August 24, 2020 Fall Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a showy perennial forb native to most of the central and eastern United States. There are actually 13 different Phlox species native to Virginia according to The Flora of Virginia, P. paniculata being one of the more common ones. It prefers full sun to part shade as well as loamy soils but […]
August 19, 2020 Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis, V. gigantia, V. glauca) is a tall perennial forb in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). There are many different species of ironweed across the United States, but the most common in Northern Virginia are New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis), Giant Ironweed (V. gigantea) and Broadleaf Ironweed (V. glauca). Ironweed grows tallest in moist conditions, but […]
August 10, 2020 Purpletop Grass (Tridens flavus) is a perennial, warm season grass native to central and eastern regions of the United States. It is adapted to shallow, infertile soils and can often grow along roadsides or in open woodlands. Purpletop is a bunchgrass that typically grows between 2 to 6′ tall with narrow, glossy green leaves up to 2′ long. […]
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 […]