AMERICAN GARDENER

Papaya, scientifically classified as Carica papaya, is believed to have originated in the lowlands of southern Mexico and Central America, long before Spanish explorers carried its seeds across the Caribbean and eventually around the world during the age of global maritime trade. India has grown into the largest papaya producer on Earth by a wide … Read more

Passion fruit has one of the more recognizable profiles in the tropical fruit world, typically appearing as a round to oval fruit somewhere between 2 and 3 inches across, with a rind that ranges from smooth and taut when fresh to deeply wrinkled once fully ripe, encasing a mass of juicy, seed-filled pulp inside. This … Read more

Growing fruit trees in USDA Zone 5 can be highly rewarding, but it requires more planning than growing fruit in many warmer regions. Zone 5 includes areas where average annual minimum winter temperatures can fall to approximately -20°F to -10°F (-28.9°C to -23.3°C). That level of cold eliminates many popular fruit trees, but it still … Read more

Fast-growing trees can be a blessing when you need shade, a bit of privacy or if you need to block an unattractive view of your neighbors. It’s tempting to choose trees that grow as quickly as possible, but sometimes the fastest-growing trees are the worst choices. This is because many fast-growing trees grow so quickly … Read more

Apricots have one of the more misleading scientific names in the entire fruit world, since the species is officially classified as Prunus armeniaca, a nod to Armenia that stuck after Romans encountered the fruit growing there, even though genetic and archaeological evidence points to the tree actually originating in China more than 4,000 years ago … Read more

The Japanese flowering cherry tree is one of the most recognizable ornamental trees in the world, prized for the brief but spectacular flush of pink and white blossoms it produces each spring. Unlike its fruiting cherry cousins, this tree is grown almost entirely for visual impact rather than for harvest, and it has become a … Read more

American Fringe Tree: A Complete Guide to Its Botany, History, Characteristics, and Landscape Value The American fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) is one of North America’s most elegant native ornamental trees. Admired for its cloud-like clusters of fragrant white flowers that appear in late spring, this small deciduous tree has become a favorite among landscapers, homeowners, … Read more

Japanese Stewartia: Classification, Characteristics, Uses, and Growing Guide Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia) is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree prized for something relatively unusual in the landscape: four-season ornamental interest. In summer, it produces elegant white flowers with golden-orange centers. In autumn, its foliage can turn shades of red, orange, purple, and yellow. During winter, … Read more

Chinese Fringe Tree: Classification, Characteristics, Uses, and Growing Guide The Chinese fringe tree (Chionanthus retusus) is a small deciduous tree or large shrub prized for its spectacular display of fragrant white flowers. When the tree reaches peak bloom, the flowers can almost obscure the foliage, creating the impression of a cloud of snow hanging among … Read more

Golden Rain Tree: Classification, Characteristics, Uses, and Growing Guide The golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) is a deciduous ornamental tree valued for its clouds of yellow summer flowers, attractive compound foliage, papery seed capsules, and relatively adaptable nature. Unlike many flowering trees that put on their main display in spring, golden rain tree often saves … Read more