden: Pear
Pears are in the genus Pyrus and family Rosaceae. Shakespeare’s pear was probably the common pear (Pyrus communis) which is native to central and Europe, and southwest Asia. They are…
Plant Profile: Mexican Columbine (Aquilegia skinneri)
Mexican columbine is a clump forming perennial native to Mexico and New Mexico. It is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes anemone, delphinium, and monkshood. The…
Book Review: Bad Apple: A Story of Friendship
What does friendship mean? Edward Hemingway’s book, Bad Apple, explores the meaning of friendship, how we choose our friends, and how we stand up to peer pressure when others do…