AMERICAN GARDENER

Viola papilionacea, commonly known as the Wood Violet or Common Blue Violet, is a member of the Viola genus within the Violaceae family. This species is notable for its heart-shaped leaves and violet to blue flowers, though it can also produce white or mixed-color blooms. The species name “papilionacea” refers to its butterfly-like (papilionaceous) appearance … Read more

Yucca glauca, commonly known as the Soapweed Yucca, Narrowleaf Yucca, Beargrass or Great Plains Yucca, is part of the Yucca genus within the Asparagaceae family, which was previously classified under the Agavaceae family. This species is distinguished by its tall flower spikes, narrow, sword-like leaves, and the production of soap from its roots. The Latin … Read more

Cornus florida, commonly known as the American Dogwood or Flowering Dogwood, belongs to the Cornus genus within the Cornaceae family. This species is particularly noted for its showy bracts that give the appearance of large, white or pink flowers surrounding a cluster of small, yellow, true flowers. The name “florida” is derived from the Latin … Read more

Pinus resinosa, commonly known as Red Pine or Norway Pine, is a member of the Pinus genus within the Pinaceae family, which encompasses pine trees among other conifers. This species is characterized by its reddish-brown bark, long needles in pairs, and the production of cones with a distinctive, sharp prickle on each scale. The name … Read more

Picea sitchensis, commonly known as the Sitka Spruce, is part of the Picea genus in the Pinaceae family, which includes other conifers like pines, firs, and larches. This species is noted for its tall stature, rapid growth rate, and the quality of its wood. The name “sitchensis” refers to Sitka, Alaska, where this tree was … Read more

Aleutites moluccana, commonly known as Kukui or Candlenut, is part of the Aleutites genus in the Euphorbiaceae family, which includes a diverse range of plants like poinsettias and cassava. This species is notable for its large, lobed leaves and the production of nuts that are used for various purposes. The name “moluccana” indicates an origin … Read more

Populus deltoides, commonly known as the Eastern Cottonwood or simply Cottonwood, is part of the Populus genus within the Salicaceae family, which also includes willows. This species is named ‘deltoides’ due to its triangular or deltoid-shaped leaves. It’s a fast-growing, deciduous tree known for its cotton-like seeds that are dispersed by wind. The Eastern Cottonwood … Read more

Cottonwood trees fall under the genus Populus in the willow family, Salicaceae. They are specifically within the section *Aigeiros*, commonly known as cottonwoods or poplars. These trees are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are on separate trees, leading to the production of cotton-like seeds from female trees. History: Cottonwoods have been significant in North … Read more

Rosa arkansana, commonly known as the Wild Prairie Rose or Arkansas Rose, is part of the Rosa genus within the Rosaceae family, which includes a wide variety of plants like roses, apples, and strawberries. This species is characterized by its small, pink flowers and its ability to form dense, thorny thickets. The species name “arkansana” … Read more

Aquilegia caerulea, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Columbine or Colorado Blue Columbine, is part of the Aquilegia genus within the Ranunculaceae family, which is known as the buttercup or crowfoot family. This species is distinguished by its showy, spurred flowers, with the name “caerulea” indicating its blue color, although the flowers can also appear … Read more