Goldenrod is a native North American perennial wildflower that is tall and slim with fluffy golden flower spikes in various shades of yellow. Once regarded as an invasive weed, goldenrod is increasingly valued by gardeners thanks to cultivars that offer better performance and more attractive flowers. Goldenrod grows best in any sunny location, survives well in average or even poor soil, and thrives in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Goldenrod Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing goldenrod.

Plant goldenrod in the spring or fall, choosing a sunny location with average soil.

Stake the taller varieties so the plants don’t flop and bend. 

Water young goldenrod plants weekly to keep soil moist until established, then only supplement in drought.

Do not overfertilize; goldenrod does not need fertilizer at all.

Light

Goldenrod craves full sun for optimal flowering. The plant will tolerate a bit of shade, though a shady location can reduce its blooms.

Soil

Goldenrod is not overly picky about soil but it must be well-drained with a pH in the acidic-to-neutral range. This plant can tolerate sandy, rocky, and clay soils. Very rich soil can cause the plant to become leggy and potentially flop over.

Water

Water new goldenrod plants weekly to maintain damp, but not soggy soil. Mature goldenrod plants are drought tolerant and rarely need supplemental watering except when rainfall is scarce.

Temperature and Humidity

The hardiness range varies a bit depending on the species, but most goldenrods thrive in USDA cold hardiness zones 2 to 8, taking heat and cold weather in stride. Goldenrod isn’t fussy about humidity, either.

Types of Goldenrod

The many goldenrod species vary somewhat in size and appearance. Cultivars are known to be less aggressive spreaders than the species forms. Some popular species—all native to North America—include:

Solidago caesia (blue-stemmed goldenrod) has arching purplish stems. It is not an aggressive spreader and produces good cut flowers.

Solidago odora (sweet goldenrod) is a 2- to 4-foot plant with anise-scented leaves and yellow flowerheads. It does not spread aggressively and has a good tolerance for poor, dry soils.

Solidago rugosa, also known as rough goldenrod is a 3- to 5-foot plant with a fondness for moist conditions. A popular cultivar is ‘Fireworks’, with its arching golden-yellow flowerheads that resemble an exploding skyrocket.

Solidago speciosa, also known as showy goldenrod, grows 1 to 3 feet tall, with dense clusters of tiny yellow flowers.

Solidago sphecelata,also known as autumn goldenrod, is a 12- to 24-inch species with arching stems holding plumes of yellow flowers. Two notable cultivars are ‘Golden Fleece’, a short 15- to 18-inch plant with arching cylindrical flowers, and ‘Wichita Mountains’, a 30-inch plant with rich gold flowers.

Solidago bicolor (white goldenrod)is noteworthy simply because it does not display the typical yellow goldenrod blooms. Instead, it features white blooms.

SOURCE: THESPRUCE.COM

Official State Flower of Montana

Montana designated bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva) as the official state flower in 1895.

Bitterroot can be found during spring and summer, growing in the sagebrush plains and the foothills of the mountains in western and south central Montana.

Native Americans such as the Shoshone and Flathead Indians used the roots for food and trade. The bitter root of the low-growing perennial plant was cooked and usually mixed with berries or meat. The Lemhi Shoshone believed the small red core found in the upper taproot had special powers (notably being able to stop a bear attack).

Explorers Lewis and Clark wrote about the beautiful purplish-pink flower of the bitterroot. The Bitterroot Mountains (which form the divide between Idaho and Montana), the Bitterroot Valley, and the Bitterroot River all owe the origins of their names to this flower.

The state flower of Missouri is the attractive bloom of the flowering Hawthorn. The small tree grows well in Missouri’s climate, lining streets and yards across the state. Hundreds of species of Hawthorn exist. State lawmakers did not single out a specific Hawthorn when naming it as the Missouri state flower, providing residents with no guidance about which plant’s bloom to call their own.

Each spring, Hawthorn trees produce the Missouri state flower. These pretty white blossoms are made up of five petals, bear greenish-yellow stamens, and appear in globe-like clusters over the Hawthorn tree. Their numbers help to attract the pollinators needed to produce its valuable fruit. Hawthorn fruit resembles an apple yet is less than an inch across. It is a favorite source of nutrition for wildlife and can be used to make jams and jellies. Hawthorn fruits are also used in some herbal medicines.

In addition to its fruit, the tree on which the Missouri state flower grows is valued by wildlife for its ability to provide shelter. It grows quite thick and can reach heights of up to 25 feet. Such dense proportions make it an ideal home for numerous birds and mammals.

