Beneath the Bough

Rebuild our home, one tree at a time

Author: Christopher Ko

  • Corylus americana

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    Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: KOR-ih-lus ah-mer-ih-KAY-nuh Description: Distribution/Location: Found in woodlands and forest edges throughout eastern North America. Commonly grown throughout the US, and also in our garden! However, the American Hazelnuts, unlike the European ones, are not commerically grown. Environmental Benefits: Provides food for birds, small mammals, and humans. They can also work as…

  • Monarda fistulosa

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    Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: moh-NAR-duh fis-too-LOH-suh Description: Distribution/Location: Native to North America, commonly found in prairies, meadows, and along roadsides. Environmental Benefits: A magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while its leaves improve soil health. Fun Fact: Wild Bergamot was used by Native Americans to treat colds and as a seasoning in teas, similar to…

  • Baptisia sphaerocarpa

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    Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: bap-TIS-ee-uh sfee-ruh-KAR-puh Description: Distribution/Location: Native to the southern United States, growing in prairies and open woodlands. Environmental Benefits: A nitrogen-fixer, improving soil quality while providing nectar for pollinators. Fun Fact: Historically used to make a yellow dye, Wild Indigo is now popular in native gardens for its toughness and prettiness.

  • Chamerion angustifolium

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    Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: kam-EER-ee-on an-gus-tee-FOH-lee-um Description: Chamerion angustifolium is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows 0.5 to 2.5 meters (1.5 to 8 feet) tall. It has a slender, erect stem with narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged alternately along the stem. The leaves are 5 to 20 centimeters (2 to 8 inches) long, with a…

  • Verbena hastata

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    Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: ver-BEE-nuh has-TAH-tuh Description: Distribution/Location: Found across North America in wetlands and moist prairies. Environmental Benefits: Attracts butterflies and other pollinators, while its roots help stabilize wetland soils. Fun Fact: Blue Vervain has long been used in traditional herbal medicine to relieve anxiety and improve digestion.