Wildflowers: Lady Ferns (Athyrium sp.) Native to the Pacific Coast
Karen Meyers Athyrium is a genus of 180 species of terrestrial ferns, so strictly speaking is not a wildflower because it produces no blooms. It is native to moist woodland and forest…
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…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Old Man’s Beard (Clematis vitalbo) Our Lady’s Modesty, Virgin’s Bower
Clematis vitalbo symbolizes many attribute of the Virgin Mary and the link rests on folklore that probably sprung from the appearance and nature of the plant. The white flowers symbolize…
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…
Book Review: Nosh
In her book, Nosh, Micah Siva, present over 80 plant forward recipes that combine traditional Jewish cuisine with a modern, healthy approach to cooking. She draws from many sources and…
Wildflowers: Liatris Native to the Southwest
Often known as gayfeathers or blazing stars, these herbaceous perennials are a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, zinnia, and lettuce. They are native to North…
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…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
One of the earliest shrubs to bloom is pussy willow and the arrival of its fuzzy catkins renews the spirit like nothing else. Long before the first bloom appears, however,…
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…
Book Review: The Ikaria Way
The Ikaria Way, by Diane Kochilas, is a collection of contemporary recipes inspired by the traditions of the Greek island, Ikaria, known for the longevity of its population. With the…