The Houseplant Helpline – May Edition
Our houseplant expert answers questions about growing houseplants from seeds and dealing with fungus gnats.
TREE: Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
In early spring, clusters of fabulous flowers hug bare branches in a rare occurrence called cauliflory. This understory tree is found in mixed forests from southern Pennsylvania through Virginia. The Virginia Native Plant Society named Eastern Redbud as Wildflower of the Year for 2013.
PERENNIAL: Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox)
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
This lovely wildflower is native to rich forests and fields in areas of the Mid-Atlantic including NoVA (except Prince William County). As the species name “divaricata" suggests, this shade-loving phlox has a horizontal spreading habit, making it a good woodland ground cover.
New to the Illustrated Glossary: Vascular Bundle and Vein
Curious how sugars produced during photosynthesis in the leaves or water and minerals absorbed by the roots move through a plant? Do you know how plants without leaves produce sugars or why cacti should be harvested around midday? Learn more with our new Glossary words—VASCULAR BUNDLE and VEIN.
FERN: Osmunda spectabilis (Royal Fern)
Tried and True Native Plant Selection for the Mid-Atlantic
One of North America’s largest native ferns is frequent to common in moist woods through much of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Its unique fronds give this fern a shrub-like appearance. Another common name “flowering fern” refers to its tassel-like fertile clusters.
Five Things You May Not Know About . . . Virginia’s official pollinator
You may have heard Virginia now has an official state pollinator - the European honey bee (Apis mellifera). How, you ask, did the EUROPEAN honey bee get the designation?