Weeds and Their Control: Crown Vetch (Coronilla varia)
Karen Also called purple vetch, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae, that also includes lupines, mimosa, and black locust. It is native to Europe, southwest Asia,…
Plants in the Bible: Fuller’s Soap (Salsola kali)
Also known as common saltwort, prickly Russian thistle. windwitch, and tumbleweed, this native of Eurasia grows widely in arid and semiaride regions and is considered an invasive weed in many…
Invasive Plants and Their Native Alternatives: Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Scotch broom is a deciduous to evergreen, nitrogen-fixing shrub growing 4-8’ tall. It is native to dry, sandy soils in central and western Europe but was introduced into North America…
Plant Profile: Mediterranean Saltwort (Atriplex halimus)
Also known as sea orache, this halophitic evergreen shrub is native to coastal areas of the Mediterranean Basin, North and East African and the Arabian Peninsula, and is a member…
Plant Profile: Bridal Veil Broom (Retama monosperma aka Genista monosperma aka Spartium monosperma aka Lygos monosperma)
This deciduous flowering shrub is native to the Mediterranean region where it grows in coastal scrub often on sand dunes, and is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae, that…
Invasive Plants and Their Native Alternatives : Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica aka Salix x sepulcralis)
Native to northern China, weeping willow is a deciduous tree valued for its beautiful form especially when sited on the edge of a pond or lake where its reflection adds…
Invasive Plants and Their Native Alternatives: Earleaf Acacia (Acacia auriculiformis)
Earleaf acacia, also known as wattle, is an evergreen tree native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea and is currently invasive in the pinelands, scrub, and hammocks of south…
Plant Profile: Bulrush (Cyperus papyrus)
Also known as paper reed and Nile grass, this tender aquatic herbaceous perennial is native to lakes, rivers and swamps of northern Africa, and was cultivated in the Nile Delta…
Invasive Plants and Their Native Alternatives: Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana camara is a perennial evergreen shrub native to tropical Central and South America but has been planted as an ornamental for its very attractive flowers. It spread to Europe,…
Invasive Plants and Their Native Alternatives: Rosary Pea (Abrus precatorius)
Rosary pea is an evergreen woody vine native that grows ten to twenty feet long and often climbs over small trees and shrubs. It has a deep root system, slender…