home sectionhome sectionAralias are vigorous flowering plants native to the Americas and Asia. These trees produce large leaves and blooms in shades of green and white. Aralias also produce small black berries that attract birds and other wildlife. While aralias are generally hardy, they are susceptible to a variety of damaging pests, including aphids.
Phytoplasmas make up a group of bacteria, at one time known as mycoplasma-like organisms (MLOs). They are similar to the infamous mycoplasmas, like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in that they lack cell walls or are "soft-skinned." Their unique talents make them a dangerous cause of disease in many species of plants.
Aphids are nutrient-sucking insects that inflict damage on a variety of flowers, trees and shrubs, including roses. If their population is left unchecked, rose plants can literally become covered in aphids, according to the website Rose Magazine. It is important for gardeners to be able to distinguish aphid damage from other problems in order to provide their plants with the best type of treatment.
Plants that grow best in acid soil include blueberries, rhododendrons, camellias and hydrangeas. If your soil is too alkaline for acid-loving plants, you can change its pH value by mixing in acidic materials, many of which are byproducts of gardening so are readily available. It's always a good idea to do a soil test first to determine whether the pH level of your soil is fine as it is. Test kits are inexpensive, easy and accurate enough to determine pH.
The Indian rope plant (Hoya carnosa "Krinkle Kurl"), also called Hindu rope plant, is a type of vining wax plant. It derives its common names from its unusual foliage, which has a crinkled appearance and curls upward. Indian rope plants are most often grown indoors as they may suffer damage if exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
You don't have to live in confined quarters to grow a vertical garden. Any type of garden is conducive to growing climbing plants. There are so many types, colors, flower shapes and scents that it can seem overwhelming when trying to select plants. Add the vegetables that climb, too, and you can create a jungle-like setting. Grow philodendron indoors unless you live in the hot south where it can be grown outside with other climbers. Take time to research images and botanical information to find the ideal plants for your garden.
Floriculture and landscaping constitute overlapping disciplines, each of which requires a strong knowledge of biology, botany and horticultural practices. These disciplines often go hand-in-hand, with professionals in the field working alongside one another in the completion of a project. Despite their similarities and concomitant natures, a number of important differences separate floriculture and landscaping into distinct professional and academic disciplines. University extensions throughout the United States offer a variety of resources for both.
Floriculture includes growing and marketing floral crops. This includes a range of plants fulfilling year-round demand, especially during holidays, special celebrations and events. Floriculture growers produce and market their plants to wholesalers, florists and retail outlets, making them readily available in fresh or dried form. Plant production takes place in greenhouses or field crops. Available as singles, in pots or in trays, floriculture growers provide options for completing floral arrangements.
Tomatillos are solanaceous plants native to Mexico and Guatemala. They're used in many recipes and essential to the making of salsa verde. Harder to cultivate than many vegetables, these plants have not been bred to resist pests in the United States to the extent many other common vegetables have. One pest in particular, the Colorado potato beetle, is especially prevalent on tomatillos and especially hard to get rid of.
Although often much maligned, because of their tasteless reputation, Brussels sprouts are one of the most healthy vegetables available. As well as providing excellent sources of vitamins K and C, they have have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer preventing properties. Sprouts are harvested between September and March and are said to have the best flavor after a frost. Sprouts can be eaten fresh, frozen for future use or pickled to produce a tasty snack. The key to obtaining the best taste is knowing when to pick them in optimum condition.
Thrips are tiny, winged insects that don't usually grow more than 1/20 inch long. Some thrips are considered beneficial insects because they eat mites and other pests, but many thrips are pests that damage plants by sucking the sap out of the leaves. The thrip that causes the most damage to maple trees is known as the pear thrip.
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are members of the Asteracea family, which also includes dahlias, sunflowers, zinnias and marigolds. According to the National Chrysanthemum Society, in the United States, no other potted plant is as widely grown. Mums are easy to grow, but they're prone to several pest problems, including thrips.
