Plants of the Bible: Garlic (Allium sativum)
Karen Native to central Asia and northeastern Iran, garlic is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae, that also includes onion, leek, and shallot. Growing from a…
Plant Profile: Indian Costus (Saussurea costus aka S. lappa)
Also known as kuth, putchuk, and kosht (קשט), this herbaceous perennial is native to high elevations (8,200 to 9,800 ft) in South Asia especially India and Kashmir. It is a…
Plant Combination: Catmint (Nepeta racemosa) ‘Walker’s Low’ and Sisyrinchium striatum
Soft blue and yellow make this duo a dreamy combination in the early summer border. Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ produces an abundance of small lavender-blue flowers carried in loose whorls atop…
Plant Profile: Holm Oak (Quercus ilex)
Also known has holly oak, this evergreen tree is native of the Mediterranean region and belongs to the beech family, Fagaceae, that also includes chestnut. The tree grows up 40-70′…
Plants in the Bible: Fuller’s Soap (Salsola kali)
Also known as common saltwort, prickly Russian thistle. windwitch, and tumbleweed, this native of Eurasia grows widely in arid and semiaride regions and is considered an invasive weed in many…
Plant Profile: Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia)
Also known as Chinese cinnamon, this evergreen tree is native to southern China and used there for 5000 years. It is a member of the laurel family, Lauracaea, that also…
Invasive Plants and Their Native Alternatives: Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Scotch broom is a deciduous to evergreen, nitrogen-fixing shrub growing 4-8’ tall. It is native to dry, sandy soils in central and western Europe but was introduced into North America…
Plant Profile: Levant Cotton (Gossypium herbaceum)
Native to the semi-arid regions of northern Africa, Asia Minor and India, this perennial shrub is a member of the mallow family, Malvaceae, that also includes coffee, okra, and hollyhock.…
Plants of the Bible: Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Native to central Asia, this deciduous small tree is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes cherry, almond, and lady’s mantle. The trees grow 26-39′ tall and…
Edible Mushrooms: Common Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)
The common oyster mushroom grows in subtropical and temperate deciduous forests throughout the world but is also widely cultivated. It is saprophytic and appears from fall to winter growing in…