Category Archives: Families

Verbascum thaspus, common mullein

Verbascum thaspusVerbascum thaspus, common mullein

Family: Plantaginaceae

Description:

This biennial is characterized by grey basal rosette comprised of large, hairy leaves. Yellow flowers emerge in the second year on tall, dense spikes. Flowers emerge at random. After leaves and flowers drop, Verbascum thaspus will maintain its structure and fruits usually persist over the winter. It will prolifically produce seeds, making this weedy in warmer regions.

Growing conditions:

This species grows best in sandy or gravely soil, in open sunny locations. It often emerges in disturbed sites, such as roadsides or forest clearings.

Suitable uses:

This can be a useful addition for a statuesque, architectural presence, creating vertical structure in the landscape. It can be used on sites that have a low maintenance and water regime.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/perry-pics/7721690080/in/photolist-cLkFrA-fbZk12-8w5Zgi-9KWGa7-nacBiX-a9ZTAk-nhkT27-cRqMBj-fbZnSB-6zGJ7F-nxwL54-bVoqkm-9KWGHs-a9ZNKP-9KTQYg-ads5xM-89SpU1-aa3Dmq-9KWGkA-nyQ7Sr-uXi3yf-voiRxa-fbZqzx-hkZ1Y2-9KTUMn-af7yjm-aa3BHW-bVoqWN-9KTSkP-gzPmxA-8pQpxa-99KXhQ-9KWFEE-9KTVg8-nxwLF4-bVorvN-4fibXT-6GA4WR-87AqZZ-9KWDps-nziyNZ-9aF8ks-bVwS17-6DJ6mG-8A5PBM-8w928y-aa3HXU-5U8wUo-gzPeWj-nzhtSD

CC Image courtesy of Per on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/maryslo/15799867103/in/photolist-q5bs2M-6P1Wm2-5dB65x-A25ccS-9SyjDr-aqf7Hg-o6cA5f-a1xGi6-bXizRS-wu66Kv-HzSahm-jNapc-dfqiuG-omWAwa-bfDHhv-6HYzKE-7CQsHh-nZ3Cbf-54vu7p-6UtUKY-EBqhjA-99J2xZ-EBqeKN-99MaJS-a5jLWp-BhGGCd-aJTq96-7CLCPR-bfDHkP-ddb66K-8mA3YD-fiD8yB-dfqieT-nwjSA2-9UNFHg-csARRG-Fdwbfk-cuUozm-ojJuJB-pe1aLu-99Mbrj-6NHdrC-99Mb81-oQzTfY-cjVxSN-BaSqLx-7CQs4S-BF9Wzb-99J2dg-csAQZ3

CC Image courtesy of MarySloA on Flickr

Pennisetum orientale, fountain grass


pennisetum orientalePennisetum orientale,
fountain grass

Family: Poaceae

Description:

This clump forming grass is notable for feather like plumes situated atop graceful arching foliage. Inflorescence persists for 3-4 months. Flower spikes transition from pinkish/purple in summer to light tan before disintegrating. This species is modest in size, reaching only 50cm in height with a spread of 65-70cm. However, there are other Pennisetum species that are larger.

Growing conditions:

This is a low maintenance grass grows best in full-sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate part-shade, but may produce fewer flowers.

Suitable uses:

This grass provides movement and texture in the landscape. It works well in a mixed border, or planted in mass. It is also useful for suppressing weeds.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/martius/8564445559/in/photolist-c7mNDU-c7mMYL-9uPbMB-bEVEXC-89HV8T-e3P2ht-aJ3aHz-aeJReC-g6M5dy-g6LTYC-aeJQXj-g6MUX8-nLYCi5-o2q4Xq-KpcaDq/

CC Image courtesy of Manuel on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/zharkikh/7291882606/in/photolist-c7mNDU-c7mMYL-9uPbMB-bEVEXC-89HV8T-aJ3aHz-aeJReC-g6M5dy-g6LTYC-aeJQXj-g6MUX8-nLYCi5-KpcaDq-e3P2ht-o2q4Xq/

CC Image courtesy of Andrey Zharkikh on Flickr

Origanum ‘Barbarn Tingey, round leaved oregano

round leaved oreganoOriganum ‘Barbarn Tingey’, round leaved oregano

Family: Lamiaceae

Description:

Origanum ‘Barbar Tingey’ is notable for a showy floral display in which attractive bracts are expanded to almost engulf the flower. These bracts transition from yellow-green to pinkish and finish as brown before dying back in the winter. This completely herbaceous low-growing species has rounded, green-gray foliage.