History

In Celtic lore, the Hawthorn plant was said to heal the broken heart.

Fun Fact

Hawthorn trees generally bear small red fruits, called haws, and have thorny branches – hence their name.

SOURCE: PROFLOWERS.COM

Few plants can be considered as quintessentially Southern as the magnolia. Their big, waxy, glossy leaves juxtaposed with heady, fragrant flowers are familiar sights to Southerners. These are favorite trees for Southern yards because of their perfumed blooms, which are always a draw for gardeners, and their variety of selections. Every gardener has their favorite, and we think there’s a magnolia species for every yard. Plant deciduous magnolias in late fall or winter and evergreen magnolias in early spring for blooming throughout spring and summer months.

If you don’t know which to grow, let us help you pick the right magnolia tree for you. Learn more about these Southern favorites below, with different species, hybrids, and selections that thrive across the varied climates of the South. Then read on for information about planting magnolias, establishing them, and tending them in your yard all year round.

Magnolia Tree Care

You can help your newly planted magnolias establish themselves in your yard by preventing soil compaction around the root zone. Try to keep foot traffic around the base of the tree to a minimum. Also, prune only when necessary. Magnolias seldom have serious pest or disease problems, so that shouldn’t affect your tree care. They’re also rarely browsed by deer or other wild garden visitors.

Magnolias thrive in full sun or partial shade with regular water. Ensure your magnolia receives enough water and that it’s planted in well-drained soil. Few magnolias tolerate soggy soil. Sweet bay (M. virginiana) is an exception and can thrive in wet areas.

Light

Magnolia varieties prefer full sun to light shade. In warmer or dry climates, they appreciate some shade in the afternoon.

Soil

These trees grow best in moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, but a range of pH levels offer suitable growing conditions for them. While they can adapt to sandy, loamy, and clay soils, magnolias do not grow well in soils with poor drainage.

Water

Once established, magnolias can be fairly drought-tolerant. For the first three to six months, young magnolia trees need to be watered two or three times per week. After that, the tree will need to be watered weekly until it is established (usually for the first two years of its life.) Give the tree two to three gallons of water for every inch of trunk diameter every time you water.

Gauge the tree’s water needs based on the temperature and rainfall in your area. For instance, if it rains a lot three times in a week, you won’t need to water the tree that week. Additionally, if it’s really hot outside, you may need to water more frequently. Mulching around the base of the tree, but not near the trunk, will help keep water in. Leaves on the tree will begin to droop if you are overwatering.

SOURCE: SOUTHERNLIVING.COM

From: The Spruce

Lady Slipper orchids come in unusual shapes and color patterns, and some are rare, at risk or endangered. Belonging to the orchid genus Cypripedium, lady slipper orchids are the most primitive type found today. Most are terrestrial, growing in the ground in temperate zones around the globe.

The genus includes lady slipper orchids and moccasin flowers native to the northern hemisphere, characterized by a pouched lip that resembles the toe of a shoe or slipper. Certain states in the U.S. identify several species as endangered or at risk.1 This is due largely to over harvesting and habitat destruction. These rare orchids require very specific growing conditions and are slow to germinate and colonize.

Lady slipper orchids are sympodial, which means they have multiple growing points along a horizontal stem. This orchid genus does not often produce tall plants, although there are exceptions. In native areas, most reach only about 6 to 8 inches high with flower spikes around 15 inches. Different species identify as either warm or cool growing, so care differs slightly depending on your particular orchid. Ask your grower about its native origins, particularly the elevation, of your plant.

This is a low-light orchid that requires shade. Place it in an east-facing or a shaded south-facing window. Fluorescent lighting also works well. Suspend lights 6 to 12 inches above the foliage. Grown outdoors, some varieties of these terrestrial orchids prefer full sun in the morning with afternoon shade. Other varieties prefer only dappled sun throughout the day.

Soil

Most are terrestrial orchids that grow in very specific types of soil. Good choices for potting material include shredded osmunda bark, medium grade fir bark and crushed dried oak leaves. Avoid packing the mix too tightly.

Water

Like other sympodial orchids, lady slipper orchid stems have pseudobulbs for storing water and nutrients, so they can go a while between waterings without suffering. Depending on the growing environment, your orchid may need water twice a week. Avoid chemically treated water or allow it to sit out for several days before using. Potting medium should stay moist but never soggy, though some varieties that grow in boggy conditions may prefer a wetter medium. Others can grow indoors but need very specific temperatures, with a 10-15 degree temp drop at night.

