Plants

Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) is a compact, evergreen conifer that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. It is a cultivar of Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as Eastern Arborvitae or Northern White Cedar, which is native to eastern North America. The cultivar name ‘Smaragd’ is derived from the Danish word for “emerald,” referencing the tree’s … Read more

Huckleberries are small, round berries that grow wild across various regions, particularly in North America. They belong to the Ericaceae family, sharing lineage with blueberries and cranberries, and are known for their vibrant colors, ranging from red to deep blue or black. Their flavor is a distinctive sweet-tart balance, often more intense than cultivated berries. … Read more

Carpenter ants are classified within the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and wasps. They are part of the family Formicidae, a diverse group that encompasses all true ants. Like their relatives, they are social insects that live in structured colonies with complex roles and behaviors. Their scientific classification highlights their evolutionary connection to other … Read more

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is a large and striking butterfly belonging to the order Lepidoptera and the family Papilionidae, which includes all swallowtails. Its genus Papilio is known for species that often display tail-like extensions on their hindwings, a feature thought to confuse predators. While not a plant, this butterfly is closely associated … Read more

Birds with long necks are uniquely adapted creatures that have evolved this feature for various ecological advantages. Their extended necks enhance their field of vision, allowing them to spot predators or prey from a distance. This trait also contributes to their elegant posture and balance, especially in flight or while wading through water. The length … Read more

Chickadees are small, energetic songbirds known for their curiosity and friendly nature. They belong to the tit family and are commonly found across North America and parts of Eurasia. Their distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call is both a form of communication and a warning system, varying in intensity based on the level of threat. Species found in … Read more

The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a small, vibrant songbird celebrated for its dazzling summer plumage and lively behavior, often seen flitting through fields and backyards across North America. Known as the “wild canary” for its bright yellow coloration and cheerful song, it is a favorite among birdwatchers. Family The American Goldfinch belongs to the … Read more

The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a vibrant and charismatic bird native to North America, renowned for its striking appearance and complex behaviors. As a member of the corvid family, it shares traits with some of the most intelligent birds, such as crows and ravens. Family The Blue Jay belongs to the family Corvidae, a … Read more

The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is one of the most iconic and widespread birds in North America, often associated with the arrival of spring due to its cheerful song and familiar presence in backyards. Family The American Robin belongs to the family Turdidae, commonly known as the thrush family, which includes other songbirds like bluebirds, … Read more

Botanical Classification String of Pearls, scientifically classified as Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus), is a succulent perennial in the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies and sunflowers. The genus Curio, reclassified from Senecio in recent taxonomic updates, contains several trailing succulents. Common names include string of beads, rosary vine, pearl plant, and bead plant, reflecting its … Read more