Flame azalea, Rhododendron calendulaceum

Flame Azalea: A Fiery Beacon of Spring Beauty (Rhododendron calendulaceum)
--The flame azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) is a stunning deciduous shrub native to the eastern United States, gracing the Appalachian Mountains with its fiery blooms from Pennsylvania to Georgia.
--A member of the Rhododendron genus, it's known for its spectacular display of color in the spring, transforming landscapes into a tapestry of orange, red, and yellow.

A Showstopping Spring Display

--Flame azaleas are typically upright, branching shrubs reaching heights of 6 to 12 feet with an equal spread.
--Their star attraction is undoubtedly the clusters of large, funnel-shaped flowers that bloom before or alongside the leaves in mid to late spring. These blooms, measuring up to 3 inches in diameter, come in a range of fiery hues – from vibrant orange and red to soft yellow and apricot.
--Some varieties even boast a striking bicolored effect with an orange blotch on the upper petal. The flowers are not only visually captivating but also a valuable nectar source, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Adaptable Beauty for Your Garden

--Beyond its visual appeal, the flame azalea is a popular choice for gardeners due to its adaptability.
--It thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic soils and prefers locations with full sun to part shade. Once established, it demonstrates good drought tolerance, making it a low-maintenance addition to your landscape.
--This beautiful shrub can be enjoyed as a specimen planting, used to create a flowering hedge, or incorporated into borders and woodland gardens.

A Touch of Fall Color

While the spring flowers are the main event, the flame azalea doesn't lose its charm as the seasons change. The medium green, elliptic leaves transform into an attractive display of yellow, orange, or red hues in the fall, adding another layer of visual interest to your garden.

Planting and Care Tips for Flame Azaleas

--Select a planting site with well-drained, acidic soil and provide afternoon shade in hot climates.
--Water regularly, especially during the first growing season, but avoid waterlogging.
--Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
--Fertilize with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring before new growth emerges.
--Prune after flowering to maintain desired shape and encourage bushier growth.

A Note of Caution

It's important to be aware that all parts of the flame azalea are poisonous if ingested and can cause serious illness. Keep this in mind if you have pets or small children and take precautions to prevent them from ingesting the plant.

A Fiery Addition to Your Landscape

--With its captivating blooms, attractive foliage, and adaptability, the flame azalea is a surefire way to add a touch of fiery beauty to your spring garden.
--Providing a long season of interest and attracting pollinators, this native shrub is a rewarding addition to any landscape.

So, if you're looking for a plant that delivers a showstopping display of color, consider the flame azalea – a true botanical treasure.

Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis

Bloodroot: A Fragile Beauty with a Colorful Past

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a captivating wildflower native to eastern North America, cherished for its ephemeral white blooms that grace the forest floor in early spring. This herbaceous perennial is a member of the poppy family (Papaveraceae), and its delicate beauty belies a fascinating past intertwined with human history.

A Short-Lived Spectacle

Bloodroot emerges before the trees leaf out, capitalizing on the fleeting window of sunlight that reaches the forest floor. Its solitary, white flower, with a crown of eight to ten petals, unfurls from a tightly wrapped lobed leaf. This captivating display lasts a mere one to two days, earning bloodroot its reputation as an ephemeral spring ephemeral.

Following the bloom, the lobed leaf unfurls completely, reaching a size of up to 9 inches across. The plant goes dormant by mid-summer, leaving behind an empty patch of forest floor until its return the following spring.

A Name Steeped in History

The plant's common name, bloodroot, comes from the bright orange-red sap that oozes from any cut surface. This sanguinarious (blood-like) sap, the source of the genus name Sanguinaria, was used extensively by Native Americans. Tribes utilized the sap as a dye for clothing, baskets, and even war paint. They also recognized its medicinal properties, employing it as an antiseptic and emetic (induces vomiting).

Bloodroot double bloom

A Woodland Jewel

Bloodroot thrives in moist, shaded woodlands with rich soil. If you're looking to cultivate this ephemeral beauty in your own shade garden, be prepared to offer it the specific conditions it craves. Bloodroot can be slow to germinate and requires consistently moist, well-drained soil. Patience and the right environment are key to coaxing this woodland jewel into your garden.

