AMERICAN GARDENER

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

Philadelphus lewisii, commonly known as Lewis’ Mock Orange or Syringa, is a member of the Philadelphus genus in the Hydrangeaceae family, which was previously classified under the Saxifragaceae family. This species is known for its fragrant, white, four-petaled flowers that give off a scent reminiscent of orange blossoms, hence the common name “Mock Orange.” The … Read more

Rhododendron macrophyllum, commonly known as the Coast Rhododendron or Pacific Rhododendron, is a member of the Rhododendron genus within the Ericaceae family, which is also known as the heath or heather family. This species is characterized by its large, leathery leaves and showy, bell-shaped flowers. The species name “macrophyllum” is derived from Greek, meaning “large-leaved,” … Read more

Phoradendron serotinum, commonly known as American Mistletoe, is part of the Phoradendron genus within the Santalaceae family, which includes parasitic plants. This species is a hemiparasitic plant, meaning it photosynthesizes but also draws water and nutrients from the host tree. The genus name “Phoradendron” comes from Greek words meaning “thief of the tree,” reflecting its … Read more

Rosa laevigata, commonly known as the Cherokee Rose, is part of the Rosa genus within the Rosaceae family, which encompasses a wide variety of plants including roses, apples, and strawberries. This species is distinguished by its evergreen nature in mild climates, large, white, fragrant flowers, and an abundance of sharp thorns. The species name “laevigata” … Read more

Trifolium pratense, commonly known as Red Clover, is a species within the Trifolium genus of the Fabaceae (or Leguminosae) family, which is also known as the pea or legume family. This plant is notable for its three-leaflet structure, typical of clovers, and its distinctive pink to reddish-purple flower heads. The name “Trifolium” derives from the … Read more

Artemisia tridentata, commonly known as Sagebrush or Big Sagebrush, is a species within the Artemisia genus of the Asteraceae family, which is also known as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family. This species is characterized by its aromatic, silvery-gray foliage and small, inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated. The genus name “Artemisia” is named after Artemis, … Read more

Solidago gigantea, commonly known as Giant Goldenrod or Late Goldenrod, is a member of the Solidago genus within the Asteraceae family, often referred to as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family. This species is distinguished by its tall stature and large, arching plumes of bright yellow flowers. The genus name “Solidago” derives from the Latin … Read more

Gelsemium sempervirens, commonly known as Yellow Jessamine or Carolina Jessamine, is part of the Gelsemium genus within the Gelsemiaceae family. This species is notable for its vibrant, funnel-shaped, yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. Previously, it was classified under the Loganiaceae family, but recent taxonomic studies have placed it in its own family, reflecting its … Read more