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A common trait unifying all plants is their need to photosynthesize for energy production and sustenance -- leaves of all sizes perform this basic and critical function. However, varying locations with wildly different climates dictate leaf size, from huge, elephant-shaped leaves searching for sunlight to tiny leaves exposed to full sunlight most of the year.
Petioles are specialized leaf stalks found in many plants. A petiole serves as an attachment point between leaves and stalks. In some cases, the petiole allows leaves to turn in order to follow the sun. The petiole provides support to leaf tissue during high winds or heavy rains. Considering that petioles are such an integral part of a plant leaf, it should come as no surprise that we eat a great number of leaf petioles as vegetables.
Oak trees (Quercus species) are prized for their durability and distinctive leaves. The hundreds of species of oak trees are loosely divided into two groups based on the shapes of those distinctive leaves: Red oak trees feature leaves that have pointed, bristly tips, while white oak trees have rounded edges to their leaves.
Delicate, purple-red foliage makes the Japanese lace-leaf maple stand out in any garden. The slow-growing trees, which add less than 1 foot a year in height, thrive in pots with the right soil mix and proper placement. Their growth rate means Japanese lace-leaf maples need transplanting into new pots only every few years, though they require daily maintenance during the summer growing season.
Iris leaf spot is caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella, which was formally known as Didymellina macrospora. Gardeners must know the old name of the fungus, because certain older fungicides still have the Didymellinna listed on the label. Because leaf spot causes a host of health problems for iris plants, gardeners must use cultural and chemical treatment options to eradicate this disease.
Leaf tarps are reusable tarpaulins used for lawn and garden tasks. Designed for their utility and durability, these tarps are available in a variety of materials and sizes. Commonly used by commercial landscapers, leaf tarps are suited for homeowner use. Commercial or homemade, they make landscape maintenance easier.
Anubias afzellii is a fresh water aquatic plant native to West Africa, according to the U.S. Integrated Taxonomic Information System. It is imported and propagated for use in freshwater aquariums and ponds. The decorative value is significant because the leaves are a rich green and quite large, with an upright growth habit. The plant grows from a rooted rhizome that can be divided for propagation purposes. Known to be a slow-growing species, pruning needs for Anubias afzelli are minimal and limited to keeping the plant healthy and in scale with its surroundings.
One basic rule of gardening is to supply plants with plenty of natural or artificial sunlight. This light is necessary for plant growth and overall health. However, due to improper growing conditions or poor cultivation, not every plant receives the amount of sunlight it needs. A lack of sunlight is ultimately detrimental to plant health, setting a series of problems into motion that severely damage the plant. Even most shade-loving plants require some sunlight to survive.
Lonicera ciliosa is a species of perennial flowering and fruiting vine honeysuckle often known as Western Trumpet, Orange or Climbing Honeysuckle. The flowers of this species are distinguished by the red-orange hue and their relative lack of fragrance when compared with other species in the genus. Ciliosa in the name denotes the fine hairs that run along the vines and leaves, The vines flower most prolifically in the spring and are native to the Northwestern United States and British Columbia, where they are naturalized in the landscape.
The spider plant, or airplane plant (Chlorophytum comosum), is a relative of the lily and is among the most common of all houseplants. It produces long, thin leaves up to a foot long from a crown of fleshy roots. Most cultivated plants are variegated with longitudinal green and white stripes. Spider plants are relatively easy to grow and tolerate neglect. Red spots on leaf tips are caused by toxic minerals, fungal disease or pests.
Spoons and spatulas are not only found in the kitchen; their shapes can also be found in the garden. Some plant leaf shapes are spatulate, meaning spoon-shaped or spatula-shaped. They can be very tiny, such as salad micro-greens, or much larger, such as oak leaves. Many plants have easily recognizable spatulate leaves and include trees, edibles, succulents and groundcovers.
There aren't many weeds in America as easy to identify at a glance as pokeweed. Phytolacca Americana, common pokeweed, sports an unmistakable thick pink to red stalk and contrasting dark green foliage. This perennial is considered a weed by most people, though at one time it was a favorite seasonal wild green.
Vegetable and flowering plants thrive in outdoor gardens around the nation, but must always follow specific seasonal calendars. Indoor gardens, on the other hand, thrive around the year. Terrarium gardens incorporate enclosed, fully protected growing situations and offer opportunities for hotter, more self-sufficient environments. Tropical plants and heat-loving succulents flourish in terrarium gardens, though these growing situations require some specific considerations.
The tropical fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) grows up to 50 feet tall in its native Africa. It is a popular potted indoor plant, grown for its rounded, dark green leaves that grow up to 15 inches long. Fiddle leaves thrive in bright light with some direct sunshine, and they grow well at average home temperatures. They benefit from having their large leaves cleaned regularly to remove dust.
Those who believe that indoor gardening is all green have not yet become acquainted with numerous tropical plants, among them bromeliads and orchids, that are grown for their color, nor do they know the most spectacularly colored indoor tropical, the croton.
Several native Arkansas plants features rich, purplish leaves, which may offer ornamental variety to a garden with mostly green-leaved plants. Most of Arkansas' purple-leaf plants show their colors during the spring and summer, although one plant -- weigela -- continues its purple coloration into the autumn. For some of Arkansas' purple-leaf plants, full sunlight is necessary to get the maximum amount of purple in their leaves.
The split-leaf philodendron is a tropical plant grown for its large, deeply dissected foliage. This vine grows outdoors year-round in tropical climates of the world, including certain areas of Florida and the rain forests of Central America. In regions that experience freezing temperatures, the split-leaf grows well indoors as a houseplant.