A Word of Caution

While bloodroot is a captivating wildflower, it's important to remember that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Admire its beauty from afar, and leave the excavation of roots to professionals if you're interested in its medicinal properties.

Bloodroot is a testament to the fleeting beauty of the natural world. With its short-lived bloom and historical significance, this wildflower is a captivating addition to any woodland space.

Spotted trillium, Trillium maculatum

The spotted trillium (Trillium maculatum) is a beautiful wildflower native to the southeastern United States.

Here are some facts about this interesting plant

Appearance:
The spotted trillium is a perennial herb that grows to be about 6-12 inches tall. It has three large, green leaves that are mottled with maroon or purple spots. The flower is also tripartite, with three maroon or reddish-purple petals (although some varieties can be yellow). The flower sits directly on top of the leaves, with no stalk.

Habitat:
The spotted trillium is found in rich mesic forests on rich calcareous soils and alluvium. It prefers the understory of hardwood forests, slope forests, hammocks, and bluffs.
Bloom time:
The spotted trillium is one of the earliest wildflowers to bloom in the spring, often appearing as early as December in North Central Florida and lasting through early spring.
Interesting fact:
The three leaves of the spotted trillium are not actually leaves, but bracts. Bracts are modified leaves that support the flower. The true leaves of the spotted trillium are tiny and scale-like, and they grow underground on the rhizome.

The spotted trillium is a beautiful and delicate flower. It is an important part of the forest ecosystem, providing food for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. However, the spotted trillium is also threatened by habitat loss. It is important to protect these wildflowers by preserving their natural habitat.

Akebia, Akebia quinata

Here are some facts about Akebia quinata, also commonly known as chocolate vine, five-leaf chocolate vine, or five-leaf akebia:

--Akebia quinata is a climbing evergreen shrub that grows to 10 meters (30 feet) or more in height.
--It has palmately compound leaves with five elliptic or obovate leaflets that are notched at the tip.
--The woody stems are greyish-brown with lenticels.
--The flowers are clustered in racemes and are chocolate-scented, with three or four sepals.

--The fruits are sausage-shaped pods which contain edible pulp. The gelatinous placentation contains seeds surrounded with white pulp, that has a sweet flavor.
--Akebia quinata is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It was introduced to North America in 1845 as an ornamental plant.
--Akebia quinata is a fast-growing vine that can become invasive in some areas.
--It is shade-tolerant and can grow in full sun to part shade. It also tolerates some drought. --Akebia quinata is a popular ornamental plant because of its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. However, it is important to be aware of its potential to become invasive before planting it in your garden.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind if you are considering planting Akebia quinata:

--Akebia quinata is dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female plants. This means that you will need to plant at least two vines if you want to get fruit.

--Akebia quinata can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering.
--Akebia quinata is relatively pest- and disease-resistant.

If you are looking for a fast-growing, easy-care vine that will add beauty and fragrance to your garden, Akebia quinata may be a good option for you. However, it is important to be aware of its potential to become invasive before planting it.

Autumn sage,Salvia greggii

Some facts about Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)

Native to Texas and Northern Mexico:
Autumn sage is a perennial plant native to a long, narrow area from southwest Texas, through the Chihuahuan Desert and into the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi . Typically, it grows in rocky soils at elevations from 5,000 to 9,000 feet.

Heat and Drought Tolerant:
This flowering shrub is known for its resilience. It thrives in hot, dry climates and requires minimal watering once established. This makes it a perfect choice for xeriscaping, a type of landscaping that minimizes the need for irrigation. Long Blooming Season:
Autumn sage lives up to its name by providing a vibrant display of flowers from spring to frost. The blooms come in various colors, including red, pink, purple, orange, and white, and are borne on racemes (elongated clusters). They are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, making them a great addition to a pollinator garden.

Easy to Care For:
This low-maintenance plant is a favorite among gardeners. It requires minimal fertilizing and is relatively pest and disease resistant. It’s a great choice for beginner gardeners or those who don't have a lot of time for upkeep.

Adaptable to Different Conditions:
While autumn sage prefers full sun and well-draining soil, it can tolerate some shade and a wider range of soil types. This adaptability makes it a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of locations.

Wildlife Magnet:
Autumn sage's fragrant flowers and nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. These pollinators play a vital role in the ecosystem, helping to ensure the reproduction of many plants.

