Plant Profile: Gopher Spurge (Euphorbia lathyris)
Karen Also known as caper spurge, mole plant, paper spurge, and sassy Jack, this herbaceous annual or biennial is native to southern Europe, northwest Africa, and eastward through southwest Asia to…
Plants of the Bible: Christ’s Thorn (Paliurus spina-Christi)
Also known as Jerusalem thorn, garland thorn, or crown of thorns, this deciduous shrub or small tree is native to the Mediterranean region and southwest and central Asia. It is…
Genus: Erigeron (Feabane) for the Garden
Erigeron is a genus of approximately 150 species in the aster family, Asteraceae. It includes annuals, biennials, and perennials and most are native to North America. Although the genus includes…
Plant Profile: Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Native to the tropics of Madagascar, this tender herbaceous perennial or evergreen subshrub is a member of the acanthus family, Acanthaceaea, that also includes bear’s breeches, shrimp plant, and Thunbergia.…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
How about a plant that is a magnet for butterflies? Try butterfly weed, a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with outstanding bright orange to yellow orange flowers that appear from late spring…
Plant Profile: Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)
Native to moist shady sites in central and southern Japan, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the the lily family, Liliaceae, that also includes tulips, dog tooth violet, and…
Plants of the Bible: Christ’s Thorn Jujube (Zizphus spina-christi)
Christ’s thorn jujube is a shrub or small tree native to Africa, the Levant, and southern and western Asia where it grows in a variety of habitats including deserts, semi-desert…
Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: Oregano aka Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare)
This aromatic perennial herb is native from the Mediterranean to central Asia but has naturalized in the eastern US. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, that also…
Plant Profile: Rhinoceros Bush (Elytropappus rhinocerotis aka Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis)
Chuck Endemic to South Africa, this shrub or small tree is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow, and lettuce. It has a deep taproot and…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Ponytail Grass (Stipa tenuissima aka Nasellela tenuissima)
Also known as Mexican feathergrass, finestem needle grass, fineleaved nassella and Argentine needle-grass this perennial grass adds beauty and charm to the garden with its delicate silvery green thread like…