Bananas grow on plants--often mistaken for trees because of their size. The banana plant, with its massive oblong leaves, is considered the world's largest plant without a woody stem. Hundreds of types of banana plants grow throughout the tropics ranging from dwarf varieties to towering plants standing nearly 30 feet tall. The size of the leaf correlates to the variety of the banana plant.
Inga bean, or ice cream bean, is a pod grown from a tree in Central and South America that grows wild in some areas and is cultivated in others. It grows prolifically on river banks, in swamps or wherever there is a good deal of water, and produces a long bean or pod. The matter inside tastes much like vanilla ice cream.
Blueberry plants exhibiting burnt looking leaf tips may have contracted a disease called blueberry leaf scorch. Blueberry leaf scorch is a disease caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, according to the University of Georgia. It is important to correctly identify blueberry leaf scorch, because its symptoms look similar to other health problems like fertilizer burn, drought or root rot, according to the University of Georgia.
Knowing the identity of a bush growing in your landscape may ease your curiosity, but it also provides you with the basic information you need to know to learn how to best care for it. Fortunately, it's possible to identify the bush with just a leaf; however, observing other characteristics, such as whether it is an evergreen, or produces berries or flowers, will also help you correctly identify it.
Parboiling ham creates an entree that is flavorful and tasty, as well as moist and tender. The process involves boiling the ham with water and spices, such as bay leaves, that slowly soak into the ham and give it a rich flavor. If you run out of bay leaves, can't find the spice or can't use the spice, use an alternative spice or seasoning with your liquid.
The mimosa plant (Albizia julibrissin), also called the silktree, grows like a tree. It was first brought into the United States as an ornamental from its native range in Asia in 1745. Exceptionally hardy, it has escaped cultivation to naturalize in the southeastern regions of the U.S. and parts of California.
Lettuce requires even irrigation to grow and thrive in the home garden. Proper watering begins when the plants are seedlings, whether you start them indoors in a pot or purchase them from a nursery. Once in the garden bed, improper watering can cause the lettuce to develop tough, unappetizing leaves. Too little water or periods of dryness followed by watering may also cause the lettuce to grow slowly or develop brown, burned spots on the leaf tips.
Gardening isn't only about the flowers. In fact, long after the flowers fade, the foliage remains. Planting various types of foliage assures an interesting and lush garden. Leaves grow in a wide range of colors and shapes. A plant with long leaves adds height and texture to a garden. These leaves are usually referred to as sword-like or grass-like.
Zucchini plants belong to a group of plants known as cucurbits, which also includes squash, pumpkins, melons and watermelons. These plants are all affected by many of the same pests and diseases. Zucchini plants with leaf curl problems may be suffering from a condition that will cause problems for other vegetables. Identify and treat the cause of leaf curl to keep the garden and the vegetable plants healthy and productive each year.
Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) is an evergreen tree native to southern Europe that has been adapted to regions all over the world. Bay leaves were made into wreaths that were worn by ancient Roman poets, scholars and athletes as a symbol of wisdom and glory. The Latin meaning for Laurus is praise and the meaning for nobilis is famous. Bay trees grow to 18 to 60 feet high depending on the variety with up to a 12-foot spread. Bay leaves are used to add flavor to soups, stews, stocks and sauces, as well as fish and vegetables.
Boxwoods are commonly found in residential and commercial landscapes across the United States. The dense, evergreen shrubs are either planted in isolation or in a hedge row to form a natural edging or privacy screen. Unfortunately, improper growing conditions, environmental factors and pests cause the foliage to decline and turn yellow. Care for the bushes to provide them the ideal growing conditions they need to remain healthy.
Buying individual plants for the home garden can be extremely expensive, especially if you are using the same plant over and over. Instead of purchasing several seedlings of the same plant, it is possible to sprout, or propagate, leaves from a mother plant to create a new one. This is a form of propagation called cutting, which creates an exact clone of the parent. Sprouting leaves into new plants is an essential gardening skill.
An adaptation is a characteristic that enables plants and animals to survive in difficult environments. Large leaves are an adaptation common in plants that live in dark, tropical rain forests, allowing them to absorb as much light as possible. For gardeners, these architectural plants stand out and give a garden character. Similarly, bright colors are visual adaptations that flowers develop to attract animals and insects to pollinate them. Many plants have large leaves and red flowers.
Ornamental grasses grow in a variety of forms. From tall, upright species that form screens or windbreaks to small clumping grasses with thread-like foliage, ornamental grasses can complement the landscape with their range of colors and textures. Some even bloom with dramatic inflorescences, often held high above the grass on tall stalks. Some grasses, though, are grown for their foliage. Species with foliage more than an inch wide can define borders or beds and increase privacy in the garden or yard.
In June and July, the oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) bears long, conical clusters of white flowers on stem tips. The deep green, deeply lobed oaklike leaves make an attractive, contrasting background foil for the flowers that persist for about three or four weeks. In autumn, these leaves blush scarlet to deep burgundy. Native to the open woodland of the American southeast, oakleaf hydrangea can grow well in full sun exposures if certain conditions are met.
When you hear the term "miner's moss," images of damp forests with spongy green carpet may cross your mind, but miner's moss has nothing to do with the green plant. Miner's moss is actually a carpet of interwoven synthetic fibers that are used to trap and catch small material. It is commonly used in gold mining, but is also used in door mats.
Lettuce is a cool season vegetable that does well in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It also needs moist, well-drained soil in order to grow well. Most of California has a mild climate, but if you live near the coast you'll have cooler weather than if you live in hotter and drier central California. You can plant lettuce no matter where you live in California.