The holly plant (Ilex opaca) is a tree native to the eastern and southern United States, but is more common in the southern states. It prefers full or partial sun and well-drained moist soil with an acidic pH. Many people around the world use this tree, with its slow-to-medium growth rate, for decorations during the holidays and for landscaping.
Imagine having a garden filled with thriving, healthy vegetables, knowing that you planted and cultivated them. While you tend to your garden, you may discover some of your vegetables suddenly dying or producing smaller fruit. Some vegetables may not grow at all. The diseases you may encounter can come from sources such as insects, fungi root invasions and even from you as you move among your plants. Knowing how to identify vegetable plant diseases helps you save time and remedy the situation.
Blueberries require soil with a pH of 5.0. Without that much acidity, the roots cannot tap into the underground supply of iron, zinc and manganese to nourish the shrubs. It is simpler to amend the soil to raise the pH before planting than after the garden is thriving. Do not assume the bed needs acidification--test it first. Use a home pH test kit or submit a soil sample to the county cooperative extension office. If the result is a number above 5.0, get some elemental sulfur, the product that lowers soil pH the quickest.
Yellowroot is a low, spreading subshrub native to the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. It gets its name from the color of its roots, which once were used to produce a yellow dye. Although considered an endangered species in its native habitat, it often is planted as an ornamental ground cover for its deep red-purple fall color. Yellowroot is easy to grow at home. It grows vigorously in full to partial shade, but produces the most intense hues when planted in full sunlight. To start your own yellowroot bed, purchase a small but healthy division from a reputable nursery.
Nightshade plants, often referred to as deadly nightshade, are a variety of plant species that falls under the genus Solanum. These plants are frequently considered weeds and cause problems for farmers and gardeners alike. A wide variety of nightshades exists, many of which invade gardens and reduce the yield of crops like potatoes and peas.
Having the ability to identify plants in the back yard or out in the wild can be a fun task. The task is made much easier with the aid of a key or a field guide.
Botany, or the study of plant life, is a science that covers a wide range of living things, from mosses and lichens to roses and oak trees. While there is a massive amount of diversity and variety within botany, there are some fundamental principles that are applicable to most of the plant kingdom, and understanding these basics is essential for studying botanical sciences.
There are a different species and varieties of native prairie grasses. Identifying the different types of prairie grass depends on color, height and characteristics. Habitat also plays an important role in identification of these perennial grasses.
The Native Americans prescribed a decoction of yellow root as a cold remedy, similar to modern over-the-counter cold medicines. The Catawba and Cherokee tribes also used it to treat hemorrhoids, ulcers and jaundice of the liver. The color of the roots comes from berberine, an alkaloid presently used to treat gastrointestinal distress. True yellow root, Xanthorhiza simplicissima, should not be confused with goldenseal, an herb also containing berberine. Aside from the medicinal significance, gardeners value yellow root as a landscaping plant. This is due to the plant's adaptability and hardiness, especially in cold weather. Knowing a few key facts about…
With their colorful blooms or variegated foliage, climbing house plants add vertical visual interest to any interior decor. Climbing plants need a stake or pole upon which to grow, and fast-growing plants, such as ivies, can grow on any shaped support. Without a support, climbing house plants become trailing plants, growing along the surface outside their pot.
Brussels sprouts resemble miniature heads of cabbage, but they grow along a tall stalk and not nestled on the ground. The sprouts develop best in cooler weather, because hot temperatures cause the sprouts to develop loose heads and a bitter flavor. Planting in midsummer for a fall harvest gives the plants the long growing season they need after most summer heat has passed. Providing proper care as they grow ensures the Brussels sprouts develop crisp, flavorful heads.
Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis L., called yellow root in herbal healing circles, is a member of the buttercup family. Goldenseal is an endangered species in some states, and its populations have decreased in all states due more to over harvesting than to habitat loss. Native Americans used the brightly colored roots to treat cancer and many other ailments. Currently, herbalists use goldenseal medicinally for stomach upset, inflammation and as an antibiotic. Because of its population decline, few places in Ohio allow harvesting. Replanted goldenseal rootstock takes three to five years to mature.
