Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii)

The Leyland cypress (× Cupressocyparis leylandii) is a popular type of cypress within the cypress family (Cupressaceae). It is a hybrid species created by crossing the Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and the Alaskan cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis). The tree was first cultivated in the mid-20th century and has since become widely planted for its rapid growth … Read more

Bald Cypress (Taxodium Distichum)

The bald cypress is a native tree to the southeastern United States that grows in the Mississippi Valley drainage basin, along the Gulf Coast, and up the coastal plain to the mid-Atlantic states. Bald cypresses are well-adapted to wet conditions along riverbanks and swamps. They are also found in dry areas and are frequently planted … Read more

Italian or Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens) 

What is Italian Cypress? Cupressus sempervirens, the Mediterranean cypress, is a narrow, columnar species of cypress native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Iran. Its upright branches are covered with green to bluish scale-like leaves held in short flat sprays. It belongs to the Cupressaceae family. The term “Italian” in its common name reflects its … Read more

Sticks on Fire plant (Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’)

The plant known scientifically as Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’ is a variant of the Euphorbia tirucalli species. Indigenous to Madagascar and certain regions in Southern Africa, this species thrives in arid environments, particularly in savannas, where it is commonly utilized for cattle fodder and as hedging. Its cultivation has expanded to various tropical areas, … Read more

Virginia Creeper Vine (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a deciduous woody vine and a member of the grape family (Vitaceae). It is known for its vigorous growth, attractive foliage, and ability to climb and cover structures. Virginia creeper grows along the ground in woodlands, often growing up trees or telephone poles on woodland borders, or in open areas … Read more

The Yellow Elder (Tecoma stans)

Description The Yellow Elder (Tecoma stans) is a flowering shrub that belongs to the Bignoniaceae family. It is a tropical shrub or small tree, also known as Trumpetflower, Yellow Bells, and Yellow Trumpetbush. It is native to the Americas (Caribbean, Central, and South America). The shrub is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant … Read more

Capybara: Facts, Pictures, Habitats & Behavior

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world. They are known for their semi-aquatic lifestyle and are often found near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. They are social animals by nature, and they have gained a level of fame worldwide for their seeming ability to make individuals from … Read more

Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus)

The Cottonmouth, scientifically known as Agkistrodon piscivorus, is a venomous snake native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the Viperidae family and the subfamily Crotalinae, which also includes rattlesnakes and copperheads. The common names “Cottonmouth” and “Water Moccasin” are derived from the snake’s characteristic defensive display, where it opens its mouth wide, revealing … Read more

Virginian Tiger Moth Caterpillar (Spilosoma virginica)

Virginian Tiger Moth Caterpillars also known as the “yellow woolly bear” have a black body covered in dense, soft white or sometimes in yellowish hairs. These are not venomous, stinging hairs, but they may cause irritation for some people. As they mature, the hairs become denser and bristlier, covering the body in clustered tufts that … Read more