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Most Common Fern

Christmas fern

A native of the Eastern part of North America, Christmas fern can be found in wooded areas and streambanks. It enjoys a slightly shady habitat, and while the Christmas fern can grow in colonies, it can also be found singly. The common name of the Christmas fern is due to the fact that the evergreen fronds are often still green at Christmas time.

Japanese painted fern

Japanese painted fern (Anisocampium niponicum) is a deciduous, clumping native to eastern Asia. Used in shade gardens and appreciated for its ornamental foliage, this fern is also considered deer-resistant and can be used as a ground cover or container plant. Requires full to partial shade.

Black Spleenwort

Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum) has a delicate texture but is actually an incredibly rugged little fern! It grows best in rocky, shady spots. It can be found across the globe and can thrive where other ferns would otherwise wilt, such as along lava flows and on the cinder cones of volcanoes.

Squirrel's-Foot Fern

Squirrel’s-Foot Fern is generally found in China and Japan. Like its relatives, the Squirrel’s-Foot Fern grows out of fuzzy rhizomes that resemble animal’s feet, giving the plant its common name. These ferns can be grown indoors as houseplants.

Button fern

Button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is a fern species that are native to New Zealand. Button fern commonly grows in forests and is also often cultivated in gardens. This species grows best in acidic, well-drained soil.

Autumn fern

Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) is an evergreen fern whose new fronds emerge as reddish-orange in spring, providing a colorful contrast against the dark green mature fronds. It prefers partial shade to full shade. Grows best in moist to wet, organically-rich soil.

Silver-dollar maidenhair fern

Prized among collectors because of its beauty and rarity, the Silver-dollar maidenhair fern is endemic to Peru’s Amazonian basin. The fern has large, flat pinnules, black stems and its fronds can reach over two feet in length. Its generously-sized leaves emerge round with a pink blush before maturing to green.

Japanese bird's-nest fern

Japanese bird’s-nest fern (Asplenium antiquum) is a decorative fern that will grow from 2 to 3 feet tall in optimum growing conditions. It prefers shade to filtered sun and should be grown indoors or in a covered patio area. A humidity-loving plant, it prefers moist but not wet soil. Native to Asia, it is commonly found growing on tree trunks.

Miniature tree fern

Although it is like larger tree ferns in that its fronds sprout from a trunk, Oceaniopteris gibba only grows up to 6 ft tall. Because of its relatively small size and the fact that it only grows well in tropical conditions, it is often favored as an ornamental plant in greenhouses around the world.

Dichotomy forked fern

Dichotomy forked fern (Dicranopteris pedata) is a fern with creeping rhizomes that can be found in East Asia. It grows on hillsides and mountainous slopes. It is used for a variety of purposes. Dichotomy forked fern has been used to stabilize the soil on hillsides near Hong Kong, while other communities view it as a weed.

Japenese beard fern

Eastern hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is a deciduous fern native to eastern North America. Eastern hay-scented fern gets its common name from the overwhelming scent of hay from its aromatic leaves. When this species grows, trees are more likely to grow and seed.

Carrot fern

Carrot fern (Onychium japonicum) is a deciduous, perennial fern that gets its common name from its lovely feathery fronds, which look like the foliage on a carrot. It thrives in shade and does well under trees and in a shade garden. It prefers moist, well-drained soil. If planted outdoors, use mulch to protect the roots in winter.

Cinnamon fern

Osmundastrum cinnamomeum subsp. cinnamomeum is a fern species that inhabits bogs, swamps, and moist woodlands of eastern Asia and the Americas. The fertile spore-bearing fronds become cinnamon-colored as they mature. This plant is also known for forming large clonal colonies in suitable habitats such as swamps.

Eastern hay-scented fern

Sensitive fern

Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a deciduous perennial fern native to Russia, Asia, and North America. Sensitive fern is also called a bead fern. It is widely used in ornamental cultivation and in landscaping restoration. When growing this fern, in shade it can grow in drier soil but in sunlight it requires wet soil.

Most Common Vine

Cape honeysuckle

Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis) is a flowering plant native to South Africa. Despite the word honeysuckle occurring in its common name, the Cape honeysuckle is not related to the honeysuckle. Cape honeysuckle is often planted in garden hedgerows and is considered an invasive species in some regions.

