Featured plants in the Lou!
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July Tree of the Month-Bur oak
The state champion bur oak, Quercus macrocarpa, has lived just south of Columbia, Mo, for approximately 400 years. According to the current marker, it’s named the Williamson Bur Oak since the Williamson Family has owned…
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June Tree of the Month-Sweet bay magnolia
Native to the eastern half of the US, Magnolia virginiana, or sweet bay, does very well in St. Louis, sacrificing only a bit of height to live here compared to its east-coast siblings.…
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June Shrub of the Month-The rose
Is there ANY flower more seeped in history, art, or literature than the rose? The rose has inspired admirers, artists, and lovers for thousands of years. The name rose and its many variations…
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June Perennial of the Month-Prickly pear
Everyone has that one problem spot in their landscape. Maybe it’s a low spot where water doesn’t drain well in the backyard … or maybe, it’s a super-dry, hot, and gravely spot in…
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May Tree of the Month-Yellowwood
Yellowwood, Cladrasis kentukea, is a blooming tree with a mind of its own when it comes to flowering. Maturity can take 8-10 years, and when it does start flowering, it’s not every year. Well worth…
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May Shrub of the Month-Ruby Slippers Hydrangea
You might have heard the term ‘Four-Season Interest’ when it comes to plants. The oak leaf hydrangeas set the bar for four-season interest, and one of my favorites to use is Hydrangea quercifolia…
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May Perennial of the Month-Allium
Every May, I get a lot of questions, but one of the most asked “What is that?” questions usually leads to the answer-Allium. I It’s impossible not to notice the fun, globe-shaped flower…
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April Tree of the Month-Redbud
One of the easiest trees to identify in spring is our native redbud, Cercis canadensis. The long-lasting purple blooms stand out against the early flush of green along roadsides, the forest edge, in backyards,…
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April Shrub of the Month-Korean spice viburnum
What would spring be without fragrant viburnums? The Korean spice viburnum, Viburnum carlesii, is one of the earliest spring-flowering shrubs in our area. Petite pink buds open white in clusters along the branch tips,…
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April Perennial of the Month-Trillium
Early spring is THE best time to wander about the woods and hiking trails to see native wildflowers. (Preferably before the mosquitos are out!) Visiting Missouri Botanical Garden’s Woodland Garden, Emmenegger Park, or…
