Smooth blue aster (Symphyotrichum laeve), a wildflower and a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, is a lovely addition to a full-sun perennial garden. At maturity, smooth blue aster can reach between 1.5 to 3 feet in height and has an erect growth habit. The leaves are up to 6 inches long and 1.25 inches…
Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a species of milkweed that has both extremely attractive flowers as well as important ecological values. As a larval host for the Monarch (Danaus plexippus) and Queen (Danbaus gilippus) butterflies, this plant is vital for their life cycle. Butterflyweed also serves as a great nectar source for honeybees and a variety…
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is more than a popular perennial. This prominent member of the Aster family inhabits meadows across a majority of the eastern half of the United States. Being native from New York south to Florida and west to Colorado and Texas, this perennial is hardy in zones 3-8. The genus Echinacea comes from…
Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a climbing, semi-evergreen vine with beautiful, bright red flowers. This woody vine has a native range from Connecticut to Nebraska and south to Florida and Texas. It climbs its way up supporting structures by twining and twisting its way skyward. In nature, this species can be found growing on fence…
The largeflower heartleaf (Hexastylis shuttleworthii) is a small evergreen plant that is prized for its variegated evergreen foliage. Native to the southern Appalachian Mountains, this small woodland plant can grow in deep shade and acidic soil. It is a clump former that spreads slowly by stolons. While it does take some time, the plant will…