Vegetable gardens are bright and rewarding in both growth and harvest as long as you always follow specific timing, site, soil and care guidelines. Experienced gardeners have long-standing calendars and processes for successful plantings, and maintain gardens year after year. Anyone new to gardening, though, should start with some general tips and guidelines to build a successful garden.
In a tropical rainforest, shrubs may be inconspicuous against a backdrop of towering, epiphyte-draped trees, while in a tropical grassland, they may stand out as isolate, scraggly woody plants against a sere, tawny horizon. Whether you're exploring a wilderness swamp in New Guinea or wandering the well-groomed grounds of a botanical garden, focusing on a few basic diagnostic characteristics can go a long way toward helping you identify tropical shrubs.
Most berries grow on woody plants, such as shrubs, trees and vines, which grow as perennials, not annuals. In the United States, farmers treat a few berry species as annuals.
Adding a building to your garden is an excellent way to incorporate color, architectural style and even practicality. The right garden building serves as a focal point to tie together a landscape. Many cultures have developed their own traditional garden buildings -- so whether you're looking for features that are functional or purely aesthetic, a number of tried-and-true classics are available.
Blueberry plants produce a healthy and tasty fruit that is a common part of the American diet. The plant is increasing in popularity in home gardens across the country because they are easy to grow and can produce a generous fruit crop. There are several varieties of blueberry plants, although the appearance is similar between the shrubs. Choose the appropriate variety of plant for the garden based on the suitability of the shrub to their climate. Recognize blueberry plants based on their signature branches and leaves, bell-shaped flowers and dark blue fruit clusters.
The Gulf Coast region of the United States is a large geographical area where Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama coastlines, as well as Florida's western coast, meet the Gulf of Mexico. Here, freshwater rivers terminate in the Gulf's salt water. This salty mixture results in brackish, saline and freshwater wetlands. The plants that grow in these areas, including ornamental grasses, are varied and adapted to a wide range of conditions.
Yellow root is another name for goldenseal, an herb that is known for treating colds and even treating snake bites, according to North Carolina State University. If you're interested in taking yellow root supplements or want to know how to identify the plant for garden growth, it's important to know what to look for.
Stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Appalachians to subtropical barrier islands in the Atlantic, South Carolina is a state of diverse ecology. Much of it is naturally forested, and these woodland communities play host to many species of plants and fungi.
There are hundreds of species of climbing plants around the world, with representatives in many unrelated families. These organisms use structures such as trees and rocks to support their twining growth.
Correctly identifying a vegetable leaf allows gardeners to differentiate between vegetables as well as between a vegetable seedling and weed in the garden. Vegetables leaves vary, depending on the plant, but gardeners quickly learn to identify these with practice.
With more than a quarter-million plant species on Earth, plant identification can seem a daunting task. Identification involves using observational skills and learning to recognize taxonomic groupings of plants.
Plant identification starts early, with toddlers appreciating the beauty and color in something as simple as a pot of flowers. By preschool, children identify different types of plants and continue learning about plant identification throughout most of their school years.
While you can fill your garden with plants from around the world, there is nothing quite like stumbling upon a native species -- one fully and resourcefully adapted to its particular ecosystem over thousands of years of evolution. Identifying native plants is an excellent means of introducing yourself to your own natural environment.
The National FFA Organization -- once called the Future Farmers of America -- sponsors four career development events (CDEs). Students identify significant crops, weeds, trees, shrubs and flowers. Contests are held on the local, state and national level and reflect concepts taught in agriculture education classrooms.
Brussels sprouts are cool-season vegetables that produce cabbage-like heads. The plant is susceptible to a variety of pests that must be controlled to enjoy an abundant harvest.
Bamboo is an evergreen perennial that belongs to the plant family Poaceae. The Poaceae family includes many perennial food crops, grasses, shrubs and small trees. Perennials are plants that live for at least two years.
Whether you want to bring the lush greenery of your garden inside or don't have room for a lawn garden, houseplants make a colorful or fragrant addition to any interior space. There are a variety of houseplants from which to choose based on your decorative choices and available space.
