AMERICAN GARDENER

Botanical Classification Glorybower refers to plants in the genus Clerodendrum, which belongs to the family Lamiaceae (the mint family). This genus includes hundreds of species of shrubs, vines, and small trees known for their striking flowers and ornamental value. One commonly cultivated species is Clerodendrum thomsoniae, often called bleeding-heart vine. The genus is part of … Read more

Botanical Classification Angel’s trumpet belongs to the genus Brugmansia, which is part of the family Solanaceae, commonly known as the nightshade family. Its scientific name is Brugmansia, and it includes several species such as B. suaveolens, B. aurea, and B. arborea. The genus is closely related to Datura, another group of trumpet-shaped flowering plants, but … Read more

Botanical Classification Ixora is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, commonly known as the coffee family. The most widely cultivated species is Ixora coccinea. Ixora belongs to the order Gentianales, which includes many tropical and subtropical flowering plants. Members of this genus are prized for their dense clusters of small, tubular flowers … Read more

Botanical Classification Pentas is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, commonly known as the coffee family. The most widely cultivated species is Pentas lanceolata. Pentas belongs to the order Gentianales, which includes many tropical and subtropical flowering plants. Members of this genus are prized for their clusters of star-shaped flowers and their … Read more

Botanical Classification The purple orchid tree is a deciduous to semi-evergreen flowering tree in the genus Bauhinia, which belongs to the family Fabaceae (the legume or pea family). Its scientific name is Bauhinia purpurea. The species is part of the order Fabales, which includes many nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs. Bauhinia species are commonly called orchid … Read more

Botanical Classification The Texas mountain laurel is an evergreen flowering tree in the genus Sophora, belonging to the family Fabaceae (legume or pea family). Its scientific name is Sophora secundiflora. The species is part of the order Fabales, which includes many nitrogen-fixing legumes such as acacias and peas. Despite its common name “laurel,” it is … Read more

Smoke trees belong to the genus Cotinus and are ornamental shrubs or small trees admired for their unusual, cloud-like flower clusters. They are part of the Anacardiaceae, the same botanical family that includes sumac and cashew plants. Smoke trees are widely cultivated in gardens and parks because of their distinctive appearance and colorful foliage. The … Read more

Botanical Classification The Japanese pagoda tree is a deciduous flowering tree belonging to the genus Styphnolobium in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the legume or pea family. Its scientific name is Styphnolobium japonicum. Although historically classified in the genus Sophora, taxonomists later reassigned it to Styphnolobium due to differences in botanical characteristics. The species … Read more

Botanical Classification Gray birch is a deciduous hardwood tree in the genus Betula, part of the family Betulaceae. Its scientific name is Betula populifolia. The species belongs to the order Fagales, which also includes oaks, beeches, and alders. Gray birch is closely related to other North American birches, including paper birch (Betula papyrifera) and sweet … Read more