AMERICAN GARDENER

Oenothera biennis, commonly known as Evening Primrose, is part of the Oenothera genus within the Onagraceae family, which is also known as the evening primrose or willowherb family. This species is a biennial, meaning it completes its life cycle over two years, with the first year focused on vegetative growth and the second on flowering … Read more

Monarda fistulosa, commonly known as Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm, is part of the Monarda genus within the Lamiaceae family, which is also known as the mint family. This species is characterized by its aromatic leaves and showy, tubular flowers that are arranged in dense, spherical clusters. The species name “fistulosa” is derived from the … Read more

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

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

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, 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

Quercus pagoda, commonly known as the Cherrybark Oak, is a member of the Quercus genus within the Fagaceae family. This species is part of the red oak group, characterized by leaves with pointed, bristle-tipped lobes and acorns that take two years to mature. The name “pagoda” refers to the pagoda-like shape of its leaves when … Read more

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

Quercus shumardii, commonly referred to as the Shumard Oak, is a species within the Quercus genus of the Fagaceae family. It is part of the red oak group, characterized by leaves with pointed, bristle-tipped lobes and acorns that mature over two years. The species name “shumardii” honors Benjamin Franklin Shumard, a 19th-century geologist who contributed … Read more

Quercus velutina, known commonly as the Black Oak, is a member of the Quercus genus within the Fagaceae family. It falls into the red oak group, characterized by leaves with pointed, bristle-tipped lobes and acorns that mature over two years. The species name “velutina” is derived from the Latin word for “velvety,” referring to the … Read more