Growing conditions:

This species grows best in full sun with well-drained soil.

Suitable uses:

Origanum ‘Barbara Tingey’ is often used as a ground cover, but also works very well in a raised container with foliage cascading over a wall, or in an alpine rock garden. Bumble bees, a ground nesting species, love this ground clinging and long-lasting floral display.

Origanum 'Barbara Tingey'_1

CC Image courtesy of Ghislain118 on Wikimedia Commons

Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’, golden hops

Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’, golden hops

Family: Cannabaceae

Description:

This completely herbaceous climber, an unusual trait for a climbing species, can grow up to 10m in length. It is comprised of alternately arranged, palmately lobed leaves with deep sinuses. The hops, or soft papery cones, grow 6-7 cm in length and provide an ornamental feature and a pleasant fragrance. Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’ spreads rhizomatously and will re-sprout in the spring.

Growing conditions:

The ideal location for this species is in partial-shade. In full-sun, leaves have a tendency to burn, while leaves will also drop in deep shade. Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’ requires moist soil and will quickly dry out in a container.

Suitable uses:

This hops species is not cultivated for beer production, but rather the ornamental foliage and cones. As a twining climber, it can be trained on a trellis or fence.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ripplestone/482617717/in/photolist-JDxr8-4rmjZY-86JSnP-by2SPU-89ix5T-7ULTyA-7Tg3dr-815xRc-244fyy-8oCmgM-oDkVFG-GoRci-GoPZ8-GoKz7-uJxgw-oyjXo9-nPaSfT-piFNge-GoRRk-msz5-GoLmJ-4TQXpT-jogomR-Psxwn-GoQf4-QsGSY-7TkYZR-GoRiM-GoRqx-GoLyq-4TEkES-GoM5y-f8UuNN-9MnSY6-dnA5AC-qfWZeG-6VQJBC-6jWKFz-bGo8R2-a3fr3k-6M3EME-qUdjQ9-pshXmw-7JTRy1-9FZh5m-a3iiiQ-a3fqBe-a3iiej-a3fp5M-ndUdqn

CC Image courtesy of ripplestone garden on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pikerslanefarm/2778709968/in/photolist-5exBEy-8bdFVp-6hikws-4bZMg3-4MHLgU-bDeYsN-ektjJb-JDxr8-4rmjZY-6h4CJw-86JSnP-by2SPU-89ix5T-7Tg3dr-244fyy-8subFh-oDkVFG-7ULTyA-815xRc-4pCcqX-8oCmgM-GoRci-GoPZ8-GoKz7-msz5-GoLmJ-4TQXpT-jogomR-Psxwn-GoQf4-QsGSY-uJxgw-7TkYZR-GoRiM-GoRqx-GoLyq-4TEkES-GoM5y-f8UuNN-nPaSfT-9MnSY6-dnA5AC-qfWZeG-6VQJBC-6jWKFz-bGo8R2-GoRRk-oyjXo9-piFNge-7m2u9o

CC Image courtesy of Amanda Slater on Flickr

Asclepias tuberosa, swamp milkweed

Asclepias tuberosaAsclepias tuberosa, swamp milkweed

Family: Apocynaceae

Description:

Ascljepias tuberosa is known as one of the few species that is largely pollinated by Monarch butterflies. Like all milkweeds, Monarch caterpillars are the only species that can feed on this toxic plant, which is also used as a nesting site for these ionic butterflies. Asclepias tuberosa can be recognized for lanceolate, dark green leaves with clusters of small purple flowers.

Growing conditions:

This species is grown best in moisture-retentive soil and is known to emerge adjacent to ponds, swamps or creeks. It can grow in full-sun or part-shade.

