Begonia x hybrida, Begonia

By Robin Hawkins (2020)

THE STORY:

Types of Begonias: 

• There are three major groups: tuberous, semperflorens (wax begonias) and fibrous (BegoniaFacts).

• Both tuberous and semperflorens are edible. Many report it tastes like a citrus fruit, but one should not eat too many because high amounts will cause poisoning due to the high oxalic acid in the plants (BegoniaFacts).

Cultivars:  

(McIntosh, 2020)

• Begonia x tuberhybrida ‘Dusty Rose’

• Begonia semperflorens ‘Richmond’

• Begonia x tuberhybrida ‘Mocca Yellow’

Begonia being used in the landscape. Photo taken by Robin Hawkins.

BIOLOGY:

Begonias succulent-like stem. Photo taken by Robin Hawkins.

• Begonias are part of the Begoniaceae family.

• They are native to the US, but can be found in Central and South Americas as well as Asia and some parts of Africa (Sciencejrank.org).

• The plants are herbaceous perennials but many in the US are treated as annuals because they are suspectable to frost, so they do well in temperatures 65 degrees Fahrenheit and up (Sciencejrank.org).

• Begonias can grow up to 12 to 16 inches tall and 12 to 16 inches wide with the tallest it can get is 3 feet in height depending on the species (BegoniaFacts).

• Begonias have several growth habits such as rhizomatous, semperflorens, shrub-like, thick-stemmed, trailing etc (Missouribatanicalgarden.org).

• They are able to withstand drought because of their thick waxy leaves that store water. 

ID FEATURES:

Begonias beautiful red flowers. Photo taken by Robin Hawkins.

• Beautiful red, pink, or white flowers that bloom anywhere from May to October.

• Flowers are either pistillate or staminate but occur on the same plant making this plant monoecious (Sciencejrank.org).

• Fruit is a dry winged capsule that splits in half to release its seeds (BegoniaFacts).

• Leaves are simple and have a wavy leaf margin that has an alternate arrangement on the stem. 

• There are two stipules at the base of each leaf petiole.

• If you look closer at the stem, you will notice it has a thick- succulent-like stem (Missouribatanicalgarden.org).

Begonias wavy shiny leaves. Photo taken by Robin Hawkins.

GARDEN VALUE AND USE:

• Begonias are widely used as an ornamental plant and great for borders, edges, flower beds, and containers inside near a window or outside (Sciencejrank.org).

• Begonias can get some serious pests and diseases such as; Powdery mildew and Botrytis blight (Kelsey, 2017).

• Begonias grow well in many USDA Zones, but they overwinter in Zones 10 and 11 (Hagen, 2020).

• In Horticulture, begonia is a popular cultivar because of its large foliage that is dense.

• Tuberous begonias produce the most beautiful flowers, but once winter comes, they go dormant, and their leaves and flower die off.

• Semperflorens begonias (AKA wax begonias) make great bedding plants because they can produce flowers all year long.

• The biggest industry value is in gardening and landscaping purposes. 

Literature Cited

“Begonia.” Begonias, Flowers, Plants, and Rex - JRank Articles, science.jrank.org/pages/814/Begonia.html.

Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group) - Plant Finder, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a562.

“Begonia Facts.” Math, www.softschools.com/facts/plants/begonia_facts/1067/. 

Garden Design Magazine. “Begonias - How to Plant, Grow & Care for a Begonia Plant - Garden Design.” GardenDesign.com, Garden Design Magazine, 3 Sept. 2020, www.gardendesign.com/plants/begonia.html. 

Kelsey, Amber. “Begonia Diseases.” Garden Guides, 3 Sept. 2020, www.gardenguides.com/74993-begonia-diseases.html.

McIntosh, Jamie. “10 Choices When Picking Begonias for Your Container or Garden.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/begonias-for-containers-4121751. 

Staff, GC. “Garden Center Web News and Social Media Highlights from November 2017.” Garden Center Magazine, Garden Center Magazine, 7 Nov. 2017, www.gardencentermag.com/article/garden-center-web-news-and-social-media-highlights-from-november-2017/.

Dicliptera Suberecta, firecracker plant

By: Jade Simms

Here we see bilabiate, tubular, bright red florets.