Blue passionflower

The Blue passionflower is known for its distinctive bright blue petals with striped patterns. Originally native to South America, it grows as a vine with a long, meandering reach. It produces orange fruits with red pulp. The word “passion” is incorporated in both the common and scientific names because of the flower’s cultural association with the Christian “Passion of Jesus” story.

Asian virginsbower

The Asian virginsbower is one species of garden clematis that has generated some incredible beautiful varieties. It is a deciduous vine that produces creamy white to purple flowers according to varieties and blooms in early summer on shoots that developed from the previous year’s growth.

Chocolate vine

Chocolate vine (Akebia quinata) gets its name from the delicate chocolate scent and dark color of its purplish-brown blossoms. These flowers appear in spring, while eggplant-like fruits appear in summer and have edible pulp. Considered an invasive weed in some parts of North America.

Star jasmine

Star jasmine is a popular ornamental and houseplant due to its fragrant smell and relative ease of growth. This versatile plant can grow in full sun, partial shade or complete shade, making it common in a variety of climates. It prefers to climb and is generally planted on walls or fences to allow for this natural upward growth. The Star jasmine is also known to attract pollinators such as bees.

Chilean jasmine

Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) is a flowering plant species that grows best in full sunlight and well-drained soil. Chilean jasmine is native to Chile and Argentina. This species produces masses of heavily-scented white flowers in the summer months, which smell like vanilla.

Common morning-glory

Common morning-glory natives in Mexico and Central America and is commonly planted as an ornamental plant prized for its colorful trumpet-shaped flowers. It is naturalized in temperate and subtropical areas globally and in many places, always grown weedy and is considered to be invasive in many parts of the world.

Brazilian jasmine

Mandevilla sanderi, colloquially known as Brazilian jasmine, is an ornamental perennial vine native to South America. Its velvety flowers are most often white, scarlet or pink in color. Brazilian jasmine contains white latex, which is toxic and can have an irritating effect when it comes in contact with skin or eyes.

Japanese honeysuckle

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is a twining vine native to East Asia. It features white-yellow flowers that emit a pleasant, sweet aroma and are often visited by pollinators such as honeybees. Their sweet nectar is readily consumed by wildlife but some parts of the plant are toxic to humans. In landscaping, Japanese honeysuckle is used as a groundcover because its dense, fast-growing nature helps prevent weeds and improve soil health.

Trumpet vine

The Trumpet creeper is a flowering plant that climbs as it grows. It gets its nickname from its bright flowers, which are shaped like long trumpet bells. The shape matches them well with the hummingbirds that love to visit for the nectar. The Trumpet creeper is originally native to eastern North America.

Black-eyed susan vine

Black-eyed susan vine (Thunbergia alata) is a vine species native to southern Asia, Madagascar, and Africa. This plant is called Black-eyed susan vine because its blossoms resemble the black-eyed Susan. Both plants have bright yellow petals and black centers. Black-eyed susan vine is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Bleeding-heart vine

Bleeding-heart vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) is a bushy, evergreen vine with shiny green leaves and tropical-looking flowers. It grows well on a trellis and can grow to 15 feet long. Clusters of rich red and white blossoms bloom year-round but most prominently in summer. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Cup-and-saucer vine

Cup-and-saucer vine (Cobaea scandens) is a climbing perennial plant that is native to Mexico. It produces large purple cup- or bell-shaped flowers that have inspired both of its common names: Cup-and-saucer vine and “cathedral bells.” Because of its showy fragrant flowers, it is often cultivated as an ornamental plant and grown in gardens throughout the world.

Chinese wisteria

Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) is a common ornamental vine in temperate regions, known for its rich, pendulous clusters of purple flowers. The flowers are very fragrant and have a scent similar to grapes. This plant is a beautiful addition to your spring garden, but be aware – all parts of Chinese wisteria are toxic when ingested.

Boston ivy

Boston ivy is not ivy at all but is a member of the Vitaceae family. This means that it is less damaging than traditional ivy; its tendrils do not exploit weaknesses in masonry but attach to structures via sticky pads. The leaves of Boston ivy are glossy and green in summer and mature to beautiful scarlet or crimson in the fall.

