Cyperus papyrus, papyrus

By La Destiny Nichols

Common name: papyrus, paper reed, Egyptian reed, Nile grass

Group: Monocot

Family: Cyperaceae

Native Range: Africa

USDA Hardiness Zone: 9-12

Sun Exposure: full-partial

Duration: perennial 

Growth Habit: graminoid

Height: 5-12 ft.

Spread: 2-5feet

Garden Uses: ponds, streams, patio

Origin

The origin of papyrus’s scientific name is uncertain but is believed to have derived from ancient Greece. The genus name, Cyperus, comes from the Greek word kypeiros, which was the name given to their local sedges. The specific epithet, papyrus, is the Greek name used for the paper-like writing material made from this plant in Ancient Egypt. (Missouri Botanical Garden) 

Papyrus's native habitat is along the Nile River delta, where it was heavily cultivated by Ancient Egyptians. The plants we Egyptians used its plant material for many purposes, including food, shelter, cloth, and most notably paper.

The pith, the soft-spongy innermost tissue in the stems, the lower parts of the stem, and the starchy rhizomes were consumed as food. The stems were also used to make boats; they burned their roots to use as a source of fuel. For paper,  the outermost layer of the stem was stripped away and the pith cut into thin wafer-like strips. These strips were then soaked in water and pressed together; the sap from the pits was used as a natural adhesive that bonded the fibers. (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica 2020) Weights were placed on the strips, left to dry, and polished to form a smooth sheet of paper.

Papyrus paper texture by Iuliia Soshenko

Papyrus paper were the preferred writing materials of the ancient world because they were thin, strong, durable, and easily transported. Papyrus sheets became a lucrative market for Egypt which made the state reluctant to share its production method.  Papyrus mats were  also produced from this method and used to make fences, huts, various household furniture, and artworks. (Duke 1996) Handcrafted papyrus paper is sold and used for art projects today, but this perennial is nearly extinct in its native habitat in Egypt.

Identifying  Features

Papyrus is a member of the sedge family, which all have a graminoid, or grass-like growth habit. This aquatic perennial grows as clump-forming grass of upright, triangular stems that sprout from thick,  woody rhizomes. Each green stem is topped by an umbellate inflorescence, with a dense cluster of thread-like rays. (Missouri Botanical Garden) During the summer, from July-September, greenish-brown flower clusters bloom that produce nut-like fruits. These showy flowers are wind-pollinated, and their mature fruits are dispersed once they fall from the plant  into water.

Close up of inflorescence displaying thread-like rays.

Thick, woody new shoots at the the base.

Close up of flower clusters formed at the tips of rays; secondary umbels

Garden  Value

Papyrus is winter hardy to zones 9-12, where climates are suitably warm but are planted by some gardeners as annuals in colder climates. The water needs for papyrus are high meaning it performs best in wet, poorly-drained soils. This evergreen ornamental is widely planted in water gardens, at the edge of ponds and streams, as a ground cover, and in containers. Papyrus gives the landscape a tropical feel and is notably used in Mediterranean style gardens. Papyrus’s high versatility is likely what led to it becoming the recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. (Gardenia)

Papyrus is perfect for large patio containers that are without drainage holes.

Papyrus grows along shallow banks throughout Africa. It grows vigorously and can get as tall as 12 Ft. In its natural habitat. It is nearly extinct in it’s native range. Photo obtained from liraclinical.com.

 Literature Cited

Duke, J. 1996. Handbook of Energy Crops. 8 October 2020.

https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Cyperus_papyrus.html

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2020. Papyrus.  8 October 2020.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/papyrus-writing-material

Gardenia. Cyperus papyrus (Papyrus). 8 October 2020.

https://www.gardenia.net/plant/cyperus-papyrus

Missouri Botanical Garden. Cyperus papyrus - Plant Finder. 8 October 2020

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279798

USDA NRCS National Plant Data Team. Cyperus papyrus L. papyrus. United States Department of Agriculture.  8 October 2020. https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CYPA8

Crinum asiaticum, Spider lily

By Summer Pritchett

Beautiful Crinum asiaticum inflorescence

https://www.onalee.com/store.php/onaleeisrael/pd9091734/crinum-lily-white-giantgrand-spider-lily-crinum-asiaticum-seeds

Crinum asiaticum, which also goes by spider lily, grand crinum lily, poison bulb, and giant crinum lily, is a beautiful plant whose striking features have stood out to humans for many years. Being native to tropical Asia, this plant was brought to North America and became popular in the tropical areas in the United States. In fact, it has even escaped civilization and is growing wild in states such as Louisiana, Florida, and California. Crinum asiaticum can grow quite tall, so tall that in Hawaii that the crinum plants can develop into small tree-like umbrellas! They can reach up to 8 feet tall, the beautiful flowers and foliage becoming very large and thick. This plant’s significant foliage and flowers are gorgeous, and the smell can be carried into one’s nose from a few feet away. These plants are used in all different kinds of landscapes and add a pop of color and greenery.

Crinum asiaticum is in the Amaryllidaceae family, which contains 73 genera and more than 1,600 species, most of which are in tropical areas of the world. Crinum asiaticum is native to Tropical Asia, although it has been introduced successfully in other parts of the world, such as the United States (especially East Texas!) This plant is a perennial and a bulb. The spider lily has evergreen leaves, which help keep the landscape looking full and beautiful even when this plant is not in bloom. This plant is also drought-tolerant and prefers sandy soil since it prefers drier soils. This plant can spread 4 to 6 feet, and usually grows 4 to 6 feet in height (excluding special cases, such as Hawaii).

Spider lily overall habit and size

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crinum_asiaticum_1.jpg

The spider lily has notable leaves; they are very broad, dark green, and straplike, complementing the beautiful flowers that accompany them. The type is simple, while the leaf arrangement is spiral. The leaf shape is linear, and the venation is parallel. The flowers are tubular corollas that are long and six-petaled, and bloom from summer to fall. The flowers are usually white, and can often have tinted areas or stripes, which are purple and red. In addition, they are wonderfully fragrant. There are many cultivars that will have variegated foliage or different colored flowers, as some of the plants can have purple-tinted flowers or even purple foliage.

Crinum asiaticum leaf size and color

https://www.123rf.com/photo_99643392_crinum-asiaticum-leaf-herb-is-also-useful-to-treat-inflamed-joints-and-sprains-green-leaf-nature-bac.html

Crinum asiaticum grows best in hardiness zones 9–11. These plants are useful horticulturally for a multitude of reasons. One being it is simple and quick to propagate these plants as one can simply divide the bulb by gently tearing the nooks of each corm apart. In addition, these plants add beautiful foliage and greenery to a landscape when not in season, and beautiful flowers and fragrance when in season. Therefore, this plant is a good option for a horticulturist when picking plants to incorporate into a landscape. These plants would work well near ponds, in borders, near the foundation of the house, and near the patio; however, if one lives in an area that gets cold winters, the gardener must bring their spider lily inside so it may overwinter. The fact that this plant can be propagated quickly and is a popular landscape plant, it does bring industry value.

Crinum asiaticum. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275689 (accessed 14 Sep2020). 

Gilman EF. Crinum spp. Crinum Lily. 2015.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp155 (accessed 14 Sep2020). 

tytyga.com. https://www.tytyga.com/The-Ancient-Crinum-Lily-Inhabiting-The-Island-Of-Saint-Simon-And-Sea-Island-Georgia-a/421.htm (accessed 14 Sep2020). 

Crinum. Gardening in the Coastal Southeast. http://southeastgarden.com/crinum.html (accessed 13 Sep2020). 

Crinum Lily. Guide to Florida Landscape Plants for the southern half of the Sunshine State. https://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/crinum-lily.html (accessed 14 Sep2020). 

Sophora secundiflora, Texas mountain laurel

By Summer Pritchett

Alternate common names: Texas mescal bean, frigolito, and frijlillo.