Taken by author

Dicliptera squarrosa, commonly known as firecracker or hummingbird plant. Has had many names both scientific and common but was most recently known as Dicliptera suberecta and even two more times as Jacobinia suberecta, Justicia suberecta. This herbaceous perennial has a habit to spread to surrounding free spaces, making it perfect to help fill flower beds with a fiery floral display. Being native to Central South America, Dicliptera squarrosa grows best in the southern regions of the United States, such as California, Georgia, Florida, and Texas. Naturally, this means the firecracker plant thrives in full sun, moderate to wet soils, and even higher sand contents. Whenever deciding to grow a firecracker plant, make sure there is proper drainage as this is one of the only things you need to worry about. This perennial is known to thrive off neglect and doesn't need much attention after it's been planted. Additionally, cuttings can be saved from the stem to be used in further propagation.

An image displaying the green and slightly grayish color of the leaves

Taken by author

Dicliptera squarrosa belongs to the Acanthaceae family, and like many plants in that family, the hummingbird plant has simple leaf type and an opposite leaf arrangement. These leaves can be either green or a grayish color, with a soft texture and approximately 3 inches each. The plant alone can grow 2 feet tall and can spread over 3 feet. An added benefit to the foliage of this plant is that deer aren't fond of it, making it last longer than other plants would in an open flower bed. However, there is a creature very fond of the plant as one of the common name suggests, hummingbirds. The bright red and orange tubular flowers attract the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird and many species of straw-tongued butterflies. Firecracker plants can even bloom on different occasions throughout the year in the summer, spring, and fall, making them a desirable perennial.

When looking at the plant through a profitability standpoint, it's worth noting that the plant has no known serious insect problems or diseases. Being slightly salt tolerant and enjoying full sun makes it a great option for coastal locations. Most importantly for this plant however, is its ability to attract pollinators. Dicliptera squarrosa is an essential plant for any butterfly garden. This is partly attributed to the bright bilabiate flowers that occur in clusters at the top of a beautiful sturdy stem. Despite butterflies' affinity for the plant, the hummingbird plant is exactly that. In “...Dicliptera squarrosa (Acanthaceae) and its dependence on hummingbirds…” we discover that hummingbirds are the only pollinator for this plant. Bird enthusiasts and gardeners both love seeing this quick bird ‘hum’ around the garden and bring an added color and creature. (Matias, R., et al.,  2019)

Dicliptera squarrosa is becoming more popular in North America due to its drought resistance and hardiness to certain environments or soil types. While giving your garden a butterfly and hummingbird attractor, this plant is great in urban landscapes due to the low maintenance required. So if you want to start a plant ‘fire’ go ahead and give these herbaceous perennials  a ‘crack’.

Work Cited

North Carolina, Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Dicliptera squarrosa.   https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dicliptera-squarrosa/

Matias, R., Furtado, M., Rodrigues, S., & Consolaro, H. (2019). Floral resource availability of Dicliptera squarrosa (Acanthaceae) and its dependence on hummingbirds for fruit formation in a forest fragment of Central Brazil. Plant Ecology and Evolution, 152(1), 68-77. Retrieved September 14, 2020, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/44974609

Missouri Botanical Garden. Plant Finder. Dicliptera squarrosa http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=w340

Quercus abla, White Oak

Jade Wheeler

09/12/2020

Quercus alba[1] 

“Quercus alba” also known as the white oak, it is a well-known oak tree usually identified by its white or gray flakey bark and its deeply lobed leaves with a glossy appearance. In the fall the leaves will turn a beautiful orange or red. In the winter they will senesce and become a brown color. When new leaves emerge, they have a white color making them almost look like flowers. The white oak is a monecious plant with pendulous male catkins that emerge at the same time as the leaves (Tree topics). The female flowers are also on the same tree. Acorns of the White oak require only 1 season to mature. In mid-July, the caps cover nearly the entire acorn. By mid-August, the cap covers less than half of the acorn. By early October, most of the acorns will be on the ground. In most cases, the cap will have separated from the rest of the acorn, but in cases where they are still together, the cap will cover 1/3 or less of the acorn (Tree topic). The white oak is in the Fagaceae or beech family. The tree’s native habitat ranges all through the eastern part of North America. It is found from southwestern Maine and extreme southern Quebec, west to southern Ontario, central Michigan, to southeastern Minnesota; south to western Iowa, eastern Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas; east to northern Florida and Georgia. The tree is generally absent in the high Appalachians, in the Delta region of the lower Mississippi, and in the coastal areas of Texas and Louisiana (Rogers). It is used for many constructional purposes as well. Some places will use the white oak for barrels because of its tyloses. White oak is sometimes planted as an ornamental tree because of its broad round crown, dense foliage (Rogers). The white oak is one of the well-used oak for lumber work. It is used in building houses, used for flooring, countertop, and many other aspects. It is found on sandy plains, gravelly ridges, rich uplands, coves, and well-drained loamy soils. Growth is good on all but the driest, shallowest soils (Minckler).  They are very common in east Texas and are used in many landscapes for shade and design. With them being a large tree, they can be used for many other things as well, such as tree house areas or swings. With sturdy large branches you can tie a swing to the branches or even build a small tree house in them for your kids.

