North American Nature Vanguard
Amwoga KhalwaleJacaranda trees, from the Jacaranda genus in the Bignoniaceae family, are tropical and subtropical beauties renowned for their vibrant blooms. Native to Central and South America, they thrive in zones 9-12, growing 10-100 feet tall with spreading canopies. Their fast growth and stunning flowers make them global favorites. In spring to summer, jacarandas erupt in … Read more
Ninebark shrubs (Physocarpus opulifolius), native to eastern North America, are deciduous plants prized for their peeling, multi-layered bark and rugged charm. Growing 3-10 feet tall in zones 2-8, they adapt to full sun or part shade and a range of soils, from clay to sandy. Their versatility suits hedges, borders, or standalone features. Foliage is … Read more
Bamboo plants, from the Bambusoideae subfamily within the grass family (Poaceae), are woody perennials known for rapid growth—some species add inches daily. Found in zones 5-12, they range from 1-foot dwarfs to 100-foot giants, thriving in diverse climates with sun or shade and well-drained soil. Their versatility spans gardens to industry. These plants come in … Read more
Privet shrubs, from the Ligustrum genus in the olive family, are evergreen to semi-evergreen plants widely used for hedges and screens. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, they thrive in zones 5-9, tolerating a range of soils and full sun to part shade. Their dense growth makes them landscaping staples. These shrubs vary in … Read more
Elephant ear plants, encompassing genera like Colocasia, Alocasia, Xanthosoma, and Caladium, are tropical perennials famed for their oversized, dramatic leaves. Native to regions from Southeast Asia to the Americas, they thrive in zones 8-12, loving warm, humid climates with rich, moist soil. Their bold foliage makes them stars in gardens and as houseplants. These plants … Read more
The Lantana plant belongs to the genus Lantana and the family Verbenaceae. Native to tropical regions of the Americas and Africa, Lantana has become naturalized in parts of the American Southeast. With over 150 species, these flowering plants bloom nonstop from late spring all the way through frost. In warmer climates, they’ll even keep flowering … Read more
Milkweed is a whole genus of about 140 species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants, scientifically known as Asclepias. These plants are found throughout North and South America, and many of them are cultivated as ornamentals. Its genus name “Asclepias” refers to the Greek god of medicine Asklepios. Milkweed grows quickly to two to four feet … Read more
Juniper trees and shrubs, from the Juniperus genus in the cypress family, are evergreen conifers found across the Northern Hemisphere. Ranging from ground-hugging creepers to trees up to 50 feet tall, they thrive in zones 2-10, adapting to rocky, dry, or poor soils with full sun. Their resilience makes them a landscaping staple worldwide. Their … Read more
Pineapples (Ananas comosus) are tropical fruits native to South America, specifically the region between southern Brazil and Paraguay, where Indigenous peoples domesticated them centuries ago. Now grown worldwide in zones 9-12, they thrive in warm, sunny climates with well-drained, acidic soil. A single plant yields one fruit after 18-24 months, making them a slow but … Read more
Hawthorn trees, from the Crataegus genus, are small to medium-sized deciduous trees or shrubs, typically growing 15-40 feet tall across zones 3-9. Native to temperate regions, they’re known for thorny branches, lobed leaves, and a hardy nature, thriving in full sun and a range of soils. Their versatility makes them staples in hedges, woodlands, and … Read more