Most Common Subshrub

Common lantana

The Common lantana is a flowering plant that grows best in tropical environments. It spread outside the Americas when the Dutch brought it to Europe. The plant is generally regarded as an unwanted weed that reduces biodiversity. Additionally, it is toxic to livestock and harms the output of farmland.

Mexican orange blossom

Mexican orange (Choisya ternata) is a plant species native to the southern United States and Mexico. The Latin name Choisya ternata references the Swiss botanist Jacques Denis Choisy. The Mexican orange is known for its highly abundant and fragrant flowers.

Japanese meadowsweet

Japanese meadowsweet is considered by many to be an invasive species due to its ability to spread rapidly, creating a dense thicket or hedge. The species traces its roots to Japan, Korea, and China and was introduced in other areas because of its attractive flowers. Use caution when planting to make sure that this shrub can be managed appropriately.

Mexican petunia

Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex) is an evergreen herbaceous perennial recognized by its wrinkly, trumpet-shaped purple flowers. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant. Due to its vigorous spreading ability, Ruellia simplex has become widely naturalized outside Mexico. It is considered an invasive species in many countries.

Topped lavender

The evergreen Topped lavender shrubs flower in spring and summer, attracting bees and butterflies. They do well in landscaping or in pots. The flowers and leaves are fragrant and can be used for potpourri and essential oil. Interestingly, they also find use in insecticides.

Oregano

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a herbaceous perennial plant closely related to marjoram. Ancient Greeks and Romans considered it a symbol of happiness. It is one of the most popular spice herbs, used in various cuisines all over the world. Oregano oil can be derived from the plant as well. Unfortunately, legal action has been required to stop suppliers of the oil from falsely claiming unproven health benefits.

Garden thyme

While best known for culinary purposes, Garden thyme has historically seen use in embalming rituals and as incense. In the kitchen, it most often ends up as a flavoring herb or brewed in tea. Garden thyme was gifted to warriors in the Middle Ages because it was supposed to spur courage and energy.

Golden trumpet

Golden trumpet (Allamanda cathartica) is a plant species native to Brazil. Golden trumpet is mentioned in Flora Brasiliensis. It is the official flower of Canovanas, Puerto Rico. If this plant is not pruned, it can grow to a height of 20ft.

Basket of gold

Cheery, bright yellow clusters of blooms on small mounding plants give this plant its name, Basket of gold. This striking plant grows well in average soil as long as it is well-draining and not over-fertilized. Basket of gold, or Aurinia saxatilis, works as a ground cover, in rock gardens, or trailing over the borders of flowerbeds. It is deer resistant and attractive to pollinators.

Chaste tree

The Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a flowering shrub that thrives in subtropical regions. While it prefers full sun, it can grow with partial shade and tolerate temperatures as low as -9°F. The Chaste tree has been cultivated in Europe dating back to ancient Greece. Modern use focuses on creating essential oils from the leaves and fruits.

Butterfly bush

Buddleja davidii, commonly known as Butterfly bush, is a fast-growing shrub native to East Asia. This vigorous plant is usually cultivated as an ornamental, due to its extravagant purple inflorescences. It carries the name Butterfly bush because its flowers are a valuable source of nutritious nectar for numerous butterfly species.

Oregon grape

Oregon grape originates in western North America and flowers in early spring. The bark of the Oregon grape can be used to make a yellow dye, while the berries create a purple dye.

Panicle hydrangea

The Hydrangea paniculata is native to Japan and China. It is commonly used as a winter cultivated flower due to its hardiness. This small tree can grow between 1 to 5m with a maximum diameter of 2.5m. Its leaves contain cyanide and should not be ingested.

Common buttonbush

Common buttonbush can grow 6 to 12 feet tall in the wild, across many temperature zones. It grows around swamps, ponds, and streams, with ball-like white flowers and balls of fruit that resemble buttons. Though the foliage is poisonous to livestock, the fruit and nectar make good fodder for birds and insects, and ducks often use the plant to shelter their nests.

Multiflora rose

Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) is an ornamental climbing shrub native to East Asia. It produces a great number of flowers, which is the reasoning behind its specific epithet; multiflora means “many flowers.” The flowers are usually white, but some pink varieties can be found. Multiflora rose is considered a noxious weed in certain parts of the world.