Works Cited

Minckler, Leon S. 1965. White oak (Quercus alba L.). In Silvics of forest trees of the United States. p. 632-637. H. A. Fowells, comp. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook 271. Washington, DC.

Roger, Robert. White Oak. www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/quercus/alba.htm.

Upon initially opening the document, I was already excited to read because it looks very neatly presented.

Helianthus annuus, Common Sunflower

Jade Wheeler

09/12/2020

Helianthus annuus 

Helianthus annuus, also known as the common sunflower, is a very well-known annual that  has a beautiful flower. Sunflowers are coarse, hairy, leafy, fast-growing annual plants that typically grow to a height of 3 to 3.5 feet high and have stiff upright stalks (ediblewildfood). Behind the sunflower however is many symbolic and spiritual meanings. The flower is in the Asteraceae family. The Latin name comes from combining the two Latin words helios, which means sun, and anthos, which means flower in Greek (Sunflower Joy). There is a Greek story behind the sunflower. The story starts out with the sun god, Apollo, and a water nymph, Clytie. Clytie was in love with Apollo, but Apollo didn’t feel the same way towards her. Apollo one day noticedClytie and fell in love with her. It didn’t last long though. Soon after, Apollo and Leucothoe became lovers. Consumed by jealousy and anger, Clytie told Leucothoe’s father about her daughter’s relationship with Apollo. Leucothoe’s father didn’t seem to be happy with the fact and eventually punished Leucothoe to her death. Knowing what Clytie had done to his lover, Apollo angrily turned her into a sunflower. Clytie’s adoration and love towards Apollo didn’t change. In her flower form, Clytie didn’t budge and always gazed up at Apollo while he was moving the sun in his chariot (Aura). The sunflower heads can measure up to 13 cm across and they have yellow, pleated rays and a red-brown central disk. The flower heads are daisy-like, and they consist of numerous central disk florets that are yellow to brown; they are surrounded by approximately 20-40 ray florets. Flowers bloom between July and September (ediblewildfood). These seeds can be used for many ways. You can cook the seeds and add spices to eat them, you can smash them down to create an oil. There are many different symbolic meanings from the flower as well, such as, faith, loyalty, optimism, happiness, good fortune and luck, and longevity (Sunflower joy).  It thrives in most soils and is somewhat drought resistant. They grow in full sunlight for best results. In a landscape they can be used for design purposes such as color and design, line symmetry, and as an edible garden since many parts of the plant that are edible. The seeds were discussed earlier but the leaves petals and roots can be used as well. Many people use the petals and leaves in teas.  Young flower buds can be steamed and served like globe artichokes. The leaf petioles can be boiled and mixed in with other vegetables. Flower petals, leaves, and roots can be used to make tea (ediblewildfood).  The sunflower is a beautiful flower that can be used in so many different ways no wonder it is such a popular flower in the United States. I’m sure with all the things that are being found out about sunflowers now, there will be more neat things about it in the future.

Aura, S. (2020, August 04). Sunflower Meanings, Symbolism, Origin Myth and Cultural Significance. Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://www.morflora.com/sunflower-meanings/

SunflowerHelianthus annuus. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://www.ediblewildfood.com/sunflower.aspx

What is the Meaning of a Sunflower: Symbolism, Spiritual and Myths. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://www.sunflowerjoy.com/2016/04/meaning-sunflower-symbolism-spiritual.html

Acer rubrum, Red Maple

By Robin Hawkins (2020)

CULTIVARS: 

(Ketchum, 2019).

