The water oak (Quercus Nigra) is an oak native to most parts of south and eastern USA. The tree usually is found growing in low flat lands and is often up to an altitude of 1500 feet.
The Water oak is a medium sized tree that grows to about 80-100 feet when fully mature. It also had a large trunk with a diameter of 3-4 feet. The young trees have a smooth bark which does become dark grey and scaly as it matures. The leaves are alternate, deciduous and fall off during autumn.
The water oak has spatula shaped leaves which are quite broad at the top and wedged shaped at the base. The water oak is easily identified by its leaves which have a lobe that appears as if a drop of water is hanging from edge of the leaf.
Usually the top surface of the leaf is bluish green and the lower surface is duller. The tree has a globular shape at the top when fully mature.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Virginia Pine part 2
Overall the Virginia pine is a trouble free plant but occasionally does get affected by pests. The chief reason why landscapers like the Virginia pine is that it requires low maintenance, and it grows where no other tree can thrive. It is often used as a cover for infertile land, large arid landscapes, abandoned fields and infertile ranch land. Frequently, the Virginia pine is also referred to as the poverty pine.
The tree does provide food for the white tail deer and also offers ground cover for small mammals like rabbits and squirrels. Because of its soft wood, the Virginia pine is a favorite home for woodpeckers.
The Virginia pine also grows with many species of fungi which has a symbiotic relationship with each other. The fungi absorb nutrients from the tree and pass it on to the inner leaves.
The Virginia pine is easily recognized by its short needles which range from dark to yellowish green. The needles are twisted and are quite stiff. The flowers of the Virginia pine appear in early spring followed by cones; these cones have sharp prickles like many other pines. As the Virginia pine tree matures, the bark does become scaly and reddish brown
The tree does provide food for the white tail deer and also offers ground cover for small mammals like rabbits and squirrels. Because of its soft wood, the Virginia pine is a favorite home for woodpeckers.
The Virginia pine also grows with many species of fungi which has a symbiotic relationship with each other. The fungi absorb nutrients from the tree and pass it on to the inner leaves.
The Virginia pine is easily recognized by its short needles which range from dark to yellowish green. The needles are twisted and are quite stiff. The flowers of the Virginia pine appear in early spring followed by cones; these cones have sharp prickles like many other pines. As the Virginia pine tree matures, the bark does become scaly and reddish brown
Virginia Pine part 1
Virginia Pine is an evergreen conifer seen in many parts of eastern and central parts of North America. It is found growing in the wild all the way from the Appalachian Mountains to SE Ohio and on to Maine. The Virginia pine grows well on sandy soil, rocky surfaces and along open country fields. Sometimes the Virginia pine grows in inhospitable environments thus giving it the name scrub pine. When the Virginia pine grows on such unreceptive terrain, its growth is usually stunted and the shrub appears more like a weed.
When the Virginia pine matures, its wood is often used for lumber or firewood. However, during fall the tree is also used as Christmas tree decoration because the tree can be easily pruned into a nice pyramidal shape. In some parts of the country, the Virginia pine forms a pleasant scenic background of tangled branches and fine consistency of the leaves.
The Virginia pine is a shallow tree reaching heights of 30-40 feet when fully mature. It also tends to grow wide at the base when it grows out in the open. It has an irregular pyramidal shape when young but quickly becomes distorted and globular. Being a member of the pine family, the Virginia pine is also related to the larches, firs, spruces and hemlocks.
Virginia Pine generally grows in soil where no other evergreen or pine will grow. It does require well drained soil which is slightly acidic. It prefers sandy loams or heavy clay soil to thrive. Unlike other shrubs, it tends to thrive when neglected and easily invades the nearby alleys, road side and rural lanes.
It is best suited to zones 4-8
When the Virginia pine matures, its wood is often used for lumber or firewood. However, during fall the tree is also used as Christmas tree decoration because the tree can be easily pruned into a nice pyramidal shape. In some parts of the country, the Virginia pine forms a pleasant scenic background of tangled branches and fine consistency of the leaves.
The Virginia pine is a shallow tree reaching heights of 30-40 feet when fully mature. It also tends to grow wide at the base when it grows out in the open. It has an irregular pyramidal shape when young but quickly becomes distorted and globular. Being a member of the pine family, the Virginia pine is also related to the larches, firs, spruces and hemlocks.