Deer Resistant:
If you have deer in your area, autumn sage is a great choice for your garden. Deer tend to avoid this plant due to its somewhat bitter foliage.

Sassafras, Sassafras albidum

Some facts about Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

Distinctive Leaves:
Sassafras is known for its unique leaves that come in three distinct shapes: oval, single mitten-shaped with a thumb-like lobe, and three-lobed .
Adaptable and Beautiful:
This deciduous tree can grow up to 60 feet tall and thrives in a variety of conditions, from full sun to part shade, and tolerates well-drained acidic, loamy soils. In fall, it puts on a vibrant display of yellow, orange, and red foliage

Food Source for Wildlife:
The leaves and fruit of Sassafras are a food source for deer, squirrels, and chipmunks, while the flowers attract butterflies, moths, and songbirds.
Fragrant Uses:
The root bark of Sassafras has a pleasant aroma and was historically used to make teas, sassafras root beer, and as a flavoring agent. However, safrole, an oil extracted from the root bark, is now considered toxic by the FDA

Medicinal History:
Sassafras was once believed to have a variety of medicinal properties, but further research has not supported these claims, and its internal use is not recommended.

Claret Cup cactus, Echinocereus triglochidiatus

Some facts about Claret cup cactus, Echinocereus triglochidiatus:

Appearance:
It's a mounding cactus that forms clumps with cylindrical stems, reaching up to 10 inches tall and 4 inches in diameter.
Spines:
The cactus can be densely spined or almost completely spineless, with spines varying in color (white, yellow, gray, or black) and shape (straight, curved, contorted).

Flowers:
The most striking feature is the showy, funnel-shaped flowers boasting bright scarlet red to orange-red petals, up to 3 inches in diameter. They have a thick nectar chamber in the center, attracting hummingbirds.
Blooming:
This cactus is a reliable bloomer, typically flowering in spring to early summer.
Fruits:
The flowers are followed by juicy, edible fruits that can be green, yellow-green, pink, or red.
Habitat:
Echinocereus triglochidiatus is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It thrives in various habitats, from low deserts to rocky slopes, scrub, and mountain woodlands.

Cold tolerance:
This cactus is surprisingly cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to around -10°F (depending on the variety).
Official cactus:
Echinocereus triglochidiatus is the official state cactus of Colorado.

Winecup, Callirhoe involucrata

photo is from Wikipedia.

A beautiful wildflower:
Callirhoe involucrata, also commonly called Winecup or Purple Poppy-mallow, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant native to the Great Plains of the United States and adjacent areas in northern Mexico .

Eye-catching blooms:
It is known for its attractive, cup-shaped flowers that come in shades of magenta or rose-purple. The flowers have five petals with a white spot at the base and can be up to 2.5 inches wide.
Adaptable to various conditions:
This low-growing wildflower typically reaches only 6-12 inches in height and spreads up to 3 feet wide. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for dry gardens and rock gardens.
Drought tolerant:
Winecup is renowned for its exceptional drought tolerance, thanks to its long taproot that helps it access deep moisture reserves in the soil.
Low maintenance:
This easy-to-care-for perennial requires minimal maintenance once established. It is generally pest and disease resistant.
Wildlife favorite:
The vibrant flowers of Callirhoe involucrata attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.
Easy propagation:
Winecup can be easily propagated by seeds or division. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden in fall or early spring.

Overall, Callirhoe involucrata is a versatile and low-maintenance wildflower that adds a splash of color and beauty to any garden.

Hosta Shoots

Hosta shoots are the new growth that emerges from hosta plants in the spring. They are typically tightly furled and green, and they can be eaten!

Hosta shoots are considered a delicacy in some cultures, and they can be prepared in a variety of ways. They are similar in taste and texture to asparagus, and they can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or pickled.

Here are some tips for harvesting hosta shoots:

--Harvest the shoots when they are young and tender, before they start to unfurl.
--Use a sharp knife to cut the shoots at the base of the plant.
--Be sure to only harvest a few shoots from each plant, so that the plant can continue to grow.
--If you're not interested in eating hosta shoots, you can simply leave them alone. They will eventually unfurl and become part of the hosta plant.