• Armstrong maple (Acer rubrum ‘Armstrong’)

• Autumn Flame red maple (Acer rubrum ‘Autumn Flame’) 

• Morgan maple (Acer rubrum ‘Morgon’) 

• Red Rocket maple (Acer rubrum ‘Northwood’) 

• Scarlet Sentinel maple (Acer rubrum ‘Scarsen’)

The overall form of Red maple near the SFA Ag pond. Photo taken by Robin Hawkins.

THE STORY:

• Red Maple is native to the Americas and has become such a popular, widespread species all around the continent.

• People love it for its beautiful fall foliage and how it attracts wildlife thanks to its seeds.

• The lifespan of a red maple ranges from 80 to 100 years, but amazingly several old-timers are about 200 years old (National Wildlife Federation).

• Although it is not the top provider in the syrup industry, the sap can be used for maple syrup (Jin, 2017).

• State tree of Rhode Island (Factsjustforkids, 2020).

BIOLOGY:

• Red maple belongs to the Aceraceae family.

• Its native range can be found in Maine all the way down to Florida and towards South Texas (National Wildlife Federation).

• The plant habit is classified as a medium-sized tree.

• Red maple is a deciduous tree.

• Red maple can grow up to 40 to 90 feet tall and have a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 2 to 10 inches or more depending on how tall it gets (4-H Forest Resources, 2015).

ID FEATURES: 

Red maple leaves. Photo taken by Robin Hawkins.

• Leaves can grow up to 2 to 4 inches long with 3 to 5 palmate lobes with serrated leaf margins that sit opposite on the twigs (Jin, 2017).

• Flowers are unisexual (male and female) that form on separate sessile clusters. 

• Flowers will bloom from April to May.

• The fruits are called samaras (a winged shaped fruit that is dispersed by wind) that are about 15 to 25 millimeters long (Jin, 2017).

• The stems/ twigs appear to be red in color along the petiole with lenticels. 

• The buds are red that form in the fall. 

• Leaf scars are a V shape on the twig and contain three bundle scars. 

GARDEN VALUE AND USE: 

Sometime Red maple will have red petioles. Photo taken by Robin Hawkins.

• Red maple can be used to make furniture, flooring, boxes, and musical instruments, but it is mainly used as an ornamental tree in many lawns and landscapes (Jin, 2017).

• Grows best in USDA Zones 3 to 9.

• It is used in horticulture because it is a fast and easy tree to grow. The only letdown is that they are susceptible to pests and diseases such as “Verticillium wilt, sapstreak, root rot” and many more (Butler, 2020).

Three prominent leave veins. Photo taken by Robin Hawkins.

 Literature Cited

17, Angela Jin on April. “Red Maple Tree.” Red Maple | Yale Nature Walk, 17 Apr. 2017, naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/sapindaceae/acer-rubrum/red-maple-63.

“Red Maple Tree Facts.” Facts Just for Kids, www.factsjustforkids.com/plant-facts/tree-facts-for-kids/red-maple-tree-facts.html.

“Red Maple.” National Wildlife Federation, www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Plants-and-Fungi/Red-Maple.

Ketchum, Dan. “Red Maple Tree Varieties.” Home Guides | SF Gate, 22 Oct. 2019, homeguides.sfgate.com/red-maple-tree-varieties-63283.html.

“Maple Tree Diseases and How to Treat Them.” Lawnstarter, 17 July 2020, www.lawnstarter.com/blog/tree-care/maple-tree-diseases-how-to-treat-them/.

“SFRC : 4-H : Red Maple.” UF, www.sfrc.ufl.edu/extension/4h/trees/Red_maple/index.html.

Podocarpus Macrophyllus, Japanese Yew

By: Joey Messina

Japanese yew (Podocarpus Macrophyllus) courtesy of Dr. Nick Kurzenko

Japanese yew (Podocarpus macrophyllus) is an evergreen shrub that is widely used in Texas and many other southern landscapes. The Japanese yew is not a true member of the Taxus family but the needle - leaves are similar to the Taxus genus (Grant). The Japanese Yew has been cultivated to not be poisonous. There are many different common names people refer to them as including: buddist pine, fern pine, Chinese yew, Southern yew, and yew pine. (NC State, Podocarpus Macrophyllus).

The original Japanese yew evolved some say up to fifty thousand years ago in Japan and Eastern Asia. The Japanese and Chinese culture used the wood of this shrub to make weapons and furniture and to this day, they still do. However, the yew plum pine which has been cultivated to resist drought and heat is used mainly in modern landscapes and are used as small shaped trees, hedges, and small shrubs that can be shaped and trained into any figure of your choice. The Japanese yew is in the Podocarpaceae family and is native in Eastern Asia and Japan but is seen frequently in landscapes all over the United States in different varieties (Britannica, 1998).