Sophora secundiflora overall habit, in full bloom.

https://dcmga.com/north-texas-gardening/trees/texas-mountain-laurel/

Sophora secundiflora is a beautiful perennial shrub or tree with full, dark green foliage. The flowers of Texas mountain laurel can be bluish lavender, dark violet, light purple, bright purple, and even white. The floral parts of Sophora secundiflora smell beautiful, very floral, and usually significantly strong. Some say that the flowers smell like grape soda or artificial grape products. In addition, this plant has beautiful fruit, which consists of semi-woody pods that have very bright red seeds. The primary feature that attracts the eye of both humans and pollinators are the beautiful flowers. This wonderful plant is a great way to add beautiful fragrance and eye-catching features into a landscape. This plant is great for attracting insect pollinators, which is a very important and popular feature.

Sophora secundiflora is in the Fabaceae family (Pea Family), which is the third-largest family in the angiosperms. The Texas mountain laurel is a drought-tolerant native from central Texas, New Mexico, and parts of Mexico. Being native to the United States, Texas mountain laurel has been pleasing the senses of viewers for years. This plant also has a trunk that has multiple stems that twist together and become a strong combined trunk. Texas Mountain Laurel usually grows 15 to 25 feet tall, but they are capable of growing 50 feet tall! Sophora secundiflora is usually used as a small tree or pruned to be more shrub-like. A biological characteristic that is interesting to note about this awesome plant is that the Texas mountain laurel propagates well not only from seeds but cuttings as well! Since Texas mountain laurel is drought-tolerant, it does not require much water and thrives well in full sun, though it does tolerate part shade as well. In addition, this plant is very hardy and is both cold and heat tolerant! Sophora secundiflora prefers dry, rocky, well-drained soils.

One can identify Sophora secundiflora by looking at their flowers, as above mentioned, and many other characteristics. Sophora secundiflora has an alternate leaf arrangement, and the leaves are odd pinnately compound. The flowers are bisexual, and the inflorescence is a raceme. The leaves are shiny and leathery, and the fruit, as mentioned above, are red beans enclosed in gray seed pods. The trunk is considered a multi-trunk, as mentioned above, and has a light-brown color coloring of the trunk.

Flowers of Texas mountain laurel

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gardeningknowhow.com%2Fornamental%2Fshrubs%2Ftexas-mountain-laurel%2Ftexas-mountain-laurel-wont-bloom.htm&psig=AOvVaw1XBBsUqoFIDf3V2iSjYr7I&ust=1602538781580000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=2ahUKEwjzguWnwK3sAhUDVKwKHUjGBQsQr4kDegUIARCLAg

Sophora secundiflora grows best in hardiness zones 7 through 11. This plant is useful horticulturally for a number of reasons which include: aesthetics, the fact that they thrive in poor soils, they don’t require much water, and are low maintenance. As far as industry value, they would sell well at a nursery because of their beauty and they are most often yearned for in a landscape setting. Texas mountain laurel has varying white cultivars that have beautiful, white flowers. These flowers smell just as sweet as the purple flowers, and this cultivar can be used in the landscape the same as the purple variety, or it can vary!

Texas mountain laurel stands out on its own and often looks great when it is used solo. This plant can be used against a trellis or fence line to enact a climbing habit, or it can be used without such, and it will grow strong full by itself. If one wanted to pair Texas mountain laurel with others in a landscape, a blend of other fragrant trees and shrubs may bring a strong attraction to the viewer. Perhaps the implementation of more than one Texas mountain laurel, all in a row by a sidewalk, displaying different varieties and colors, would be a great way to use this plant in a landscape. In addition, Texas mountain laurel would be a great centerpiece to a landscape and would look beautiful paired with white annuals planted around it.

Sophora secundiflora leaves

https://garden.org/plants/photo/26430/

Considering all of the beauty and attractiveness Texas mountain laurel provides, this plant is a great landscape plant and has high market value!

Plant Database. (n.d.). Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=sose3 Parkandco. (2018, January 26). Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora Secundiflora) -

Plant Of The Month. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://wateruseitwisely.com/plant-month-texas-mountain-laurel-sophora-secundiflora/

Texas Mountain Laurel. (2019, July 26). Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://dcmga.com/north-texas-gardening/trees/texas-mountain-laurel/

Dermatophyllum secundiflorum (Texas Mountain Laurel). (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://ecoblossom.com/products/texas-mountain-laurel-sophora-secundiflora

Dermatophyllum secundiflorum (Texas Mountain Laurel). (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://ecoblossom.com/products/texas-mountain-laurel-sophora-secundiflora

Mountain Laurel. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2020, from http://www.nativesoftexas.com/mlaurel.html Admin, A. (2019, February 01).

Texas Mountain Laurel- February Plant of the Month. Retrieved September 14, 2020, from http://www.thegardencenter.com/texas-mountain-laurel-february-plant-of-the-month

Betula Nigra, River brich

By Mickaila Tippie Stamp

River birch or Betula nigra is a part of the Betulaceae family. Typically seen from eastern Texas, southwestern Iowa to Virginia and northern Florida. River birch is usually used as a steambank tree or used as a forest cover. At its mature height the River birch can get to 30-40ft, its width can get to 20-30ft and it can have a 40-60ft width(Arbor Day Foundation pg 1). Some interesting things about the River birch is its actually is a main contributor to the hay fever problem  due to its abundant pollen production(Grelen pg 1). The seeds of a river birch are also the largest in comparison to all the Birch family(Grelen pg 1). River birch has both male and female flowers on the same plant meaning that it is monoecious. It also produces clusters of male pollen producing catkins that are seen at twig tips in the fall(The Morton Arboretum pg 1). Its leaf arrangement is simple and alternate. Its leaf shape is triangular or wedge-shaped with double serrated tooth margins(The Morton Arboretum pg 1). The bark of the river birch is very peely with a creamy or cinnamon color. As stated previously,  River birch has both male and female flowers on the same plant. Its male flowers are small catkins and the female flowers stand upright and are along the same twig as the male flowers(The Morton Arboretum  pg 1). 

Picture of the River Birch leaf so you can see the venation and serrated tooth margins

https://www.wilsonbrosgardens.com/river-birch-tree.html

Seen here is a picture of the river birch bark, you can see the cinnamon bark/ tan bark and even a glimpse of the silver all in one picture!

https://www.wilsonbrosgardens.com/river-birch-tree.html

River birch grows in hardiness zones consisting of: zones 4- 9(Arbor Day Foundation pg 1).River birch is typically seen by rivers since it's very helpful at controlling erosion. It’s appeal to applying with a landscape can come from a variety of reasons; such as it does get pretty fall colors which for Texans is something we want to see more of, it also has spring blossoms and of course it's beautiful bark. The appealing color of the bark as well as the texture and shade it brings provides interesting design value to a landscape. It also does help with erosion due to its ability to tolerate acidic soils which could also make it seem more desirable in a landscape that is struggling with either. It is also very tolerant of black walnut toxicity and resistant to the bronze borer(The Morton Arboretum pg 1). This could cause it to be more appealing to a horticulturist if the area seems to be prone to either or some tree’s on the property have or have either. The canopy alone can spread up to 40-60ft  feet in diameter which could provide lots of shade and give a landscape designer or gardener the opportunity to create some sort of sitting area which allows not only a beautiful tree to look at but also gives one a cool conversation area on a hot summer day. It also has some industry value for its timber use on houses and furniture(Grelen pg 1)!

River birch has come a long way from once being used for ox yokes and wooden shoes (Arbor Day Foundation pg 1) to now being planted for not only to help a landscape but also to add a color, shade and texture to your beautiful landscape.

Sources:

Grelen, H.E. Betula nigra L. 

https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/betula/nigra.htm#:~:text=Native%20Range,to%20Virginia%20and%20northern%20Florida.&text=The%20native%20range%20of%20river%20birch.