Oconee bells, Shortia galacifolia

Photo is "oconee bells" by Scott Ward is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Facts about Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia)

Rarity and Location:
--A rare wildflower native to the southern Appalachian Mountains, primarily found in the border region of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
--Additional populations (likely due to cultivation) exist in Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, and Massachusetts.

Appearance:
--Low-growing evergreen perennial reaching 6-8 inches tall and wide.
--Delicate, bell-shaped flowers in white or pale pink with fringed edges, blooming in early to mid-spring (March-May).
--Glossy, round leaves that stay green year-round, turning a reddish-bronze in winter.

Habitat:
--Thrives in the deep shade of moist, well-drained slopes, banks, and rock outcrops in forested areas.
--Often found in areas with natural disturbances like small landslides or fallen trees that create gaps in the canopy.

Interesting facts:
--Named after Oconee County, South Carolina, where the southern variety is abundant.
--The scientific name "Shortia" honors Dr. Charles Wilkins Short, a 19th-century botanist. "Galacifolia" refers to its resemblance to the related plant, Galax (Galax urceolata).

Two varieties exist:
--Southern Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia var. galacifolia) - more common variety.
--Northern Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia var. brevistyla) - endemic to McDowell County, North Carolina, meaning it grows nowhere else in the world.
--It was first discovered in 1788 and then wasn't found again for nearly a century!
--Considered a desirable wildflower for shade gardens due to its delicate beauty and evergreen foliage.

Virginia Bluebells, Mertensia virginica

Here are some facts about Virginia Bluebells, Mertensia virginica:

Appearance:
--Bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, most commonly a light sky blue but can also be a deeper sapphire.

--Flowers start as pink buds before maturing to blue. Rare varieties stay pink.
--Grows 1 to 2 feet tall with smooth, oval, blue-green leaves.
--Bloom time:
Early spring (April and May)
--Lifespan:
Perennial that goes dormant in mid-summer
--Preferred habitat:
Moist, well-drained, rich soil in part shade to full shade
--Native range:
Eastern North America

Interesting facts:
--Virginia bluebells are an ephemeral, meaning their blooms are short-lived and the foliage dies back in summer.
--They are a member of the Boraginaceae family, related to forget-me-nots, lungworts, and comfrey.
--They are pollinator magnets, attracting early season bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
--Deer tend to leave them alone.

Foxtail barley, Hordeum jubatum

Some facts about Foxtail barley, Hordeum jubatum

Appearance:
Foxtail barley is a perennial grass native to North America, but it can also be found in many other parts of the world. It has slender stems that grow 1 to 2 feet tall and clump together to form bunches. The most recognizable feature is its seed head, which resembles a fox’s tail. The seed heads are green or purple when they first emerge, and they turn tan or brown as they mature.

Habitat:
Foxtail barley can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is drought-tolerant but can also grow in wet meadows and along streams. This adaptability makes it a successful colonizer and it can sometimes be considered a weed.

Uses:
Foxtail barley is not a major agricultural crop, but it is a valuable food source for wildlife, especially in the early spring before other food sources become available. The seeds can also be used as a grain and can be ground into flour. Foxtail barley is also a popular ornamental grass, prized for its attractive seed heads and low-maintenance requirements.

Radishes,Raphanus sativus

Here are some fun facts about radishes:

Speedy Sprouts:
Radishes are one of the fastest growing vegetables, taking just 25 days to go from seed to a tasty snack!
Ancient Veggie:
Radish cultivation stretches way back, with evidence of them being grown in China over 3,000 years ago!

Fiery Family:
Radishes are part of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and their spicy cousin, wasabi!
Calorie Conscious Crunch:
Looking for a healthy snack? Look no further than the radish! One cup of sliced radishes has a mere 19 calories.

Colorful Bunch:
Don't be fooled by the classic red radish! They come in a rainbow of colors, including white, yellow, pink, purple, and even black!

Lima bean, Phaseolus lunatus

Interesting facts about lima beans, Phaseolus lunatus:

Ancient history:
Lima beans have a long history of cultivation, dating back to around 2000 BC in the Andes. They may have even been one of the first domesticated plants!
Double domestication:
Believe it or not, there are actually two distinct gene pools for lima beans, suggesting they were domesticated independently in different regions. The larger-seeded type comes from the Andes, while the smaller-seeded type originated in Mesoamerica.