Leaf lettuce begins offering up crisp leaves for harvest early in the season, before the plant has reached full maturity. Leaf varieties don't form a head like other types of lettuce. Instead, they grow as a loose cluster of leaves, which allows you to harvest the outer leaves while the inner leaves continue to grow to their full size. Properly spacing the plants gives them the room necessary to grow without competing with each other and also so they take up minimal garden space.
Mint plants belong to the family Lamiaceae, a group of closely related flowering plants commonly used as culinary or medicinal herbs. Within the family Lamiaceae is the genus Mentha, a group of 20 plant species known as true mints. Plants within the genus Mentha cross-pollinate and hybridize readily, creating new and novel strains with or without the intercession of a gardener. Creating new strains of mint plants through cross-pollination is a very simple project, but the results are often a surprise given the great genetic diversity among mints.
When selecting plants to grow together in a pot, look for plants that have similar needs and growing conditions. Garlic and lettuce are both planted in fall or early spring and both prefer sun to partial shade. However, lettuce prefers moister, more fertile soil than garlic. Harvesting times differ, as well.
Burnt blueberry leaf tips are a symptom of a bacterial disease known as bacterial leaf scorch. Although all blueberry bushes are at risk for this disease, the southern highbush varieties are particularly susceptible. The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa invades the blueberry bush's vascular system prevents water from reaching all areas of the plant. The bacterium overwinters on host plants, primarily grasses and weeds. In spring it is spread by insects from infected plants to healthy ones. The most apparent symptom is a burnt or scorched area on the blueberry's leaf tips. Although there is currently no cure for the disease, there…
Yew shrubs, with their flat dark green needles and red berries grace landscapes from Alaska to Virginia Their varying shapes make them useful landscape plants. Low-lying shrubs serve as ground covers while uprights provide shade and privacy screening. Globe shaped varieties serve ornamental and decorative purposes. Three yew species used primarily for landscapes are Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata), English yew (T. baccata) and hybrids between the two (T. --- media). Less cultivated yews, like the Canada yew (T. canadensis) and Pacific yew (T. brevifoliaare) are indigenous to North America.
Lactuca sativa crispa "Black-Seeded Simpson" lettuce, created by horticultural expert Peter Henderson in 1870, is a popular leaf lettuce variety that forms a wealth of curly, crisp, lime-green leaves. Leaf lettuce, typically considered a cool-season crop, thrives in a variety of soil conditions and tolerates both heat and shade without losing productivity. Whether you grow Black-Seeded Simpson indoors in containers or outside in a garden, provide the plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, several inches of organic mulch, and consistent moisture throughout the growing season for best results.
Garlic and lettuce are companion plants so you can grow them in the same bed or container. Garlic needs well-drained soil, so make sure the container is at least 1 foot deep and able to drain from the bottom. Lettuce has more shallow roots and a shorter growing season, so you may harvest and re-seed several lettuce crops in the time it takes the garlic to grow to maturity. Take care not to disturb the deeper garlic bulbs as you harvest and re-plant lettuce.
Lettuce and tomatoes grow harmoniously in the home garden, each needing similar growing conditions and each yielding tasty results. Both are planted annually and can be grown anywhere in the United States. With a bit of preparation and proper planting protocol, your home garden can easily accommodate both crops.
Tropical plants are species native to hot, humid areas with tropical climates. Many regions with tropical climates occur within 30 degrees to the north or south of the Earth's equator. These types of plants thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 (minimum temps 30 to 40 degrees F) through 11 (40 degrees F and above). Tropical plants come in a wide assortment of styles and colors, including pink foliage.
The lifespan of a poinsettia is often no longer than through the holiday season and into March. Notoriously difficult to get to flower for a second season, poinsettias are high-maintenance plants that have a series of specific requirements if they are to survive past the holiday. New cultivars are hardier than the old, but they can still be difficult to manage.
"Black-seeded Simpson" is a loose-leaf lettuce variety; as such, it grows loose leaves along a central stalk. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season by cutting the larger outer leaves from the stalk and allowing the inner leaves to continue to mature. "Black-seeded Simpson" tolerates cold, heat and drought, making it an easy-to-grow cultivar.
When you create a salad from crispy green lettuce, fresh-picked from the garden, the last thing you want to see are ragged holes and little bugs that have to be thoroughly washed away from the leaves. Incorporate companion planting techniques to reduce the unattractive damage slugs, snails, aphids and beetles inflict on tender lettuce plants. The strong scent of garlic, a member of the Allium family, repels the pesky invaders. A natural method of pest control, co-planting garlic and lettuce in the same area of the garden increases the usable plant material in your salad crop.
Lettuce is a cool season crop grown for its succulent leaves used in fresh salads or sandwiches. Lettuce is classified in three main groups: leaf, Romaine or cos, butterhead and crisphead. Although all types are prone to bolting and going to seed quickly when hot weather arrives, some are more tolerate of the heat than others.
Boxwood is a shrub or small tree that is most commonly grown for decorative purposes. Like any other type of plants, boxwoods need to be protected from diseases, insects, invasive weeds and other threats that can threaten their health and longevity. Among the most common of possibly terminal diseases of boxwoods is Volutella leaf and stem blight. Exercising effective control measures can protect your boxwoods from succumbing to this ailment.
Ithaca lettuce is an iceburg-type head lettuce that grows best when air temperatures are between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. While most lettuce takes 80 days to mature, Ithaca can be harvested 65 days after planting. It is also more heat-tolerant than other varieties, making it slower to bolt, and the ideal variety for growth in warmer areas. Horticulturists with Clemson University Extension suggest that you buy only fungicide-treated lettuce seed and get it into the ground as soon as temperatures remain at 45 degrees or above.
