The link between the Virgin Mary and Malva alcea probably reflects a combination of its edible and medicinal qualities which suggested a symbolic association with Mary’s purity and role as…
Also known as Asian knotweed, fleeceflower, crimson beauty, and Mexican bamboo, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the buckwheat family, Polygonaceae, that also includes rhubarb and dock. Although it…
The almond is a deciduous tree belonging to the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes plums, cherries, nectarines apricots, and peaches and is most closely related to peaches. Almond is…
The genus Daphne is made up of over 70 evergreen or deciduous shrubs native to Asia, Europe and north Africa and is a member of the family Thymelaeaceae, a group…
Also called common hazel, this deciduous suckering shrub is a member of the birch family, Betulaceae, that also includes alder and hornbeam. It is native to most of Europe, north…
Also called English walnut, this deciduous tree belongs to the Juglandaceae plant family that also includes pecan and hickory. It probably originated in Iran but was spread in pre-historic times…
Native to dry grasslands of Europe and Asia, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes anemone, delphinium, and hellebore. The plant forms a…
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,…
Native to riparian sites of southeastern Europe to western Asia, this long-lived deciduous tree is also known as oriental plane and is a member of the small Platanaceae family that…
Also known as yellow parilla, this twining woody perennial vine is native to thickets, moist woods, and stream banks of eastern North America, from southern Canada to northern Florida, and…
Karen Meyers 
Karen