Plant pathogens are bacteria, viruses or fungi that infect and kill or damage plants -- much like tuberculosis or HIV infect and kill humans. Plant pathogens can indirectly have a huge impact on human society and welfare.
Weeds are a persistent problem for flower gardens. While many weeds are flowering plants themselves, they reproduce rapidly and compete for nutrients with the desirable flowers in your garden, making their identification and removal important for maintaining the health of your garden. According to Washington State University, a weed is any undesirable plant in your garden. However, several weeds that are commonly found in flower gardens are highly competitive and can be difficult to remove once established.
Huckleberries are a plant somewhat similar to the blueberry. Found only in the wild, huckleberries have a mustier taste than blueberries. They prefer to grow in mountainous terrain and the berries can range from red to purple in color.
Teaching kids about plant identification will help them better understand how plants are similar and how they are different. One of the best ways to help students identify plants is to show them real-life examples of the plants through nature walks or samples brought into the classroom.
With more than a quarter-million plant species found on Earth, narrowing down the identity of an unfamiliar plant can seem an insurmountable task. Botanists use characteristics of stems, leaves and reproductive structures like seeds and flowers to help them identify plant species. By learning a few key traits to look for, you can also learn to identify plants.
Africa is host to a wide variety of spiders and insects. There are certain spiders that are primarily found in trees, bushes or plants. Only a few African spiders are venomous and pose a threat to humans.
Mint grows easily as a garden herb or as a wild plant. The name mint usually brings to mind a uniquely fresh smelling and tasting ingredient, used as flavoring for foods, teas and candies. Several other types of plants, however, belong to the mint family, including horehound and thyme. All plants in the mint family have some characteristics in common, and they will help you identify mint plants.
It takes years for professional botanists to master plant identification terms. "Plant Identification Terminology -- An Illustrated Glossary " by James G. and Melinda Woolf Harris has over 1,900 terms alone. Start by learning the basics for plant identification. With the help of plant guides and glossaries, the more you embark on identification field trips, the more terms you will learn.
Remembering what you planted where in the vegetable garden can be a challenge because so many vegetable varieties exist. Two strategies can help -- use labeled markers to identify plants and group similar varieties together. Plant all the greens in one area and melons in another, for example.
Plant identification can be useful in many different situations. In a wilderness survival situation, distinguishing edible plants from poisonous ones can be the difference between life and death. If you live in a rural location, plant identification skills can help you augment your diet with wild food. Plant identification also can be a pleasurable hobby that helps you to learn more about your local ecosystem.
Different types of soils have different nutrient levels and textures. Gardeners often want to identify soil types to determine how well plants will grow in an area, and engineers identify soil textures before building in an area.
Practitioners of floriculture, whether professional growers or ambitious gardeners, are always on the lookout for new varieties, better hybrids, stronger and more beautiful flowering plants. There are numerous lists that identify traditional blooms and introduce new ones. They are published by university-affiliated state extension services and horticultural societies, and often detail essential characteristics of different specimens. In addition, some floriculture lists name the plants to be tested in career development competitions for future growers.
Vines were identified in Roman times with grape vines, hence the closely related terms vine and wine. The Natural Hills Nursery states that "vertical growth is the dominant feature of most vines." However, there are some vines also grow laterally on the ground.
Sometime between 1,400 and 1,700 years ago, the Polynesians brought vines with them to Hawaii. Since then, both native and non-native vines have flourished in the state's volcanic soil. Hawaii is host to many different types of vines. Several are listed on the Federal Endangered Species list, while others are invasive pests.
Leaves, height, areas in which they grow, and the flowers they bloom, can all allow for easy identification of plants in the Northeast. There is a wide range of plants and many grow in your own back yard in this region.
Pathogens are organism infections that lead to both common and rare plant diseases. These organisms can derive from non-plant species like insects, animals, and humans. The study of identifying common plant pathogens is a primary agenda for psychopathologists.
