Plant Profile: Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Karen Native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia, this herbaceous biennial is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow, and lettuce. The plants produce a…
Plants of the Bible: Desert Tamarix (Tamarix tetragyna)
Also known as 4-stamen tamarix and salt cedar, this evergreen tree is native to coastal areas of the eastern Mediterrean, Iran and the Arabian Peninsula where it grows in sandy…
Plants of Williamsburg: Horseradish ( Armoracia rusticana aka Cochlearia armoracia)
This herbaceous perennial is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes broccoli, alyssum, and stock. It’s origin is obscure but it is believed to be native to…
Plant Profile: Partridge-Breast (Aloe variegata aka Gonialoe variegata)
This evergreen succulent perennial is also known as tiger aloe and is a member of Asphodelaceae family that also includes daylily (Hemerocallis), red hot poker (Kniphofia), and foxtail lily (Eremurus).…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Parrot Feather ( Myriophyllum aquaticum)
The fluffy blue-green foliage of this emergent perennial aquatic plant resembles parrot feathers to some and miniature fir trees to others so whichever your fancy, this plant may delight. To…
Plant Profile: Beebalm aka Bergamot (Monarda didyma)
Also known as oswego tea, this clump-forming herbaceous perennial is a member of the deadnettle family, Lamiaceae, that also includes mint, basil, and adjuga. It is native to eastern North…
Plants of the Bible: Athel Tree (Tamarix aphylla aka T. articulata)
Also known as Athel pine, this evergreen tree is native to arid and semi-arid subtropics and tropics in Africa, Middle East and parts of southern and western Asia where it…
Weeds and Their Control: Mexican Fireweed (Kochia scoparia aka Bassia scoparia)
Also known as burning bush and summer cypress, Mexican fireweed is a bushy annual and a member of the goosefoot family, Chenopodiaceae, that also includes cock’s comb, globe amaranth, and…
Plant Profile: Rabbit Foot Fern (Davallia Fejeensis)
Native to Fiji, this epiphytic evergreen fern is a member of the Davalliaceae plant family that also includes other ferns with furry rhizomes such as deer foot and squirrel foot…
Plant Profile: Giraffe Thorn (Vachellia erioloba aka Acacia erioloba)
Also known as camel thorn, this evergreen tree or shrub is native to the deep, dry sandy soils of southern Africa. It is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae,…