North American Nature Vanguard
Amwoga KhalwaleChrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are vibrant, flowering perennials in the Asteraceae family, renowned for their diverse bloom forms and brilliant late-season displays. Native primarily to East Asia, particularly China and Japan, they include about 40 species, with Chrysanthemum x morifolium being the most cultivated for ornamental use. Mums are a staple in fall gardens, … Read more
Azaleas, belonging to the genus Rhododendron within the Ericaceae family, are flowering shrubs prized for their vibrant, colorful blooms and versatility in gardens. Historically classified as a separate genus, azaleas are now considered a subgenus of Rhododendron, encompassing both deciduous and evergreen species. Native primarily to Asia, North America, and Europe, they are popular ornamental … Read more
Peonies, belonging to the genus Paeonia in the Paeoniaceae family, are cherished perennials and woody shrubs celebrated for their opulent blooms and lush foliage. With approximately 33 species, they are native to Asia, Europe, and western North America. Renowned for their longevity, peonies can thrive for decades, making them a staple in ornamental gardens. They … Read more
Mimosa trees, commonly referring to species in the genera Albizia and Acacia (not true Mimosa, which are mostly herbaceous), are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs prized for their feathery foliage and vibrant, fluffy flowers. Native to regions including Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas, they belong to the Fabaceae (legume) family. Popular in gardens … Read more
Nigella damascena, commonly known as love-in-a-mist, belongs to the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family, a genus of about 18 annual species. The genus name Nigella derives from the Latin niger, meaning “black,” referring to its dark seeds, while damascena points to its association with Damascus, Syria. As a true annual, it completes its life cycle in one … Read more
Passionflowers, belonging to the genus Passiflora, are a diverse group of over 550 species, primarily climbing vines, with some shrubs and trees, native mostly to the Americas. Renowned for their exotic, intricate blooms, they are popular in gardens for their ornamental appeal and, in some cases, edible fruits. These fast-growing plants add tropical flair to … Read more
Primroses (genus Primula) are vibrant, low-growing perennials celebrated for their early spring blooms and diverse colors, shapes, and sizes. With over 500 species, they thrive in various habitats, from woodlands to alpine slopes, offering gardeners a versatile palette for borders, rock gardens, and containers. Most primroses form compact rosettes of crinkled, green leaves, often evergreen … Read more
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima), native to Mexico and Central America, are iconic holiday plants renowned for their vibrant bracts—modified leaves often mistaken for petals—and small yellow cyathia flowers. Part of the Euphorbiaceae family, these tropical shrubs can grow up to 10-15 feet in their natural habitat but are typically 1-3 feet as potted plants. Their bracts … Read more
The Poinsettia, scientifically known as Euphorbia pulcherrima, belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, a diverse group of plants characterized by milky sap and unique floral structures. It is classified under the order Malpighiales, and its genus, Euphorbia, includes over 2,000 species ranging from succulents to shrubs. Euphorbia pulcherrima is a perennial shrub, though it is often … Read more
Lisianthus, scientifically classified under the genus Eustoma, is a member of the Gentianaceae family, a diverse group known for its vibrant flowers and bitter-tasting compounds. The primary species cultivated for ornamental purposes is Eustoma grandiflorum (sometimes referred to as Eustoma russellianum), though the genus includes a few other species. It falls within the order Gentianales, … Read more