Temperature

Mottled leaf types thrive in daytime temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees F. and nighttime temperatures from 60 to 65 degrees F. Keep green leaf types between 75 and 80 degrees F. during the day and 50 to 60 degrees F. at night. These are recommended temperatures, but many growers are successful growing both types in the same temperature range.

Moderate humidity of 40 to 50 percent is adequate and can be maintained by setting the orchid pot on a tray of gravel partially filled with water. Water should not touch the bottom of the pot. If humidity is low avoid letting moisture sit on the leaves or crown of the plant. When humidity is high, air movement is essential which might require a fan or dehumidifier. For the varieties that prefer boggy conditions, humidity levels may need be higher. Those varieties will also require a temperature drop of 10 to 15 degrees overnight.

Types of Lady Slipper Orchids

Cypripedium acaule (pink lady slipper) produces deep pink flowers 3 inches long from late June into July. This is a fragrant type with a sweet floral scent.

Cypripedium calceolus (yellow lady slipper) sends up a buttery yellow flower in early spring and is found mostly in rich woodlands or along bog edges.

Cypripedium parviflorum pubescens (greater yellow lady slipper) can grow up to 2 feet tall, with flower petals up to 6 inches across.

Cypripedium reginae (showy lady’s slipper) is another large species, 1 to 2 feet tall with pink-streaked, white flowers appearing in late spring/early summer. It grows naturally in wetlands and damp meadows.

Cypripedium candidum (white lady’s slipper) is a small type from 6 to 12 inches tall. Considered endangered it may be available from reputable nurseries.

SOURCE: THESPRUCE.COM

From FACTS.NET:

Apple Blossoms Symbolize Hope and New Beginnings

The delicate white and pink petals of apple blossoms are often associated with new beginnings, making them a popular symbol for hope and renewal.

Apple Blossoms Are Rich in Symbolism

In various cultures, apple blossoms are linked to love, fertility, and abundance, representing the promise of a fruitful harvest and a prosperous future.

Apple Blossoms Attract Pollinators

The sweet fragrance and nectar of apple blossoms attract bees and other pollinators, playing a vital role in the pollination process and the production of apples.

Apple Blossoms Herald the Arrival of Spring

The sight of apple blossoms in bloom signals the end of winter and the arrival of spring, bringing joy and a sense of rejuvenation to orchards and gardens.

Apple Blossoms Are the Precursor to Apples

After the blossoms fade, they give way to small, green apple fruits, signifying the successful pollination and the beginning of fruit development.

Apple Blossoms Have Five Petals

Each apple blossom typically consists of five delicate petals, creating a visually appealing and symmetrical floral display.

Apple Blossoms Are Part of the Rosaceae Family

Apple blossoms belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes a wide range of flowering plants such as roses, cherries, and strawberries.

Apple Blossoms Are Celebrated in Festivals

In many apple-growing regions, the blooming of apple blossoms is commemorated with festivals and events, showcasing the beauty and significance of these delicate flowers.

Apple Blossoms Are Used in Traditional Medicine

In some cultures, apple blossoms are utilized in herbal remedies for their purported medicinal properties, including soothing teas and tinctures.

Apple Blossoms Have Inspired Art and Literature

The enchanting beauty of apple blossoms has inspired numerous artists, poets, and writers, who have depicted their allure in paintings, poems, and prose.

Apple Blossoms Are Featured in Wedding Ceremonies

Apple blossoms are a popular choice for wedding bouquets and decorations, symbolizing love, purity, and the promise of a fruitful union.

Apple Blossoms Are a Source of Honey

The nectar from apple blossoms is gathered by bees to produce a light and flavorful apple blossom honey, prized for its delicate taste and aromatic notes.

Apple Blossoms Are Vulnerable to Frost

Late spring frosts can pose a threat to apple blossoms, potentially impacting the pollination process and leading to reduced fruit yield.

Apple Blossoms Are Cultivated Worldwide

Apple blossoms are admired globally and are cultivated in various climates, from temperate regions to subtropical areas, reflecting their widespread appeal.

Apple Blossoms Are the Focus of Photography

Photographers often capture the ethereal beauty of apple blossoms, showcasing their delicate petals and the mesmerizing sight of orchards in full bloom.

Apple Blossoms Are an Integral Part of Ecosystems

Beyond their aesthetic value, apple blossoms play a crucial role in supporting diverse ecosystems by providing nectar and pollen for a multitude of insect species.

Apple Blossoms Have Varieties with Different Colors

While white and pink are the most common hues, there are apple blossom varieties that exhibit shades of red, creating a captivating display of floral diversity.