The Split Leaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa) gets its name from the natural splits and holes in its leaves. Native to Mexico and Central America, the split leaf is planted widely throughout USDA zones 10B through 11 as an ornamental plant. To start a split leaf in your own yard, purchase a healthy potted seedling from a reputable nursery. It needs year-round warm temperatures, shade and well-drained soil wherever it grows. To give the quick-growing vine something to climb, plant it near a trellised wall or tree.
The fiddle-leaf fig tree is a popular indoor plant that is capable of growing from 5 to 10 feet tall if not kept cut back. Outdoors, the fiddle-leaf fig can reach heights of up to 30 feet. A native plant of Africa, the fiddle-leaf fig prefers hot, humid temperatures. The plant should only be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10 and 11. The roots of this plant are powerful, with the ability to push up concrete. Roots can become entangled and gnarled or branch out for several feet. According to Botanical Journeys, The temperature inside the home should not fall…
Hostas, or plantain lilies, are a shade perennial primarily cultivated for their showy leaves, although there are now cultivars on the market with appealing blooms. This plant is relatively forgiving of everything but full sun and cold temperatures; cold weather of 28 degrees below Fahrenheit or colder will cause hosta foliage to die right down to the ground.
Hostas are extremely cold-hardy perennial foliage plants native to Japan, China and Korea. Most hostas are shade-loving plants and will suffer if planted in full sun. Hosta varieties range from tiny 1-inch plants to huge 3-foot plants with platter-sized leaves, in a breathtaking array of colors and hues. They grow best in filtered light with well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Hostas grow from thick rhizomes in a mound habit from a central crown and multiply by growing new plants from the spreading rhizomes.
Miner's lettuce is a native winter annual broadleaf plant that grows wild throughout the United States. It is often found in cool, damp locations. The seedling of the plant is bright green and broadest at the tip. As it grows, the leaves grow out of slender, long stems and become kidney shaped with rounded tips. Miner's lettuce is a crunchy, mild leaf that is good for making salads with. Because it grows wild, it is a robust and simple plant to grow.
Red oak lettuce, also called red oak leaf lettuce, is an heirloom variety with red-tinted leaves shaped like those of an oak tree. This lettuce has crunchy, tender leaves that can be added to both soups and salads. Red oak lettuce grows well even in warm weather, and its leaves are resistant to tip burn, which is a calcium deficiency brought on by hot weather. The seeds can be sown directly into the garden during spring, as soon as the soil is dry enough to work without compacting.
A wide array of plants and flowers make up visually appealing and useful home gardens. Curry leaf plants make an aromatic addition to your garden as an evergreen shrub or in containers where the leaves are easily accessible for use in cooking.
Lettuce grows in head and leaf varieties, and succeeds in both spring and fall plantings throughout the country. This frost-hardy crop prefers a cool-weather start and should grow in moist, cool conditions to avoid "bolting," or growing tough and bitter. Black Seeded Simpson lettuce is a leaf lettuce that produces compact green leaves early in the season. Plant this lettuce early in spring and continue planting until late spring for a long harvest. Follow some standard lettuce-planting guidelines for success.
Healthy tomato plants have firm, green leaves. Plants with leaf spot develop tiny, brown spots, caused by the fungus Septoria lycopersici. A common tomato disease, the infection begins with spotting with pimple-like fungus spores in the center of each lesion. The infection eventually leads to defoliation or premature leaf dropping.
Bean plants are a tender, warm-season crop often seen in home gardens. Beans are the second most-popular vegetable for home gardeners to grow, according to the University of Illinois Extension. They may be broken into two categories: bush beans, which can stand up without any support; and pole beans, species that need support to grow.
Mounds of foliage make hostas a low-maintenance but attractive option for shadier areas in the garden. Many varieties also grow impressive stalks of white flowers during summer, which adds further color and interest to your beds. While hostas require only minimal care, making the most of the maintenance you do provide ensures the plants remain productive and healthy for many years.
Purple-leaf sand cherries (Prunus x cistena) brighten landscapes with their fragrant, pink-tinged white spring blooms and reddish-purple, three-season foliage. The 7- to 10-foot high, sun-loving shrubs make attractive specimens or hedge plantings. Among sand cherries drawbacks are a relatively short lifespan. They begin declining after ten years, according the University of Illinois Extension website. Wilting of a younger sand cherry shrub is symptomatic of another problem -- verticillium wilt fungus infection.
The fiddle leaf plant, also called ficus lyrata, is so named due to its large green leaves that are shaped like violins. Originating from Africa, this plant does not survive freezing temperatures and needs an indoor location in most states. Fiddle leaf plants grow slowly, but tall. Not picky about humidity levels, they do well in most homes as long as they receive adequate light.
Roses are the most popular flowers. Available in more than 500 species and 1,000 cultivars, or varieties, the Modern Rose Class -- those developed or identified after 1867 -- are the preferred roses today. Most bloom continually from spring to fall, like hybrid teas, grandifloras and floribundas. A variety of growth habits and blossom forms exist among roses: trees, climbers, ramblers, shrubs and miniatures. Blossoms grow in flower clusters, singly and with few or many petals.
Roses go through several stages of growth that restart every time the roses are cut. After being fertilized, the total blooming cycle usually takes six to eight weeks, depending on the climate.
