Tag: plants
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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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Chamerion angustifolium
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…
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Podophyllum peltatum
Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: poh-doh-FIL-um pel-TAY-tum Description: Distribution/Location: Native to the eastern United States, commonly found in shady forests. Environmental Benefits: Provides food for wildlife, especially turtles, who enjoy the fruits. Crucial energy source for primary consumers. Fun Fact: While the fruits are edible when ripe, other parts of the plant are toxic and were…
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Asclepias syriaca
Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: as-KLEE-pee-us see-REE-ah-kuh Description: Common Milkweed is a perennial plant that grows up to 5 feet tall. It has broad, ovate leaves and clusters of pink to purplish flowers that are highly fragrant. The leaves are large, oval, and opposite, with a smooth margin and a prominent midrib. The flowers are small,…
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Puu Kahea (Colubrina oppositifolia)
Physical Description The Puu Kahea is a small, rare tree native to Hawaii, typically growing up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall. It has simple, opposite leaves that are glossy and dark green. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in clusters. Environmental Concerns The Puu Kahea is critically endangered, with very few individuals…