Apple Blossoms Inspire Appreciation for Nature

The enchanting presence of apple blossoms serves as a reminder of the natural world’s beauty, fostering appreciation for the interconnectedness of plants, pollinators, and the environment.

Apple blossoms, with their captivating beauty and rich symbolism, continue to captivate the imagination and inspire a sense of wonder, marking the beginning of the apple tree’s annual cycle and symbolizing the promise of a bountiful harvest.

SOURCE: FACTS.NET

According to plant folklore, the mayflower plant was the first spring-blooming plant the pilgrims saw after their first arduous winter in the new country. Historians believe that the mayflower plant, also known as trailing arbutus or mayflower trailing arbutus, is an ancient plant that has existed since the last glacier period.

Mayflower Plant Info

Mayflower plant (Epigaea repens) is a trailing plant with fuzzy stems and clusters of sweet-smelling pink or white blooms. This unusual wildflower grows from a specific type of fungus that nourishes the roots. The seeds of the plant are dispersed by ants, but the plant rarely produces fruit and trailing arbutus wildflowers are nearly impossible to transplant. Due to the plant’s particular growing requirements and destruction of its habitat, mayflower trailing arbutus wildflowers have become very rare. If you are lucky enough to see a mayflower plant growing in the wild, do not attempt to remove it. The species is protected by law in many states, and removal is prohibited. Once trailing arbutus disappears from an area, it will probably never return.

How to Grow Trailing Arbutus

Fortunately for gardeners, this beautiful perennial wildflower is propagated by many garden centers and nurseries—especially those that specialize in native plants. Mayflower trailing arbutus requires moist soil and partial or full shade. Like most woodland plants growing under tall conifers and deciduous trees, Mayflower plant performs well in acidic soil. Mayflower arbutus grows where many plants fail to thrive. Keep in mind that although the plant tolerates cold climates as low as USDA zone 3, it won’t tolerate warm, humid weather in USDA zone 8 or above. The plant should be planted so the top of the root ball is about one inch below the surface of the soil. Water deeply after planting, then mulch the plant lightly with organic mulch such as pine needles or bark chips.

Trailing Arbutus Plant Care

Once mayflower plant is established in a suitable location, it requires virtually no attention. Keep the soil lightly moist, but not soggy, until the plant is rooted, and you see healthy new growth. Continue to keep the plant lightly mulched to keep the roots cool and moist.

SOURCE: GARDENINGKNOWHOW.COM

Dependable and easy-care black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) have become a garden staple. Daisy-like rays of bright yellow petals and dark center disks rise over broad ovate green leaves with a rough texture. This wildflower is native to the central United States and can be seen growing in natural areas and along roadsides in the Midwest.

Black-eyed Susan produces an abundance of nectar and pollen and draws the attention of bumblebees, butterflies, and moths. The plant’s ability to self-seed makes it a great choice for abundant wildflower gardens. Most black-eyed Susans are perennials and can be planted after the last frost in spring. It will flower in its first summer although it can take two to three years to reach full height.

Black-eyed Susan Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing black-eyed Susan:

Plant in full sun in a well-draining soil.

Water well during the first season. After they are established, black-eyed Susan will become drought-resistant.

Prefers warmer temperatures.

Does not require a lot of fertilizer.

Light

You will get the best flowering from your black-eyed Susans in full sun, but they can handle partial shade.

Soil

Black-eyed Susans are not particular about soil. They do best in soil that is not too rich and is well-drained, with a pH around 6.8.

Water

Keep the plants well-watered during their first season to get them established—an inch per week through rainfall or irrigation is sufficient. Once established, they will be drought-resistant.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tough summer performer, this plant likes warmer temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and more. It handles both drought and humidity well, but it does need good air circulation to avoid powdery mildew.

Fertilizer

Go easy on the fertilizer. Black-eyed Susans grow even in poor, infertile soil. A side dressing of compost should be all they will need.

Pruning

Black-eyed Susans are easy to establish, they naturalize well and require little maintenance other than deadheading. Regular deadheading of the faded flowers keeps the plants in bloom longer. You can let the last flowers of the season remain on the plants to form seed heads that will feed the birds through the winter. You will also get a good deal of self-seeding, which might not be a bad thing.

Black-eyed Susans make great cut flowers. The seed heads hold up well, too, and look attractive in arrangements. Fast-growing black-eyed Susan is easily the most commonly known Rudbeckia, with its daisy-like flowers with large seed heads. It also has scratchy, hairy leaves that are characteristic of its genus (this may not be one of its best features, but it does help keep pests away).

