Plants

Oregon Grape, scientifically known as Mahonia aquifolium, is a member of the Berberidaceae family, within the genus Mahonia. This genus was once lumped with Berberis (barberry) but is now recognized as distinct, especially due to its unique leaf structure and growth habit. Mahonia aquifolium is further classified under the section Mahonia, which includes species with … Read more

March marks a turning point in the natural world, as vibrant blossoms begin to emerge after the long winter months. These early blooms transform bare landscapes into colorful, lively spaces, signaling the arrival of spring. Their appearance brings a sense of renewal and hope to gardens and wild spaces alike. Often thriving in cool temperatures, … Read more

The Forget-me-not known scientifically as Myosotis alpestris, belongs to the Boraginaceae family, within the genus Myosotis. This genus name comes from the Greek words “mus” (mouse) and “otis” (ear), referring to the shape of the leaves which resemble a mouse’s ear. Myosotis alpestris is classified under the section Myosotis, which groups species with small, often … Read more

The Quaking Aspen, scientifically named Populus tremuloides, belongs to the Salicaceae family, within the genus *Populus*, commonly known as aspen or poplar. It falls under the section Populus, specifically in the subsection *Trepidae*, which is characterized by species with leaves that tremble in the slightest breeze due to their flattened petioles. “Tremuloides” itself hints at … Read more

The Black Hills Spruce, scientifically known as Picea glauca ‘Densata’, is a cultivar of the white spruce, Picea glauca, which belongs to the Pinaceae family. Within its species, this cultivar is distinguished by its denser growth habit and slightly different needle and cone characteristics. Originally, it was considered a variety (var. densata), but due to … Read more

The Western White Pine, scientifically known as Pinus monticola, belongs to the Pinaceae family, within the genus *Pinus*. It falls under the subgenus *Strobus*, which groups the “soft pines,” known for their five-needled fascicles. Pinus monticola is part of the section *Quinquefoliae*, reflecting its characteristic needle count. The species name “monticola” is derived from Latin, … Read more

The Loblolly Pine, known scientifically as Pinus taeda, is part of the Pinaceae family, within the genus *Pinus*. Specifically, it belongs to the subgenus *Pinus*, section Pinus, and subsection *Pinus*, often grouped with other “yellow pines” due to the color of its wood. The species name “taeda” comes from Latin, meaning “pine torch,” referring to … Read more

The Piñon Pine, scientifically named Pinus edulis, is a member of the Pinaceae family, within the genus *Pinus*, subgenus Strobus, section *Parrya*, and subsection *Cembroides*. This classification situates it among the pinyon pines, which are known for their edible seeds or pine nuts. It is often confused or grouped with Pinus monophylla, the single-leaf pinyon, … Read more

The White Birch or Paper birch, known scientifically as Betula papyrifera, belongs to the Betulaceae family, which encompasses birches, alders, hazels, and hornbeams. Within the genus Betula, B. papyrifera falls into the subgenus Betulaster, characterized by species with distinctive white bark. This species is further divided into several varieties, reflecting its broad distribution and adaptation … Read more

The Single-Leaf Piñon, scientifically known as Pinus monophylla, is a distinctive member of the pinyon pine group within the Pinaceae family. This species is particularly notable for its unique foliage; unlike most pines which have needles in clusters of two or more, Pinus monophylla typically bears its needles singly, making it the world’s only one-needled … Read more