Suitable uses:

While Monarch butterflies are not typically found in the Vancouver region, the presence of milkweed species provides an important habitat function for the occasional Monarchs does appear. The long blooming floral display also adds summer interest in the landscape.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/55839122@N04/20327443700/in/photolist-wYgsPf-4EEoHb-xHj4g-9PW87r-ghjxTn-6GXrhx-56FTDX-9SgGZ6-nWaB1t-pjThC5-HYHxj2-wEBeJ1-qb4N96-oickzP-8d9duG-6LcDW2-8pNPE2-oKnKxz-bXiKsm-bXiv2G-bXiLDf-Hp4cy2-3mcz9-9LpJqH-nG1iMK-owesTk-6UQHZ2-FUDRRS-9Yahj1-xakQHn-abjymJ-fsBenj-r1Mh82-obavfa-6Bsq5Y-gthXE-a1kdsT-ey9nZX-HVEQ9j-fmSFfG-8uiXR1-eRDziY-48rj8T-aJSZj4-oFuXJz-cPSkB5-8uiXBq-a7jtHD-cEJJwd-nYrWyd

CC Image courtesy of NatureNerd (probably outside) on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/21833852@N00/3775276792/in/photolist-6KBhgb-pefM77-8pNPYH-dwxX7r-8d5UiF-JpHpdJ-54Q5Un-fB57G2-5gpBJW-rxmhvH-aeJBGB-fszt1E-rx9LHE-suaqr6-8d5WtT-cnw3UA-scA4cQ-suapjg-suaptV-kyUdcH-bfDmXB-8nSazX-pb1f4c-aqUmM8-9xdEiw-55Dgu2-rxmgxv-feJQ4B-Bkcjjy-svMdcf-Bkj9UX-qya3m1-fiyiQk-CapXrp-d7e4E5-BQzdsG-p2czqg-a6nLCT-8d9fbo-JmPfC7-8kEmXy-HSbP45-oxwn71-6UUPYj-4EEoHb-ghjxTn-6GXrhx-56FTDX-wEBeJ1-qb4N96

CC Image courtesy of TallGrass-IA on Flickr

Leycestoria formosa, Himalayan honeysuckle

WSYD0017253Leycesteria formosa, Himalayan honeysuckle

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Description:

This shrub is known for striking floral display in summer followed by attractive fruits in fall. This long blooming species has white flowers descending from showy red bracts. Fruit emerge as pink and transition to dark purple. Stems are vigorous, but take two years for wood to ripen to produce fruits. Any stem older than three years begin to deteriorate.

Growing conditions:

Leycesteria Formosa grows well in the Vancouver region. It is best in full-sun or part-shade in moist soil.

Suitable uses:

This species is valuable for both ornamental appeal as well as wildlife attraction. Leycesteria formosa is frequented by hummingbirds and butterflies when flowers are present as well as birds when fruit emerges. To truly highlight this attractive shrub, a knowledgeable grounds-person is needed for correctly pruning.

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wlcutler/5120174998/in/photolist-vRhiBy-xJvt1L-w9jdRZ-3KBS2A-oLBwfV-npcqRW-bUwXrM-mYXdkR-fLXVEy-fUHm1Y-axmDoq-cRwvyf-a77yTQ-a77yGq-6HpGiS-cRwwew-6SkCgZ-8Np5JR-6SkAUi-nvXYk-5gkdRt-cRwwG9-5gpc5W-aqiExV-8tdCeD-6zevHR-an8aXY-6HtS9g-CU5PXW-8NseDh-8NseTj-8tgBL9-nrenXb-cRwxnC-5gpcd5-8tdFmB-CYXyyJ-8tdxqt-6SkzQv-rj5h2-ef4dcP-ef3kJn-ef9Wwy-a74FZT-8tgBRs-6BNsY1-DgwFCU-CoSEEi-tYuJum-tYxxBU

CC Image courtesy of Wendy Cutler on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/skrewtape/1806320076/in/photolist-3KBS2A-fDs2Da-g5ccnE-8Vszov-npcqRW-bUwXrM-mYXdkR-fLXVEy-fUHm1Y-axmDoq-6SkDZF-cRwvyf-a77yTQ-a77yGq-6HpGiS-cRwwew-6Skywk-an8aXY-6SkzQv-8tgGgE-cRwwG9-a74FT6-5gpc5W-aqiExV-6SkCgZ-8tdCeD-6zevHR-6HtS9g-CU5PXW-8NseDh-8NseTj-8tgBL9-nrenXb-cRwxnC-8Np5JR-5gpcd5-6SkAUi-nvXYk-9Bmx4R-8tdFmB-CYXyyJ-8tdxqt-5gkdRt-rj5h2-ef4dcP-ef3kJn-ef9Wwy-a74FZT-8tgBRs-6BNsY1

CC Image courtesty of Avi on Flickr

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nippon’, dwarf mondo grass

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nippon’Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nippon’, dwarf mondo grass

Family: Asparagaceae

Description:

Ophiopogon japonicus is a low-tufted grass growing a maximum 2-5 inches tall. It is dark in color and fine textured. Depending on site conditions, this clump-forming species can provide either an even or patchy covering.

