Poisonous Plants: Mezereum (Daphne mezereum)
Karen Also known as February daphne, spurge laurel or spurge olive, this deciduous shrub is native to limestone soils in mixed woodlands of most of Europe and western Asia, north to…
Plant Profile: Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum)
Also known as David’s harp, and ladder-to-heaven, this rhizomatous herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and temperate Asia. It is in the asparagus family, Asparagaceae, that also includes yucca, hosta,…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander is an evergreen shrub or small tree and a member of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, that also includes blue star (Amsonia), periwinkle (Vinca), and milkweed (Ascelpius). Its native range…
Plant Profile: Corkscrew Willow (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’)
Also known as Hankow willow, curly willow, dragon’s claw willow and globe willow, this multi stemmed deciduous tree is a member of the willow family, Salicaceae, that also includes aspen,…
Plant Profile: Field pansy (Viola arvensis)
Also called johnny jump up, this herbaceous annual is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, and a member of the violet family, Violaceae. The plant grows up to…
Plants of Pompeii: Madonna Lily (Lilium candida)
This herbaceous perennial bulb is native to the Balkans and Middle East and has been cultivated for at least 3,000 years dating back to the Bronze age Minoans on the…
Plant Profile: Downy Oak (Quercus pubescens)
Native to dry, lime-rich soils of southern Europe, parts of central Europe, and southwest Asia, this deciduous tree thrives in submediterranean climates where summers are dry and hot and the…
Common Diseases of Cucumber and Their Control: Angular Leaf Spot ( Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans)
Angular leaf spot is a bacterial disease affecting cucumber and other cucurbits, including squash, pumpkin, and melon. The infection begins with small, angular, brown to straw-colored water soaked spots on…
Plant Profile: Corn Poppy (Papaver rhœas)
Also known as common poppy and Flanders poppy, this annual wildflower is native from Africa to temperate and tropical Asia and Europe. It is a member of the poppy family,…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wine: Elderberry Wine
Wine can be made from both the flowers and berries of various elder plants including American elder (Sambucus canadensis) and European elder (S. nigra). In her book, Old Time Recipes…