"Photosynthesis is arguably the most important biological process on earth," notes Dr. Devens Gust, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Arizona State University. Plants use photosynthesis to synthesize food. In doing so, plants help sustain life on Earth by releasing oxygen and consuming carbon dioxide. Not all plants with leaves are green. The colors they exhibit, such as purple, appear as such because of the way they perform the photosynthetic process.
If you live in Florida and want to grow fruits that will thrive in the warm and humid conditions, or want to fully take in the beauty of the state's fruit selection on your next visit, using identifying factors is essential. The leaves of Florida fruit vary in color, size and texture and serve as ornamental plant features.
Tropical plants are known for their exotic shapes and vivid shades. They are common garden and home decor additions. Identifying tropical plants by leaf is important to determine what natural tropical accents will work best with your decorations.
The giant sensitive plant or catclaw mimosa (Mimosa pigra) has been identified in Australia as one of the nation's most destructive weeds. Originally from the American tropics, it grows in wetlands, where its ability to produce as many as 220,000 seeds per plant means it spreads quickly, and its toughness makes it almost impossible to destroy. In Australian wetlands, it excludes all other species, reducing biodiversity and causing economic harm. Catclaw mimosa first appeared in Florida in 1953, and although it has not caused the destruction there that it has in Australia, its potential invasiveness makes it advisable to destroy…
Amur privet is a common hedge plant in home gardens. It is a fast-growing plant that will eventually, if not pruned, reach 15 feet tall. Amur privet bears tiny white flowers in the spring until early summer. To propagate the amur privet, take softwood cuttings in early summer. These are cuttings at the stage between being green and turning woody. If the stem snaps when you bend it, consider it softwood.
English yew and Japanese yew are planted extensively in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 7. They are hardy plants that accept pruning to create formal hedges or topiary. Yew plants grow in many types of soil, but do require the site to be well drained. When replacing a dead plant or two in a yew hedge, it's a good idea to check the irrigation system and the drainage of that area before replacing the plants. Water should not spray directly onto the plant or pool around the trunk. Address any drainage issues before replacing the dead plant.
Yew bushes are evergreens that have tightly-spaced, flat green leaves. They are commonly used as hedges but can also be planted by themselves. The bushes respond well to pruning, and cutting them back annually will keep them a manageable size. Although the best time to prune a yew bush is in the very early spring before its leaves develop, you can prune it any time without damaging its blooming process or leaf formation.
Growing tropical fruits such as mango, avocado and banana require climates whose winter temperatures never dip down below 32 F. Tropical islands and peninsulas are prime environments for growing coconuts and passionfruit because they are surrounded by water which keeps temperatures above freezing. The Coconut Research Center calls the tropical coconut the "Tree of Life" in Asian and Pacific gardens for its high nutrition and purported healing properties.
The purple-leaf sand cherry is a shrub that grows in an oval shape and can reach a height and width of up to 8 feet. The tree's foliage is a purplish color when it comes out in the spring and throughout the summer and then turns to bronze in the autumn. The purple-leaf sand cherry also blooms with light pink flowers in the summer months. If you would like to relocate a purple-leaf sand cherry bush to another location, you can transplant it as you would any other shrub.
About 50 different species of plants in the genus Ligustrum carry the common name privet. All display glossy leaves and tiny white to yellow flowers and tiny oval fruits. All respond well to pruning or shearing, thus making them a garden favorite for informal and formal hedges or screens. For a smooth texture and more controlled, geometric shape, privet shrubs require frequent trimming, as much as three or four times from spring to fall. Natural silhouettes of branches create an informal shape on privet shrubs, and require pruning only once or twice annually. Both styles of maintenance require pruning in…
Bay leaves are one of the oldest and most commonly used herbs in the world. Luckily, they are also among the longest lasting, since they are usually only used dried.
Curry leaves grow on a curry plants or Murraya koenigii, which are South Asian natives. In its native environment the curry tree grows to heights of 12 feet with an equal branch spread at maturity. Curry plants have a slow growth rate and grow well in pots making them ideal for indoor growers who live in cooler climates. If you have a sunroom, a curry plant will appreciate its warmth during the fall, winter and spring, just as long as you allow it to bask outdoors in summer.
Highbush cranberry plants experience few problems with pests. Early detection is key in controlling any pests that do occur. Carefully searching branches and undersides of leaves can help you discover any pests so you can take measures to get rid of them.
Tropical plants are often large, with broad-leaves and big, colorful flowers. In the U.S., they create a spectacular show in summer time when they thrive in the heat. Grown initially in the tropics, with summer climates all year, they don't survive the cold winters of most U.S. states. Treating them as annuals or as perennials -- dug up in fall and housed in winter -- tropical plants can flourish here.
Tomato plant leaves sometimes start to rot due to fungal problems. Gardeners can prevent these diseases with proper care and can also sometimes get rid of fungal diseases after plants already have them.
Despite the fact that they are often referred to as trees, plantains actually grow on a plant. These delicious fruits can be thought of as miniature bananas. In many parts of the world, plantains are stewed or cooked and form a regular staple of the local diet.
Cineraria refers to a number of ornamental flowering plants in the Senecio genus. Most are referred to simply as cinerarias, but they may also be called by their species names. Cineraria can be propagated from seed or from cuttings.
Maturing 12 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide if left unpruned, the Amur privet (Ligustrum amurense) from China tolerates and grows well even in the worst of soils. While not one of the most ornamental of shrubs, it tolerates air pollution, salt and brutal winter cold, making it a reliable plant for hedges or screens in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 3 through 7. The Amur privet is a deciduous shrub with multiple trunks that support a dense framework of twigs and leaves. One drawback is the foul stench of the tiny white flowers that…
A natural sweetener that imparts a sweet taste without spiking blood sugar levels, sweet leaf or stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) can be tricky to start in the garden, since it doesn't produce well from seed. Plant this warm-weather herb after all danger of frost has passed. While sweet leaf is perennial, it will not survive the winter outside of tropical or subtropical areas such as California or Florida. Care for stevia as an annual in colder climates.
