AMERICAN GARDENER

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

Quercus bicolor, commonly known as the Swamp White Oak, is a member of the genus *Quercus* in the Fagaceae family. It falls within the white oak group, characterized by leaves with rounded lobes and acorns that mature in one season. The species name “bicolor” refers to the two-tone nature of its leaves, which have a … Read more

Quercus macrocarpa, commonly known as the Bur Oak or Mossycup Oak, is a member of the Quercus genus within the Fagaceae family. It belongs to the white oak group, recognized by its leaves with rounded lobes and acorns that mature in one season. The species name “macrocarpa” refers to the large size of its acorns, … Read more

Quercus rubra, commonly known as the Northern Red Oak or simply Red Oak, is a member of the genus Quercus in the beech family, Fagaceae. It falls within the red oak group, which is characterized by leaves with pointed lobes and acorns that take two years to mature. The species name “rubra” is Latin for … Read more

Quercus robur, commonly known as the English Oak or Common Oak, belongs to the genus Quercus within the Fagaceae family. This species falls under the white oak group, identifiable by its leaves with lobed margins where the lobes do not have bristle tips, unlike those in the red oak group. The specific epithet “robur” is … Read more

Quercus virginiana, commonly known as the Southern Live Oak, is part of the genus Quercus within the beech family, Fagaceae. It belongs to the white oak group, but unlike most oaks in this group, it maintains its leaves nearly year-round, giving it the appearance of an evergreen, though it’s technically semi-evergreen. Its leaves are simple, … Read more

White Oak, scientifically known as Quercus alba, is a member of the genus Quercus in the beech family, Fagaceae. This species falls under the white oak group, which is characterized by leaves with rounded lobes, acorns that mature in one season, and wood with large, open pores. Quercus alba is distinguished by its majestic stature … Read more

Euphorbia milii, commonly known as the Crown of Thorns, belongs to the genus Euphorbia in the family Euphorbiaceae. This genus is one of the largest among flowering plants, encompassing over 2,000 species. The species name “milii” honors Baron Milius, once the Governor of Réunion, where the plant was first noted by botanists. Like all Euphorbias, … Read more