Japanese yew leaves courtesy of David Stang

An interesting biological feature this shrub has is that by looking at it from far away you would think it is a Taxus; however, when you get a closer look the leaves are denser and have more of a dark green color to them. The leaves on this shrub have a linear shape with a simple arrangement, and the leaves have a glossy and waxy feel to them. On average, the leaves range from anywhere between one to three inches long and don’t get over an inch wide. The stems on this shrub start out as green and fragile, but as they grow over time, they turn into wood stems.

This shrub can be propagated by seed by taking a trimming of a wood stem and simply placing it in dry soil. These shrubs grow well in full sunlight to partial shade and in well-drained soil. These shrubs can reach between 20 to 40 feet with a width ranging from 10 to 20 feet (Missouri Botanical Garden). Although the Japanese yew is a non-flowering plant, the male species produce pollen cones and the female species produces seed cones. Each seed cone usually only has one single seed that appears to be a reddish-purple color that is surrounded by a gel-like flesh. These seeds look similar to berries and when ingested by a human or pet it can cause vomiting and nausea (Grant). The leaves on this shrub share the same effect of ingestion as the seeds. In some cultures, it is common to make jam out of the flesh of the seed, which is not the poisonous part of the seed.

Japanese yew is seen quite often in modern landscapes for use in small spaces such as walkways and sidewalks. This shrub grows best in hardiness zones 7–9 and has a quite neat feature to be tolerant to salt spray (Missouri Botanical Garden). This makes this plant able to grow well near the southern coasts. These pines do not survive colder weather so when it becomes colder out they need to be placed in a container and brought indoors. The Japanese yew has a captivating feature that when new growth on the plant arrives the young leaves are a brighter green color and contrast well with the older growth that is dark green. This shrub holds relatively well value in the landscape market because of its contrasting colors and as well as its low maintenance quality. This plant is commonly used in landscapes because it is easy to form and will configure that shape. This shrub may be useful horticulturally because of its resistance to drought and salt air. 

Japanese yew used in landscape courtesy of Robert Perry

Grant, B. L. (n.d.). Podocarpus Plant Care:. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/podocarpus/podocarpus-yew-pine-plants.htm

Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Podocarpus Macrophyllus. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285416

NC State. (n.d). Podocarpus Macrophyllus. Retrieved September 13, 2020 from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/podocarpus-macrophyllus/

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (1998, July 20). Japanese yew. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://www.britannica.com/plant/Japanese-yew

Ruellia simplex, Mexican Petunia

By: Joey Messina

Mexican Petunia plant. Photo by Joey Messina.

Mexican Petunia inflorescence. Photo by Joey Messina.

Mexican petunia or Ruellia simplex is a perennial evergreen that is also referred to as Ruellia brittoniana; however, Ruellia simplex, was the name given when it was first discovered in Cuba. There are a few common names as well as different cultivars. The common names include: Brittons wild petunia, Mexican bluebell and Texas petunia (NC State, Ruellia Simplex). The different cultivars include: ‘ChiChi’, ’Katie’, and ‘Purple Showers’. The more common cultivar would be ‘Katie’ which is to be considered as a “dwarf” and only grow up to less than a foot tall.

Mexican petunias are a part of the Acanthaceae family and considered a shrub. Mexican petunias usually grow to the max height of around 2-3 feet high and 24-36 inches wide when planted in a garden. However, in the wild they can reach up to 4 in a half foot tall. Mexican petunias were first brought to Florida in the early 1940s.

When it comes to choosing a landscape plant, one consideration to take is if the plant is invasive. With that being said, Ruellia is considered invasive to the state of Florida for many reasons. They invade natural areas, and they can grow well in hot and humid or hot and dry environments.  Although they are native to Mexico and South America, they can be mainly found in landscapes in Hawaii, Texas, and the southern states.

Once the plant has officially rooted, they are pretty much tolerant of drought. Mexican petunias need full sun or partial shade to reach their max growth environment; however, they require full sunlight to bloom their beautiful purple and white flowers. These plants require medium amounts of water to keep the soil damp. These plants can be relatively easy to overwater (coming from a personal experience). Mexican petunias are perennials in zones 8–11 (Missouri Botanical Garden).

