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.