Most Common Shrub

Laurustinus

Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) is a flowering shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant and it often adorns winter gardens. When little else is growing during cold days of winter, Laurustinus produces numerous clusters of tiny white flowers.

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as Oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Chinese hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.

Japanese spindletree

Evergreen spindle(Euonymus japonicus) is a popular ornamental evergreen shrub with numerous cultivars. Due to its superb adaptability and decorative looks, evergreen spindle can be found in parks and gardens all over the world. Its flowers produce a lot of nectar, which makes this plant very attractive to bees.

Sweet mock-orange

Philadelphus coronarius, commonly known as Sweet mock-orange, is a popular ornamental plant known for the lavish, sweet smell of its gentle flowers. Sweet mock-orange is a deciduous, dense shrub commonly found in Mediterranean woodlands and scrubs.

Weigela

Named after German scientist Christian Ehrenfried Weigel, the Old fashioned weigela is known for beautiful tubular flowers in shades of pink. The Old fashioned weigela blooms in early spring and can produce sporadic repeat blooms through mid to late summer. Old fashioned weigela is especially attractive to hummingbirds.

Great laurel

Rhododendron maximum, commonly known as Great laurel is a late-blooming evergreen shrub endemic to North America. It produces clusters of gentle, white or pink flowers and glossy oval leaves, typical for Rhododendron genus. Hill slopes of the Appalachian region are the natural habitat of this vigorous, hardy plant.

Great bougainvillea

The Great bougainvillea is best known for its bright flowers. It has spread around the world as a garden plant. This plant thrives in warm environments. The Great bougainvillea is a woody, climbing plant that winds its way around other plants as it grows. It also has thorns that aid in its climbing habit.

Guelder-rose

The Guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus) is a large deciduous shrub famous for its bushy appearance, snowball-shaped flowers, and clusters of bright red berries. Its fruits are very acidic so they are usually relegated to jams. Due to the low toxicity of the fruit, large amounts of consumption may cause discomfort. The American Cranberry Bush is one of Russia’s national symbols and the main theme of the famous Russian song “Kalinka”.

Japanese quince

Japanese flowering quince is an easy-care plant that is known for its beautiful spring blooms and apple-shaped fruit. It grows to a small shrub and is also popular as a bonsai plant. When left raw the fruit of the quince is very tart and often too hard to eat, but it can be cooked and used for jams and jellies.

Yellow bells

Although the Yellow trumpetbush has beautiful and bright flowers that can be pleasing to look at, this plant is considered an invasive weed in multiple countries. A native of the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Peru and Ecuador, this plant is often found on roadsides, riparian areas, disturbed sites, and other wasteland areas.

Japanese pittosporum

The name of the Japanese pittosporum can be deceiving. It is not a true orange plant, it instead gets its name from the fact that the highly fragrant flowers have a distinct citrus scent. The flowers don’t last for a long time, only about two weeks, but the dark evergreen foliage is attractive all year long and the plant makes a great addition to a border or as a stand-alone plant.

Cape leadwort

The Cape leadwort is an evergreen shrub native to South Africa. It can grow to heights of 6m and up to 3m wide. The flowers have 5 petals and are about 2cm wide. The Plumbago auriculata has distinct flowers of blue and violet.

Indian hawthorn

Indian hawthorn is a perennial shrub that thrives in sunny locations. It requires less care than other shrubs because it is slow-growing and keeps its shape without pruning. Its pink or white blooms are fragrant and develop into purple-black fruit during the summer months.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The Bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads – with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lacecapes – with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Most Common Herb

Fragrant plantain lily

The trademark feature of Asia-native plantain lilies is the numerous glossy oval leaves with deep parallel veins. The Fragrant plantain lily is additionally decorated with strongly fragrant, trumpet-shaped, large white flowers, which are unique in the genus. Hosta plantaginea is one of the favorite cultivated plants for north-facing and shady gardens, but it also tolerates high humidity and temperatures.

English ivy

English ivy is the most common climber of European forests. It is a perennial woody vine with evergreen, dark, shiny lobed leaves. It utilizes aerial rootlets to attach to the tree bark with exceptional strength, helping the ivy creep more than 15 m up a tree. English ivy also grows as a forest groundcover and is invasive outside of its native range.

