Plant Profile: European Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
Karen Also called common privet, this semi-evergreen or deciduous shrub is native to central and southern Europe, north Africa, and southwestern Asia. It is a member of the olive family, Oleaceae,…
Plant Profile: Old World Plane Tree (Platanus orientalis)
Native to riparian sites of southeastern Europe to western Asia, this long-lived deciduous tree is also known as oriental plane and is a member of the small Platanaceae family that…
Trees for Watersides
A weeping willow tree planted beside a pond inspired Monet’s picture and still holds the attention of the thousands of tourists who visit Monet’s garden at Giverny. Water features can…
Drought Tolerant Plants: Shrubs and Trees Grown for Foliage
Shrubs and trees are versatile and can be an important part of the garden. They can provide structure, define beds, serve as a backdrop or focal point, add color, create…
Plant Profile: Thornless Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis)
This deciduous tree is native to parts of central United States where it often occupies bottomlands. It is a member of the pea family, Facaceae, that also includes, beans, lupines,…
Plant Profile: London Plane Tree (Platanus x acerifolia)
A large deciduous tree tolerant of pollution, compaction, and drought, London Plane tree was first popular as a street tree in the cities of Europe and later spread to cities…
Plant Profile: Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus diocia)
This tall deciduous tree earned its common name from the fact that early American settlers made a beverage from its roasted and ground seeds. Unroasted pods and seeds, however, are…
Plant Profile: Silver Linden (Tilia tomentosa)
Tolerant of pollution, salt, and wind, silver linden is a tall deciduous tree that can be a useful shade tree in cities as well as towns. The heart shaped leaves…
Plant Profile: Japanese Pagoda Tree (Styphnolobium/Sophoras japonica)
A native of China and Korea, the tree was brought to Japan, Europe, and North America where it is valued for its creamy white fragrant flowers that hang in clusters…