What is a Yellowhorn Tree? Yellowhorn trees (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) are deciduous shrubs to small trees (6-24 feet tall) that are native to north and northeast China and Korea. The foliage looks a bit like a sumac and is glossy dark green on the upper side and paler on the underside. Yellowhorns bloom in May or June prior to leafing out in sprays of white blossoms with greenish-yellow streaking with a blush of red at their base....

Health Benefits of Indoor Plants There is no doubt the industrial revolution led to widespread urbanization. Workers moving from farms to cities were met with buildings and paved roads in place of nature. In modern times, large urban areas contain more concrete than trees and grass. In fact, other than water, we use more concrete than any other substance. Does living in an urbanized concrete world affect our mental health? The answer is yes....

We kick off our series by exploring the 7 things you can do to help monarch butterfly migration. It’s fun and easy, all you have to do is remember M-O-N-A-R-C-H! Check it out: M is for Milkweed Milkweed is the monarch butterfly’s host plant, and is essential for its journey south. There are several types of milkweed, so click here to learn which variety will work best for you. O is for One Source It’s important to grow plants that are native to your area and likely to appeal to monarchs....

These brightly colored and carefree flowers can add appeal to ornamental beds or be used in attractive mass plantings. Learning more about growing Arctotis daisies is an excellent way for landscapers and home gardeners to determine when to plant, and what Arctotis daisy care will be required. What are Arctotis Daisies? Native to South Africa, these plants produce unique silver colored foliage. Large, daisy shaped blooms begin to appear early in the growing season on 2 foot (60 cm....

American Holly Information These attractive, broad-leaf evergreen trees grow 15 to 50 feet (5-15 m.) tall. They are pyramidal in shape and are known for their striking red berries and deep green, leathery leaves with sharp points. American holly trees are terrific landscape plants. They are great for habitat too. The dense foliage provides cover for small critters and the berries provide food for many birds. The most important note of American holly information is that these trees are dioecious, meaning these plants are either male or female....

When attempting angelica propagation, you should be aware that growing angelica cuttings is difficult because the stems usually fail to root. Instead, start new plants from angelica seeds or divisions of two or three year old plants. The plants bloom every other year, so plant angelica in two consecutive years for a constant supply of flowers. Starting Angelica Seeds Angelica seeds grow best when planted as soon as they mature....

Apple Tree Companions For centuries, European gardeners have maximized the space in their gardens by growing fruits, veggies, herbs, and ornamental plants in combinations that benefit each other. Dwarf fruit trees are grown on espaliers surrounded by companion plants that deter pests and help each other grow. These gardens are also planned out in succession so that something is always ready to harvest or in bloom. This practice is not only useful but also aesthetically pleasing to the senses....

What is Aprium Fruit? As mentioned, aprium fruit is a hybrid between a plum and an apricot, except additional aprium tree info enlightens us that it’s a little more complicated than that. Botanists call such hybrids an “interspecific.” Both apriums and better known pluots are interspecific. They are complex genetic crosses wherein dozens of generations of crossing plum and apricots with other plum-apricot hybrids results in a fruit with premium flavor and texture....

Fish Plant Food Info Edible plants for fish should be sturdy and safe, and if you’re feeding fish plants in an aquarium, they should be attractive to look at, even when they’ve been nibbled on. Plants that fish eat should also be fast growing, but not so aggressive that they take over the water habitat. Plants That Fish Eat Below are a few ideas of edible plants for fish: Duckweed: Also known as “water lense,” duckweed is an attractive plant that grows quickly, especially if exposed to bright light....

Are Aster Plants Invasive? Asters that spread aggressively include hoary aster (Dieteria canescens), a low-growing aster that has invaded certain areas in the western United States. While the plant isn’t on the federal invasive and noxious plant list, it is considered to be a problematic plant that easily becomes weedy in dry areas, including pine forests, chaparrals, and deserts. White wood aster (Eurybia divaricate, formerly Aster divaricatus) is a rambunctious plant that spreads by underground rhizomes....