The bay leaf plant (Laurus nobilis) comes from the Mediterranean area of Asia minor and often lends its bitter, aromatic flavor to soups, sauces, stews and meats, as well as pickling blends. As the bay leaf provides its own distinct flavor, there is no perfect substitute for the herb. However, cooks use a handful of other similar leaves and herbs to stand in for bay leaves in a pinch.
Aloe, a native plant from Africa, offers medicinal value and easy transplanting. In all, 180 species of aloe exist, all considered succulents. Aloe plants range in size from a few inches to some that look like small trees. The most popular plant, aloe vera, is commonly used to treat burns and wounds.
The "leaf of life" is a plant that is botanically known as Bryophyllum calycinum. Other names for the leaf of life include life plant and airplant. The plant, which is a member of the Crassulaceae family, is an herb that appears commonly throughout India, but also is found in other parts of the world, such as Pakistan, Nepal, Brazil and the United States. Various medicinal uses are associated with the leaf of life.
Flowers are not the only attractive element in the garden. Foliage grows in a wide range of colors, sizes and shapes, providing texture, diversity and color to the garden. Tropical plants are no exception. Tropical plants are those varieties native to the area between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, according to the Tropical Plant Society. Many houseplants and some plants found in the garden are from the tropics.
Jungles or forests are a critical part of the Earth's ecosystem and cover about one-third of the earth's total surface area. As cited by the University of California Museum of Paleontology, forests contain nearly 70 percent of the entire carbon found in living things and two-thirds of the total leaf areas of all plants on land. Jungles are classified into three groups according to latitude: the tropical, the temperate and the boreal forests, and these contain four major layers of trees.
Mint plants are easy herbs to grow. They propagate easily by stem division or root cuttings, and they thrive in gardens or as houseplants. According to The Herb Guide, the difficulty lies in keeping this hardy plant in check. They are aggressive growers that tend to take over entire gardens. Mint leaves, although invasive, have a variety of culinary uses.
Boxwood is a small- to medium-sized shrub commonly used in home landscapes, especially to create hedges. There are several varieties of boxwood, including the American boxwood, English boxwood and dwarf boxwood. The leaves of the boxwood are typically bright green and shiny. If they start to turn yellow, it is a sign that something is wrong with the plant. Diagnose the problem to rectify it and return the plant to good health.
With their exotic and colorful appearance, tropical flowers tend to steal the spotlight when it comes to gardening with ornamental plants. Some gardeners, however, will find that tropical leaf plants -- tropical plants that have no flowers or unremarkable, hidden flowers -- are a more appropriate fit for their home or garden.
The curry leaf plant is often mistaken for the curry plant. The curry leaf plant is edible and is called Murraya koenigii. It comes in three sizes: regular, dwarf and the most fragrant, Gamthi. The regular curry leaf plant can grow 8 to 9 feet tall. All curry leaf plants require warm temperatures and well drained soil. The fastest growth actually occurs when the conditions are hot and dry. Curry leaf is native to India and the Himalayas, and has moved to Myanmar and southern China.
Cultivated across the globe for their exotic features, tropical plants are popular ornamental garden and houseplants. Many tropical plants showcase spectacular foliage with broad, glossy leaves whether or not the plant is flowering. Gardeners who want to add lush greenery to their home have a number of tropical green leaf plants from which to choose.
Tropical plants with big leaves add drama to tropical landscapes and botanical gardens, but many big-leaved plants are trees that grow well beyond the scale of northern gardeners who want a focal plant for a sun porch or corner garden. Other trees or lower-growing plants, many from the arum family, offer exotic accents for "interiorscapes." Like all tropical plants, big-leaved plants require additional humidity during heating season to maintain healthy foliage.
Large leaf plants bring a tropical look to the garden. Large leaves with rich texture and deep lobes add interest to the garden, even when the plants aren't in bloom. In general, large leaf plants perform well in shady areas because a large leaf has more exposed surface area to perform photosynthesis, so it can get the job done with less light.
Banana trees are not trees at all, according to Purdue University's Center for New Crops and Plant Products. In fact, they are a very large herb that produce the popular fruit. There are numerous species of banana plants that grow in tropical locations all over the world.
Fiddle leaf fig trees are also known as Ficus Lyrata and get their name from their fiddle or violin-shaped leaves. It is a native to Melanesia, Australia and southern Asia, according to the House Plant Consult website, but can be grown in moderate U.S. regions. Like most other ficus plants, the Fiddle leaf fig is often potted and grown indoors. Although you can propagate Fiddle leaf figs in several ways, air layering is the most successful method.
Whether choosing plants for your garden or inside your home, certain visual characteristics help plants to stand out and form pleasing arrangements with other plants in your collection. Tall plants often serve as a backdrop, and dark green leaves provide a background that accentuates smaller, lighter-colored or flowering species.
Zucchini is normally an easy-to-grow, prolific summer squash. However, it can be subject to a number of plant diseases and insect pests that cause the large leaves to become curled.
Of all the varieties of cereus, night-blooming cereus (Cereus greggii) is the best known. True to its common name, this cactus blooms only at night, with individual flowers lasting one night apiece. The flowers are white, waxy, and have a pleasant aroma that is noticeable up to 30 yards from the plant. According to the U.S. Forest Service, Cereus greggii is endangered, so if you're lucky enough to have one, it's good to know how to make more. Leaf cutting is the preferred method of propagation.
