Bradford pear, Pyrus calleryana

Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford') Facts:

Origins and Spread:
--A cultivar (cultivated variety) of the Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), native to China and Vietnam.
--Introduced to the US in the early 1900s and widely planted for its ornamental features.
--Considered an invasive species in many areas due to its prolific seed production and ability to outcompete native plants.

Appearance and Growth:
--Small to medium-sized tree, reaching 40-50 feet tall with a dense, oval crown.
--Known for its fast growth and vase-shaped form.
--Bark is grayish-brown with shallow furrows.
--Leaves are glossy, dark green above and lighter green below, with serrated edges.

Flowers and Fruit:
--Produces clusters of showy white flowers in early spring, before leaves emerge.
--Flowers have a strong, unpleasant odor often described as fishy.
--The 'Bradford' cultivar itself is mostly sterile and produces few or no fruits.
--However, other Callery pear cultivars and rootstocks can be fertile and contribute to invasiveness.
--Fruits are small, greenish-brown, and not considered edible.

Fall Foliage

Other Considerations:
--Originally popular for its low maintenance and resistance to disease, Bradford pears have become problematic due to their weak branch structure.
--Branches are prone to splitting in heavy snow or wind, leading to safety concerns.
--Many cities and municipalities are phasing out Bradford pear plantings in favor of native species.

Alternatives:
If you're looking for a flowering tree with similar characteristics, consider native alternatives like:
--Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
--Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
--Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)
--American crabapple (Malus coronaria)

Sweet Crabapple, Malus coronaria

Sweet Crabapple (Malus coronaria) Facts:

General:
--Native to North America, particularly the eastern half.
--Often called American crabapple, wild crabapple, Biltmore crabapple, or garland crab.
--Grows as a small tree, typically 15-30 feet tall with a short trunk and wide-spreading branches.
--Can also appear as a bushy shrub.
--Bark is reddish-brown and scaly.

Leaves and Flowers:
--Leaves are oval-shaped, with serrated edges and a rounded or heart-shaped base, reaching 2.5 to 4 inches long.
--Produces fragrant, white flowers tinged with pink in clusters during late spring (May-June).
--Blooms later than domesticated apple trees.

Fruit and Wildlife:
--Fruit is a small, greenish-yellow pome, not particularly showy but abundant.
--The fruit becomes sweeter after drying or cold storage, making it suitable for jams, jellies, and cider, especially when combined with other apples.
--Provides food for birds and other wildlife.
--The tree itself is a host plant for many butterfly and moth species.

Other:
--Considered a low-maintenance tree and provides year-round interest in landscapes with its flowers, fruit, and winter silhouette.
--Prefers full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
--Can tolerate drier conditions.

Traditionally, the bark and roots were used for medicinal purposes, although this is not recommended today.

Great masterwort, Astrantia major

Great Masterwort (Astrantia major): A Delicate Beauty with Hidden Strength

The Great Masterwort, with its star-shaped blooms and air of elegance, is a favorite among gardeners. But beyond its charm lies a surprising amount of resilience.

Here are some interesting facts about Astrantia major:

European Origins:
Native to central and eastern Europe, the Great Masterwort thrives in meadows and woodlands. It brings a touch of European charm to gardens worldwide.
Starry Wonder:
The star-shaped flower heads, not actual flowers themselves, are the defining feature of the Great Masterwort. Tiny, true flowers cluster in the center, surrounded by showy bracts that come in shades of white, pink, or reddish-purple.
Long-lasting Blooms:
This perennial graces gardens with its delicate blooms from mid-June to mid-September, offering a lengthy display of color.
Adaptable to Light:
The Great Masterwort is happy in both full sun and partial shade. This makes it a versatile choice for various garden locations.
Moisture Lover:
While tolerant of short dry spells once established, Great Masterwort prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil.

A Gardener's Friend:
This low-maintenance plant requires minimal care. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continued flowering, and occasional division helps maintain a healthy clump.
Pollinator Magnet:
The tiny flowers of the Great Masterwort attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, adding to the ecological value of the plant.
Cut Flower Charmer:
The delicate blooms of the Great Masterwort lend a whimsical touch to flower arrangements. They hold well in vases, adding a touch of elegance to bouquets.
Varieties Galore:
Several cultivars of Astrantia major have been developed, offering gardeners a range of flower colors, sizes, and bloom times. Popular options include 'Roma' with deep pink bracts and 'Rubra' with a burgundy hue.

With its delicate beauty, adaptability, and long bloom time, the Great Masterwort is a wonderful addition to any garden. It offers a charming presence while attracting pollinators and providing long-lasting cut flowers.

Lamb's ear, Stachys byzantina

Alluring Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina): Facts and Beauty

The Lamb's ear, with its captivating fuzzy leaves, is a popular addition to many gardens. But this plant offers more than just delightful texture!

