AMERICAN GARDENER

Gardenias are celebrated for their luminous, often double flowers and an intense, sweet fragrance that fills the air, particularly in the evening. These plants belong to the Rubiaceae family and are evergreen shrubs known for their glossy, dark green leaves that provide a striking backdrop to the white or creamy blooms. Their flowers are not … Read more

Gardenia belongs to the genus Gardenia within the Rubiaceae family, which is more commonly known as the coffee family. This genus encompasses over 200 species of flowering plants, with the most famous being Gardenia jasminoides, commonly referred to as Cape Jasmine or Common Gardenia, due to its strong, sweet scent reminiscent of jasmine. The history … Read more

Trees that thrive in wet soil are essential components of ecosystems where moisture is abundant, often found in areas like floodplains, swamps, and along riverbanks. These trees have adapted to live with their roots submerged in water for parts of the year, developing unique mechanisms like specialized root systems to cope with oxygen-deprived conditions. They … Read more

Flowers that bloom at night offer a unique and enchanting aspect to gardening, transforming landscapes into nocturnal wonders. These plants adapt to the cooler, often more humid conditions of the night, opening their petals to reveal their beauty under the moonlight. Their blooms are often accompanied by a potent fragrance, specifically evolved to attract night-flying … Read more

The Sessile Oak, scientifically named Quercus petraea, is a member of the Fagaceae family within the genus Quercus, commonly known as oaks. It belongs to the white oak group, specifically under the section Quercus, which groups species with rounded leaf lobes. The species name “petraea” comes from the Latin word for “rock,” reflecting its ability … Read more

The Southern Red Oak, scientifically named Quercus falcata, is part of the Fagaceae family within the genus Quercus, commonly known as oaks. It belongs to the red oak group, specifically under the section Lobatae, characterized by species with pointed leaf lobes. The species name “falcata” is derived from Latin, meaning “sickle-shaped,” which refers to the … Read more

The Post Oak, known scientifically as Quercus stellata, is a member of the Fagaceae family within the genus Quercus, which is commonly known as oaks. It falls under the white oak group, specifically within the section Quercus, characterized by species with rounded leaf lobes. The species name “stellata” comes from Latin, meaning “starry,” referencing the … Read more

The Turkey Oak, scientifically known as Quercus laevis, is a member of the Fagaceae family within the genus Quercus, commonly known as oaks. It belongs to the red oak group, specifically under the section Lobatae, which includes oaks with pointed leaf lobes. The species name “laevis” is derived from Latin, meaning “smooth” or “polished,” referring … Read more

April ushers in a more pronounced chapter of spring, bringing with it a significant wave of flowering plants that transform landscapes into vibrant displays of color. This month is characterized by a surge in floral activity, where the combination of longer days, warmer temperatures, and the recovery of soil from winter’s chill promotes a burst … Read more

Oregon Grape, scientifically known as Mahonia aquifolium, is a member of the Berberidaceae family, within the genus Mahonia. This genus was once lumped with Berberis (barberry) but is now recognized as distinct, especially due to its unique leaf structure and growth habit. Mahonia aquifolium is further classified under the section Mahonia, which includes species with … Read more