Botany is a study of plant structure, function and classification. Studies of plants are wide and diverse due to types and varieties. Weather, elevation and soil decide which plants grow naturally in specific areas of the world. Plants add to the beauty of landscape, prevent erosion, replenish nutrients in the soil through decay, cleanse the air of carbon dioxide and produce oxygen and food. Botanists, gardeners and people with casual interest can learn to identify plants.
Yellow root (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) is a perennial, classified as a buttercup. It is listed in two categories: shrub and herb, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Yellow root spreads as it matures, making it an attractive addition to any landscaping design.
Practical plant identification begins with the purchasing of plant identification books or guides. Optionally, Internet sources can provide reliable identification information and images. Observe and determine primary features and characteristics, then refer to the identification resources.
Obviously woody plants are species that contain wood. But after that, identification gets a lot more complicated. There are 1,200 to 1,500 genera of woody plants in the United States alone, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). To narrow down a woody plant to a specific species, you’ll most likely need a comprehensive identification key or plant guide. However, grouping woody plants into one of several broad categories can give you a head start on the identification process.
Plant identification in Texas can be a hard task without the proper resources. There are a variety of species of plants and, without the proper tools, it can be very difficult to tell one plant from the other. Thankfully, a number of electronic resources exists to help identify plants in Texas.
Most plants that thrive in containers are capable of being houseplants as long as they get enough light and the right watering and nutrients. Some houseplants are more common than others because they thrive well in an indoor environment. Identifying houseplants is important in delivering the right resources and nutrients because many plants have distinct requirements for care.
Colorado is home to a variety of different kinds of plants. Cacti, trees, shrubs, wildflowers and edible plants can all be found in different areas of the state. Plants in Colorado grow in many different ecological regions, from the high colder mountainous elevations to low areas, in dry and moist areas, even in deserts and rocky hillsides.
There are 1,800 species of native wild plants in Michigan and 800 introduced species. They are separated by family type and identified by the number and shape of petals, the way the flowers grow, the leaf type, the stem and root system and their location. Field guides with photographs and illustrations are useful in identifying wild plants in Michigan.
Identifying plants in Mexico may seem like a daunting task, because there are so many different kinds. Mexico enjoys a mild, tropical climate, enabling plants such as the agave cactus, palm trees and various fruit trees to grow. To get an even more detailed overview, check out a plant guide such as "Ornamental Plants and Flowers of Tropical Mexico: A Guide for the Curious Tourist or Resident," by Linda Abbott Trapp.
Many people consider climbing plants to be pesky and bothersome. They can make unattractive features on the sides of buildings or grow to the point that they cover neighboring plants. But some types of climbing species work well as decorative house plants that you can train to grow on structures and display indoors.
Vines can be a help or a hindrance to the garden. Berry vines can be a curse or a blessing. Identifying vines that will cause problems is not a difficult task. Identifying poisonous vines is more difficult. Aggressive vines choke out wanted plants, and berry vines can create painful weeding problems.
Arizona, with more than 4,000 species, has more rare and unusual native plants than any other state. They are recognized as so valuable to the state's heritage and culture that strict laws protect them. Landowners have the right to destroy or remove plants growing on their land, but prior to the destruction of any protected native plants, landowners are required to notify the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Landowners may also sell or give away native plants growing on their land, but protected native plants may not be legally possessed, taken or transported from the growing site without a permit from…
Weeds can appear in any garden or lawn. The native grasses and broadleaf weeds will always spring up due to wind, rain and other seed carriers. Identifying weeds is the first step in elimination. Weeds can be killed in two ways. One uses a pre-emergence herbicide to kill the weeds before they sprout, and the other is to kill them once they have sprouted.
Plant identification in the state of Washington provides the nature enthusiast with an exciting, yet daunting, task. According to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington's diverse topography, exposure to Pacific Ocean currents and weather patterns make it one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation. However, the state has provided its residents and visitors with plenty of resources to appreciate more fully these wonders afforded by nature.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, about 3,000 kinds of plants exist in Missouri. The group includes everything from trees and shrubs to prairie forbs and mushrooms. While human land use has increased the prevalence of some Missouri plants, others are disappearing or severely endangered.