SOURCE: THESPRUCE.COM

Maine designated the white pine cone and tassel, (Pinus strobus, linnaeus,) as its state flower. For the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, States were asked to choose floral emblems. Three candidates were chosen. Two, the goldenrod and apple blossom, were genuine flowers. The third was the pine cone and tassel. The pine cone won 10,000 of 17,000 votes. The white pine cone and tassel was adopted as Maine’s state flower on February 1, 1895.

Botanically, these are not considered flowers since gymnosperms do not have true flowers. The reproductive structures of pines are known as strobili. You could accurately state the Maine is the only state to have an official state strobilae.

The White pine is considered to be the largest conifer in the northeastern United States. Leaves (needles) are soft, flexible and bluish-green to silver green in color and are regularly arranged in bundles of five. Needles are 2 1/2-5 inches long and are usually shed at the end of the second growing season. Flowers (strobili) occur on the tree. Cones are 4-8 inches in length, usually slightly curved. They take 2 years to mature and open to discharge the seed shortly after ripening in late August through September of the second season. Cone scales are thin and never have prickles. Each scale usually bears two winged seeds as do all native pines. Cones also have a fragrant gummy resin.

Native American Significance

The Native American significance of Maine’s state flower, the White Pine Cone and Tassel, is deeply rooted in the region’s history. Native American tribes, including the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy, revered this tree for its multiple uses. It was a symbol of strength and endurance, much like the white pine itself, which can withstand harsh weather conditions. 
 
Native Americans used various parts of the White Pine in their daily lives. The long needles served as bedding, while the inner bark had medicinal properties. Additionally, the White Pine held cultural significance in ceremonies and rituals, making it an integral part of Native American traditions in Maine for generations.

European Settlement Influence

The European settlement had a profound impact on the choice of Maine’s state flower. When European settlers arrived in the region, they were struck by the natural beauty of the White Pine Cone and Tassel. Its graceful appearance and cultural significance quickly made it a symbol of the area’s allure.

Over time, as Maine became more integrated with European traditions, the White Pine Cone and Tassel gained further recognition. This European influence played a pivotal role in solidifying the flower’s status as the state emblem. Today, it stands not only as a representation of Maine’s natural heritage but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of European settlement in the region.

From almanac.com:

Magnolias aren’t just for southern gardeners. The genus Magnolia is varied and encompasses hundreds of plant species, with many more cultivars developed. Today, magnolias are available in all sizes, from small shrubbery to large shade trees, deciduous or evergreen. Some are cold, hardy, and frigid, as in zone 4.

Magnolias are believed to be among the oldest flowering plants, at about 100 million years old. They have been blooming in spring and summer since dinosaurs roamed the earth.

The giant of the family, southern magnolias (M. grandiflora), are evergreen trees with large, leathery leaves found throughout the American South and grow to gigantic proportions, often reaching 60 to 80 feet tall. Leaves can be epically sized as well, and on larger trees, can be a foot long. The blooms are dinner-plate-sized, and the fragrance is fantastic.

Magnolias come in so many sizes that they can be used for every landscape situation, from huge shade trees to flowering specimens, privacy hedges and borders, screening plantings, and even in beds and containers. When shopping, choose magnolias based on flowering time, hardiness zone, color, and mature size.

When to Plant Magnolias

Magnolias can be planted in spring or fall. If planting in autumn, get the tree in the ground 4-6 weeks before the first frost to allow time to grow new roots. Bare root stock received in spring should be planted as soon as received.

Where to Plant Magnolias

While specific cultivar needs may vary, most members of the Magnolia genus prefer full sun to light shade and, in hotter climates, need protection from the intense afternoon sun. Their branches can be brittle, so pick a site protected from the wind. 

Magnolias grow large, thick, shallow root systems and should be kept away from building foundations or sidewalks. Check the tag and visualize the mature size of the tree or shrub. Some magnolias are enormous, while others are small enough to grow in containers. 

When planting, select a site with the following:

Full to partial sun. Choose a site with morning and midday sun but afternoon shade in hotter climates. 

Moist but well-drained sites are best. Very dry or wet sites are not suitable. 

Acidic soil, pH 5.5-6.5, is best. 

Types of Magnolias

Little Gem’ (M. grandiflora) is a good choice for small yards. It reaches 15 feet in height and flowers within a few years.

Centennial’ (M. stellata) is a star magnolia with slightly pink 5-inch flowers. A vigorous and cold hardy cultivar.

San Jose’ (M. x soulangeana) is a saucer magnolia with deep magenta flowers. Fragrant and vigorous, it makes an excellent container plant.

SOURCE: ALMANAC.COM