Category Archives: Plant comparisons

There are two evergreen shrubs frequently found growing near each other in the mountain forests of the eastern part of the United States.  These are the Rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) and the Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia).  When they are not … Continue reading →

Flower characteristics are one basis for deciding how to group, classify and name plants.  The milkweeds provide a clear example of this.  Let’s look at four plants with a similar flower structure — which led to their being grouped in … Continue reading →

When I first saw this plant (pictured above) both alongside and within a stream in the woods, I was told it was “skunk cabbage.”  I was excited about possibly seeing it in bloom as I had only seen photos of … Continue reading →