Are Calla Lilies Annual or Perennial? Many people treat their gift calla lilies as annuals. They receive a potted flower, or buy them for spring decorating, and then toss it when the blooms are done. In truth, though, calla lilies are perennials, and you can actually save your potted plant and watch it bloom again next year. Will calla lilies come back? It depends on how you treat your plant and where you put it for the winter....

Do Plants Grow Better in Light or Dark? This is a question that doesn’t have just one answer. Plants have a quality called photoperiodism, or a reaction to the amount of darkness they experience in a 24 hour period. Since the earth is tilted on its axis, the periods of daylight leading up to the winter solstice (around December 21st) get shorter and shorter, and then longer and longer leading up to the summer solstice (around June 21st)....

Growing Korean Giant pear trees is relatively straightforward, and you’ll have an abundance of juicy pears in about three to five years. Let’s learn how to grow Korean Giant pears. Growing Asian Pear Korean Giant Korean Giant Asian pear trees are suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, although some sources indicate the trees will survive chilly winters as far north as zone 4. Korean Giant Asian pear tree is not self-pollinating and needs another pear tree of a different variety nearby for pollination, preferably within 50 feet (15 m....

Recognizing Aster Yellows on Potatoes Aster yellows is transmitted by tiny leafhopper insects. Once the disease progresses, the tubers are significantly damaged and generally inedible. Early insect control and removing host plants around the potato garden are important contributions to reducing the spread of the disease. The symptoms are often seen in plants in the Aster family, but the disease also touches crops such as celery, lettuce and carrots as well as other ornamental species....

Austrian Pine Information Austrian pine trees (Pinus nigra) are native to Austria, but also Spain, Morocco, Turkey, and Crimea. In North America, you can see Austrian pines in the landscape in Canada, as well as in the eastern U.S. The tree is very attractive, with dark-green needles up to 6 inches (15 cm.) long that grow in groups of two. The trees hold onto the needles for up to four years, resulting in a very dense canopy....

So how do you keep houseplants looking healthy when faced with these obstacles? Simple. With adequate care of houseplants and a little know how into common houseplant issues, you’ll be better able to grow healthy houseplants. Common Houseplant Issues Pests are mainly insects that cause damage. There are a number of pests that can affect houseplants. Some of these may include: Aphids Scale Mealybugs Spider mites Diseases in houseplants are as varied as they are with humans....

Baneberry Information In addition to doll’s eye, white baneberry (Actaea pachypoda) is known by a variety of alternate names, including white cohosh and necklace weed. This is a relatively large plant that reaches mature heights of 12 to 30 inches (30.5-76 cm.). Clusters of small, white flowers bloom atop thick, reddish stems in late spring and early summer. The rounded berries (which may also be purplish-black or red) show up from late summer to early autumn....

What is Napoletano Basil? Believed to have originated in Italy, Napoletano basil is a light green variety with crinkled leaves. Commonly referred to as lettuce leaf basil or large leaf basil, the size and branching habit of this plant make it an excellent choice for culinary use. Lush plants also make a fragrant and visually appealing addition to vegetable gardens. Growing Napoletano Basil As with growing any other type of basil, Napoletano is fairly easy to grow in the garden....

Kitchen Wreath Ideas An edible wreath makes a great gift for anyone who loves food and cooking as well as holiday décor. Use herbs, chili peppers, or garlic. Get creative with some unique ideas: Create a themed herb wreath with Italian herbs for the pasta lover on your gift list. Include a candle that fits inside the wreath for a table decoration. Attach a small edible wreath to a larger evergreen wreath....

Beaver Tree Damage Prevention It’s taken a long time, but beavers are making quite a comeback after an unregulated fur trade decimated numbers across much of the country, driving the animals nearly to the point of extinction. It’s important to note that beavers are extremely beneficial residents of riparian environments, helping the ecosystem by controlling floods, improving water quality, and providing habitat for plants and animals. Unfortunately, if you own waterfront property, beavers may be creating havoc with trees in your landscape....