Purple coneflower

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is an herb native to North America that flourishes in prairie environments or open wooded areas. The Purple coneflower makes a good addition to a flower bed or garden because its blooms last the whole summer and attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Edging lobelia

Edging lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a native South African flowering plant related to the bellflower. Edging lobelia is a popular garden plant for ornamental purposes and is often cultivated in hanging baskets and planters. Edging lobelia can be damaged by frost and cold temperatures and grows best in temperate climates.

Bearded iris

The Bearded iris is a flowering plant that appears in many different colors. It is a popular garden plant because it’s easy to grow. Though their native lands are in Europe, Bearded irises are often grown in Iranian cemeteries.

Cape marguerite

Osteospermum ecklonis, commonly known as Cape marguerite, is an evergreen, perennial small shrub with typical daisy-shaped white or purple flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental in containers and borders. Flowers of this lovely plant are often visited by bees and other pollinators.

Didier's tulip

Garden tulip (Tulipa gesneriana) is an ornamental bulbous plant native to southwest Asia. Ottomans brought it to Europe in the 16th century, and it almost instantly became popular, especially amongst Dutchmen. Garden tulip’s showy flowers are usually red or orange, but there are also varieties with purple, pink or yellow flowers.

Serbian bellflower

The Serbian bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana) is a semi-evergreen perennial flowering plant native to the Dinaric Alps which run throughout former Yugoslavia. While there are many cultivars, the cultivar Stella has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

Wax begonia

Begonia cucullata is a native of South America. It is often used as a ground cover and also does well in containers. The blossoms of Wax begonia can be red, white, or pink. In some states like Florida and Georgia, Wax begonia is considered an invasive species due to its tendency to reseed prolifically in the right conditions.

Common zinnia

The Common zinnia is a popular garden plant. It thrives in relatively dry conditions with good airflow. Garden varieties come in many colors, usually having been hybridized from different wild varieties. Common zinnias are considered an allergy-safe pollen-producing flower.

Madagascar periwinkle

The Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. It has a long history of cultivation. Over the years, many cultivars have been developed, most commonly with the aim of incorporating new colors or making the plant more tolerant to cold.

Purple heart

Tradescantia pallida is an evergreen perennial trailing plant, colloquially known as Purple heart. This beautiful perennial is famous for its spectacular deep purple, pointed leaves. Purple heart is a common houseplant, but it is also often used in landscaping as a bedding plant.

Moss rose

Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora) is an ornamental flowering succulent native to South America. It is usually cultivated in annual flowerbeds and as a container plant. Different cultivars have been selected for achieving variation in color, shape and petal number of the flowers.

Treasure flower

Treasure flower is an ornamental native to South Africa. With one look at the flowers on this plant, you’ll understand why its common name is Treasure flower. Bi-colored and bold, Treasure flower can be found in combinations of white, orange, yellow, cream, red or pink.

Ivy-leaved cyclamen

Ivy-leaved cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region from France to Turkey. The Ivy-leaved cyclamen is often cultivated in gardens because it is considered the most hardy species of the cyclamens. The Latin name Cyclamen hederifolium means “ivy leaf.”

Most Common Tree

White mulberry

A unique and easy-to-grow edible landscaping plant, the White mulberry is prized for its tasty fruits as well as its exquisite ornamental appeal. Originally native to China, this plant was valued for its role in silk production: silkworms will only eat the leaves of White mulberry trees, making them crucial for the product’s creation. Ultimately, the trees were sold around the world and are used today in different countries that produce silk.

Red maple

The Red maple is a common North American tree with distinctive red leaves and flower buds. Its sap can be made into maple syrup and the wood is good for furniture. Though non-toxic to humans, the leaves are very toxic to horses. According to the U.S. Forest Service, Red maple is the most common tree in eastern North America.

Eastern redbud

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small understory tree native to North America. In spring or early summer clusters of purple-pink flowers appear on bare branches and sometimes on the trunk. The characteristic seed pod reveals that Eastern redbud belongs to the legume family, which makes it a cousin to peas, and locust trees.

