Plant Profile: American Vetch (Vicia americana)
Karen 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…
Plant Profile: Rosa ‘Irish Elegance’
Scarlet buds open to 5 petaled flowers of apricot and yellow fading to pink and cream. The flowers are up to 5″ across and have 4-8 petals, a flat bloom…
Book Review: The 22 Day Revolution Cookbook
This cookbook by Marco Borges is a follow up to his book on a plant-based diet that he believes will lead to a healthier lifestyle, weight loss, and/or reduced risk…
Poisonous Plants: False Hellebore (Veratrum viride)
False hellebore, also known as Indian and American hellebore, is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the Melanthiaceae family that also includes Trillium. It is native to eastern and…
Plant Profile: Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium)
Also called fly-trap dogbane and bitterroot, this lanky herbaceous perennial is a member of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, that also includes milkweed, bluestar, periwinkle, and oleander. It is native to…
Plant Combination: Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale) ‘Beauty of Livermere’ and Borage (Borago officinalis)
The beauty of a poppy flower is breath taking but fleeting and when it is gone you are left with a mess but still, it was worth it. Combine a…
Plant Profile: Water Avens (Geum rivale)
Also known as purple avens, and chocolate root, is herbaceous perennial is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes cherry, almond, and lady’s mantle. It is native…
Book Review: Backyard Foraging
Many of the plants growing in your neighborhood and own yard can provide you with a tasty feast if you know how to recognize them. Ellen Zachos’ book, Backyard Foraging,…
Weeds and Their Control: Hemp Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum)
Also known as Indian hemp, this bushy herbaceous perennial is a member of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, that also includes milkweed, periwinkle, and oleander. It is native to North America…