AMERICAN GARDENER

The Black Hills Spruce, scientifically known as Picea glauca ‘Densata’, is a cultivar of the white spruce, Picea glauca, which belongs to the Pinaceae family. Within its species, this cultivar is distinguished by its denser growth habit and slightly different needle and cone characteristics. Originally, it was considered a variety (var. densata), but due to … Read more

The Western White Pine, scientifically known as Pinus monticola, belongs to the Pinaceae family, within the genus *Pinus*. It falls under the subgenus *Strobus*, which groups the “soft pines,” known for their five-needled fascicles. Pinus monticola is part of the section *Quinquefoliae*, reflecting its characteristic needle count. The species name “monticola” is derived from Latin, … Read more

The Loblolly Pine, known scientifically as Pinus taeda, is part of the Pinaceae family, within the genus *Pinus*. Specifically, it belongs to the subgenus *Pinus*, section Pinus, and subsection *Pinus*, often grouped with other “yellow pines” due to the color of its wood. The species name “taeda” comes from Latin, meaning “pine torch,” referring to … Read more

The Piñon Pine, scientifically named Pinus edulis, is a member of the Pinaceae family, within the genus *Pinus*, subgenus Strobus, section *Parrya*, and subsection *Cembroides*. This classification situates it among the pinyon pines, which are known for their edible seeds or pine nuts. It is often confused or grouped with Pinus monophylla, the single-leaf pinyon, … Read more

The White Birch or Paper birch, known scientifically as Betula papyrifera, belongs to the Betulaceae family, which encompasses birches, alders, hazels, and hornbeams. Within the genus Betula, B. papyrifera falls into the subgenus Betulaster, characterized by species with distinctive white bark. This species is further divided into several varieties, reflecting its broad distribution and adaptation … Read more

The Single-Leaf Piñon, scientifically known as Pinus monophylla, is a distinctive member of the pinyon pine group within the Pinaceae family. This species is particularly notable for its unique foliage; unlike most pines which have needles in clusters of two or more, Pinus monophylla typically bears its needles singly, making it the world’s only one-needled … Read more

Sabal palmetto, commonly known as the cabbage palm, is a species within the Arecaceae family, which encompasses all palm trees. It is part of the Sabal genus, notable for its fan-shaped leaves and unbranched trunks. This palm’s scientific name, Sabal palmetto, reflects its genus and the Spanish term “palmito,” indicating its use for heart-of-palm or … Read more

Bitterroot, scientifically known as Lewisia rediviva, belongs to the Montiaceae family, formerly placed in Portulacaceae. It’s a perennial herb with the species name “rediviva” deriving from Latin, meaning “brought back to life,” alluding to its ability to revive after periods of dormancy or dryness. Bitterroot has a significant historical background, especially among Native American tribes, … Read more

Viola papilionacea, commonly known as the Wood Violet or Common Blue Violet, is a member of the Viola genus within the Violaceae family. This species is notable for its heart-shaped leaves and violet to blue flowers, though it can also produce white or mixed-color blooms. The species name “papilionacea” refers to its butterfly-like (papilionaceous) appearance … Read more

Yucca glauca, commonly known as the Soapweed Yucca, Narrowleaf Yucca, Beargrass or Great Plains Yucca, is part of the Yucca genus within the Asparagaceae family, which was previously classified under the Agavaceae family. This species is distinguished by its tall flower spikes, narrow, sword-like leaves, and the production of soap from its roots. The Latin … Read more