August 5, 2020 Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is arguably one of the more striking wildflowers with its bright red blooms. This perennial plant has a wide native distribution and is found throughout much of the US and parts of Canada and as far south as parts of South America. It blooms in Virginia in late summer. It can grow up […]
July 28, 2020 Horse-nettle (Solanum carolinense), also known as Carolina horse-nettle, is a member of the potato family (Solanaceae). It is a perennial herb native to most of the continental United States. It can be grow anywhere from 1/2 – 3 feet tall and is found in pastures, crop fields, roadsides, and other grassy areas. If you have ever had […]
July 20, 2020 Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) Bee Balm, also known as Wild Bergamot, is a perennial herb native to most of the United States and Canada. It grows in open forests, meadows, and ditches, and is tolerant of full sun or part shade. Bee Balm spreads through rhizomes so its growth can be contained by dividing large clumps, which […]
July 14, 2020 Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a warm season forb native to most of the continental United States and Southern Canada. This bright wildflower can be either perennial or annual and grows best in full sun. It can be found in prairies, pastures, roadsides and forest edges and is tolerant of moderately dry and acidic conditions. Black-eyed Susan plants grow […]
July 10, 2020 Eastern Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix) E. hystrix is a member of the Poaceae (grass) family. It is native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Bottlebrush grass is found in open woods, grasslands, and roadsides, can grow in sun or shade, and is tolerant of dry soil. The name bottlebrush comes from the bristly appearance of […]
July 6, 2020 Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) Milkweed has become well-known among landowners as an important host plant for the monarch butterfly. Less well-known however is that there are approximately 14 different species of native milkweed found in Virginia. While some are much more common and widespread than others, we will just highlight a couple in this post. Common Milkweed (Asclepias […]
June 18, 2020 Hemp Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) Landowners often ask us about this plant as it is quite common and often found spreading throughout fields in our area of Virginia. Known as hemp dogbane and other common names, this native perennial is found throughout all of the continental United States and most of Canada. It thrives in damp areas near […]
June 9, 2020 Blue-eyed-grass (Sisyrinchium spp.) This Virginia native perennial is not actually a grass, but a member of the Iris family. It is found in the southeastern United States and north through Ontario. The leaves of the Blue-eyed-grass are straight and thin, resembling a patch of grass. It typically grows in meadows and wooded areas with moist, well-draining soil […]