White ash

White ash is a species of ash tree native to North America. It’s leaves turn distinctly bright yellow or red in the autumn. Fraxinus americana is a fast-growing pioneer species that often inhabits riparian zones, and fragmented and disturbed habitats. It is similar in appearance to Green ash (F. pennsylvanica) and sometimes it is hard to tell between the two.

Flowering dogwood

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a small North American tree renowned for its wide canopy and plentiful spring blooms. Individual white or pink “flower” is actually a flower head that contains four oval bracts and a cluster of tiny yellow true flowers. Because of its decorative canopy, prolific spring blooming, and attractive red autumn leaves and berries, it is the most popular native tree in US gardens.

Sweetgum

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a medium-to-large tree native to warm temperate regions of North and Central America. It puts on a brilliant autumn display – the leathery star-shaped foliage turns orange, red, and burgundy, with multi-colored individual leaves. Decorative foliage and an elegant straight trunk earned Sweetgum a prominent place in parks and treelines around the world.

Box elder

Box elder (Acer negundo) is a type of maple tree native to North America, but which is now found throughout the world. It is a hardy, medium-to-large tree that grows quickly and has a relatively short lifespan of up to 60 years. Older trees are prone to storm damage. Box elder wood is relatively flimsy because the tree grows so fast.

Eastern red cedar

Eastern red cedar is a coniferous evergreen tree that is native to North America. The fruit of this tree, juniper berries, is an important food source for birds in the winter. The wood of the Eastern red cedar is used in fencing as it is resistant to rot, and it is also used to line closets and chests since it also resists moths.

European plum

Prunus domestica is a small deciduous tree and the most common orchard plum in Europe and other regions of the world. It is a hybrid species that had most likely evolved from the wild Cherry plum, Prunus cerasifera. The fruit is elongated, fleshy, and usually sweet. Dried fruits of European plum are called prunes.

Black walnut

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a large riparian zone tree native to North America. It is cultivated for nutritious walnuts and the high-quality dark timber. Juglans nigra produces juglone, a compound that inhibits the growth of other plants in the walnut tree’s proximity, so it may be undesirable near lawns and gardens. It is susceptible to Thousand cankers disease.

Japanese maple

There is no plant that symbolizes the traditional Japanese garden better than the Japanese maple ( Acer palmatum ). This small deciduous tree or a shrub native to East Asia can grow up to around 10 m , but it is often kept smaller. Japanese maple is loved for its artistic-quality canopy with brilliant red autumn leaves. It is also commonly grown as a bonsai.

Southern magnolia

A showpiece of the southern United States is the Southern magnolia. This tree is known by its dark green oval leaves that are leathery in feel and its beautiful waxy flowers. The Southern magnolia blooms are thought to symbolize dignity and nobility. White versions of the flower are commonly used in bridal bouquets to denote purity.

Tulip tree

The Tulip poplar is not a poplar at all but is a member of the magnolia family. It gets its name from the tulip-shaped flowers that are green and yellow. It is the tallest Eastern hardwood and was prized by Native Americans as a favorite tree to use to make dugout canoes.

Rubber plant

Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber plant is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Persian silk tree

Albizia julibrissin, colloquially known as Persian silk tree, is a deciduous plant with characteristic pink, fuzzy inflorescences. Persian silk tree is mainly cultivated for decorative purposes. Its flowers have a mild, sweet smell and are often visited by butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.

Is It Possible to Grow a Lawn on a Slope?

Some people assume that lawns will only grow where the land is already flat. However, it is possible to grow a lawn on a slope, and the process is not all that different from growing a lawn anywhere else. Still, there are some practical considerations you should make before growing grass on a sloped area.

What is the Steepest Slope on Which You Can Grow a Lawn?

Although it is entirely possible to grow a lawn on a slope, there are some limitations. Mainly, there is a point at which a slope becomes too steep to plant a lawn. The steepest slope on which you can grow a lawn has about one foot of rise for every two feet of horizontal distance. Slopes that are steeper than this are more prone to erosion, making it difficult to grow most plants, including grass.

Maintenance Considerations When Growing a Lawn on a Slope

Even though it is possible to grow grass on a slope with one foot or rise for every two feet of run, doing so is not all that practical. The main constraint is that maintaining a lawn on such a steep slope can be pretty difficult to do.

