AMERICAN GARDENER

Shrubs with thorns offer a unique blend of beauty and practicality in landscaping. These plants, often characterized by their sharp spines, serve as natural deterrents against unwanted intruders, whether they be animals or humans. The thorns can vary from small prickles to long, menacing spikes, providing an effective barrier around properties or as protective borders … Read more

The Summersweet shrub, scientifically known as Clethra alnifolia, belongs to the Clethraceae family. It is a deciduous shrub, meaning it loses its leaves during winter. The species name “alnifolia” refers to the leaves, which resemble those of alder trees (genus Alnus). This plant is part of a genus that includes several species, most of which … Read more

Pilea cadierei, commonly known as the Aluminum Plant or Watermelon Pilea, belongs to the Urticaceae family. It is part of the genus Pilea, which includes numerous species of small herbaceous plants. The specific epithet “cadierei” honors the French botanist Léo Marie Joseph Frédéric Cadière, who specialized in the flora of Indochina. This plant is a … Read more

The Cranberry Bush is scientifically named Viburnum trilobum, though it is often treated as a variety or subspecies of Viburnum opulus, specifically Viburnum opulus var. americanum or Viburnum opulus subsp. trilobum. It belongs to the Adoxaceae family, previously classified under Caprifoliaceae, which includes other well-known plants like elderberries and honeysuckles. This deciduous shrub is characterized … Read more

Russian Sage is scientifically known as Perovskia atriplicifolia, though it has been reclassified more recently under the genus Salvia as Salvia yangii. This reclassification was based on genetic studies showing its close relationship with other members of the Salvia genus in the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. The species name atriplicifolia refers to the shape of its … Read more

Weigela florida, commonly known as Weigela or Old-Fashioned Weigela, belongs to the genus Weigela within the Caprifoliaceae family, which also includes plants like honeysuckle and elderberry. The species name “florida” does not refer to the state but rather means “flowering” or “florid” in Latin, indicating its profuse blooming nature. Weigela is named after the German … Read more

Chokeberry, scientifically known as Aronia, is a genus of deciduous shrubs native to eastern North America, celebrated for both their ornamental and health benefits. These shrubs produce small, round berries that come in black, red, and sometimes purple, which are incredibly rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, vitamins, and minerals. The berries, while astringent when eaten … Read more

Raspberries belong to the genus *Rubus* within the rose family (Rosaceae), and they are known for their delicious, edible fruits that come in a variety of colors including red, black, yellow, purple, and gold. These perennial plants grow on canes that produce fruit either in summer or both summer and fall, depending on whether they … Read more

Privet shrubs, belonging to the Ligustrum genus, are deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen plants widely used for hedges, privacy screens, and ornamental landscaping due to their dense growth, fast growth rate, and adaptability. These shrubs are prized for their small, glossy leaves, fragrant white flowers, and ability to tolerate heavy pruning, making them ideal for shaping … Read more

Barberry shrubs, belonging to the Berberis genus, are deciduous or evergreen plants known for their vibrant foliage, thorny branches, and colorful berries. While often referred to as “barberry trees,” they are technically shrubs, though some larger varieties can take on a tree-like appearance with age. These plants are prized for their ornamental value, adaptability, and … Read more