Plant Profile: Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco)
Karen Also known as paradise plum, abajeru and icaco, this evergreen shrub or small tree is native to sea beaches and inlands in tropical areas of west Africa, and from Brazil…
Plant Profile: Bermuda Buttercup (Oxalis pes- caprae aka O. cernua)
A member of the wood-sorrel family, Oxalidaceae, Bermuda buttercup is a herbaceous perennial also known as buttercup oxalis, Cape sorrel, English weed, goat’sfoot, sourgrass, and soursob. It is indigenous to…
Plant Profile: Beach Evening Primrose (Oenothera drummondii)
Native to sandy beaches of northern Mexico and south-eastern US, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the willowherb family, Onagraceae, that also includes fuchsia, fireweed, and Clarkia. The plant…
Plant Profile: Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens)
Also known as salt-marsh goldenrod, this succulent herbaceous perennial is native to coastal areas of eastern North America, parts of the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America where it grows on…
Plant Profile: Giant Feather Grass (Stipa gigantea)
Also known as golden oats, this perennial cool-season grass is native to the mountains of Spain and Portugal, and a member of the grass family, Poaceae, that also includes rice,…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Yellow Bedstraw (Galium verum) Lady’s Bedstraw
Karen Meyers The link between Galium verum and Mary arises out of early customs and legend. The dried stems and flowers of the plant were traditionally used to stuff mattresses especially for…
Plant Profile: Cape Scabiosa (Scabiosa africana)
A rare plant suitable only for West Coast gardens, this evergreen herbaceous perennial is native to the fynbos of South Africa and a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that…
Plant Profile: Carmel Daisy (Scabiosa prolifera)
Native to the woodlands and shrublands of the eastern Mediterranean area, this annual is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigelia, Centranthus, and valerian. Plants grow…
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…
Plant Profile: Cream Scabiosa (Scabiosa ochroleuca)
Native to southern Europe and Asia Minor, this short-lived herbaceous perennial is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigelia, Centranthus, and valerian. Plants grow 2-3′ tall…