Blue Ridge PRISM Recommendations Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) was once used as packing material for transporting porcelain from Asia to North America. It was discovered in the wild in the United States in 1919, most likely due to … [Read more...]
Eastern Yellowjacket
The eastern yellowjacket is a ground nesting species found throughout most of the eastern United States - from North Dakota to Texas and east to the Atlantic coast. It is very common in woodlands, pastures, parks and lawns. CONTINUE SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Trees of Life – Paw Paw
Paw Paw - Asimina triloba (oh-SIH-min-oh trih-LO-boh Paw Paw, the name based on the Spanish word for papaya, is a small native tree often found near creek banks. Its most outstanding feature is the fruit it produces; with a flavor described as … [Read more...]
Genome study informs restoration of American chestnut tree
Native trees adapt to the climate and environmental conditions of their area to survive. Researchers in the College of Natural Resources and Environment in collaboration with the American Chestnut Foundation confirmed this by examining the genome of … [Read more...]
Native and Solitary Bees in Virginia
Although honey bees are well known for theirbeneficial pollination and honey production, othernative bees found in Virginia sometimes impacthumans in various ways that range from beneficial toannoying. Even when their presence is undesirable,native … [Read more...]
It’s Not Too Late – Planting Vegetables in July
June, in Central Virginia, was an incredibly hot and dry month. Many home gardeners took on the task of watering their garden daily; yet, others weren't able to do that and watched their crops seemingly melt away. Then July arrived and we've had a … [Read more...]
New Regional Guide Available!
The Plant Southern Piedmont Natives Campaign is excited to share it’s new guide to plants in our region! “Native Plants for the Southern Piedmont of Virginia” highlights approximately 300 of the native plants found in most of the counties and … [Read more...]
Trees of Life – Sassafras albidum
Sassafras albidum - SAS-ah-fras AL-bih-dum; Common Names: Cinnamon Wood, Mitten Tree This is a tree that can be filed under "what's not to like?" Animals· from humans to rabbits, birds, insects and fungi, all love this tree. Natives used it … [Read more...]
5 Hydrangea Mistakes That Produce No Flowers
We are about to enjoy a fabulous hydrangea show this season. Winter can sometimes spell doom for these plants across much of the U.S. but not so this year. Winter was mild with record-breaking warm temperatures in the northeast where gardeners … [Read more...]
Heat and dry weather pose problems for landscape plants
During hot, dry weather, gardeners should water properly and evaluate susceptible landscape plants, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension experts. High temperatures, combined with dry weather, pose a threat to Virginia’s home landscapes. … [Read more...]