July 15, 2021 Groundcherries (Physalis spp.) are perennial herbs in the nightshade family. There are seven native species of ground cherry in Virginia that can be distinguished by the shapes and textures of their leaves and flowers, but they all can be identified by their drooping, bell-shaped yellow flowers and golden fruits enclosed by papery heart-shaped husks.  They can be found in a variety of habitats and can be weedy in disturbed area such as pastures and agricultural fields. When ripe, […]

Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum) is an herbaceous perennial native to eastern and central United States and Canada.Grows from thick rhizomes as arched, unbranching stems with alternate leaves.Attractive to numerous native pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds.Hanging umbels of flowers differentiate it from its lookalike, Eastern Solomon’s Plume, which forms a plume of flowers at the end of each stem. Solomon’s […]

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 […]