Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia): History, Characteristics & Cultivation

Joshua trees aren’t actually trees—they’re succulents, a type of plant that stores water. In their dry ecosystems, however, they are considered trees of the desert. Joshua trees were named for the biblical figure Joshua by 19th-century Mormon settlers who felt the outstretched tree limbs guided them along their westward journey. Joshua trees usually have a … Read more

Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris): Origin, Characteristics, Distribution & Cultivation

The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) is a pine species native to the Southeastern United States, found along the coastal plain from East Texas to southern Virginia, extending into northern and central Florida. In this area it is also known as “yellow pine” or “long leaf yellow pine”, although it is properly just one out of a number of species termed yellow pine. The historic range of … Read more

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus): Origin, Characteristics, Distribution & Cultivation

The Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) commonly called the eastern white pine, northern white pine, white pine, Weymouth pine (British), and soft pine is native to eastern North America and is an important horticultural species, often used in landscaping and as Christmas trees. It is a fast-growing tree, capable of adding 1 meter in height annually between the ages of 15 … Read more

Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo): Origin, Characteristics, Distribution & Cultivation

Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo) is a species of conifer native to high elevation habitats in southwestern to Central Europe and Southeast Europe, that is, the subalpine zones of the Pyrenees, Alps, Ore Mountains, Carpathians, northern and central Apennines, and higher Balkan Peninsula mountains. It is also known as dwarf mountain pine, mountain pine, scrub mountain … Read more

24 Different Types of Snowdrops (Wild & Cultivated Species)

Galanthus, or snowdrop, is a small genus of approximately 24 species of bulbous perennial herbaceous plants in the family Amaryllidaceae. The plants have two linear leaves and a single small white drooping bell-shaped flower with six petal-like tepals in two circles. The smaller inner petals have green markings. They are commonly the earliest garden flowers … Read more

Snowdrop Tree (Halesia diptera): History, Characteristics & Cultivation

The Snowdrop Tree, also known as Two-Winged Silverbell or American Snowdrop Tree, is a species in the family Styracaceae, native to the southeastern United States from West Florida to eastern Texas to South Carolina particularly in regions with moist, well-drained soils such as riverbanks, floodplains, and lowland forests. The genus name honors Stephen Hales (1677–1761), … Read more

24 Trees With Heart Shaped Leaves

Nature often surprises us with its unique patterns and designs, and one of the most delightful examples is found in trees with heart-shaped leaves. Trees with heart-shaped leaves add a lovely touch to the landscape. If you plan your plant selection, you can enjoy much more than just green heart shapes in the summer yard. … Read more