Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): History, Characteristics & Cultivation

Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is part of the Echinacea genus within the Asteraceae family, which is also known as the daisy or sunflower family. This species is characterized by its large, daisy-like flowers with prominent, cone-shaped, spiny central disks surrounded by drooping, purple to pink petals. The name “Echinacea” comes from the … Read more

Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.): History, Characteristics & Cultivation

Coreopsis is a genus within the Asteraceae family, commonly known as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family. The name “Coreopsis” is derived from the Greek words “koris” (bug) and “opsis” (appearance), referring to the shape of the seed which resembles a bug or tick, leading to the common name “Tickseed.” There are over 80 species … Read more

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica): History, Characteristics & Cultivation

Eschscholzia californica, commonly known as the California Poppy, is a species within the Eschscholzia genus, which belongs to the Papaveraceae (poppy) family. This annual or short-lived perennial plant is distinguished by its bright orange flowers, though colors can range from yellow to red in cultivated varieties. The species name “californica” reflects its primary association with … Read more

Blue Flax (Linum lewisii): History, Characteristics & Cultivation

Linum lewisii, commonly known as Blue Flax or Prairie Flax, is a species within the Linum genus of the Linaceae family. This perennial plant is distinct from the flax used for fiber and seed oil (Linum usitatissimum) but shares some similar characteristics, including its slender, erect growth habit. The species name “lewisii” honors Meriwether Lewis, … Read more

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata): History, Characteristics & Cultivation

Gaillardia aristata, commonly known as the Blanket Flower, is part of the Gaillardia genus within the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies and sunflowers. This species is characterized by its vibrant, daisy-like flowers with a central disk surrounded by ray florets, often in combinations of yellow and red. The species name “aristata” refers to the … Read more

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): History, Characteristics & Cultivation

Yarrow, scientifically named Achillea millefolium, belongs to the Achillea genus within the Asteraceae family, commonly known as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family. The species name “millefolium” means “thousand-leaved,” referring to the finely divided, feathery leaves of the plant. This perennial herb is known for its flat-topped or slightly domed clusters of small flowers. Achillea … Read more

California Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii): Range, History, Characteristics & Cultivation

Quercus kelloggii, commonly known as the California Black Oak, is part of the Quercus genus within the Fagaceae family. It belongs to the red oak group, characterized by leaves with pointed, bristle-tipped lobes and acorns that mature over two years. The species name “kelloggii” honors Albert Kellogg, a 19th-century California botanist. California Black Oak is … Read more