Wildflowers: Liatris Native to the Southeast
Karen Meyers Often known as gayfeathers or blazing stars, these herbaceous perennials are a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, zinnia, and lettuce. They are native to North…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)
Several different legends connect Ornithogalum umbellatum to the Virgin Mary. The most well-known says that after a bright star guided the Magi to the manger where Mary tended to the…
Plant Profile: Common Daisy (Bellis perennis)
Also known as lawn daisy and English daisy, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes chrysanthemum, dandelion, and lettuce. It is native to…
Book Review: Epic Salads
Epic Salads, by Jessica Prescott, presents a refreshing approach to salads making. Drawing from many culinary traditions, Prescott presents over 60 plant-based recipes that can fill many roles from snack…
Wildflowers: Liatris Native to New England
Often known as gayfeathers or blazing stars, these herbaceous perennials are a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, zinnia, and lettuce. They are native to North…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Carnation (Dianthus carophyllus) Mary’s Love of God
The link between Dianthus carophyllus and Mary is based on legend. One legend tells us that it bloomed on the night of Jesus’ birth as a sign of Mary’s joy.…
Book Review: Green Rush
In their book, Green Rush, authors Daniel J. Mallinson and A. Lee Hannah present a comprehensive analysis of the legalization of cannabis in the United States. The authors trace political,…
Wildflowers: Poppies Native to the Rocky Mountain Area
All of the poppies listed below are are native to the Rocky Mountain area and in the subfamily Papaveroideae of the family Papaveraceae; not included are plants that are not…
Wildflowers: Poppies Native to the Midwest
The common name, poppy, can refer to many different plants some of which are considered true poppies, while others resemble poppies but are not even in the same plant family.…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Wild Tulip (Tulipa sylvestris)
The link between Mary and the wild tulip comes from the appearance of the flowers and legend. The flower is thought to resemble hands folded in prayer, as shown in…