Fraser Magnolia (Magnolia fraseri - mag-NO-lee-ah frah-SER-ee) Common Name(s): Earleaf Cucumber Tree,Earleaf Magnolia,Earleaf Umbrella Tree,Fraser Magnolia,Mountain Magnolia The Fraser or Mountain Magnolia is found in our mountain areas in … [Read more...]
Japanese Stiltgrass
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...]
Rose-of-Sharon, Shrub Althea (Hibiscus syriacus)
Rose-of-Sharon is a large shrub with showy, relatively large single or double flowers that bloom in summer. Flower colors include white, red, purple, violet, and blue. Continued: Source: … [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...]
Confederate Rose, Not a Rose at All
Confederate rose is a low-maintenance shrub. It grows in hardiness zones 7 – 11 and will be more tree-like in the warmer zones. Pruning, feeding and mulching are somewhat optional. Read on: 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...]
Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia species) is a handsome, summer-flowering, deciduous small tree or shrub. It is a favorite among Southern gardeners because of its beauty and low maintenance. It has been called the lilac of the south. … [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...]