The Morton Arboretum.

https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/river-birch

https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/treedetail.cfm?itemID=792

 Idea of a landscape setting possibly in a residential area or a garden of some sort with the river birch and other plantings. It not only is appealing to the eye but giving you texture and colors t play off with other plantings as seen in the picture

https://www.wilsonbrosgardens.com/river-birch-tree.html

This is to show you the pretty fall colors it gets which could add to someone's landscape/ garden a pop of color when most of its other plants have a plain brown or green!

https://www.plantsfordallas.com/riverbirch

Pycnanthemum albescens, white leaf mountain mint

By Jhett Myers

This image shows off the white coloration in the plant.

            Pycnanthemum albescens, or white leaf mountain mint, is a perennial plant. Pycnanthemum means dense flower and albescens means white pubescence. It was first recorded by John Torrey and Asa Gray in 1841 (Hill, 6.) It is native to the southern US, and despite its name it has little to do with mountains. Usually being found in dry rocky woods or not far from a creek bed. Most historical accounts of the plant point to it being used for its minty aroma, in tea and one recent account of it used in sausage, for flavor and preservation. It has opposite, decussate, simple, and slightly lanceolate leaves that have a powdery whitish sheen. These leaves are paired with tiny, dense bilabiate flowers, colored white with purple spots, and it’s more noticeable bracts. It stands around 1-3 feet and has a moderate tolerance to drought; it is tolerant to both heat and cold and is rhizomatic. It has been classified as endangered in Kentucky and Illinois, with no wild specimen being found in Illinois since “1977” (Hill, 10.) It doesn’t take much to release its minty odor, just a light bruising on its whitish, slightly serrulate leaves will fill the air with that delightful minty smell. Its dense flowers make it a good plant for pollinators. It stems from many fibrous roots with multiple stems from its base; the stems are also fuzzy. The flowers bloom July through September. Information on this plant is limited as its presence in the wild declines due to invasive species. When describing this plant, it is important to use its scientific name as the common name mountain mint can refer to many other species in the same genus. Ultimately, white leaf mountain mint has seen steady declines in some of its native range, but it is a plant that’s worth keeping around, and finding it growing in the native is always a pleasant surprise rewarded with a minty smell or a fresh herb.

This image shows off the entirety of the plant.

This image shows off the pubescence of the stem.

This image shows a close up of the flowers of the white leaf mountain mint.

Citations

Missouri Plants. 2017. “Pycnanthemum albescens Torr. & A. Gray White Mountain Mint.”

http://missouriplants.com/Pycnanthemum_albescens_page.html

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center. 2009. “Pycnanthemum albescens”

             https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PYAL

Hill, S. R. 2007. Conservation Assessment for the Whiteleaf Mountainmint (Pycnanthemum albescens Torr. & A. Gray)

Liriodendron tulipifera, yellow poplar

By Jhett Myers

Yellow poplar or Liriodendron tulipifera as its referred too scientifically is a tree in the magnolia family or Magnoliaceae that is native to most of the eastern United States and some of south-eastern Canada. The tree’s leaves resemble tulip flowers, hence the reference to tulip in its scientific name and some common names. Yellow poplar is a fine tree for ornamental use, being able to withstand and thrive in various climates, as well as various soils. It provides shade for people and food for animals it is a good tree for a park where its size will not be an issue. Yellow poplar is among the largest trees native to North America with one having reached 191.8 feet (Blozan.) However, despite its wide range the tree grows best in the southern Appalachian Mountains where it reaches a typical height of 150 feet with a diameter of 8 feet. The plant has seen use in honey production, timber production, and recreational use. The tree is also relatively free of damage causing pests with only four having real economic impact, those being Tuliptree scale, the yellow-poplar weevil, the rootcollar borer, and the Columbian timber beetle; however most do not kill the tree, and usually just slow the tree down which can let competition (other nearby trees) have an advantage over it.

This image shows the golden fall color that the yellow poplar gets.

            Its long history predates colonial times as it was used for its easily workable wood that was suitable for canoe and utensil making by American Indians. Soon after the arrival of colonists, they also learned of its many uses. Today the variety of uses is even greater. Frequently, yellow poplar is used in construction and furniture making. It is considered one of the most valuable commercial species of the eastern United States due to its versatility. The yellow poplar has value in all fields that it is put into, from the timber mill to the landscape.

            Some tips for identifying the yellow poplar would be its leaf that is simple, alternately arranged with a pinnate venation One look at the leaf, and there’s no mistaking it for anything else. It is commonly seen in parks being frequented by people for it’s shade, animals for the food it provides, and bees for the nectar the tree produces. The recreational/landscape potential is plenty for this tree offers many vibrant colors all year, from pretty flowers in the spring to the many fall colors it displays, and its large, broad size make it a great shade tree.

            Due to the widespread and various uses of the tree it has many cultivars, to name a few there is Emerald City® tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera 'JFS-Oz') which has darker green leaves and gets up to 55 feet, Little Volunteer (Liriodendron tulipifera 'Little Volunteer') tuliptree is a dwarf cultivar only reaching 35 feet with smaller leaves. Upright tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera 'Arnold' or 'Fastigiatum') is narrow and branches upright usually reaching 50 feet. Ultimately, the yellow poplar is a tree for people of all walks of life, its many uses to be enjoyed due to its great versatility.

This image shows off the leaf shape of the yellow poplar

This image shows off the flower and some differences in lobing you can get on the leaf.

This image shows off what yellow poplar can look like when used for furniture.

Citations

Blozan, W. 2011. Fork Ridge Tuliptree- new eastern height record.

April 11, 2011, http://www.ents-bbs.org/viewtopic.php?f=256&t=2423

Beck, D. E. 1979. Liriodendron tulipifera L. Yellow-Poplar Magnoliaceae -- Magnolia family.   North American Silvics Handbook,

https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/liriodendron/tulipifera.htm

Arbor Day Foundation. Tuliptree.

https://www.arborday.org/programs/nationalTree/tuliptree.cfm

Wood Magazine. Yellow Poplar The do-everything wood that's priced right.

https://www.woodmagazine.com/materials-guide/lumber/wood-species-3/yellow-poplar#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20wood%20remains%20just,furniture%20parts%2C%20and%20even%20caskets.

The Morton Arboretum. Tuliptree.

https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/tuliptree#destination

Platanus occidentalis, American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis, commonly known as American sycamore, eastern sycamore, buttonball tree or buttonwood, is a tree native to the Eastern United States (missouribotanicalgarden.org). Platanus occidentalis is in the Platanaceae family, which contains the plane trees (wildflower.org). The other species in the family all display similar bark-peeling to Platanus occidentalis. It typically reaches 75-100 ft. in height, but in ideal conditions, it grows to be as tall as 150 ft. (missouribotanicalgarden.org). It is the largest diameter native hardwood in the Eastern United States. Diameter at breast height is 3-8 ft. on average, but the current record specimen displays a diameter of 11 ft., and early specimens were recorded to have upwards of 15-16 ft. diameters (Illinoiswildflowers.info). Platanus occidentalis grows in moderate to wet areas and can most often be found growing near bodies of water, such as creeks, ponds, or lakes (Illinoiswildflowers.info). The leaves of Platanus occidentalis are simple, alternate leaves that can reach 4-10 in. in length, and can often grow to be wider than they are long. In fall, the foliage typically turns yellow-brownish. Its yellowish to reddish flowers bloom in April, although they are small and not showy. It produces spherical fruit that persist until early winter, which is where it received the name buttonwood and buttonball tree. They are covered in fuzzy attachments known as achenes, which are slowly blown away and dispersed during fall (Illinoiswildflowers.info). The most desirable ornamental trait of Platanus occidentalis is its exfoliating, multi-colored bark. The light brown to tan colored bark seen at the base of the tree becomes more sparse further up the stem. When peeled back, the brown bark reveals white, smooth bark that is very attractive. This trait also extends to the branches, and when combined with the lightly colored foliage, a beautiful contrast is created that is very appealing. The wood is widely used for wooden products, including furniture, cabinets, barrels, and crates. The Native Americans would often hollow out sections of the trunk for canoes. (missouribotanicalgarden.org). Its sap can also be used as a drink, or boiled into syrup, although the sap/syrup ratio is higher than most other species and there are better options available (wildflower.org). Seeing as the tree is so large, it is best used in wide open spaces. When used correctly, Platanus occidentalis is not only very aesthetically pleasing, but it can also be an excellent shading tree. It also is known to attract birds, which could make it a nice potential shading option for a large garden. Besides its large size, the main issue with planting this tree in an urban area is the amount of shedding that occurs (missouribotanicalgarden.org). Between the leaves, bark, and many fruits, Platanus occidentalis can cause a fairly large mess, and could also be a safety hazard in extreme cases. Platanus occidentalis is also susceptible to sycamore anthracnose, which causes significant damages to the branches and foliage. Overall, Platanus occidentalis is a gorgeous tree that should definitely be used more as a shading option in larger parks. It is very underused, and due to its shedding, its beauty is often overlooked and that unfortunately affects its overall appearance in landscapes. 

