An emblem of spring, magnolias are celebrated for their beautiful white and pink flowers that bloom early in the season. While common in home landscapes, half of all magnolia species are threatened with extinction in the wild. They are found around the globe, and are mainly threatened by logging activity as well as habitat loss…
Category: Missouri
Orchids Native to Missouri
When most people imagine where orchids grow, they see a misty, tropical rainforest. What they may not realize is that orchids are found on every continent, except Antarctica, and live in habitats including grasslands, bogs, deserts and many more. Even in Missouri, with a careful eye and a bit of luck, anyone can find orchids…
Plant Profile: Phalaenopsis Orchids
Commonly called moth orchids, Phalaenopsis are popular house plants that will flower repeatedly once per year with the flowers lasting for four months or more with proper care. Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the longest blooming orchid genera. Where do they come from? Phalaenopsis are a class of around 45 species of mainly epiphytic orchids—orchids…
Botanical Resonance: Saving the Ozark Chinquapin and Its Musical Traditions
The once-beloved Ozark chinquapin tree was almost forgotten after Chinese chestnut blight nearly wiped it out entirely. Now, there is renewed hope for this Ozark tree and the regional traditions it inspired.
Plant Profile: Persimmon
The American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a Missouri-native tree known for its edible fruit and cultural connections.
Wrapping Up a Hard Year for Home Gardening
It was a tough year for gardeners across the region. Here’s how to put your garden to bed for the season If you’re ready for a fresh start next spring.
Native Plants Monarchs Love
In July 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature officially designated the monarch butterfly as an endangered species. The IUCN Red List, of which the Garden is a contributing partner, is considered the world’s leading authority on conservation status of species. The designation is a big step for monarch conservation, but also left many…
Heat-tolerant Plants
As St. Louis and much of the surrounding area experience another round of triple-digit temperatures, the plants around us are feeling it too. Hot, sunny weather will dry out soils quickly. With less water available for the roots to absorb, leaves and stems may start to wilt and flag. An occasional deep, slow watering should…
Plant Profile: St. John’s Wort
As interest grows in native plants, some gardeners may be wondering what kinds of options are available to add to their own backyards. From our experts at the William T. Kemper Home Gardening Center comes a suggestion for a native, flowering shrub with an eye-catching bark: Hypericum prolificum, or St. John’s wort. The unique, layered bark…
American Roses
In 1986, the rose became America’s national flower, succeeding where more than 70 bills had previously failed. The rose’s top competitor was the marigold, a cause that had been championed for years by the late Illinois Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen who noted it was native to America and thrived in all 50 states. An aide…
Winter is for Witch Hazel
Winter can be a bleak time for your landscape, with leafless trees and few flowers in sight. To add a pop of color to a dreary winter yard, consider a Missouri native: witch hazel. About the plant: Hamamelis vernalis is commonly called Ozark witch hazel or vernal witch hazel. Its specific epithet vernalis means “spring…