How to Care for Bonsai: Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis)
Karen Chinese juniper is an evergreen coniferous tree or shrub native to Asia but is widely grown as an ornamental. It is a member of the cypress family, Cupressaceae, that also…
Plant Profile: Common Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum)
Also known as eagle fern, bracken fern is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the Dennstaedtiaceae family that includes 10 genera and 240 species of ferns. It is one…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wines: Balm Wine
Balm, perhaps better known as lemon balm, is a herbaceous perennial and member of the mint family, Labiatae, that also includes basil, rosemary, and ajuga. It is native to the…
Book Review: The Cannabis Encyclopedia
The Cannabis Encyclopedia by Jorge Cervantes (aka George Van Patten) is an exhaustive treatment of marijuana culture and uses. Cervantes is known for his expertise in growing marijuana and his…
Plant Profile: American Vetch (Vicia americana)
Also known as purple vetch, American deer vetch, and stiff-leaf vetch, this perennial vine is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae, that also includes lupine, mimosa and black locust.…
The Language of Flowers: Aztec Lily (Sprekelia formosissima aka Amaryllis formosissima)
In spite of its name, Aztec lily is not a lily and belongs to the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae, that also includes snowdrops, narcissus, and crinum lily. It is native to…
Plant Profile: Rosa ‘Irish Elegance’
Scarlet buds open to 5 petaled flowers of apricot and yellow fading to pink and cream. The flowers are up to 5″ across and have 4-8 petals, a flat bloom…
Book Review: The 22 Day Revolution Cookbook
This cookbook by Marco Borges is a follow up to his book on a plant-based diet that he believes will lead to a healthier lifestyle, weight loss, and/or reduced risk…
Poisonous Plants: False Hellebore (Veratrum viride)
False hellebore, also known as Indian and American hellebore, is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the Melanthiaceae family that also includes Trillium. It is native to eastern and…
Plant Profile: Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium)
Also called fly-trap dogbane and bitterroot, this lanky herbaceous perennial is a member of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, that also includes milkweed, bluestar, periwinkle, and oleander. It is native to…