Growing conditions:

This species is extremely shade tolerant. It is best in a protected area, away from foot traffic. To avoid browning of grass tips, it is best to plant at lower elevations, as this species is not particularly cold-hardy.

Suitable uses:

Ophiopogon is often used as a groundcover. If kept away from foot traffic this grass species will form a more even covering, neat and tidy in appearance. It works particularly well planted as islands interspersed with moss and rocks.

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nestmaker/27272905863/in/photolist-Hy1LJT-kow2z-gLpUic-8DxkCJ-3gjQ4d-3jST3j-8W6fbw-eNnEXj-6F8psN-2tTPsk-bYNKoN-3jSVmf-3jNtz4-7FzGNg-8MWgVa-f2X7BE-rx1Ch1-eVBoHA-6iYcWW-m9uTh-bDtAE1-f2Wv1c-9KoJCA-qomEsP-5nzjHo-HVKmm-AfakK-7zJhZe-tWR7v-fAtWHJ-tj4rT-88kwL1-9AhVot-dX3EfU-8bs4w8-bqcpGm-rLE3d-9hrVTE-k2hh-88kxKA-dpUQRF-bmME8x-5aovdc-7bTcNu-ZE13V-5vSy8S-HVPqM-58F8fg-dojxGV-APo6FH

CC Image courtesy of Megan Hansen on Flickr

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nippon'_2

CC Image courtesy of Michael on Flickr

Eucalyptus gunnii, cider gum

Eucalyptus gunniiEucalyptus gunnii, cider gum

Family: Myrtacaea

Description

This is a small to mid-sized evergreen tree that is native to Australia. It is notable for its silvery-blue foliage with recognizable fragrance typical of Eucalyptus. Juvenile leaves are opposite and round, without petioles. As trees mature, leaves transitions to a lanceolate shape with alternate arrangement and petioles. This is fast growing species, growing up to two meters a year.

Growing conditions:

As the hardiest of all Eucalypus species, Eucalyptus gunnii grows well in the Vancouver region. It is realitively low maintenance and tolerant of drought. It is difficult to transplant, and new plants should be small.

Suitable uses:

While this tree can reach 12 m in height, regular pruning can keep it shrub-like in size, and can even be kept in a container. This tree offers variety of sensory additions to the landscape including aromatic interest and movement.  Due to difficulty transplanting when large, it can be hard to find commercially.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/shirokazan/8183072189/in/photolist-6YVuuC-r6HysF-7jD2Bn-7kdcwt-cCrCPL-7qL5fz-7pXcKR-7pXjER-93pEjF-93sL7U-7qCU39-7pX9Zk-93pECZ-7qCNkm-93zq6R-dt7ogx-nuXxa8-7tskwB

CC Image courtesy of shirokazan on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/artesaniaflorae/4155534147/in/photolist-6YVuuC-r6HysF-7jD2Bn-7kdcwt-cCrCPL-7qL5fz-7pXcKR-7pXjER-93pEjF-93sL7U-7qCU39-7pX9Zk-93pECZ-7qCNkm-93zq6R-dt7ogx-nuXxa8-7tskwB/

CC Image courtesy of Jukka Heinonen on Flickr

 

Sedum spathulifolium, broadleaved stonecrop

Sedum spathifoliumSedum spathulifolium, broadleaved stonecrop

Family: Crassulaceae

Description

This evergreen succulent is comprised of a rosette of typical fleshy, water-filled leaves with yellow flowers that persist from June-July. Growth is rhizomatous and is known for its trailing habit. Green leaves are coated in a blue wax and will burnish red in the sun.

