Author: Christopher Ko
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Monarda fistulosa
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…
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Baptisia sphaerocarpa
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.
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Verbena hastata
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.
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Marrubium vulgare
Common Names: Horehound, White Horehound, Common Horehound Phonetic Spelling: mah-ROO-bee-um vul-GAIR-ee Description: The Marrubium vulgare is a perennial herb that typically grows 30 to 60 centimeters (1 to 2 feet) tall. It has a bushy form with square stems covered in white, woolly hairs. The leaves are opposite, oval to oblong, 2.5 to 5 centimeters…
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Pinus lambertiana
Common Names: Sugar Pine, Giant Pine, Black Pine Phonetic Spelling: PIE-nus lam-ber-tee-AY-nuh Description: Pinus lambertiana is an evergreen coniferous tree that can grow up to 60 to 75 meters (200 to 250 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest pine species. It has a straight trunk, which can reach a diameter of 1.5 to…