Mowing a lawn that is that steep is not only challenging but also dangerous, as your mower can tip over while it runs along the slope. The same challenge will be present if you use spreaders to spread seed or fertilizer.

It is wiser to limit your lawn growing efforts to areas that have about one foot of rise for every three feet of horizontal distance or are less steep than that. Such a slope will be more gradual and far more manageable for whoever maintains your lawn.

How to Plant a Lawn on a Slope

If you find a slope that is not so steep that it presents maintenance issues, then there is little standing in your way of creating a new lawn. Growing a lawn on a slope is nearly an identical process to growing a lawn anywhere else.

You’ll want to remove existing vegetation, loosen the soil, enrich the soil with nutrients, then sow your seeds or lay your sod. Once your seed or sod is in place, give it plenty of water, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful, sloped lawn.

Lawn Diseases and Infections to Watch Out For

Lawn diseases can quickly cause your once-glorious grass to die. Fortunately, many of these problems are preventable if you follow the correct maintenance routine. Likewise, if these problems have already arisen, they are treatable in most cases as well.

What Are the Most Common Lawn Diseases?

The initial step in dealing with lawn diseases is to learn about which ones are more common. As you care for your lawn, be on the lookout for these potential lawn diseases:

Brown patch
Powdery mildew
Rust
Red thread
Summer patch
Snow mold
Fairy ring
Pythium bligh
Dollar spot

Many of these lawn diseases are fungi, and many of them result from the same conditions. So, let’s now consider the preventative measures you can take to keep your lawn disease-free.

How to Prevent Lawn Diseases

The greatest preventative measure you can employ to keep your lawn in fantastic condition is proper maintenance. Mainly, you’ll want to water your lawn on a regular schedule.

Overwatering is one of the most common reasons that fungal diseases occur, as these diseases love excess moisture. But while too much water can be a problem, so can watering at the wrong time. For example, if you water at dusk, you risk leaving your lawn wet for the entire night, which increases the odds of an infection.

You should also be sure not to cut your grass too short and to remember to fertilize your lawn. Following both those guidelines will keep your lawn healthy and strong throughout the season.

How to Treat Lawn Diseases

The most potent way to rid your lawn of disease is to use a fungicide. However, before you purchase a fungicide, you need to identify what kind of disease your lawn has. At times, you may need to consult a lawn care professional to diagnose your lawn’s disease.

After you identify which disease your lawn has, you should purchase a fungicide that is made to eliminate that specific disease. Some fungicides come in a spray form, while others are granular. It is best to apply these treatments during the summer months most of the time.

You can also find some organic lawn treatment options that are less harsh than the chemicals found in fungicides. Neem oil is one of the best of these organic options.

Common Lawn Pests

Pest infestations can be a challenge for nearly any plant you grow. Unfortunately, lawns are not immune from the harm that insects can cause. In this chapter, we’ll tell you about a few of the most common lawn pests and give you some advice on how to get rid of them.

What Are the Most Common Lawn Pests?

There are numerous insects that can affect your lawn’s health. However, some bugs are more common than others, and these are some of the most prevalent ones:

Some of these pests live above ground and affect the blades of your grass, while others live below ground and attack the roots. However, treatment for both types is usually the same.

How Can You Tell if You Have Lawn Pests?

If you have above-ground lawn pests, they may be visible to the naked eye, but it is more likely that you’ll notice the damage they cause first. Above-ground pests will cause your lawn to turn brown and yellow. You’ll probably see visible bite marks on the grass blades if you take a close look.

Below-ground lawn pests are somewhat harder to notice since they are rarely visible. One sure sign that you have below-ground pests is if you find patches of lawn that are easy to lift from the soil. When you can pick up large turf patches with ease, it is likely because a pest has eaten all the roots that were responsible for forming a strong connection to the ground.

What is the Best Way to Get Rid of Lawn Pests?

Treating your lawn when it has a pest infestation is relatively simple, no matter what type of pest is causing the issue. The most effective approach is to apply an insecticide product to your lawn to kill these pests.