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Genus Mimosa contains more than 450 plants and is part of the pea family. Individual species may be herbs, shrubs, trees or woody climbers. Mimosas are called that because of the way they "mimic" animals by responding to outward stimuli and moving rapidly. On top of their movement, mimosas have other survival adaptations having to do with their roots and seeds.
The handsome foliage of the common grapevine is desirable to many gardeners, but it is a large plant that requires room to grow and dedication to maintain. Several California native plants bear foliage strongly reminiscent of grape leaves, but with smaller growth habits and an innate hardiness to growing conditions throughout the state. Apart from being attractive, native grapelike plants provide valuable habitat for wildlife and demand very little of gardeners.
Amaranth comes from the Greek word for "the never-fading flower." Not a true grain, the South American and African herb is a relative of pigweed—also called lambs’ quarters—and the garden plant cockscomb. There are about 60 species of amaranth, some grown for the seed and others for the leaf, with no definite distinction between them.
Outdoor plants add green beauty and colorful blooms to any home property, and can bring joy to a successful gardener. Plants require the right soil, water and lighting conditions, though, and won't thrive if those needs are ignored. Broad leaf plants sometimes like shade, but will always use their large, flat leaves to collect the light they need if they're not planted in the right place.
Plants grow, change and turn their flowers to follow the movement of the sun across the sky. Thigmotropic plants are capable of certain kinds of movement in response to touch. No plant can get up and walk away, but a plant with tendrils can feel its way along a trellis and grow in the direction that allows it to take advantage of the available support. Thigmotropic plants include vines, lianas, ivies, clematis, peas and gourds.
Prayer plants tend to be given at funerals and as sympathy gifts. They are called prayer plants because the two sides of the plant leaf fold up at night, like two hands held together during prayer. Prayer plants are tropical evergreens that produce small white flowers. They require adequate moisture and humidity and not too much sunlight. When not tended to correctly, the edges of their leaves turn brown and appear to die off.
Purple leaf sand cherry (Prunus x cistena), is a small, deciduous flowering tree that can be grown as an ornamental hedge. Purple leaf sand cherry is a hybrid of Prunus cerasifera and Prunus pumila trees. It was developed in 1910 by South Dakota State University's Dr. N.E. Hanson. With small, oval-shaped canopies, deep reddish-purple leaves and pinkish-purple flowers, purple leaf sand cherry trees can make an attractive addition to gardens and home landscapes in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 to 7.
Oak-leaf hydrangea has broad, paper-thin, oak-shaped leaves, which turn purplish in the fall in lower-lying areas and brilliant orange at higher elevations. Its foot-long flowers come in white and pink, and gardeners prize them for their beauty in dried arrangements. Unlike most hydrangeas, this variety prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil with plenty of dappled shade or full shade, so choose your site carefully before planting this ornamental shrub. With proper planting and maintenance, the oak-leaf hydrangea can live 20 to 30 years.
There are hundreds of species of berry plants and bushes, all which have unique leaf anatomy. When trying to identify a berry plant or bush, keep in mind a few characteristics of the leaves in order to narrow down the possibilities. Though there are other factors that can help identify a berry plant or bush, such as berries and twigs, leaves are a primary source of information.
Poinsettias are flowering plants with bright red bracts (flowers). Fertilizing poinsettias is a lot like wrapping a package; there are numerous ways to do the same thing that all get the job done. There are many different factors that affect fertilization, such as the amount of different nutrients in the fertilizer, the rate at which it is applied, the amount of leaching and the type of soil the poinsettia is growing in.
According to NC State University, some plants can be propagated from a single leaf or a section of a leaf. Many leaf cuttings will typically produce a few roots and wither before they can produce a full plant. Plants that are the most successful for propagating from a single leaf are plants that are capable of forming buds at locations other than their stem tips. Most plants that grow well from leaf cuttings are those that are grown and sold as houseplants.
The leaves of the curry leaf plant, Murraya koenigii, are used by the people of Southern India to flavor their favorite dishes. The plant actually grows to the size of a small shrub in its native outer-Himalayan environment. If you live within USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10, curry leaf plants will thrive in your outdoor garden, provided you have a sunny location and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.
Leaf lettuce is one of the quickest-maturing, easy-to-grow lettuce types available to the home gardener. Varieties range from pale green to dark purple, and the leaves themselves are large and broad or frilled and crinkled. Varieties of leaf lettuce include Red Sails, Green Ice and Ruby. Since leaf lettuce does not produce a head, you can begin harvesting it as soon as the leaves are large enough to use, and it keeps producing until summer heat causes it to go to seed.
If your plant's leaves are turning white, it probably looks pretty ghastly. However, before you go on the hunt for a plant vampire or toss your plant in the garbage, try troubleshooting a few basic plant problems that could be causing your plant's paleness. Many of the causes behind white leaves are actually extremely easy to fix and your plant can recover in no time.
Monocotyledons are flowering plants in which the seed has a single leaf attached to the embryo (baby plant). Dicotyledons germinate with two leaves clinging to the embryo. Each class possesses different types of leaves.
The majority of indoor plants are chosen for their foliage and stems rather than their flowers. Though plants like zebrine sansevieria and peperomia sometimes produce small flowers, they are still grown indoor for their general growth habit and foliage. Many indoor plants like croton, coleus, begonia rex and iresine display foliage colors other than green. Other popular leaf plants for indoor growing are characterized by large, shiny, green leaves that are adaptable to a variety of indoor growing conditions.
