AMERICAN GARDENER

Anemone patens, commonly known as the Pasque Flower, is part of the Anemone genus within the Ranunculaceae family, which is often referred to as the buttercup family. This species is characterized by its bell-shaped, purplish-blue to lavender flowers that bloom early in spring, sometimes even through late snow. The name “Anemone” comes from the Greek … Read more

Castilleja species, commonly known as Indian Paintbrush, belong to the Orobanchaceae family, which was formerly part of the Scrophulariaceae family before taxonomic reclassification. This genus is known for its vibrant, often red or orange bracts that surround less conspicuous flowers, giving the plant its distinctive “paintbrush” appearance. The name Castilleja honors Spanish botanist Domingo Castillejo. … Read more

Lupinus texensis, commonly known as the Texas Bluebonnet, is a member of the Lupinus genus within the Fabaceae (or Leguminosae) family, which is commonly referred to as the pea or legume family. This species is an annual plant noted for its vivid blue flowers, although variations in color can include white, pink, and maroon. The … Read more

Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is part of the Echinacea genus within the Asteraceae family, which is also known as the daisy or sunflower family. This species is characterized by its large, daisy-like flowers with prominent, cone-shaped, spiny central disks surrounded by drooping, purple to pink petals. The name “Echinacea” comes from the … Read more

Coreopsis is a genus within the Asteraceae family, commonly known as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family. The name “Coreopsis” is derived from the Greek words “koris” (bug) and “opsis” (appearance), referring to the shape of the seed which resembles a bug or tick, leading to the common name “Tickseed.” There are over 80 species … Read more

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