Plant Profile: Quaking Grass (Briza media)
Karen Meyers Native to meadows and pastures of Europe and Asia, this creeping perennial grass is a member of the grass family, Poaceae, that also includes wheat, rice, and bamboo. It is…
Plant Profile: Stiff Sunflower (Helianthus rigidus aka H. pauciflorus))
Karen Also known as prairie sunflower this herbaceous perennial is native to central US and is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow, and lettuce. It…
Plant Profile: Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)
Also called upright prairie coneflower and Mexican hat, this clump-forming herbaceous perennial is native to much of North American where it grows in prairies, plains, and disturbed areas. It is…
Plant Profile: Silverleaf Sunflower (Helianthus argophyllus)
This annual sunflower is native to Texas where it grows in sandy areas near the seacoast. It is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow,…
Weeds and Their Control: Foxtail Barley (Hordeum jubatum)
Foxtail barley is a short-lived cool season perennial and a member of the grass family, Poaceae, that also includes corn, bamboo, and rice. It is also known by several other…
Drought Tolerant Plants: Annuals and Perennials with Blue, Lavender and Purple Flowers
Water is essential for plant growth but plants vary greatly in their need for it. Since the amount of water on earth is finite but the demand is not, we…
Plant Profile: California Goldfields (Lasthenia californica)
Native to a variety of habitats in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Baja California, this herbaceous annual is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes sunflower,…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata aka Cassia fasciculata aka Cassia chamaecrista)
Also known as prairie senna, golden cassia, large-flowered sensitive pea, sleeping plant, and locust weed, this herbaceous annual is native to eastern North America and provides cover and food for…
Plant Profile: Western Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum)
Native to moist grassy areas and woodlands of California and Oregon west of the Sierra Nevada, this semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial is not a true grass but is in the iris…
Genus Anemones for the Garden
The genus Anemone consists of over 120 species and is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes delphinium, clematis, and hellabore. The garden worthy species are usually…