Sources Cited: 

Illinoiswildflowers.info. 2020. American Sycamore (Platanus Occidentalis). [online] Available at: <https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/am_sycamore.htm> [Accessed 19 September 2020].

Missouribotanicalgarden.org. 2020. Platanus Occidentalis - Plant Finder. [online] Available at: <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a891> [Accessed 19 September 2020].

Wildflower.org. 2020. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University Of Texas At Austin. [online] Available at: <https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ploc> [Accessed 19 September 2020].

The contrast between Platanus occidentalis foliage and bark.

Platanus occidentalis bark.

Large, light-colored foliage of Platanus occidentalis.

Fruit of Platanus occidentalis.

Hamelia patens, Firebush

Hamelia patens, also known as firebush, hummingbird bush, or scarlet bush, is a perennial shrub native to Mexico and south Florida (Meerow, 1999, Welch 2009). Hamelia patens are in the madder or coffee family (Rubiaceae), which is known for having trees, shrubs, and herbs that display simple, opposite leaves. In the southern U.S., it is especially good at handling the summer heat well (Welch, 2009).It is also showy during the winter months due to it being evergreen in hardiness zone 9 or above; therefore it is a plant that can remain showy for the entire year (Christman, 1999). Further north, it can effectively be used as an annual. In Texas, it freezes back in the winter and grows back rapidly in the spring. Hamelia patens is a large shrub to small tree (12-15 ft. in ideal sites, 3-6 in less ideal sites) that displays red flowers for most of the year (Christman, 1999). It has a whorled leaf arrangement, with typically 3 to 7 leaves at each node (Meerow, 1999). In the fall, the foliage of Hamelia patens turns a vibrant red color before freezing back in the winter. The small, fleshy, black fruit of Hamelia patens is safe for human consumption, and is even known to attract birds (Meerow, 1999). Although it can do well in full sun, Hamelia patens are adapted to grow well in the shade. (Meerow, 1999). It is also drought resistant, so it is suitable for dry sites with well-drained soils (Christman, 1999). Hamelia patens is very intolerant of salt. It grows from clumpy stems, and the stems and branches are reddish-brown in color and medium in thickness. Hamelia patens is best used as a standalone shrub, especially in butterfly or hummingbird gardens. It can also do well in a pot, although it should most likely be brought indoors during the winter. It can be especially attractive when planted near plants that contrast well with its overwhelmingly red color. Hamelia patens have many other uses as well. In Mexico, the fruit has often been used to make a fermented drink. Natives in tropical America use extractives from the leaves for all sorts of medicinal uses, including rash treatment, skin fungus treatment, sores, and insect bites or stings. Modern research has shown that there are antibacterial and antifungal properties within the plant. There are also properties within the stems that have been used for tanning treatments and lotions (Christman, 1999). Hamelia patens is a great plant that can grow in a variety of conditions, and could be a great part of any garden. Due to its drought tolerance, it can be used both in dry gardens and in well irrigated gardens, which allows a lot of variety with its use. Hamelia patens is a gorgeous shrub that should be used more often in many landscapes. 

Sources: 

Christman, S., 1999. Floridata. [online] Floridata.com. Available at: <https://floridata.com/plant/174> [Accessed 18 September 2020].

Meerow, E., 1999. FPS-237/FP237: Hamelia Patens Firebush, Scarlet Bush. [online] Edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Available at: <https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp237> [Accessed 18 September 2020].

 Welch, Dr. William  C., 2009. “Hamelia Patens.” Horticulture Update, aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/newsletters/hortupdate/2009/jun09/Hamelia.html.

Overall red appearance of Hamelia patens.

Flower of Hamelia patens.

Potted Hamelia patens.

Light-colored foliage of Hamelia patens ‘Lime Sizzler'.

Juniperus virginiana, eastern red cedar

Juniperus virginiana or more commonly known as the eastern red cedar is a part of the Cupressaceae family, its natural range extends from parts of central and eastern Texas up to New York. Juniperus virginiana is an evergreen tree with an often angled, soft silvery exfoliating trunk that supports a narrow columnar crown that could become irregular and unruly if left unattended to.  All this growth sits atop a rounded bottom when the tree is young, though once mature the overall form is very varied. This general description should fit most examples of Juniperus virginiana; however, there are a few dwarf varieties that grow to form small rounded bushes. Most examples of this species grow to an average height of 30 to 40 feet, but some specimens have been recorded to reach a height of 90 feet. Juniperus virginiana features needle-like foliage that has a scaly texture which can be either coarse or fine. The foliage is very fragrant, and the color can vary between light and dark green with some varieties even having hues of grey and blue in varying degrees of intensity, all of which fade to a brown in the winter. One more point of identification of Juniperus virginiana is the small pale blue fruits that form on the female trees, which are actually modified cones (Mathews, 2015). Although native to the east coast and plains of the U.S., Juniperus virginiana can grow in zones 2–10 and requires little water and little regular maintenance to thrive. Often planted in rows to create a screen of green, Juniperus virginiana’s foliage absorbs sound well and makes these ideal candidates for blocking road noise and creating natural privacy walls. However, it should be noted that Juniperus virginiana is susceptible to cedar apple rust. The Native Americans were the first to utilize Juniperus virginiana to its full potential by creating furniture, mats, instruments from its fragrant heartwood, and even adding it to food as flavoring (Juniperus virginiana, n.d). Although Juniperus virginiana does not have showy flowers or flashy foliage, it still deserves the attention it receives because of its wonderful aroma and subtle beauty as well as its usefulness both as green infrastructure and once it has been harvested.  

Works cited

Juniperus virginiana. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/juniperus-virginiana/ 

Mathews, R. (2015, November 11). Plant Database. Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=juvi

Diospyros virginiana, common persimmon

By Hanna LeFlore (2020)

Persimmon fruit

The common persimmon is a medium-to-large deciduous tree native to North America. Growing to a height of 40 to 60 feet and up 35 feet wide, the tree is irregularly shaped with an overall oval or pyramidal shape. The bark is dark-grey to black and distinctively blocky (Gilman and Watson, 1993). The pendulous branches hold simple, ovate shaped leaves in an alternate arrangement. Leaves are green until fall when they change to a yellow-green color. Yellow, bell-shaped flowers bloom from April to June hiding under the leaves. The best part of the persimmon is the sweet fruit produced in fall. When ripe, the fruit is a deep, orange color berry about 2 inches long (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 2015).

