Category Archives: Shrubs
Know Your Natives – American Holly
American holly (Ilex opaca var. opaca*) of the Holly (Aquifoliaceae) family is a broad-leaf evergreen tree frequently used for Christmas decorations. In the U.S., it occurs from Texas to Illinois east to Massachusetts and thence south and east to the … Continue reading
Know Your Natives – Rusty Blackhaw
Rusty blackhaw (Viburnum rufidulum) of the Arrow-wood (Adoxaceae) family, formerly of the Honeysuckle (Caprifoliaceae) family, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub (referred to as “tree” herein) with a year-round attractive appearance. It occurs in the U.S. from Texas … Continue reading
Know Your Natives – New Jersey Tea
New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) of the Buckthorn (Rhamnaceae) Family is a small, deciduous, thorn-free shrub. The genus name originates from a Greek word for “spiny plant” or a Latin word for “thistle”. The specific epithet relates to its occurrence … Continue reading
Know Your Natives – Ohio Buckeye
Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) of the Soapberry (Sapindaceae) Family, formerly of the Horsechestnut (Hippocastanaceae) family, is a medium to large deciduous tree with opposite, palmately compound leaves. It is native from central Texas to western Pennsylvania and as far north as central Iowa to southern Michigan and south into northern Alabama and the highlands of the northwestern half of Arkansas. Other common names include “American buckeye” and “fetid buckeye”, based on the odor of crushed leaves, bark and twigs. The name “buckeye” relates to the dark, ovoid poisonous seeds that have a lighter colored hilum (scar). Continue reading
Know Your Natives – Arkansas Yucca
Arkansas yucca (Yucca arkansana) of the Agave (Agavaceae) family, formerly of the Lily (Liliaceae) family, an evergreen shrub, occurs in Texas, Oklahoma, southeastern Kansas, southern Missouri and Arkansas. In Arkansas, it occurs throughout much of the Interior Highlands. The genus name … Continue reading
Know Your Natives – Possumhaw
Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the holly (Aquifoliaceae) family that bears showy winter fruit. In the U.S., it is found throughout the Southeast from central Texas to southeastern Kansas, to southern Illinois, east to … Continue reading
Know Your Natives – Beautyberry
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) of the Mint (Lamiaceae) family, formerly of the Vervain (Verbenaceae) family, is a large deciduous shrub that occurs throughout the Southeastern U.S. from Texas and Oklahoma to southern Missouri and southwestern Kentucky, to Maryland, thence south and east to the coasts. … Continue reading
Know Your Natives – Carolina Rose
Carolina rose (Rosa carolina) of the Rose (Rosaceae) family occurs in the U.S. from Texas to Nebraska to Minnesota thence east and south to the borders. In Arkansas it occurs throughout the state. The genus name is Latin for “rose.” … Continue reading
Know Your Natives – Alder
Alder (Alnus serrulata) of the Birch (Betulaceae) family is a deciduous shrub found in the U.S. from Texas to Kansas to Maine and thence east and south to the borders. This shrub, the only species in the Alnus genus in … Continue reading
Know Your Natives – Spicebush
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) of the Laurel (Lauraceae) family occurs in the U.S. from Texas to Nebraska to Michigan thence east and south. In Arkansas, the species occurs statewide. The genus name recognizes 18th century Swedish botanist, Johann Linder. The specific … Continue reading
