When I was little, we had mounds of green, extra-terrestrial looking plants growing along the side of our house. I recall my mom referring to them as hens and chicks, but chose to always steer clear of their spiky edges. I recently noticed that some have been popping up around […]

An Ocean of Yellow Coreopsis palmata is a prairie flower that is native to Iowa as well as at least thirteen other nearby states, including the majority of the Midwest and several southern states. Coreopsis has an interesting meaning: bug-like; referring to the dried fruit which looks like a tick. […]

Bergenia cordifolia, or Pig Squeak as it is commonly called, has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes. This plant can be found in the Himalayan Mountains and was often used by the Nepalese for its antibacterial properties to treat earaches and urinary problems, as well as curing kidney stones. Modern […]

Rattlesnake Master or Eryingium yuccifolium looks like something taken out of the southwestern United States. The name is derived from an old belief that its roots have the ability to heal snake bites. Although there is currently no scientific evidence to support older claims of medicinal properties by Native Americans, […]

Bored of the same old-same old? Are you ready to let a little wildness escape from your typical green foliage? One of the first caladium growers, Theodore Webb, has something to offer you. They have traveled from the dense shaded areas of the Amazon in Brazil, to the coasts of […]

Many plants gain popularity because of their brightly colored flowers. This week’s plant, Justicia brandegeana, is well liked because of its vibrantly colored bracts. Justicia brandegeana originates from Mexico. The genus which has over 400 different species is named after James Justice, a Scots gardener and also the author of a 1754 book, British […]