North American Nature Vanguard
As the name suggests, red mushrooms are characterized by reddish hues. The shade of red can be from bright and vibrant red to more subdued or deep crimson. Red mushrooms have cap shape that can be convex, flattened, or even irregular in form. Some may have a wavy or contorted appearance. The gills, pores, or … Read more
While there are many species of mushrooms that can appear green, they are not as common as mushrooms of other colors, such as white, brown or red. The green color of these mushrooms is a result of their unique pigments. Green mushrooms can be found in habitats like forests, woodlands, grasslands and even on decaying … Read more
The term “orange mushroom” is a general description of mushrooms that have an orange color in their fruiting bodies, that is, their caps, stems and gills. However, this color can be pale yellow-orange to deep, vibrant orange and sometimes even reddish-orange or brownish-orange hues. Orange mushrooms belong to different fungal genera, including Amanita, Hygrocybe, Lactarius, … Read more
Sea vegetables, also known as seaweeds or marine algae, are edible plants that grow in or around saltwater environments such as oceans and seas. The history of human consumption of sea vegetables is as extensive as the oceans themselves. In other words, they have been consumed for centuries in many coastal regions around the world. … Read more
Hay and Silage are two popular types of fodder used to feed livestock when fresh grazing is limited or unavailable particularly during winter or drought conditions. In this article, let us look at the major differences between of hay and silage based on production methods, nutritional profiles, storage requirements, advantages and disadvantages. What is Hay? … Read more
Lilium is a genus of about 100 species of bulbous, herbaceous perennials native to Europe, North America and Asia south [Source: University of Missouri]. Lilies usually feature 6-tepaled flowers in a variety of shapes (trumpet, funnel, cup, bell, bowl or flat), sometimes nodding, sometimes with reflexed petals. Flowers are usually fragrant and can be in a … Read more
Nestled within the coldest regions of our planet, the tundra biome is characterized by extreme cold temperatures, strong winds up to 100 miles per hour and permafrost, a factor that presents a challenging environment for life to thrive. Yet, against all odds, a number of plant species have evolved and adapted to these harsh conditions. … Read more
Monarda is a genus of annuals and herbaceous perennials from prairies and woodlands in North America. Some monardas are called bee balm and features bright flowers. Genus name honors Nicholas Monardes (1493-1588), physician and botanist of Seville. The name bee balm derives from the plant’s value in attracting native bees, butterflies and bumblebees, and from common … Read more
Boxwoods, known as the “oldest garden ornamental for man” by the American Boxwood Society, have a long history dating back to ancient Egypt where they were used as decorative plants as far back as 4000 BC. This plant was introduced to North America from Amsterdam, in Europe in the 1600s. Boxwoods grew in popularity, becoming … Read more
Roses are known as the “Queen of Flowers,” because of their beauty and fragrance. Among the different colors of roses, yellow roses usually stand out and thus are common in occasions such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. However, what many people may not know is that there are numerous varieties of yellow roses, each with … Read more