Lanceolate leaf shape Mexican Petunia. Photo by Joey Messina

The leaves are simple, lanced-shaped,  and oppositely arranged. The leaves can grow up to twelve inches long and up to three quarters of an inch wide. The leaves have very veiny patterns on the underside of them. Mexican petunias have a purple trumpet-shaped flower and can produce flowers from May through November. Mexican petunias produce dehiscence seed pods or capsules containing up to 30 seeds. Those 30 seeds are then released up to a ten-foot in diameter and can germinate very easily. These seeds can sprout almost any time of the year except when the temperature drops drastically. Mexican petunias can also self-propagate by spreading new plants from the roots and can get out of control when left alone. They can also be propagated by cutting the stem under the node and placing it into moist soil or by taking a piece of the root from the original plant (NC State, Ruellia Simplex).

Mexican petunias are used frequently in southern landscapes because they are very easy to grow, do not need a lot of attention and they are beautiful when they flower. The most common uses in the landscape for Mexican petunias are using them as a border in a bed where larger shrubs are growing behind them. Ruellia simplex is not common for landscape borders because they are the wild cultivar, fertile, and also can start to grow out of hand. If Mexican - petunia is not completely removed, it will continue to resprout (Center for aquatic and invasive plants, 2020). The best use for Ruellia simplex would be to place into a pot and leave out in the sun in order to avoid rapid spreading of the plant. Ruellia simplex does not hold really any industry value because they can rapidly produce and are not ideal for modern landscapes. However, the fruitless varieties are going up in value due to the astonishing look they portray in modern landscapes. This plant can be useful in horticulture because of its distinct flower color as well as how simple it is to grow.

Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. (2020, October 6). | Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: University of Florida, IFAS. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/ruellia-simplex/

Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Ruellia simplex 'Purple Showers'. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c952

NC State. (n.d.). Ruellia simplex. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ruellia-simplex/

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', purple fountain grass

Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ is an annual or perennial ornamental grass.  It is named for the arching spikes of purplish flowers that grow out of its mass of long, slender burgundy-colored leaves.  The Latin word penna means “feather” and seta means “bristle”.

It belongs to the Poaceae family which is the fifth largest plant family with around 780 genera and 12,000 species.  The genus Pennisetum is widespread and native to Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America and has been brought to and introduced in Europe, North America, and some Pacific islands.

This plant and its seeds are also considered browse by some herbivores such as the Chestnut-breasted Mannikin (Lonchura castoneothorax).  Mostly, however, it is prized as a container or border plant for residential and municipal areas (Gilman, 1999).

P. setaceum ‘Rubrum’ grows well in full sunlight, in many different soil types and is considered to be easily grown without much care.  Its USDA Hardiness Zone is 9-11 (Gilman, 1999).

The flowers are very large and turn from brownish red to tan as it ages throughout the year.  Its height ranges from 35–47 inches (90–120 cm) and its spread can be 23–35 inches (60–90 cm).

Due to its fast growth rate and high seed production, it has spread into the wildland-urban interface and is now considered to be invasive.  It is most problematic in dry, arid climates in the southern United States, Australia, Europe, and parts of Africa (Kaufman, 2012).

Overall, Pennisetum setaceum is a viable option for urban and residential landscaping.  However, because of its capacity for invasiveness, caution should be taken when deciding where and how to plant this grass. 

Gilman, Edward. 1999. Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ Purple Fountain Grass. 10 October 2020. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FP/FP46400.pdf

Kaufman, Sylvan. 2012. Pennisetum setaceum (fountain grass). 10 October 2020. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/116202#tosummaryOfInvasiveness

Albizia julibrissin, silk tree

By Thomas Frampton

flower, By Dan Tenaglia, Missouriplants.com

Albizia julibrissin is an ornamental native to southwestern and eastern Asia.  It belongs to the Fabaceae family (legume family).  The genus is named after the Italian, Filippo delgi Albizzi who brought it to Europe in mid-18th century.  The silk tree was introduced to North America in 1745.  The epithet gets its roots from the Persian word, gul-ebruschin, meaning floss silk in reference to the flowers.

leaf and fruit, By Roy Bergeron, Bugwood.com

Albizia julibrissin is a small deciduous tree which ranges from 16–52 feet (5–16 meters) in height (Bean et al, 1996).  Its bark is greenish gray and stripes vertically as it matures.  Its leaves are bipinnately compound, about 8–18 inches (20–45 cm) long, and about 5–10 inches (12–25 cm) wide.  The leaflets are oblong in shape.  The flowers bloom throughout the summer months and range from white at the base to pinkish.  The fruit is a greenish brown legume that is anywhere from 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) (Welsh et al, 1987).  These pods contain several seeds.  A second variety, Albizia julibrissin var. mollis, differs in that the shoots have a dense tomentum.  The cultivar ‘Summer Chocolate’ has red foliage turning dark bronze as it ages throughout the year.

