Plants in the Bible: Mediterranean Saltwort (Atriplex halimus)
Karen 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…
Plants of the Bible: Ferula galbaniflua aka F. glummosa
Native to the mountains of Iran and Turkmenistan, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the parsley family, Apiaceae, that also includes carrots, celery, and poison hemlock. Growing from a…
Plants of Williamsburg: Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis)
Summer savory is an annual and a member of the mint family , Lamiaceae, that also includes rosemary and thyme, and beebalm. It is native to southern Europe and the…
Plant Profile: Cat’s whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus)
Native to the forest edges of tropical areas in Southeast Asia, this herbaceous perennial shrub is also known as Java tea, and is a member of the deadnettle family, Lamiaceae,…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Few plants have flowers that are as appealing as common foxglove. The 2-3″ long blooms that cover the 4-5′ tall flowering stalks are purple with enticing spots inside and appear…
Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
This evergreen shrub is native to the dry rocky hills of the Mediterranean area and is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, that also includes beebalm, basal, and lavender.…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Gopher Spurge (Euphorbia lathyris)
With alternative common names like mole plant and sassy jack you can use this engaging annual/ biennial to fill several animal slots or as a rodent (but don’t get your…
Plant Profile: Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia, this herbaceous biennial is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow, and lettuce. The plants produce a…
Plants of Williamsburg: Horseradish ( Armoracia rusticana aka Cochlearia armoracia)
This herbaceous perennial is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes broccoli, alyssum, and stock. It’s origin is obscure but it is believed to be native to…
Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Also called herb of grace, rue is an evergreen mounding subshrub and a member of the Rutaceae family that also includes oranges, limes, and skimmia. It is native to the…