The Language of Flowers: Bird’s Foot Trefoil (Lotus spp.)
Karen There are several species of bird’s foot trefoil, the most common of which is common bird’s foot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus. It is a herbaceous perennial and member of the pea…
Plant Profile: Death Camus (Toxicoscordion venenosus aka Zigadenus venenosus)
Also known as black snakeroot, this herbaceous perennial bulb is a member of the bunchflower family, Melanthiaceae, that also includes trillium and false hellebores. It is native to western North…
Book Review: Compost! Growing Gardens from Your Garbage
Linda Glazer’s book, Compost! Growing Gardens from Your Garbage, is a simple introduction to composting. In the words of a little girl, it tells the story of how a family…
Poisonous Plants: Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
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…