Common persimmon trees are well adapted to a variety of soil conditions including sand, loam, and clay and varying degrees of soil pH, which makes this tree suitable for many sites including urban and drought-tolerant areas in hardiness zones 4B through 9 (Gilman and Watson, 1993).

Blocky bark of D. virginiana

In Greek, Diospyros translates to the fruit of the gods. The common persimmon is dioecious, meaning that fruit will only produce on female trees if male trees are present in the area (Merriwether, 2008). The fruit produced is best when ripe, tasting like dates; however, an unripe persimmon fruit is very astringent and will suck the moisture from the mouth!  Native Americans utilized the common persimmon by making persimmon bread and storing the dried fruit. Persimmon can also be made into jams, jelly, or candied, providing a nutritional value of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C and B (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 2015; Merriwether, 2008).  The sweet fruit is loved by wildlife that then spread the seeds along with their droppings. D. virginiana also serves as a host plant for luna moth caterpillars (Butterflies and Moths of North America).  In the landscape, the common persimmon offers purpose and a naturalistic feel with its irregular shape and sweet “fruit of the gods” that attracts wildlife!

Yellow, bell-shaped flowers

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 2015. Diospyros virginiana. 10 Sept. 2020. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=divi5  

Gilman, E. F., and D. G. Watson. 1993. Diospyros virginiana. 10 Sept. 2020. http://hort.ufl.edu/trees/DIOVIRA.pdf

Merriwether, M. 2008. Persimmon – Virginiana. 10 Sept. 2020. https://www.foragingtexas.com/2008/07/persimmons.html

Butterflies and Moths of North America. N.d. Luna Moth. 10 Sept. 2020. https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Actias-luna

Images obtained from: www.wildflower.org

Lagerstroemia indica, crape myrtle

By Hope Smith (2020)

Lagerstroemia indica − better known as the Indian crape myrtle, crape myrtle, crapemyrtle, or crepe myrtle – is a common tree or shrub found in landscapes across the United States. It is a member of the family Lythraceae, also known as the Loosestrife family, alongside Lythrum, Cuphea, and Punica granatum or pomegranates. The common name ‘crepe’ or ‘crape’ comes from the crepe-like texture and appearance of its flowers and although crepes are normally golden brown, the long-lasting flowers on L. indica come in multiple shades of pink, purple, red, and white.

L. indica is native to Asia and was first introduced into American and European gardens and landscapes in 1759. It was recorded in the Caribbean for the first time in 1881 on the island of Puerto Rico, and promptly spread to eleven other Caribbean islands prior to 1920. A breeding program for L. indica began at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington D.C. in 1962, and they have since released over 24 cultivars that were bred for disease resistance and various other visual characteristics such as autumn foliage color (Rojas-Sandoval and Acevedo-Rodríguez, 2014).

L. indica ‘Center Stage Red’ in bloom with visible fruits/capsules.

L. indica do well in hardiness zones 7 through 9A, and they are commonly used to spruce up parking lot barriers and road medians due to their durability, drought tolerance and apparent resistance to air pollution in larger urban areas (Gilman and Watson, 1993). Their resistance to drought and soil compaction paired with their long-lasting, beautifully colored blooms throughout the spring and summer have made them a staple for landscapers across Texas, specifically in suburban neighborhoods and other populated areas that don’t have a lot of open space but still need some color.

L. indica can usually be identified first and foremost by its colorful, hermaphroditic flowers which are produced in either axillary or terminal panicles (Rojas-Sandoval and Acevedo-Rodríguez, 2014). They usually flower throughout the spring and summer and will produce blooms for around 3-4 months. After flowering, L. indica will produce small, ovoid capsules that reach under half an inch in length and once dry they will turn brown, split into 6 sections, and typically stay attached to the tree throughout the winter (Gilman and Watson, 1993; Seiler et al., 2019).

L. indica foliage.

L. indica can also be identified by its opposite or subopposite foliage and its simple, elliptic/obovate leaves that have pinnate venation. The leaves typically reach about two inches in length and are green for most of the year, but turn red, orange, and yellow during the fall. The color of new growth on L. indica is green or brown, and these new stems and branches will harden up throughout the following year. The bark on L. indica is exfoliating and sheds layers of grayish-tan bark to reveal red-brown toned bark underneath, but it is also very thin and easily damageable (Gilman and Watson, 1993; Seiler et al., 2019).

L. indica grown/trained into a small shrub.

The dimensions of L. indica can range anywhere from 10ft-30ft in height with a 15ft-25ft overall spread depending on whether it is grown as a shrub or a tree. It is commonly grown with multiple trunks, but it can also be trained to grow with a singular trunk. L. indica also has a drooping habit that can be problematic if the plant is being grown along walkways or roads, but this can be easily fixed and maintained with consistent pruning (Gilman and Watson, 1993).

Works Cited

Rojas-Sandoval J; Acevedo-Rodríguez P, 2014. Lagerstroemia indica (Indian crape myrtle)., CABI: Invasive Species Compendium. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/29669

Gilman E; Watson D, 1993. Lagerstroemia indica Crape-Myrtle., USA: United States Forest Service, Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet ST-342:1-2. http://hort.ufl.edu/trees/LAGINDA.pdf

Seiler J; Jensen E; Niemiera A; Peterson J, 2019. Virginia Tech Dendrology: crapemyrtle., Virginia, USA: Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation. http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=213#:~:text=Fruit%3A%20Dry%2C%206%2Dparted,brown%20and%20green%2C%20very%20attractive.

Celosia sp.

By : Marke Nava

5’ tall Celosia spicata at the SFA Shade Garden

Celosia sp.: Celosia is a member of the Amaranthaceae family, its natural range includes part of Mexico and Central America, tropical parts of Africa, and various parts of the Asian continent. In the U.S., Celosia is a tender perennial in zones 10 and 11 and will not tolerate temperatures below freezing; thus, this genus is an annual in northern zones. Celosia prefer full to partial sun which makes it a viable option for most parts of Texas.

1.5’ tall Celosia spicata at my home

The Celosia genus is a herbaceous annual genus with an array of sizes including dwarf members topping out at 1 foot as well as very tall members such as varieties of Celosia spicata that can reach a height of over 5 feet; however, most members are roughly 6 to 18 inches tall (A Cut bouquet favorite., 2016). Perhaps the most identifiable feature of the Celosia genus is their up-right, fuzzy, colorful inflorescences, coming in a range of colors and textures including flamingo pink, burgundy red, yellow, orange, deep purple, fire red, and several other colors and hues. However, the spike type inflorescence is not all this wonderfully diverse genus has to offer; certain varieties of Celosia, namely Celosia argentea var. cristata, have a crested inflorescence shape and also come in a wide array of colors and hues (Celosia, crested, 2009). Although C. spicata and C. plumosa appear similar they can be easy to tell apart once side by side, where C. spicata’s inflorescence is a simple spike type that has a narrow overall form, C. plumosa is a panicle and is much more fluffy and feathery with a wide inflorescence base and a narrow top.

The same celosia at SFA gardens, showing color matched stem and veins.

Another identifying feature of Celosia is their tendency to have color matched stems as well as color matching leaf shading, as is prevalent is Celosia spicata. An overarching feature of Celosia is their leaf shape and arrangement, which are most often simple, lanceolate shaped leaves, feature arcuate venation,and are arranged in a alternate format. Celosia offers a wide array of low maintenance, no fuss specimens to add color to any garden; moreover, their inflorescences dry easily and retain their colors well. Furthermore, not only can Celosia saturate the eyes with their lush and vivid colors, their leaves contain several vitamins and minerals found in other dark leafy “table vegetables”.  The leaves are often harvested and mixed into salads in parts of Asia and Africa. However, it is recommended that the leaves meant to be consumed are harvested while they are still young and tender as they turn bitter once the plant has reached its flowering stage (Suwak 2019). Clearly, Celosia is an excellent addition to gardens of any experience level; for beginners, this genus offers bright eye-catching inflorescences that require little maintenance and prep work, while for the more experienced gardener this genus offers almost unlimited creative potential for color schemes and arrangements.  

leaves from this Celosia were very bitter when the picture was taken but had a milder flavor earlier in the year.