Its broad crown is appreciated for providing ample shade.  It is often planted in gardens and parks due to its ornamental status (Czarapata, 2005).  The showy flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.  They have been used to repair riparian zones and are also available for purchase at many nurseries.

This small tree has a fast growth rate, the ability to thrive in full sun and hot, semi-arid climates (USDA zones 6-9) and can be quite invasive.  It has been introduced from California to east Texas (Welsh et al, 1987). It is prized by people, insects and animals due to its unique foliage and summer flowers.

Bean, Ellen; McClellan, Linnea, tech. eds. 1996. Tennessee exotic plant management manual. Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council. 10 October 2020. http://www.tneppc.org/Manual/manual.pdf

Czarapata, Elizabeth J. 2005. Invasive plants of the Upper Midwest: An illustrated guide to their identification and control. Madison, WI: The University of Wisconsin Press. p. 215

Welsh, Stanley L.; Atwood, N. Duane; Goodrich, Sherel; Higgins, Larry C., eds. 1987. A Utah flora. The Great Basin Naturalist Memoir No. 9. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University. p. 894

Lupinus texensis, Texas Bluebonnet

By: Jack Zuber

Vast field of bluebonnets, courtesy of Getty images

Bluebonnet inflorescence, courtesy of David R. Tribble

Texas bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) is a commonly planted biennial flowering plant.  A true Texas native the Texas bluebonnet is the official state flower of Texas which was designated in 1901 by the Texas legislature which specified Lupinus subcarnosus,, and was amended in 1971 to include L. texensisL. havardii, L. concinnus, L. perennis, and L. plattensis.(Andrews, 1986) . Another common name for the Texas bluebonnet is Texas lupine, as it is a member of the Lupinus genus which is native to Texas and northern Mexico. Bluebonnets can often be seen planted in garden landscapes all over the state as well as growing along the side of the many highways of Texas blooming a brilliant blue color from the months of March to May, and often as late in the year as June. During its bloom, oceans of blue can be seen throughout the Texas hill country and surrounding areas which make a great place for family pictures to be taken like a true Texan. 

The native range of the Texas bluebonnet is western Louisiana all the way to western Texas, and it also occurs in certain parts of Oklahoma and Mexico. The species is specifically prevalent in the Blackland prairie and Edwards plateau ecoregions of the state, but it can be found all over its native range. Texas bluebonnets are small herbaceous plants standing anywhere from 1–3 feet in height. As a member of the Fabaceae family, Texas bluebonnets produce small seed pods containing 3-6 seeds per pod. The seeds of Texas bluebonnets along with other members of the Lupinus genus are toxic to humans and animals. Bluebonnets are comprised of green, velvet-like leaves which are pinnately compound, and produce beautiful blue flowers in bunches during its flowering season, which makes them a very attractive plant to add to any landscape. Texas bluebonnets are endemic to USDA Hardiness zones 7–9 but can be planted in any climate if placed in a container. Horticulturally, the Texas bluebonnet is a popular choice for wildflower gardens, as well as in wildflower plantings in open fields.. Bluebonnets do well in planters and provide a nice accent color to a more southwestern/Texas-styled landscape. They are also an attractive option for a pollinator garden as bees and butterflies are attracted to the species. (LBJWC, N.D.)

‘Alamo fire’ bluebonnets, courtesy of Jerry Parsons

 There are many cultivars of bluebonnets including ‘Alamo Fire’ which is a cultivar that has a deep maroon color and is a popular planted ornamental bluebonnet. There are also several native and natural variations of Texas bluebonnets ranging in colors of white, different blues, and even pink. There is a widely known rumor in the state of Texas that it is illegal to pick bluebonnets. This rumor, however, is just a myth; while it is illegal to destroy any plants in Texas state parks per Texas Parks and Wildlife’s rules, there is no specified law on picking the state flower of Texas.  Texas bluebonnets provide a brilliant pop of color to any “Texas themed” native landscape and allow horticulturalists to show their state pride by growing the official flower of The State of Texas.