Here are some interesting facts about Stachys byzantina:

Softness Personified:
Lamb's ear gets its name from its velvety, silver-gray leaves that resemble a lamb's ear. These soft leaves are irresistible to touch and add a unique textural element to gardens.
Hailing from the East:
This plant is native to Armenia, Iran, and Turkey, but it has found a happy home in gardens worldwide due to its adaptability.
A Showy Perennial:
While primarily grown for its foliage, Lamb's ear does produce inconspicuous pink or purple flowers in summer on tall stalks. These flowers are attractive to bees but can be deadheaded to maintain a tidy look and encourage bushier growth.

Low-Maintenance Champion:
Lamb's ear is a dream for busy gardeners. It thrives in well-drained soil, tolerates drought conditions, and requires minimal care.
Deer and Rabbit Resistant:
This delightful plant is unappetizing to deer and rabbits, making it a perfect choice for gardens vulnerable to these herbivores.

Spreading the Love:
Lamb's ear is a fast spreader, creating a dense, low-growing carpet. This makes it ideal for ground cover, edging walkways, or filling in borders.
Sunshine or Partial Shade:
This versatile plant adapts well to full sun or locations with light shade.
Easy Propagation:
Propagating Lamb's ear is a breeze. You can divide established plants in spring or fall, or sow seeds indoors in late winter for transplanting outdoors later.

With its captivating looks, easy care, and versatility, Lamb's ear is a wonderful addition to any garden. So, if you're looking for a low-maintenance plant that adds softness, texture, and beauty to your landscape, consider the Lamb's ear!woolly hedgenettle,

Foamflowers, Tiarella cordifolia

Facts about Foamflower, Tiarella cordifolia:

Appearance:
--Heart-shaped, lobed leaves that are typically green but can have some burgundy variegation, especially in cooler weather.
--White flowers with long stamens that bloom in late spring on slender stalks rising above the foliage.
--Grows to be about 10-14 inches tall.
--Habitat: Prefers shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil. Found in woodlands and forests of eastern North America.

Uses:
--Shade tolerant groundcover for gardens.
--Easy to grow and low maintenance.
--Deer resistant.

Other:
--Also known as Heartleaf Foamflower.
--A member of the Saxifrage family.
--Considered a "showy" wildflower.

Torenia,Torenia fournieri

Common names: Also known as Wishbone Flower, Bluewings, and in Hawaii, Nanioola'a or Ola'a beauty.
Family: Linderniaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)
Type: Flowering plant (annual)
Size: Grows 6 to 12 inches tall and wide.

Flowers: Trumpet-shaped blooms with five petals, come in various colors like white, pink, lavender, blue, violet, and purple, often with yellow markings in the throat. The center stamen resembles a wishbone, hence the nickname.
Bloom time: Early summer to late summer.
Light: Prefers partial shade.
Water: Needs consistent moisture but well-drained soil.
Uses: Popular for borders, edging, and containers. Does well in shady areas.
Maintenance: Relatively low maintenance. Pinch young plants to encourage bushier growth.

Propagation: Can be grown from seeds sown indoors or directly outdoors.
Interesting fact: Many Torenia hybrids have been developed in recent years, offering a wider variety of colors and growth habits.

Icelandic Poppy, Papaver nudicaule

The Icelandic Poppy, scientifically known as Papaver nudicaule, is a fascinating plant with a range of unique characteristics and cultural significance.

Here are some intriguing facts about this beautiful flower:

Origin and Habitat: Despite its name, the Icelandic Poppy is not native to Iceland but to the subpolar regions of Europe, North America, and Asia. It thrives in cold climates, showcasing its resilience and adaptability​​.

Appearance and Varieties: The plant is known for its large, papery, bowl-shaped flowers which come in a variety of colors including yellow, orange, salmon, rose, pink, cream, and white. The flowers sit atop hairy, 1-foot curved stems amid feathery blue-green foliage. Cultivars such as 'Champagne Bubbles' and 'Wonderland' offer a range of sizes and colors​​.

Cultivation: Icelandic Poppies prefer light, well-drained soil and full sun. They are not well-suited to hot weather and can live 2-3 seasons in cool summer climates. Their seeds are exceedingly minute, and the plants have long taproots that do not like to be disturbed​​.

Symbolism and Uses: These poppies symbolize hope and resilience, blooming in harsh conditions and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. They have been used in traditional medicine for their analgesic properties and are popular as cut flowers due to their long-lasting blooms​​.

Toxicity: Like all poppies, Icelandic Poppies contain toxic alkaloids, making all parts of the plant potentially poisonous​​.

The Icelandic Poppy's vibrant colors, delicate appearance, and resilience in cold climates make it a beloved choice for gardeners and a subject of interest in various cultural contexts.