Works Cited 

A Cut Bouquet Favorite, Celosia Comes in Several Unique Varieties. (2016, February) Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/annual/celosia/

Celosia, crested. (2006). Retrieved September 14, 2020, from http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scenede70.html

Suwak, M. (2019, December 11). How to Grow Crazy, Colorful Celosia Flowers. Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://gardenerspath.com/plants/annuals/celosia/

Schizachyrium scoparium, little bluestem

By Hanna LeFlore (2020)

Little Bluestem is a perennial bunchgrass native to eastern North America found commonly in prairies, fields, and limestone glades (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 2019; Missouri Botanical Garden). Schizachyrium scoparium is best known for its attractive, fine-textured foliage that is bluish in color during the spring and summer. The slender stems reach from 2 to 3 feet, emerging from dense mounds of grass. Leaves are flat, linear, and are up to a ¼ inch wide (Missouri Botanical Garden). Leaf blades are arranged alternately with parallel venation. The blue-green foliage turns a beautiful mahogany-red color in the fall and produces white seed tufts. This bunchgrass reseeds readily and is also propagated by tillers and  underground rootstock (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 2019).

Blue-green and purple stems of S. scoparium

Little bluestem tolerates high heat, drought, and a wide range of soil conditions, including shallow-rocky, dry, and poor soils (Missouri Botanical Garden). This ornamental grass serves as a great low-maintenance perennial in naturalistic gardens and prairie-like landscapes. Once the tall, linear leaves mature, purplish-bronze flowers emerge in 3-inch racemes off branched stems around August.  After flowering, clusters of shiny-white, fuzzy seed heads appear and persist through to winter (Missouri Botanical Garden). Many birds and small mammals enjoy the seeds and nesting material available. Skipper moths also use S. scoparium as a host during their larval stage (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 2019). Little bluestem is great for grazing livestock. Just one acre of little bluestem can produce almost 2 tons of forage for cattle (Kansas Native Plant Society, 2013)! Luckily, this ornamental grass is highly resistant to grazing deer (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 2019). 

White, fuzzy seed heads (npspot.org)

Little bluestem is also well tolerated by spring and fall fires. After a fire has occurred, root growth, soil temperature, and light penetration increases along with nutrient availability (Steinberg, 2002). Little bluestem roots reach as far as 8 feet below underground (Kansas Native Plant Society, 2013)! This characteristic may aid in the plants ability to rejuvenate and grow after a burn. This may be beneficial to those who perform prescribed burns in their fields or pasture to help reduce understory growth and promote re-emergence of native plants. Little bluestem is also a dominant grass in the blackland and mixed-prairie regions of Texas (Steinberg, 2002). 

Schizachyrium scoparium provides attractive foliage throughout the year, ranging from blue-green and purple in the spring and summer to a golden red in the winter. Little bluestem also adds a lovely accent to the garden while also attracting birds and butterflies. This ornamental grass looks lovely when bunched together and readily reseeds. It is also recommended to cut back little bluestem from late winter to early spring (Missouri Botanical Garden). Along with being Texas heat and drought tolerant, this native perennial is perfect for providing attractive colors and textures in the low maintenance landscape.

Little bluestem showing off fall colors (missouribotanicalgarden.org)

Missouri Botanical Garden. N.d. Schizachyrium scoparium. 12 Sept. 2020. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f510

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 2019. Schizachyrium scoparium. 12 Sept. 2020. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SCSC

Steinberg, P.D. 2002. Schizachyrium scoparium. 13 Sept. 2020. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/schsco/all.html

Kansas Native Plant Society. 2013. Little Bluestem facts. 12 Sept. 2020. https://www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org/stategrass_facts.php

Carya illinoinensis, Pecan

By Ciera Anderson

Carya illinoinensis, or Pecan is a well known tree native to East Texas. These trees are extremely popular around the United States due to their many cultivars and modifications that make their fruit delicious. Belonging to the Juglandaceae (Walnut) family, Pecan can grow to enormous widths and heights( Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 2015). There are many benefits that Carya illinoinensis provides like a sturdy shade tree, strong wood for flooring or furniture, and delicious pecan nuts used in numerous recipes. (PreservationTree, 2014) Carya illinoinensis is all around us; it even makes up the majority of trees in Pecan Park on Star Avenue in Nacogdoches!

Carya illinoinensis has been used all the way back in the 16th century. American colonists quickly caught onto the value of these fruit bearing trees; and began planting vast pecan orchards, which rewarded huge yields.(U.S. Pecan Growers Council) In the 1800’s, Abner Landrum used grafting to join together pecan varieties to create superior cultivars(U.S. Pecan Growers Council). With many others following in his footsteps, there are now more than 1,000 varieties of pecans. Within these varieties, the produced nuts of each cultivar have a distinct trait that makes them stand out from the rest. Flavors, size, shape, and smell of the produced pecans were all influenced in this process. (U.S. Pecan Growers Council)

Before you decide to orchestrate a mass producing Pecan orchard there are many things you must consider before planting. Carya illinoinensis takes many years to start producing fruit from 5 to 15 years depending on if it was started from seed or grafted (PreservationTree, 2014). They require high amounts of sunlight and water with rich, well draining soil.  An important micronutrient for fruit production is zinc(Bloodnick, 2020). It provides many enzymes and proteins needed for synthesis. (Bloodnick, 2020).  Pecans also demand a large, open area for new growth. Once the tree is well established, it can live for decades, some even up to 300 years (PreservationTree, 2014)! These trees are the one of the largest nut trees, growing up to 100 feet tall. Carya illinoinensis can develop a large 6 ft. trunk, and has a large spreading canopy. They have an odd pinnately compound leaf which is dark green, with a strong midrib that is a slightly lighter olive shade (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 2015).They also have an alternate leaf pattern and are monoecious which is handy for reproduction.

Pecan trees provide so many uses for a range of people. For a common home gardener, you can use the nuts of Carya illinoinensis for your own cooking interests or as an attraction for wildlife. The hulls of the fruit can be used as mulch, and since they are slightly acidic, many plants benefit from this. With all this diversity, who wouldn't admire this magnificent giant.

Pentas Lanceolata, egyptian starcluster

By Ciera Anderson

Pentas lanceolata, (Egyptian starcluster) have been considered a garden favorite for years. Originating from Africa and small parts of western Asia, these flowering annuals do wonderful in our Texas climate (University of Connecticut, 2020). They have a distinct cluster of 5 petaled, star-shaped, tubular flowers that sport a bright red, pink, white, or lavender color. Pentas lanceolata belong to the Rubiaceae family, which is also commonly referred to as the Madder or Coffee family (Green and Vibrant, 2019). There are many cultivars and varieties with some of the most popular being Pentas ‘Graffiti Lipstick’, Pentas ‘Starcluster White’, and Pentas ‘Falling Star Pink Bicolor’ (Costa Farms, 2020). These beautiful colors attract pollinators, especially butterflies and hummingbirds (Costa Farms, 2020). This shrub loves the sun but can also grow well in partial shade as long as it has 3 to 6 hours of good sunlight (Green and Vibrant, 2019). This provides lots of diversity when deciding the location of planting. 

With these plants being so diverse, people use them in many different ways. As long as they are kept in moist soil and watered regularly, you can put them just about anywhere. From sunny flower beds to hanging baskets, smaller backyard patios, or even just as a border for your veggie garden. The main key to making sure these plants thrive is water. Keep in mind if they are provided with the right conditions, they can grow up to 3-to-6 feet tall (Green and Vibrant, 2019). Pentas sowed in spring will bloom all summer long and well into fall, making them attractive additions. They do best in zones 10 and 11, which means a hard freeze in late fall is likely to kill them off in zones further north.

