Crimson King Maple: History, Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

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

10 Types of Boxelder Trees (Acer negundo) – Identification Guide

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

Boxelder Tree (Acer negundo): History, Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

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

Autumn Blaze Maple: History, Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

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

Calathea rufibarba (Velvet Calathea): Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

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

Calathea musaica (Network Plant): Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Calathea musaica, commonly known as the Network Plant, 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 ornamental foliage. This herbaceous … Read more

Calathea medallion: Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Calathea medallion, typically referring to Calathea roseopicta ‘Medallion’, is a member of the Marantaceae family, a group of tropical plants known as prayer plants due to their leaves’ nocturnal movement, folding up at night. It belongs to the genus Calathea, which includes numerous species and cultivars prized for their ornamental foliage. This herbaceous … Read more

Calathea crocata (Eternal Flame): Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Calathea crocata, commonly known as the Eternal Flame, 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 ornamental foliage and, in … Read more

Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant): Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Calathea makoyana, commonly known as the Peacock Plant, is a member of the Marantaceae family, a group of tropical plants referred to as prayer plants due to their leaves’ nocturnal movement, folding up at night. It belongs to the genus Calathea, which encompasses numerous species valued for their ornamental foliage. This herbaceous perennial … Read more

Calathea ornata (Pinstripe Plant): Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Calathea ornata, commonly known as the Pinstripe Plant, is a member of the Marantaceae family, a group of tropical plants often called 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 ornamental foliage. This herbaceous perennial is … Read more