I often see sassafras growing along the trails, in the forest breaks, and in old fields. However, it’s the mitten-shaped leaves that stand out to me. If you break off a twig of a sassafras tree and smell it, you get the distinct smell of root beer. My dad used to do this for us every time we took a hike with him. It was a family tradition and …
Drought-tolerant Plants for Your Garden
Hot, dry conditions require drought-tolerant plants. Find the best drought-tolerant plants for your garden.
How to Grow Blue Mistflower – Get Lavender Flowers in the Fall
In late summer, pockets of lavender color begin to appear along the sides of roads, at the edge of streams, in old fields, and in wetlands or other moist-soil areas. These fuzzy lavender-colored flowers belong to the blue mistflower, also known as wild ageratum, a plant native to the central and southeastern U.S. Adding blue mistflower …
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How to Grow Oakleaf Hydrangea
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a mounding, perennial, deciduous shrub that can grow to heights of up to 10 feet and nearly as wide (up to 8 feet generally). It produces branches from the base of the shrub, creating a mound-like shape for the plant. It is hardy in zones 5b through 9, but it requires the warm summers to perform …
Coral Honeysuckle Vine: How to Grow This Native Vine for Hummingbirds
The slender, bright red, tubular flowers blooming at the ends of the coral honeysuckle vine (Lonicera sempervirens) will add a bright spot of color to your garden. The interior of the honeysuckle flowers is often yellow, making them stand out even more against the green leaves of this vine. Although the flowers of this vine don't have a strong …
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Indian Pink – A Beautiful Wildflower for Shade Gardens
One of the prettiest wildflowers you can find in the woods is Indian Pink, Spigelia marilandica. This native plant has bright red tubular flowers with a yellow interior that ends in a 5-pointed star. The rich, red color really stands out making it a great flower for the shady areas of your garden. Where Does Indian Pink Grow? Indian pink is …
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This amazing native plant actually moves when you touch it
If you haven’t been introduced to this tiny plant with fuzzy little pink flowers, you are missing out. It might not be much to look at, but sensitive briar does something pretty amazing. It moves. By itself. No, really. Sensitive briar – Mimosa spp. There are several species in the genus Mimosa that share the common name sensitive briar or …
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