Growing conditions:

This species is easy to propagate and care for. It requires barely any soil, and typically lies on rocks in the sun. Stems are brittle and are sensitive to people handling it.

Suitable uses:

Sedum spathulifolium is particularly attractive when planted in large masses trailing down a rock wall or garden. ‘Cape Blanco’ is an especially striking cultivar. Because it is sensitive to human handling, it is best when kept out of hands reach within high traffic areas.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/29750062@N06/2980879209/in/photolist-5xpMx8-9gXRyj-edVGP7-7Y7QCQ-887Yg4-edVGCN-88bass-6aqLhd-2SHXTX-9UyLW2-bE7PAP-ntE6Bf-pJGbvX-6j3mX8-yX7nb-8NPNk6-9KGQiS-9DEkfQ-4zTGsL-8NPNfD-ed5uU9-9YJaVD-aeG3Et-9E8eKe-4NHiEi-4YuQfM-e9seex-4De7PT-8pBJVu-bE7Phr-6amBQe-5hwF1x-5hwFik-e5jaNw-ssiT8B-rMaaYg-5C3zDP-ukUvc3-bkmV1t-9PedWW-6n1o1c-5C7rK5-5hwF42-9DBsNB-o4wjy7-dMPqKS-eiKUSk-bVhVWf-9TpKK2-9TsznY/

CC Image courtesy of Richard Droker on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/msanseve/6994925327/in/photolist-bE7PAP-ntE6Bf-pJGbvX-6j3mX8-yX7nb-8NPNk6-9KGQiS-9DEkfQ-4zTGsL-8NPNfD-ed5uU9-9YJaVD-aeG3Et-9E8eKe-4NHiEi-4YuQfM-e9seex-4De7PT-8pBJVu-bE7Phr-6amBQe-5hwF1x-5hwFik-e5jaNw-ssiT8B-rMaaYg-5C3zDP-ukUvc3-bkmV1t-9PedWW-6n1o1c-5C7rK5-5hwF42-9DBsNB-o4wjy7-dMPqKS-eiKUSk-bVhVWf-9TpKK2-9TsznY-9D6xdt-9gXRx3-9xxUZY-6aqLtS-e5dwFz-sp7eDy-gGEg1-gGEbu-4YhS6K-gGEmy

CC Image courtesy of Calypso Orchid on Flickr

Hesperantha coccinea, river lily

Hesperantha coccineaHesperantha coccinea, river lily

Family: Iridaceae

Description

This Iris relative has characteristic equitant (two-dimensional) leaves that support a striking succession of flowers. Usually coral in color, these flowers tend to bloom from October-December. Stems arise from tuberous rhizomes and can be aggressive in wet areas.

Growing conditions:

This species is water loving and will thrive in wet, rich soil. It is a zone 8 tender plant. Planting in higher elevations can prevent this species from getting too aggressive.

Suitable uses:

Hesperantha coccinea is easily propagated and useful for fall flowering interest. It can be planted near a pond or saturated area.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/peganum/3037624197/in/photolist-8V3eFD-5CqBQZ-d18P47-ayjbJm-di15u3-pgzfCJ-5wFtJk-5wFtyF-qV22b-bkEwih-p8s2E4-q3KZAU-dpV2as-dpUQRF-fDvHaz-uVqPK-di16vX-5uE1jg-oRqQie-7bpWyj-d5Gcj3-anZaDd-8F7vPR-rnJNkb-5y8SAH-dd9gAz-cmzmvs-3m35Ab-5y8SdZ-735TxT-anJQid-8KqYFU-5ydeFj-qgSdjp-8LjXpw

CC Image courtesy of peganum on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/maxwellpdavies/2989090941/in/photolist-8V3eFD-5CqBQZ-d18P47-ayjbJm-di15u3-pgzfCJ-5wFtJk-5wFtyF-qV22b-bkEwih-p8s2E4-q3KZAU-dpV2as-dpUQRF-fDvHaz-uVqPK-di16vX-5uE1jg-oRqQie-7bpWyj-d5Gcj3-anZaDd-8F7vPR-rnJNkb-5y8SAH-dd9gAz-cmzmvs-3m35Ab-5y8SdZ-735TxT-anJQid-8KqYFU-5ydeFj-qgSdjp-8LjXpw

CC Image courtesy of Max Davies on Flickr