This annual tends to have bright, slightly hairy leaves underneath its cluster of blossoms. Its leaves are considered ovate, and are prominently veined. Pentas are usually known to be disease and pest free, but there are a few common obstacles a weaker plant can develop. Aphids can target this plant and suck the sweet sap out of their leaves. These pests are relatively common on many plants and thrive in the hot months of summer. Another major pest that pentas battle are spider mites, which can be identified by web like structures on the leaves, and many small white spots on the leaf. The best way to see these pests is with a magnifying glass since they are so tiny. Both of these pests are sap suckers, and will cause leaves to turn a yellow color and eventually drop off (FloraStore B.V.).  If you monitor your pentas regularly and use insecticides when necessary, this is an easy problem to solve. Strong and well established pentas are less likely to develop any kinds of infestations.

Overall, Pentas lanceolata are a great addition to any landscape style. They pair beautifully with many other flowering annuals like Angelonia angustifolia, Euphorbia hypericifolia, or Agapanthus africanus . With the duration of their blooming period who wouldn't want some of these stunning flowers incorporated in their flower gardens!

Angelonia angustifolia, Summer Snapdragon

Angelonia angustifolia, also called Angelonia, or Summer Snapdragon. Angelonia is an upright herbaceous perennial with glabrous leaves in and opposite formations. The green, oblong to lanceolate leaves with toothed margins are generally no longer than three inches. It grows to a height of one foot to one and a half feet and width of around nine inches to one foot. This leaf arrangement allows for a beautiful and full bed when bunched together with around eight to 10 inches of spacing. Blooms grow in a narrow spike formation all summer long with beautiful fused flowers reminiscent of snapdragons which gives it the common name, “Summer Snapdragon.”  (Elpel) There are no hinged petals on Angelonia angustifolia which sets it apart from the snapdragons which fall in a different genus of the same family. Additionally, Angelonia has a colorful summer bloom whereas Antirrhinum, true Snapdragons, bloom in the spring, making it a great option for brightening up the landscape on those long summer days.  Dozens of cultivars of Angelonia are available in a wonderful arrangement of colors from a deep mauve to purples, pinks and white. Even a deep blue with A. angustifolia ‘Wedgwood Blue’ with its bicolor white and blue flowers.

A. angustifolia ‘Wedgewood Blue’

From the plantaginaceae family, Angelonia angustifolia is a herbaceous perennial, native to Mexico and West Indies. (Marie, 2017) Summer Snapdragon is very tolerant of dry soil for short durations but prefers a semi regular, medium watering schedule. In relatively more northern areas, Angelonia is grown as an annual but in more southern, frost free areas it is regularly grown as a perennial. The Plantaginaceae family is a family of flowering plants that are very attractive to pollinators such as bees or butterflies bringing a different and beautiful aspect of life to a garden. This aromatic, slightly bushy plant is great when grown massed in beds and on borders and also does extremely well potted. Often used to fill garden plots around homes and businesses, accentuating statues, shrubs or birdbaths, anywhere it can get a good amount of sunlight. Could also be used to great success around apartment buildings, filling beds and borders with beautiful and attractive color and potentially drawing attention to specific areas or away from unsightly parking areas and architecture. Could even be used as a nice addition to a balcony garden for the home gardener who would just like to bring some extra summer color variety to their home’s exterior without needing to paint or decorate to excess.  Enjoys around six to eight hours of daily sunlight and falls in USDA hardiness zones nine through 11. (Missouri Botanical Garden) Flowers bloom in a range of colors and very quickly draw attention. The long summer bloom accompanied with the fragrant scent makes it a valuable landscaping plant in smaller home gardens as well as bordering entryways of larger gardens with little upkeep. Summer Snapdragon will die out during the winter so will need to be replaced around April once temperatures begin to come up.

Angelonia grown in bunches to create a beautiful layered color pattern. Excellent for borders and smaller beds.

Angelonia Angustifolia - Plant Finder, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287016. (Missouri Botanical Garden)

Marie, Joanne. “Snapdragon Varieties That Bloom All Summer.” Home Guides | SF Gate, 21 Nov. 2017, homeguides.sfgate.com/snapdragon-varieties-bloom-summer-65294.html. (Marie, 2017)

Elpel, Thomas J. “Plantaginaceae Plants of the Plantain Family.” Plantaginaceae: Plantain Family. Identify Plants and Flowers., www.wildflowers-and-weeds.com/Plant_Families/Plantaginaceae.htm. (Elpel)

Citrus x sinensis, Sweet Orange

The fruiting bodies of the Citrus x sinensis tree. Modified berries.

Citrus x sinensis, also known as Sweet Orange, Citrus, sinensis, Valencia Orange, apfelsine, naranja, and Navel Orange. The Sweet Orange tree is a member of the Rutaceae family, also known as the rue or citrus family most often because the citrus genus hold the highest economic value of the Rutaceae family which hosts a number of trees and shrubs including oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits. Citrus x sinensis is a beautiful fruiting tree with white five petal flowers, as well as oranges, vibrant modified berry, flesh divided into carpals with round shaped fruit with orange pulp.

(Plants For A Future) Regularly harvested for their flavor and minor medicinal purposes. In addition to the fruit, the blossoms, wood, and even leaves are used for a variety of uses.  The stunning white flowers from the sweet orange tree, the state flower of Florida, is extraordinarily fragrant, filling a large area with its sweet scent when in bloom.

The flowers and leaves are often used in arrangements and the flowers themselves are very regularly used in wedding bouquets as well as making perfumes. The glossy medium sized ovate leaves of this tree are often boiled for tea which has a citrusy, orange-like flavor.  Perennial in duration with an expected origin in Asia in the southern China and Vietnam regens. An evergreen tree with height of up to twenty-nine to thirty feet and width of twenty to thirty feet. (Araújo, 2003)

Beautiful example of a tall and wide Sweet orange tree in fruit.

Branches low enough to reach some of its fruit or flowers from the ground makes the Citrus x sinensis popular with people that enjoy hand picking fruit.  Grows in a wide range of soils, has a beautiful aesthetic and people love the idea of picking their own fruit and in this case even leaves and flowers. (Araújo, 2003) Could be used as a centerpiece to a corner garden, shading low light plants. Great potential in use in front of businesses and homes to create a wonderful aesthetic that would draw lots of interest and attention and could even become a talking point to those who experience it. People often go out of their way to see blooming or fruiting orange trees, making it a great addition to a place of business or home. In addition, this tree could be planted in allees, along walking trails in public areas, drawing lots of public attention during annual events or family events held at tourist or themed locations.

Araújo, E. F. de et al. 2003. What is Citrus? Taxonomic implications from a study of cp-DNA evolution in tribe Citreae (Rutaceae subfamily Aurantioideae). Organisms Diversity Evol. 3:55–62. (Araújo, 2003)

“Citrus Sinensis - (L.)Osbeck.” Citrus Sinensis Sweet Orange PFAF Plant Database, pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Citrus+sinensis. (Plants For A Future)

Aquilegia chrysantha var. Hinckleyana

By Cody King (2020)

Common names: Yellow Columbine, Texas Gold Columbine, Capote Columbine

Aquilegia chrysantha var. hinckleyana is a really popular short lived perennial plant that will offer color and attract hummingbirds. Also known as the Texas Gold Columbine, it is native to a specific area in the Big Bend region of west Texas. This herbaceous plant can get up to two feet tall and two feet wide if left in the proper growing conditions and cared for correctly. With its green stems mounding in a spot in the garden the plant will produce beautiful yellow flowers that are not fragrant but quite showy. Texas Gold Columbine is in the Ranunculaceae family or buttercup family, which includes some classics like larkspur, marsh marigold, and anemone. It is native to Capote falls which is in Presidio county in west Texas but will grow naturally near water sources like rivers.

