North American Nature Vanguard
Amwoga Khalwale Botanical Classification Sitka spruce, scientifically known as Picea sitchensis, is a coniferous evergreen tree in the family Pinaceae, a large family that includes many other well-known genera such as Abies (firs), Larix (larches), and Pinus (pines). The genus Picea comprises the true spruces, characterized by their needle-like leaves attached to woody pegs, and cones that … Read more
Botanical Classification Amur Maple, scientifically classified as Acer ginnala (sometimes synonymized with Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala), is a member of the Sapindaceae family, which includes maples, horse chestnuts, and other related species. Within the genus Acer, it belongs to the section Ginnala, closely related to Acer tataricum (Tatar maple), with which it shares many traits. … Read more
Botanical Classification Mountain Maple, scientifically classified as Acer spicatum, belongs to the Sapindaceae family, which includes maples, horse chestnuts, and lychees. Within the genus Acer, it is grouped in the section Macrantha, characterized by smaller maples with distinctive bark and leaf traits. The species name spicatum, derived from Latin, refers to the spiked, upright flower … Read more
Botanical Classification Black Maple (Acer nigrum) is a deciduous hardwood tree closely related to the Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), often considered a subspecies or variety due to their significant similarities. However, Black Maple maintains distinct characteristics that make it identifiable in the landscape and ecologically valuable. It is part of the Sapindaceae family, within the … Read more
Maple trees are among the most popular trees in North America especially due to their beautiful shade, fall color and large number of flowers they produce during springtime. According to Utah State University, there are over 300 types of maple trees ranging from small to large varieties and growing from the oceans to the prairies. … Read more
Botanical Classification Crimson King Maple is a cultivar of Norway Maple, scientifically known as Acer platanoides. It belongs to the family Sapindaceae, under the genus Acer, which encompasses all maples. As a broadleaf deciduous tree, Crimson King is not a distinct species but a specially cultivated variety known for its striking deep purple foliage. Its … Read more
Boxelder trees (Acer negundo), also known as Manitoba maple or ash-leaved maple, are fast-growing, deciduous trees native to North America. They belong to the maple family but are distinct from sugar or red maples, often considered less “refined” due to their weedy nature. Boxelders thrive in a variety of environments, from riverbanks to urban lots, … Read more
Botanical Classification Boxelder, scientifically known as Acer negundo, is a fast-growing, short-lived member of the Sapindaceae family (formerly classified under Aceraceae), the same botanical family as soapberry and maple trees. Though it shares the Acer genus with other maples, Boxelder is unique for its compound leaves, which distinguish it from most maples that typically bear … Read more
The Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer × freemanii ‘Jeffersred’) is a highly popular deciduous shade tree that brings together the best qualities of two iconic North American species: the red maple (Acer rubrum) and the silver maple (Acer saccharinum). As a hybrid, it offers stunning fall color, rapid growth, and structural strength, making it a favorite … Read more
Botanical Classification Calathea rufibarba, commonly known as the Velvet Calathea or Furry Feather Calathea, is a member of the Marantaceae family, a group of tropical plants often referred to as prayer plants due to their leaves’ nocturnal movement, folding up at night. It belongs to the genus Calathea, which includes numerous species valued for their … Read more