Name game:
Despite their name, lima beans don't actually come from the city of Lima, Peru. The origin of the name is a bit of a mystery, but it's thought to be a corruption of an indigenous term.

Size matters:
Lima beans come in a variety of sizes, from the large and buttery "lima" types to the smaller "sieva" varieties.
More than green:
While green is the most common color, lima beans can also be found in shades of white, yellow, and even purple.
Nitrogen fixers:
Like other legumes, lima bean plants are nitrogen fixers. This means they capture nitrogen from the air and convert it into a usable form for themselves and other plants nearby, improving soil quality.

Navy Beans, Phaseolus vulgaris

Navy Bean Fun Facts (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Dual Identity:
Navy beans are a type of common bean, also known as Phaseolus vulgaris. This species includes many other bean varieties like kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans!

Naval History:
Their name comes from their historical significance as a staple food in the United States Navy during the 19th century. They were a perfect choice for long voyages due to their affordability, long shelf life, and versatility.
Tiny Titans of Nutrition:
Don't let their small size fool you! Navy beans are packed with nutrients including protein, fiber, folate, iron, and potassium.
Shape Shifters:
Navy beans are small, oval-shaped, and white in color. But before they're dried, they're actually green and found in pods on vining plants.
Flavor Powerhouse:
While mild on their own, navy beans absorb the flavors they are cooked with beautifully. This makes them perfect for soups, stews, dips, and even baked beans!

Red Horse-chestnut, Aesculus x carnea

Origin and lineage:
A hybrid:
The red horse-chestnut (Aesculus x carnea) is not a naturally occurring species but a man-made hybrid between the red buckeye (A. pavia) and the common horse-chestnut (A. hippocastanum).
Uncertain beginnings:
The exact origin of the cross is unknown, but it's believed to have happened in Germany sometime before 1820.

Appearance and growth:
Medium-sized beauty:
It reaches a mature height of around 40 feet with a similar spread, making it a good choice for larger gardens and parks.
Striking flowers:
The most notable feature is its showy flower clusters. Unlike the common horse-chestnut's white blooms, the red horse-chestnut boasts rose-red, cone-shaped flower clusters that appear in May, adding a vibrant pop of color in spring.
Lush foliage:
The tree has dark green, palmate leaves (resembling an open hand) that turn a beautiful yellow in fall.

Other characteristics:
Adaptable to conditions:
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It's also tolerant of urban pollution.
Fast grower:
The red horse-chestnut grows at a medium rate, reaching maturity in a reasonable timeframe.
Moderate lifespan:
With proper care, these trees can live for 60 years or more.
Potential downside:
The spiky fruit can be messy when it falls, requiring occasional cleanup.

Additional notes:
Not to be confused with the horse chestnut:
While they share a similar name, the red horse-chestnut is a distinct hybrid with different flower colors and some variations in growth habit.
Toxic to animals:
It's important to note that, like other horse-chestnut varieties, the red horse-chestnut's seeds and fruits are toxic to animals, so keep them out of reach of pets.

Angelica, Angelica archangelica

It is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in two years. In the first year, it produces a rosette of leaves. In the second year, it produces a flower stalk and then dies.

It is a member of the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots, parsley, and celery.

It is native to northern Europe and Asia, but it is now grown in many parts of the world.

The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall.

The leaves are large and compound, and they have a serrated edge.

The flowers are white or greenish-white, and they are arranged in clusters called umbels.

The roots and stems of the plant are edible, and they have a sweet, musky flavor. The stems are candied and used as a food decoration, and the roots are used to make tea, liqueurs, and medicines.

Warning:

Like several other species in Apiaceae, its appearance is similar to several poisonous species. Do not consume Angelica archangelica unless you have positively identified it.

In herbal medicine, Angelica is known for its digestive benefits and ability to help with respiratory issues. It has also been used to treat colds, coughs, and indigestion. The plant contains essential oils that give it a unique flavor profile that is often described as aromatic and slightly sweet.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Angelica is commonly used in culinary dishes. The stems of the plant can be candied or used in desserts for their sweet flavor. The seeds are also used as a spice in some cuisines.

Angelica archangelica has a long history of use in traditional medicine and continues to be valued for its unique taste and potential health benefits. Whether enjoyed in herbal remedies or culinary creations, Angelica remains a fascinating botanical specimen with much to offer.