Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera)
Karen Date palm is a tender evergreen tree that probably orginated in the Fertile Crescent and has been cultivated since 7,000 BC. It is a member of the palm family, Arecaceae,…
Plant Profile: Night Blooming Phlox (Zaluzianskya ovata)
Native to Lesotho and South Africa, this semi-evergreen tender perennial is a member of the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae, that also includes bacopa, verbascum, and cape fushia. The plant grows 1-2′…
Book Review: Drink Beer, Think Beer
Karen Meyers John Holl’s book, Drink Beer, Think Beer, is a guide to experiencing beer in a whole new way. Holl discusses the history, ingredients, flavors, brewing process, marketing, unfair business policies,…
Common diseases of Corn and Their Control: Goss’s Wilt
Similar to Stewart’s wilt, this bacterial disease has two phases. The first appears early in the season and is characterized by orange to brown discoloration of diseased vascular tissues and…
Plant Profile: Doublefile Viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum)
Native to China and Japan, this deciduous flowering shrub is a member of the moschatel family, Adoxaceae, that also includes elders. The shrub grows 8-10′ tall and has horizontal branching…
Poisonous Plants: Red Bugbane (Actaea rubra)
This herbaceous perennial is native to shady areas with moist to wet soils of most of North America except the southeast US (from Virginia to Texas). It is a member…
Plants of Ancient Pompei: Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)
Native to the Mediterranean region and western Europe, this broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree is a member of the heather family, Ericaceae, that also includes rhododendron, blueberry, and mountain…
Plant Profile: Water Hyssop (Bacopa monniere)
Also called thyme-leafed gratiola, herb of grace, and Indian pennywort, this herbaceous perennial is native to moist to wet places such as on streams, river and pool margins, and in…
Book Review: Ancient Remedies
Are you concerned about Big Pharma and the rising cost of medicines, dangerous side effects, false advertising, and addiction? If so, Josh Axe’s book, Ancient Remedies, may be of interest…
Poisonous Plants: Black Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
Also known as stinking nightshade, this herbaceous annual or biennial is native to rocky arid areas of Europe and Asia and is a member of the nightshade family, Solanaceae, that…