Amwoga Khalwale

Gardening in shaded areas doesn’t mean you’re limited in floral options. Plants that thrive in low light conditions often have adaptations like larger leaves to capture more light or bloom at times when the sun’s rays are less direct. These plants can transform a dim garden into a lush, verdant oasis, using the shade to … Read more

Hybrid Witch Hazel (Hamamelis × intermedia) is a cross between Hamamelis japonica (Japanese Witch Hazel) and Hamamelis mollis (Chinese Witch Hazel), belonging to the Hamamelidaceae family. This hybrid has been cultivated to combine the best traits of both parent species. As a hybrid, Hamamelis × intermedia doesn’t have a native area in the wild; it’s … Read more

Chinese Witch Hazel (Hamamelis mollis) is part of the Hamamelidaceae family within the Hamamelis genus. It’s known for its fragrant, showy flowers, distinguishing it among witch hazels. This species is native to central and eastern China, specifically found in provinces like Hubei, Hunan, and Sichuan. It naturally grows in the understory of deciduous forests, often … Read more

Vernal Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) belongs to the Hamamelidaceae family, within the Hamamelis genus. It’s closely related to other witch hazels but distinguished by its early blooming habit. This species is native to the central United States, specifically found in the Ozark region of Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. It naturally occurs in rocky, wooded slopes … Read more

Common Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is classified under the family Hamamelidaceae. It’s a member of the Hamamelis genus, which includes several species known for their unique flowering times. This species is native to North America, specifically found from Nova Scotia in Canada, southward through the eastern United States to Florida, and westward to Texas. It … Read more

Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) is classified within the Anacardiaceae family, the same family as other sumacs, poison ivy, and cashews. This species is distinguished by its aromatic leaves when crushed, which gives it its common name. This sumac is native to North America, stretching from Quebec in Canada to South Dakota in the U.S., and … Read more

Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) is part of the Anacardiaceae family, which includes other notable plants like poison ivy and cashews. Within the Rhus genus, it’s distinguished by its lack of hairiness on young stems, setting it apart from relatives like staghorn sumac. This species is native to a vast region of North America, spanning from … Read more

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) belongs to the family Anacardiaceae, which includes other notable plants like poison ivy and mango. It is classified within the genus Rhus, known for its sumac species. The species name “typhina” refers to its velvety, hairy branches, reminiscent of a stag’s antlers. Native to eastern North America, Staghorn Sumac can be … Read more

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, known for its distinctive, peeling bark that gives it its common name, appearing as if it has several layers or ‘nine barks’. This plant typically grows to heights and widths of 5 to 10 feet, though size can vary with cultivar. It’s prized … Read more

Ninebark (genus Physocarpus) is classified under the Rosaceae family. The most commonly cultivated species is Physocarpus opulifolius, known as common ninebark, but there are other species like Physocarpus capitatus (Pacific ninebark) and Physocarpus amurensis (Amur ninebark). The name ‘ninebark’ comes from the peeling bark that appears to have multiple layers, similar to nine layers of … Read more