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.