AMERICAN GARDENER

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

Yarrow, scientifically named Achillea millefolium, belongs to the Achillea genus within the Asteraceae family, commonly known as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family. The species name “millefolium” means “thousand-leaved,” referring to the finely divided, feathery leaves of the plant. This perennial herb is known for its flat-topped or slightly domed clusters of small flowers. Achillea … Read more

Quercus pagoda, commonly known as the Cherrybark Oak, is a member of the Quercus genus within the Fagaceae family. This species is part of the red oak group, characterized by leaves with pointed, bristle-tipped lobes and acorns that take two years to mature. The name “pagoda” refers to the pagoda-like shape of its leaves when … Read more

Quercus kelloggii, commonly known as the California Black Oak, is part of the Quercus genus within the Fagaceae family. It belongs to the red oak group, characterized by leaves with pointed, bristle-tipped lobes and acorns that mature over two years. The species name “kelloggii” honors Albert Kellogg, a 19th-century California botanist. California Black Oak is … Read more

Quercus shumardii, commonly referred to as the Shumard Oak, is a species within the Quercus genus of the Fagaceae family. It is part of the red oak group, characterized by leaves with pointed, bristle-tipped lobes and acorns that mature over two years. The species name “shumardii” honors Benjamin Franklin Shumard, a 19th-century geologist who contributed … Read more

Quercus velutina, known commonly as the Black Oak, is a member of the Quercus genus within the Fagaceae family. It falls into the red oak group, characterized by leaves with pointed, bristle-tipped lobes and acorns that mature over two years. The species name “velutina” is derived from the Latin word for “velvety,” referring to the … Read more

Quercus phellos, commonly known as the Willow Oak, is a member of the Quercus genus in the Fagaceae family. It falls within the red oak group, characterized by leaves with pointed lobes and acorns that take two years to mature. However, Willow Oak is unique among oaks for its willow-like, narrow leaves, which are lanceolate … Read more

Quercus prinus, commonly known as the Chestnut Oak or Rock Oak, belongs to the Quercus genus in the Fagaceae family. It’s part of the white oak group, characterized by leaves with rounded lobes and acorns that mature in one season. Note, there’s some taxonomic confusion with Quercus montana, where Quercus prinus is sometimes considered a … Read more