AMERICAN GARDENER

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

March marks a turning point in the natural world, as vibrant blossoms begin to emerge after the long winter months. These early blooms transform bare landscapes into colorful, lively spaces, signaling the arrival of spring. Their appearance brings a sense of renewal and hope to gardens and wild spaces alike. Often thriving in cool temperatures, … Read more

The Forget-me-not known scientifically as Myosotis alpestris, belongs to the Boraginaceae family, within the genus Myosotis. This genus name comes from the Greek words “mus” (mouse) and “otis” (ear), referring to the shape of the leaves which resemble a mouse’s ear. Myosotis alpestris is classified under the section Myosotis, which groups species with small, often … Read more

The Quaking Aspen, scientifically named Populus tremuloides, belongs to the Salicaceae family, within the genus *Populus*, commonly known as aspen or poplar. It falls under the section Populus, specifically in the subsection *Trepidae*, which is characterized by species with leaves that tremble in the slightest breeze due to their flattened petioles. “Tremuloides” itself hints at … Read more