Plant Profile: Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia)
Karen Native to coastal sage scrub and chaparral of Southern California and Baja, this evergreen shrub or small tree is a member of the cashew family, Anacardiaceae, that also includes sumac,…
Plants of the Bible: Boxthorn (Lycium europaeum)
Also called European tea-tree, this deciduous shrub native to Mediterranean shrublands, is a member of the nightshade family, Solonaceae, that also includes tomato, eggplant, and tobacco. The spreading many branched…
Invasive Plants and Their Native Alternatives: Beach Naupaka (Scaevola sericea var. taccada)
Also known as beach cabbage and sea lettuce, beach naupaka is a dense, spreading evergreen shrub growing 3-10’ tall. The medium green leaves are elliptical, waxy, fleshy, smooth and 1.5…
Plant Profile: Syrian Thistle (Notobasis syriaca)
Also known as horse thistle, this annual plant is native to the semi-desert areas of the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. It is a member of the aster family,…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
The dramatic foliage of this evergreen fern will attract the eye and beg for a closer look to see the unique nest formed in the center of the plant. The…
Plant Profile: Egyptian Balsam (Balanites aegyptiaca)
Egyptian balsam is a shrub or small tree native to much of Africa and parts of the the Middle East where it grows in arid and sub-arid tropics and subtropics…
Plants of the Bible: Olive (Olea europaea)
Grown for thousands of years in the Mediterranean region, the common olive is a small evergreen tree and a member of the Oleaceae family that also includes lilacs, jasmine, and…
Weeds and Their Control: Pineapple Weed (Matricaria matricarioides aka Matricaria discoidea)
Also known as disc mayweed, pineapple weed is an annual herb and member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes chamomile, daisies, and lettuce. It is native to northeast…
Plant Profile: Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Native to the eastern Mediterranean region including parts of North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, this evergreen coniferous tree is also known as Italian cypress, Tuscan cypress, Persian cypress,…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Gooseneck Loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides)
As the gooseneck-shaped spikes of tiny white flowers emerge in late spring and fill the garden bed, the playful, rambuctious, whimsical behavior of the plant bursts forth. Like a naughty…