Plants for a Plant Zoo: Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)
Karen Revive the garden in late summer to fall with the unusual orchid-like flowers of this herbaceous perennial. The 1 ‘ long flowers are carried singly or in clusters of 2-3…
Plant Profile: Tiger Claw (Erythrina variegata)
Also called Indian coral tree, this deciduous tree is native to warm coastal areas of tropical and subtropical India and Malaysia. It is a member of the bean family, Fabaceae,…
Plants of the Bible: Winter Crocus (Crocus hyemalis)
Native to rocky areas and undergrowth of Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria, this perennial corm is a member of the iris family, Iridaceae, that also includes gladiolus, crocosmia, and blue-eyed…
Invasive Plants and Their native Alternatives: Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Tree of heaven is a deciduous tree native to northern China, Taiwan, northern Korea, and Tibet. It was introduced to the US in 1784 as an ornamental and naturalized wherever…
Plant Profile: Foxtail Lily (Eremurus robustus)
Also known as giant desert candle, this perennial bulb is native to central Asia and is a member of the Asphodelaceae family that also includes daylily (Hemerocallis), red hot poker…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’)
With long, arching leaves horozontally striped with wide bands of cream and green this warm weather perennial grass grows 4-6′ tall in tight rounded clumps. By mid September it reaches…
Plant Profile: Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia, this herbaceous biennial is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow, and lettuce. The plants produce a…
Plants of the Bible: Desert Tamarix (Tamarix tetragyna)
Also known as 4-stamen tamarix and salt cedar, this evergreen tree is native to coastal areas of the eastern Mediterrean, Iran and the Arabian Peninsula where it grows in sandy…
Plants of Williamsburg: Horseradish ( Armoracia rusticana aka Cochlearia armoracia)
This herbaceous perennial is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes broccoli, alyssum, and stock. It’s origin is obscure but it is believed to be native to…
Plant Profile: Partridge-Breast (Aloe variegata aka Gonialoe variegata)
This evergreen succulent perennial is also known as tiger aloe and is a member of Asphodelaceae family that also includes daylily (Hemerocallis), red hot poker (Kniphofia), and foxtail lily (Eremurus).…