Woodland plants include the trees and the herbaceous plants that thrive beneath them. The trees, being the tallest of the plants, dictate the growth conditions beneath their canopy. Different types of trees allow varying amount of sunlight and rain through their leaves. Hence, the smaller plants would be different as well. Deciduous trees, those that drop their leaves in the fall, provide a different microclimate than coniferous trees. Conifers are trees that keep their leaves, or needles, all year long. Identifying the types of trees helps to determine the specific range of plant life beneath those trees.
Michigan has one of the best temperate zones for growing fruit. While the majority of the fruit grown in Michigan comes from small farm or commercial growers, there are lots of other places to get fruit. Wild berries grow near woods and streams and have a delicious taste.
From the giant redwoods of the north coast to the acres of wild poppies in many regions, California's climate allows for the growth of thousands of species and hybridized plants. Many specimens grow wild. Some are cultivated. Others frame the homes of the rich and famous. Home gardeners and hikers may be familiar with these, but few residents have likely seen such rarities as the spidery pink blooms of Calliandra eriophylla, also known as "fairy duster" or "false mesquite."
Plants native to Ohio include plants that grow over a relatively wide area of the temperate zone of North America. There are flowering plants such as various trees, shrubs, vines and wildflowers. Non-flowering plants, such as ferns and mosses, are represented in Ohio as well. Plant identification---in Ohio and elsewhere---entails examining a number of key features of the plant.
Anyone with an interest in plants may quickly realize how vast and diverse the plant kingdom is. With such an extensive evolutionary history, a maze of adaptations has produced a seemingly endless variety of types. A basic knowledge of how to identify plants involves a familiarity with the different plant families and groupings.
The Indian, or Hindu, rope plant is in the Hoya genus and compacta species within the Asclepiadaceae family. This plant strictly serves an ornamental purpose, and is often grown indoors. Several cultivars or varieties share the same genus and species. Each variety is similar in appearance, distinguished by its ropelike branches.
Thanks to their contribution to agriculture and society as a whole, the grass family (Poaceae) remains one of the most important plant families. Grass plants resemble sedges and rushes, but maintain their own characteristics. The best time for grass plant identification comes when the grass specimen you wish to identify blooms. However, while grasses do not always bloom, other characteristics exits to guide the identifier to the correct grass species.
For an ancient Druid, and possibly a modern one, the Holly plant represented the last half of the calendar year, or from summer to the winter solstice. Holly also served a legendary and mythological role in Celtic religions, a practice carried over by Christian cultures. Besides religious purposes, Holly can provide medicinal benefits, or just serve as an ornamental plant. The Holly genus, Ilex, has over 400 species in the Aquifoliaceae family. But, the European and North American Holly (Ilex aquifolium) and the South American Holly (Ilex paraguarensis), which are predominately known.
There are a number of factors that go into identifying a particular plant. Some good things to keep in mind when researching a plant species is the climate the plant was found in, the specific setting and any flowery blooms the plant may have had. Beyond these, however, plant identification is often down to examining the leaves. Each plant's leaf tells a story, and that story can usually lead to a successful ID.
Being able to identify one type of foliage from another is a useful skill when it comes to successfully growing gardens, operating a greenhouse or flower shop or guiding others along a path full of foliage. However, there are more types of tropical plants than any other type of plant, making the identification process difficult. Differentiating climbing plants from other types of tropical plants is a helpful place to start.
The woody weed has been a thorn in the side of gardeners and landscapers for years. Advancements in herbicide technology and knowledge of how weeds grow allow today's gardeners to eradicate woody weeds successfully wherever they grow. However, the first step in treating any sort of weed is identification.
Plants can be identified by surface observation of visible structures, such as leaves, blossoms and barks, or of other sensorial features, such as odor, texture or taste. Or they may be identified by more esoteric means, such as cellular structure. Descriptive scientific terminology is used to help identify plants.
