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Taxonomy The Rio Grande Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) is one of six recognized subspecies of the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), which itself belongs to the class Aves, order Galliformes, family Phasianidae, and genus Meleagris. This subspecies was described in the 19th century, with its Latin name “intermedia” reflecting its intermediate position in range and … Read more

Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata) is a fast-growing evergreen tree that belongs to the Cupressaceae family, which includes cypresses and cedars. It is a hybrid between two species—Thuja standishii, native to Japan, and Thuja plicata, known as the Western redcedar, native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. This interspecific cross combines the … Read more

Yellow flowering perennial ground covers are low-growing plants that spread to create dense, carpet-like layers in gardens, offering bright, cheerful blooms. Their vibrant yellow flowers, ranging from soft lemon to bold gold, add warmth and visual interest to landscapes, typically blooming in spring or summer. These perennials return year after year, making them a reliable … Read more

Anemone flowers, known as windflowers, are delicate and vibrant perennials in the Ranunculaceae family, cherished for their graceful blooms in U.S. gardens. Native to temperate regions worldwide, they display cup-shaped flowers in colors like white, pink, red, blue, and purple. Blooming from spring to fall, depending on the type, they enhance borders, woodlands, and arrangements … Read more

Cuckoo birds, part of a diverse family, are known for their unique behaviors and wide distribution across temperate and tropical regions. Found in forests, grasslands, and wetlands, they adapt to varied environments with remarkable versatility. Their distinctive calls and striking appearances make them a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts, though some species remain elusive due to … Read more

Botanical Classification The Jujube, scientifically known as Ziziphus jujuba, belongs to the Rhamnaceae family, which includes buckthorns and other shrubs and trees. It is part of the genus Ziziphus, comprising about 40 species of spiny trees and shrubs, many of which produce edible fruits. Commonly called Chinese date, red date, or simply jujube, Ziziphus jujuba … Read more

Botanical Classification The European Alder, scientifically known as Alnus glutinosa, belongs to the Betulaceae family, which includes birches, hazels, and hornbeams. It is part of the genus Alnus, encompassing alder species known for their nitrogen-fixing capabilities and affinity for wet habitats. Commonly called black alder, common alder, or European black alder, Alnus glutinosa is a … Read more

Kaffir lime, scientifically known as Citrus hystrix, belongs to the Rutaceae family, which includes all citrus plants like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. The genus Citrus encompasses a wide range of fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, and hystrix—from the Greek for “hedgehog”—refers to its thorny nature and bumpy fruit skin. Native to Southeast Asia, it’s also called … Read more

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a woodland flowering plant with sweetly scented, pendent, bell-shaped white flowers borne in sprays in spring. It is native throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere in Asia and Europe, and its French name, muguet, sometimes appears in the names of perfumes imitating the flower’s scent. The plant has been … Read more

The potato is a starchy root vegetable native to the Americas that is consumed as a staple food in many parts of the world. Potatoes are tubers of the plant Solanum tuberosum, a perennial in the nightshade family Solanaceae. Wild potato species can be found from the southern United States to southern Chile.  Potatoes originated … Read more