The stems are pronounced and green with greenish or even gray-like leaves that are obovate and have scalloped edges and palmate venation. The stems will be smooth like the leaves and be not any bigger than the width of a pencil. If cared for correctly then it will produce beautiful yellow flowers from March all the way through May. The plant is semi-evergreen so depending on the weather or conditions the grower sets it may or may not die back and go dormant for the winter months. If the gardener wishes for more flowering time then once the flowers get done and are forming into the seed pods cut them back and let it try again! Every few years the plant can even be divided, so that one plant for the garden turns into two. How cool is that (Missouri Botanical Garden, 2020)!

This plant likes to be in organically rich soil that is well drained, but can tolerate growing in many soils if conditions are kept right. This plant will do well under a large tree or something to keep it out of full sun as it wants to be in some light shade. The soil acidity also has a role to play; they optimally desire slightly acidic soil but can handle alkalinity making east Texas soil good for the plant. It while in bloom will attract moths, butterflies, and bees plus hummingbirds want the nectar it produces. If the area in which the plant is trying to grow has poor soil drainage then the plant will start to show signs of crown rot. Another problem that can be relevant for the plant are aphids and spider mites if conditions are hot and dry. During the summer months if it is becoming too hot the foliage may start to decline. At that point many gardeners cut the plant back (Mcdonald,2020). 

Aquilegia chrysantha var. hinckleyana is a great landscaping plant to use in a front yard, or large planting to add beautiful yellow blooms in the springtime. It is native to Texas and adds character to any planting. 

Missouri Botanical Gardens (2020). Aquilegia chrysantha. Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286213&isprofile=0&

Mcdonald, C. (2020). U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/aquilegia_chrysantha.shtml

Abelia x grandifolia, Glossy Abelia

By Cody King (2020)

Common name: Glossy abelia

Common cultivars: ‘Rose Creek’,’Canyon Creek’, ‘Little Richard’

Abelia x grandiflora is a beautiful, fine-textured shrub that will keep its leaves during the winter months to provide good life to the landscape. It is in the Caprifoliaceae family, which is known as the honeysuckle family giving thought that pollinators indeed love the flowers on this plant. As said it is considered an evergreen but in the northern states it will still lose foliage during the cooler months. For those in the South this character is great for landscapers as the new growth looks red! The simple, ovate leaf arrangement is opposite. They also have this glossy or waxy appearance which can also grab attention from those passing by to touch it. The leaves have a slightly serrated margin and a pinnate venation (Missouri Botanical Gardens, 2020). The shrub grows between six to eight feet tall with the stems growing up from the ground in a vase-like appearance and six to eight feet wide when mature and established. 

The hybrid Abelia x grandiflora is a cross between A. chinensis and A. uniflora, which is native to Asia and more specifically Japan and areas west of the Himalayas. The cross happened sometime after it was introduced to England. The shrub is used often in the south as the temperature does not get cold enough to make it lose all the foliage, and it also tolerates the heat and occasional drought. This shrub loves full sun but can tolerate shade. In a landscape the shrub can be planted at borders as it can be trimmed to a hedge structure. When clipping the shrub, take into consideration that the top may need to be trimmed to be narrower so that sunlight can reach all the branches on the bottom (University of Florida, 1999). This practice will help the plants growth patterns stay regular and maintain the foliage with a healthy color. 

The flowers which can come in pink, white, lavender and more are known to horticulturists as cymes. The small flowers will look like small funnelform bells, and will bloom in the summer and fall months. They are beautiful and showy, while also being fragrant and attractive to pollinators and people. After the great flower show that the shrub puts on is over, the sepals are left behind giving an even longer appeal. This shrub can tolerate planting in zones 5 through 9, that makes it a good candidate for Texas landscapes. Glossy abelia likes to get planted in rich, loamy soil with good drainage but can tolerate clay and sand for good growth (North Carolina Extension, 2020). The shrub does not have any large pests or pathogens that attack it so planting it in the landscape would not be risky and can bring high rewards of pollinators and curb appeal. Using this in the south would bring benefits to the landscape for pollinators and aesthetics, pruning only in early spring will help keep the plant healthy with plenty of blooms. 

Missouri Botanical Gardens (2020). Abelia x grandiflora. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j150

North Carolina State Extension. (2020). Linnaea x grandiflora. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/linnaea-x-grandiflora/

University of Florida Extension Service (1999, October). Abelia x grandiflora. Retrieved September 14, 2020, from http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/shrub_fact_sheets/abegraa.pdf

Ilex vomitoria, yaupon holly

By: Jade Simms

This image shows us a neatly trimmed shrub

Photo taken at Thomas Moreno Landscape Nursery

The North American Native Ilex vomitoria, Is commonly known as Yaupon Holly. This broadleaf evergreen shrub is often referred to as a small tree due to the possibility for it to grow over 20 ft. tall. However, with the right pruning this shrub can also become a beautiful topiary like Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood). The yaupon holly is a native to North America and can be found growing dry, sandy locations. From the Texas east coast continuing until reaching the northern parts of Florida, then spreading even further north as far as Virginia, Ilex vomitoria has no difficulty adapting to different soil varieties and time exposed to sunlight. 

The inflorescence found on yaupon holly.

Image taken by Camelia TWU

Yaupon is a part of the Aquifoliaceae family, and like many other plants in that family this holly has glossy, green leaves that have a leathery quality to them. With a simple leaf type and an alternating leaf arrangement, this holly shrub resembles most found in landscape designing. In the spring around April, the flowers begin to bloom in colors of green and white. There is another added bonus for any gardener; they are pollinator attractors and they also emit a lovely fragrance. Ilex vomitoria will require both male and female plants to produce fruit due to its dioecious nature. This also means only female plants will fruit. The fruit that yaupon holly produces is known as a drupe and is up to ¼ inch in diameter. Usually the drupe found on this plant is red but can sometimes be yellow. Inside the shiny, spherical fruit there are 4 nutlets. These tiny fruits persist through the winter and can attract birds.

Here we see the heights Ilex Vomitoria

Image taken by J. Reimer and C. Stubler

While there are plenty of benefits for gardeners when considering Ilex vomitoria, yaupon holly can also be used as a natural wind barrier to protect delicate annuals, create privacy blocks, and even topiary sculptures. The reason why Ilex vomitoria is perfect for these roles is the erect, multi-trunked, stem. Additionally, this holly is densely branching and while this makes it another perfect candidate for a hedge, it also makes it more strenuous to prune. Don't worry, all your hard work will be paid off when your hedge starts to fruit those bright, red drupes we described. These ornamental fruits are known to be mildly poisonous and Native Americans would crush these drupes with leaves from the plant to create a substance to cleanse the body, thus the name vomitoria. However, this toxin is not found in the leaves but something much more enticing, caffeine! Ilex vomitoria leaves can be plucked at a young age then oven dried. Once browned, the leaves can be steeped in boiling water to make yaupon tea. While also presenting a little energy boost with caffeine, it also brings a smile to the pioneer at heart. 

This hardy and drought resistant shrub gives landscapers and gardeners a long-lasting, evergreen shrub that's great for catching for the human eye and pollinators' senses as well. While being able to maintain fruit through the winter and to bloom fragrant flowers in the spring, this plant has even one more attribute to solidify why you need one in your landscape. 

A yaupon holly full of fruits.

Photo taken by J. Reimer and C. Stubler

Work Cited

North Carolina, Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Ilex vomitoria.   https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-vomitoria/

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Plant Database. Ilex vomitoria, Yaupon holly  https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ILVO

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agriculture Science. Garden Solutions. Yaupon Holly https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/shrubs/yaupon-holly.html

Missouri Botanical Garden. Plant Finder. Ilex vomitoria http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c771