Nightshade plants are members of the Solanum family, which include the harmless potato and eggplant. While there are over 1500 species of Solanum in the United States, two are of particular concern: Solanum nigrum, or black nightshade, and Solanum dulcamara, or bittersweet nightshade. These plants are poisonous to people and pets if ingested.
Identifying plants can be a fun pastime as well as a fun activity to do with your children. It can also be something that is helpful to do when you move to a house and are not sure what is growing on your property. Having plant identification tools can be helpful when you wish to identify any plant you find, for you may wish to learn whether the plant is poisonous, invasive, edible or something worth cultivating.
The baneberry plant is known by other names, including cohosh, necklace weed and snakeberry. It is a member of the buttercup family of plants and is highly toxic.
Once your garden is planted, it can be a sight to behold. However, remembering what every plant is, what type of fertilizer each plant uses, the watering cycles and growing cycles can become confusing and frustrating. However, there are ways to identify your plants and stay organized, so all your hard work does not go to wait. There are numerous plant identification techniques to get you started.
Thrips are one of the most common pests of the azalea plant. Close monitoring of azaleas and immediate intervention can minimize the damage these insects can cause.
Forest zones in the Southeast range from the sub-tropical forest of south Florida to the spruce-fir, alpine belt found along the crests of the Appalachian mountains. Also important to this part of the country are the mixed hardwood and bald cypress forests that grow in the vast tracts of swampland, and the large acres of pines that can be found in the sandy soils of the Piedmont region. All in all, the southeastern United States has a very diverse flora.
The Talinum paniculatum---also known as the fame flower or jewels of opar---is a low-maintenance perennial herb belonging to the Portulacaceae family.
The blueberry belongs to the family Ericaceaa. You identify blueberry patches by noting the distinctive twigs and characteristic leaves. Berries ripen between July and October and vary in taste depending upon species and location.
When visiting a region like the Gulf Coast in the Southern United States, travelers are often enthralled by the beauty of the water, the native wildlife and marine life. But, don't miss the opportunity to stop and sniff the flowers and look closely at a wide array of plant life that graces various ecosystems found in the Gulf.
The Chinese lantern plant originated in Africa, but is commonly cultivated throughout the world. Scientists refer to the Chinese lantern plant as Sandersonia aurantiaca; "aurantiaca" refers to the orange-colored flowers.
Prairies, found exclusively in the middle of North America, are a type of grassland dominated by herbaceous plants. Nearly treeless, prairies were vast expanses of waving grass until they were nearly wiped out by waving grain. "Identifying prairie plants as they germinate is very difficult...even for experienced botanists," says teacher Lawrence Cwik in a study for Fermilab. Plants become more identifiable as they flower and mature. An identification key is very useful.
Annual plants die within a year after they emerge from seed. Features of the plant's appearance, life cycle, soil and sunlight requirements help identify it.
There are three main categories of herbaceous ornamental plants, and within these categories there are numerous plant types. Each type has distinct characteristics, such as color, leaf size, foliage color and flowers. By using these available varieties of plants, gardens, regardless of their size, can be kept in bloom year-round.
The castor plant originated in Africa, but escaped cultivation to grow in a number of other parts of the world, including the United States. Scientists refer to the castor plant as Ricinus communis.
The tomatillo plant or Physalis ixocarp is a type of vegetable that is native to Mexico. The tomatillo is a member of the same family of plants to which potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants and peppers belong.
Kiwi is a fast-growing plant that produces oblong, fuzzy fruits with bright green flesh that taste like a mixture of pineapple and berries. When growing kiwifruit, it's important to know that the plant produces separate male and female vines. Understanding the differences between the male and female vines will help you successfully grow kiwi.
Shrubs are perennial plants. If they were planted in areas with proper soil conditions and within the correct hardiness zone, they should be hardy. However, if a shrub is stressed due to dry conditions or other environmental pressures, it can be susceptible to disease and pest infestation. To a cure a dying shrub, you must determine what is causing it to die. Once this is known, the problem can be eliminated. Identification will also prevent a recurrence of the issue.