Texas hill country Bluebonnet painting by an Unknown artist circa 1930s

Andrews, J. (1986). Bluebonnet. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/bluebonnet

 Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database. (n.d.). Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=lute

Taxodium distichum, Bald cypress

By: Jack Zuber

View of Bald cypress cones and foliage Photos by Jack Zuber

Taxodium distichum, more commonly known as bald cypress, is a member of the Cupressaceae family, which is a family of conifers found all over the world. Other common names of bald cypress include swamp cypress, white cypress, tidewater red cypress, gulf cypress and red cypress. Bald cypress is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern united states spanning from Texas to Florida but can be found as far north as Virginia. It is often found along banks of rivers as well as in dense swampy areas in the southern United States. (Wilhite, L., T.J.,1965)

Bald cypress is a large, slow growing tree, which can reach heights of approximately 35-120 feet tall and have a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 3-6 feet. The tree has a pyramidal crown structure comprised of linear needles (leaves) less than 1 inch in length which are bi-pinnately compound. These needles grow on twigs from the tree which are alternately arranged. The cones of the bald cypress do not resemble the cones of other member of the Cupressaceae family; instead they are small round structures which are green at first appearance and then turn to more woody material as they progress through the season. The bark is reddish in appearance and can grey as it is exposed to different weather conditions (Virginia Tech Dendrology, 2019). It can also have a peely and fibrous appearance in some locations. The tree's base is often buttressed or wider than the trunk itself. Bald cypress is commonly known for having “knees” or portions of roots which protrude from the ground around the base of the tree when planted in swampy, wet regions. The reason for the appearance of these knees is not known exactly but some researchers say that they may be for root aeration, similar to what a snorkel does for humans.  A knee serves to get oxygen to the roots as often bald cypress are located in and around water. 

Bald cypress along the banks of Cibolo creek at the Cibolo Nature Center, Boerne, TX. Photo by Jack Zuber

Often found in USDA hardiness zones 7–9, bald cypress is a species sited for warmer climates in the southern United States. Bald cypress are a common ornamental tree throughout the southern United States due to their pleasing aesthetic appearance and fragrance. The trees typically like acidic soils, which have high water contents; however, they can also survive in more alkaline soils, although they are prone to becoming chlorotic or yellowing of the leaves in alkaline soils, which can be treated with a soil amendments and proper tree fertilization applied by a professional. In the southeastern states Spanish moss Tillandsia usneoides is a common moss that grows on bald cypress and gives the trees a droopy, swamp-like appearance, which is popular across the southeast at plantation style homes. When planted ornamentally bald cypress must be watered regularly, especially in alkaline soils. The tree itself is best grown around a body of water whether that be a pond, lake, or river as it is a very hydric sited species. 

Bald cypress are a great native tree and when planted correctly provide a nice addition to a landscape.

Large Bald cypress along the banks of the Guadalupe river on the Schumacher Ranch in Hunt, TX. Photo by Jack Zuber

 Virginia Tech Dendrology. (2019). Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=117

 Wilhite, L., & Toliver, J. (1965). Baldcypress. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/taxodium/distichum.htm

Helianthus radula, rayless sunflower

By Jared Barnes

It has been a glorious weekend here in east Texas. For the first time in months our temperature dipped below 70F yesterday, and then Sunday morning, the thermometer registered 59F. I adore days like these where a chill hangs in the air. 

The return of fall and the arrival of cooler temperatures and rain revitalizes the garden. After months of watching plants struggle, it is so nice to see them perking up and many fall performers beginning their show. One species that is becoming a favorite of mine for autumn is rayless sunflower. 

I first saw it on Instagram a few years ago when Andrea England posted a picture of it in a shortgrass prairie in her suburban meadow. At first, I thought I was seeing just spent flowers and seedheads. However, after some sleuthing I realized that this photo was the rayless sunflower in bloom with its black licorice colored disks held on acid green stems. With a brief review of flower morphology, you can see where rayless sunflower gets its name. Many Asteraceae family members have a head inflorescence with two types of flowers, rays that comprised the outer row of colorful “petals” and the inner disks that form the bulk of the flower. The reason the flowers have their orb-like appearance is because they are largely absent of any rays.