When you consider the common field crops in Illinois, it is no doubt that corn (Zea mays) has heavily influenced on agriculture. However, broomcorn (Sorghum bicolor) is a lesser-known member of the grass family (Poaceae) with an agricultural history of its own in our state. Its...
This time of year, many folks have questions while searching for the perfect Christmas tree. In recent years, I have written several blog posts on this topic, covering various aspects of Christmas tree care, identification, selection, and sustainability. Take a look at our collection of past blogs...
Nearly every deciduous plant in the Illinois landscape has lost it leaves for the year, except for one standout.
The non-native, invasive shrubs collectively referred to as bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) have not quite lost them yet, which makes it noticeable this time of year. Its...
As fall progresses and most plants lose their leaves or retreat to their winter dormancy, portions of the landscape can appear bare and boring for winter. Evergreens and woody plants are commonly considered the best specimens for winter interested, providing structure throughout the seasons to...
There are many oddities of the plant world that are hard to pass up without some questions. Based on the perspective of the beholder, some of these strange phenomena may lead to either wonder or concern.
One plant that has fueled both questions of marvel and worry is the popular evergreen, the...
The beauty of fall is upon us with splashes of exorbitant color all around the landscape. In the past week, red maples (Acer rubrum) have nearly reached their peak color for the season, displaying fire-red leaves that scream for attention. The brilliant yellows of shagbark (Carya...
One of my favorite plants of the late summer is the tall and tasseled titan, Joe-Pye Weed. This common name refers to several native species which often require an additional descriptive word to identify individuals, although many of us drop the descriptor and simply say “Joe-Pye Weed”.
To...
Throughout the fall season, garden centers are filled with a beautiful selection of mums (short for chrysanthemums). In the garden, mums provide a both a spectacular fall display and a late season nectar source for pollinating insects.
It is a wonderful time to plant these attractive, fall-...
This past week was the fall equinox which marks the beginning of the fall season. With the cooler weather in recent days, it has really started to feel like the time of changing leaves and brilliant autumn colors. While most of us are thinking of tree color this time of year, there are some...
Earlier this summer the monarch butterfly was in the news as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) designated the migratory species as “Endangered” on its Red List of Threatened Species. This announcement sparked some misunderstanding as many confused the IUCN Red List with the...