Large leaf tropical plants are a great addition to any open landscaping area because they add unique visual interest. The plants have a distinctly exotic look and help fill large open spaces where it won't overpower the plants around it. Depending on climate, outdoor tropical plants might require special care, while in milder climates a large leaf tropical plant may thrive easily.
Bean leaf beetles are pests found on string beans, soybeans and other bean-bearing plants. If not treated, they can be dangerous to your garden.
Sweet bay has long been a popular plant for cooking, medicinal purposes and crafts. Its hardy green leaf is fragrant and beautiful. Bay leaf is not a herbaceous plant like most garden seasonings, but an evergreen tree. Native to the Mediterranean, bay grows best in USDA growing zones eight through 11, where winters are mild. However, bay can be grown in pots in colder climates.
Identifying just what is attacking your plants can be a tedious task. By closely examining what is on the plant, as well as the damage done to the plant, you can compare that to common pests to start your search. Knowing what is causing the infestation will help control it.
Vines can be beautiful, but they also can be poisonous. For this reason, it is very important to determine which plant you have in your yard, home or office. In addition, some vines may require specific care during the winter months, certain essential nutrients or a set amount of sunlight each day. Identification will help you establish and grow a strong vine.
Adaptation can be called natural self-preservation. It describes traits in plants and animals that have allowed them to evolve with their surroundings. Adaptations are the reason that many species of plant and animal have survived for so long despite so many environmental changes.
Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as windowleaf, Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron, grows wild in the jungles of Central America. This tropical plant features glossy leaves that develop long slits and perforations as they grow. In its natural environment, the split-leaf plant climbs tree trunks, reaching lengths of 70 feet. Aerial roots sprout from the stem and support the plant as it grows upward. Although it can be grown outdoors in warm climates in the United States, it is frequently grown as a houseplant.
Wooly croton is an invasive annual weed native to the warmer climates of North America. The plant grows from one to three feet in height and will overpower more productive rangeland grasses if allowed. It is not useful as a livestock food but the seeds are a natural feed to birds including game birds such as doves and turkeys.
The curry leaf plant is a common ingredient found in many regional types of Southern Indian cooking. While it prefers a warmer climate, it can successfully be grown as a houseplant with proper care and sun exposure. Leaves can be picked directly from the plant and used in cooking when the plant is mature.
There are a number of causes for brown spots to appear on green leaf plants. These may include disease, insects, dehydration or a combination of the three. You can better the appearance of your plants by knowing what to look for.
The fiddle-leaf fig is a member of the ficus family and a lot easier to care for than its well-known and picky cousin, the benjamina. Originally cultivated as a source of rubber, it is now sold as a houseplant. The fiddle-leaf fig, a slow -growing tree, can grow up to 20-feet tall.
Blueberry plants affected by leaf spot diseases results in quite a bit of damage annually. It's important to control leaf spot diseases by watching closely for symptoms and controlling the disease with fungicide and regular pruning. Keeping an eye out for insects is also important. There are many ways to control pests, such as insecticides and biological methods.
Houseplants are a special addition to every home. They not only add aesthetic appeal, but they also increase air quality and add ambiance. Houseplants are also relatively low-maintenance. Remember to water them occasionally and place them in the correct light, and most will flourish. However, there are a few tell-tale signs that a houseplant is in distress, and one of them is dead leaf ends. In addition to treating the overall cause of dead leaf ends or brown dry spots throughout the plant, you can remove the affected foliage. For a long-term solution, however, it is necessary to find the…
Plants can often be identified based on their leaves. Although it is not always possible to determine the exact species, it may be surprisingly easy to use leaf characteristics in order to figure out what family you are dealing with. What follows is a list and description of some of the most common methods of leaf-based plant identification.
With a variety of bloom colors and types, roses are a good addition to any garden. Most rose plants are deciduous and have pinnate leaves. Some Asian rose types are evergreen. Foliage comes in a variety of greens and sometimes red or purple. Leaves usually grow in groups of three or five. Roses need full sun for at least six hours during the day. When planting, build a mound around base of plant to keep water from sitting too long and fostering disease. Water close to the ground without getting the foliage too wet to help avoid mildew on the…
Bay is actually a small tree known as the bay laurel, which can be planted indoors. Valued for its culinary uses, bay is native to the Mediterranean. The edible bay is Laurus nobilis; other bay trees may be toxic. Bay is seldom planted from seed, as seedlings can be difficult to start for the home gardener. Bay can be grown outside in zones 8 through 11 but will need to be grown in a container further north. The container can be set outside during the warm months and brought in to overwinter.
The phrase '"rattan wicker" is actually describing two things --- a plant material and a process. The phrase "rattan wicker" has worked its way into our vocabulary to the extent that we all know what it is referring to, even if we don't understand its true definition.
Unlike the vast majority of plants, Venus flytraps are carnivorous. They eat mostly insects and spiders. Like other plants, they get nutrients from soil and the air, but because they live in poor soil, they need the additional nutrients they get from insects.
Identifying problems with your plants is a complex and moderately difficult process. Once you've ruled out acidity or alkalinity of the soil, pest infestations and watering issues, nutritional deficiencies are the next logical culprit. By examining the leaves carefully, you can see the changes in color, shape and size of the deformed and discolored leaves. Each symptom leads to a different diagnosis.
With some plants, you can grow a new plant with just the leaf. You can multiply your plants with this method, one form of propagation. Kids can do this as a science experiment for school or just observe what happens when planting a leaf from an existing plant.
