Plant Profile: Quamash (Camassia leichtlinii)
Karen Also called Indian hyacinth, wild hyacinth, camash, and camas, this perennial bulb is a member of the asparagus family, Asparagaceae, that also includes lily of the valley, agave, and hosta.…
Book Review: Seeds Move
Robin Pace, illustrator and author, introduces young readers to the topic of seed dissemination in her book, Seeds Move. Written for children 3-8 years old, the book uses vivid illustrations,…
Invasive Plants and Their Native Alternatives: Fennel (Foenicum vulgare)
Fennel is a herbaceous perennial native to the shores of the Mediterranean but has naturalized in the US where it grows along roadsides, in pastures and in other open sites…
Plant Profile: Hairy Angelica (Angelica venenosa)
Hairy angelica is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the parsley family, Apiaceae, that also includes celery, Queen Anne’s lace, and poison hemlock. It is native to Eastern US…
How to Care for Bonsai: Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis)
Chinese juniper is an evergreen coniferous tree or shrub native to Asia but is widely grown as an ornamental. It is a member of the cypress family, Cupressaceae, that also…
Plant Profile: Common Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum)
Also known as eagle fern, bracken fern is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the Dennstaedtiaceae family that includes 10 genera and 240 species of ferns. It is one…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wines: Balm Wine
Balm, perhaps better known as lemon balm, is a herbaceous perennial and member of the mint family, Labiatae, that also includes basil, rosemary, and ajuga. It is native to the…
Book Review: The Cannabis Encyclopedia
The Cannabis Encyclopedia by Jorge Cervantes (aka George Van Patten) is an exhaustive treatment of marijuana culture and uses. Cervantes is known for his expertise in growing marijuana and his…
Plant Profile: American Vetch (Vicia americana)
Also known as purple vetch, American deer vetch, and stiff-leaf vetch, this perennial vine is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae, that also includes lupine, mimosa and black locust.…
The Language of Flowers: Aztec Lily (Sprekelia formosissima aka Amaryllis formosissima)
In spite of its name, Aztec lily is not a lily and belongs to the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae, that also includes snowdrops, narcissus, and crinum lily. It is native to…