Lawn insecticides come in several forms, including granular and spray insecticides. If you use granular insecticide, you can use a spreader to spread it throughout your lawn the same way you would with granular fertilizer.

If you use an insecticide spray, wait until there is a calm, windless day so that you can control the spray easily. You should also wear protective clothing, including glasses and gloves, to avoid contact with any harmful chemicals.

Lawns often respond best to fertilizer when they are a bit dry. So, plan your insecticide treatment for when there is no rain in the forecast. Generally, you should also keep off your grass for at least 24 hours after applying the insecticide.

Best Biennial Plant to Grow

Hollyhock

Common hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is a stalk-flowering plant known for its height and attractive flowers. It regularly reaches head height or beyond – from 5 to 8 ft tall. The presence of Common hollyhock in a garden can also attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Black-eyed susan

The Black-eyed susan is a flowering black and yellow plant with curving leaves. It is culturally important in the Southern U.S., and is often used to attract butterflies to gardens. It long ago spread throughout North America and much of the world. Black-eyed susan is the state flower of Maryland and was important in the history of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Evening-primrose

Common evening-primrose is an herbaceous perennial plant recognized by its yellow flowers which open in the evening and close again at sunrise. It is often cultivated as a decorative plant, especially in drought-prone areas. Native Americans cooked Common evening-primrose roots as a food source but it’s said that consumption of this plant could cause headaches and diarrhoea.

Common foxglove

Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a herbaceous flowering plant naturally found in forests, heaths, and mountain grasslands. Common foxglove produces clusters of purple to white tubular flowers, with numerous dark spots on the inner surface. They are very attractive and commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Common mallow

The Common mallow is an ornamental plant with a large variety of cultivars. It has historically also been used to create a yellow dye. Common mallow seeds are shaped roughly like cheese wheels, leading the seeds (and sometimes the plant itself) being called “cheeses.”

Rose campion

The Rose campion is an important ornamental plant and has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It natives to Asia and Europe and now is widely cultivated. The Latin Silene coronaria stands for used for garlands and is sometimes referred to as Lychnis coronaria in the United Kingdom.

Red clover

Red clover is widely cultivated as a fodder plant and green manure because its roots can fix nitrogen and increase the fertility of the soil. The cultivated Red clover is inevitably escaped and is now naturalized globally including the United States and Australia. Its flowers are attractive so it is cultivated as an ornamental plant as well.

Common chicory

Common chicory is used in a variety of culinary applications around the world, most commonly with coffee. It is occasionally also added during the beer-brewing process to inject a coffee-like flavor. The leaves can be boiled or eaten raw in salad or with pasta. Common chicory is also a simple livestock fodder. In European folklore, the small blue flowers could be used to magically open locked doors.

Annual honesty

The Latin name Lunaria annua refers to the lunar shape of the Annual honesty seedpods, however, they are often referred to as Silver Dollars, Chinese Money or Money Plant due to their coin-like appearance.

Tenweeks stock

Tenweeks stock (Matthiola incana) is a flowering annual plant native to southern Europe. The Tenweeks stock is commonly grown as an ornamental plant and as a component of cut floral bouquets.

Brazilian jasmine

Canterbury bells

The flowers of Canterbury bells (Campanula medium) are bell-shaped—hence the name. It’s a native southern European plant. In floriography, a coded language communicated through flowers that dates to Victorian times, it represents gratitude. It’s one of the flowers Thomas Jefferson grew at Monticello, his homestead.

Woodland forget-me-not

Woodland forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) is an easy-to-grow perennial. Famously known for its pretty blue flowers, this short-lived perennial is a great addition to flower beds, borders, and rock gardens. The specific epithet, sylvatica, means, “forest-loving.”

Wallflower

The Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri) is a spindly, flowering herb with a penchant for growing in cliff crevices. It blooms in spring with an abundance of fragrant flowers that can range in shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, brown, or white. Many gardeners prefer to plant Wallflower as a biennial, sowing seeds one year in order to protect the roots from a common infection known as clubfoot.

Sweet william

There are two thoughts on the origin of the Sweet william name. The first is that is was named after the Duke of Cumberland, William Augustus. The second is that the name came from the writings of Thomas Tusser, an English poet. In either case, this old-fashioned garden plant is a lovely addition to any space.