Smooth crabgrass is an invasive, fast-growing weed that can establish itself quickly in a lawn. Once established, it's difficult to get rid of. A single crabgrass plant can produce thousands of seeds, which will crop up as new plants during the next growing cycle. Due to its highly adaptable nature, smooth crabgrass can be tricky to identify, as it closely resembles many other lawn grasses and weeds. Properly identifying smooth crabgrass is the crucial first step toward determining a method for ridding your lawn of this hardy nuisance.
Clematis are poplar vining flowers that provide elegant decoration if provided full sun and adequate growing conditions. While there are a wide variety of clematis species, most share common flower characteristics and can be easily identified.
While many people are most familiar with its citrus trees, Florida has many other plants for visitors and natives alike to see and enjoy. The plants included are not necessarily exclusive to Florida, but if you live there or are visiting, it is likely that you will be able to spot them.
Vegetables are a very important part of an everyday healthy diet. Being able to identify which vegetables are growing around you might make you more confident when picking them.
Japanese knotweed is a hardy plant that grows quickly, spreads rapidly and thrives in all types of environments. Outside of its native Japan, it is considered to be an invasive plant due to its ability to enter new territory and swiftly replace existing plant life. But Japanese knotweed also offers a number of benefits.
Brussels sprouts, those often loathed vegetables, are a member of the cabbage family, meaning they are related to kale, broccoli and other green, leafy vegetables. However, the plant has certain features that make it easy to identify and that distinguish it from other cabbages.
There are literally hundreds of different types of plants that people grow indoors to add a bit of nature, color and decoration to their homes. These range from tiny cacti to large indoor trees. However, there are some standard plants that are very common to find in a home. These include spider plants, jade plants, rubber plants, dumb cane, weeping fig, dragon tree and mother-in-law's tongue, also known as snake plant.
Green thumbs and a good memory don't necessarily go hand in hand. When you plant your flower or vegetable garden, you don't have to rely on your memory for what was planted where. Plant identification signs, or garden tags, can help you keep your plants organized.
Identifying wild plants and berries is a fun pastime for hikers, berry growers, science lovers, and people who love to eat berries. Knowing your berries could actually save your life in a survival situation, but most likely you'll just want to know what you can pick and eat when out in the woods. Many people learn about locally grown berries, or learn from many different field guides.
The elderberry plant is a shrub that is native to the southeastern United States. Elderberry plants can grow as tall as a tree, up to 20 feet, but most stay smaller, around 4 to 12 feet. It prefers moist, open areas, the fruit is a favorite meal of many wild birds, can be used to make jelly, pies and wine and the leaves are tasty to white-tailed deer.
While it may be relatively easy to determine what family a particular plant belongs to, identifying the exact species can be extremely difficult. In many cases it may even be necessary to collect samples and consult an expert to make an accurate identification. Nevertheless, it is possible to identify certain species of plants quite easily, by simply examining a few of their characteristics.
The sheer diversity of tropical flora is nothing less than astounding. It is, in fact, estimated that as many as sixty percent of the world's plant species live in tropical rain forests alone. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that many ornamental plants are of tropical origin. Many of these plants tolerate lower light conditions, having evolved under the forest canopy. Although tropical vegetation differs from region to region, there are some basic archetypes that hold true worldwide.
Wild plants are all around us, even in highly urbanized areas. Maybe you liked to climb trees when you were little, or maybe you found a gooseberry bush and liked to pick and eat them. There's no reason you can't do that now, too---if you know how to identify which wild plants are safe to eat, and which should only be admired from afar.
Very few insects are without redeeming qualities but, for most gardeners, aphids come close. They suck the life out of flowers, vegetables and houseplants alike and are nearly impossible to get rid of. They can even rise as the sun sets and ride the evening breeze to a new location, falling to earth like tiny vampires as the sun rises. Once inside the house, they can infect every houseplant within a few hours and stay for dinner all winter long.
Garden Eel identification is difficult, but will be much easier if you watch this video of wild Garden Eels.
