Category Archives: foraging
Osage Orange – Nature’s Barbed Wire Fence
These trees aren’t as common as they used to be. Years ago, Osage-orange (Maclura pomifera) was a common landscape and fence line tree. Some people called them hedge apples, since they were often planted and maintained as a hedge. When … Continue reading
Buttercups
Sometimes pretty things should be left alone. The buttercup fits that description. It’s very recognizable and grows everywhere. Every spring, young kids pick these attractive yellow flowers with five petals and play with them. I remember holding them under each … Continue reading
Chinaberry
Lately I’ve noticed more traditional livestock animals in residential areas. I’m sure 4-H has a lot to do with that along with selling cropland for development. Whatever the case, this new group of hobby farmers should be aware of a … Continue reading
Asian invader
Now that most of our trees have lost their leaves we notice other plants in the native landscape. Especially in low areas the Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) dominates. Initially planted as an ornamental, this invasive olive relative has taken over … Continue reading
Blue eyed grass
For those whose lawns are bermudagrass, centipede, St. Augustine or another warm-season grass, you have a yard full of brown at present. If you look closely you might see what appears to be another grass creeping into it. Where turf … Continue reading
Winter beauty
Few landscape plants make more impact in winter than camellias. The sasanqua types bloom in late fall and early winter, while the common or japonica types bloom from mid-winter to early spring. I have several at school that are blooming … Continue reading
A true geranium
Few people realize that those summer bedding plants with the round lily pad looking leaves and clusters of red, pink, salmon or white flowers are not actually true geraniums. They are more properly called Pelargoniums. We have a wild species … Continue reading
Birdeye Speedwell
Winter is not a time for growing crops, but some plants thrive in it. If you take a walk around your neighborhood in winter you’ll see a delicate creeping vine with fuzzy leaves and stems and small blue flowers. It … Continue reading
A good Thistle
Don’t be turned off by the word thistle. I don’t think there is a more interesting perennial for your garden than the Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus). A veterinarian friend of mine has beautiful specimens in her yard. She gave me some … Continue reading
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