Virginia Pine generally grows in soil where no other evergreen or pine will grow. It does require well drained soil which is slightly acidic. It prefers sandy loams or heavy clay soil to thrive. Unlike other shrubs, it tends to thrive when neglected and easily invades the nearby alleys, road side and rural lanes.
It is best suited to zones 4-8
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Hibiscus Shrub Part 2
Hibiscus can be planted any time but most people buy them when they have already flowered. If planted during summer, they do need to be watered regularly until mature.
Since the hibiscus has a short flowering season, they should be located towards the back edge with smaller plants such as perennials and bulbs in front. Once the hibiscus plant gets growing and matures, it needs little care. Experts do recommend a little mulch or compost in early spring.
Sometimes the hibiscus shrub does act dead, but this is just dormancy. The hibiscus comes alive in late spring or early summer. The first leaves are usually pale white-yellowish but soon start to darken.
When pruning is done well, the shrub does produce an aggregate of pretty flowers. The great thing about hibiscus is that all flowers come at the same time. Hibiscus also look great when they are planted in discrete locations rather everywhere. Experts recommend that during spring the plant should be trimmed to a single rigid stem and all dead side branches should be cut.
Letting the shoots develop in future will develop into a nice thick head. If pruning is done each spring, one can produce more flowers each year.
In general, hibiscus plants and flowers are resistant to pests and disease.
For more on the hibiscus, please visit www.tnnursery.net
Since the hibiscus has a short flowering season, they should be located towards the back edge with smaller plants such as perennials and bulbs in front. Once the hibiscus plant gets growing and matures, it needs little care. Experts do recommend a little mulch or compost in early spring.
Sometimes the hibiscus shrub does act dead, but this is just dormancy. The hibiscus comes alive in late spring or early summer. The first leaves are usually pale white-yellowish but soon start to darken.
When pruning is done well, the shrub does produce an aggregate of pretty flowers. The great thing about hibiscus is that all flowers come at the same time. Hibiscus also look great when they are planted in discrete locations rather everywhere. Experts recommend that during spring the plant should be trimmed to a single rigid stem and all dead side branches should be cut.
Letting the shoots develop in future will develop into a nice thick head. If pruning is done each spring, one can produce more flowers each year.
In general, hibiscus plants and flowers are resistant to pests and disease.
For more on the hibiscus, please visit www.tnnursery.net
Hibiscus Shrub Part 1
One of the all time favorites for gardeners is the hibiscus. This deciduous flowering plant is commonly found in Asia. However, the eastern Asian variety tends to grow laterally whereas the western species tends to grow more erect and has larger flowers. Over the years, many hybrids of the hibiscus plant have been created. The hibiscus blooms in early summer but bears no fruit.
One of the reasons why hibiscus is preferred by landscapers is that it has a fast growth rate. The plant does require a lot of sun to thrive. In partial shade the flowers do not tend to be as big. The hibiscus thrives best in zones 5-8 and at maturity varies in height from 5-8 feet.
The soil must be rich, well drained and moist. The hibiscus is best used as a screen or hedge. Since the shrub does tend to grow laterally, individual plants should be spaced at least 6-8 feet apart.
Depending on the cultivar one buys, the flower may vary in color. Hibiscus flowers range in color from milky white, lilac, pink, lavender, brilliant white or rich purple. The hybrids usually better able to stand up to rain and the petals do not always get damaged from sleet or ice.
One of the reasons why hibiscus is preferred by landscapers is that it has a fast growth rate. The plant does require a lot of sun to thrive. In partial shade the flowers do not tend to be as big. The hibiscus thrives best in zones 5-8 and at maturity varies in height from 5-8 feet.
The soil must be rich, well drained and moist. The hibiscus is best used as a screen or hedge. Since the shrub does tend to grow laterally, individual plants should be spaced at least 6-8 feet apart.
Depending on the cultivar one buys, the flower may vary in color. Hibiscus flowers range in color from milky white, lilac, pink, lavender, brilliant white or rich purple. The hybrids usually better able to stand up to rain and the petals do not always get damaged from sleet or ice.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The mint flavored shrub- Wintergreen Part 2
Wintergreen shrubs are more commonly known because of their medical benefits. People who consume the berries of the wintergreen plant claim that the extracts can relieve joint pain, headache, fever, sore throat and various muscle pains. Wintergreen extracts are also widely used to flavor confectionary, candies, chewing gum and chocolates. It is also used to impart the minty odor to chewing and dipping tobacco; and dental products like tooth paste and mouth wash.
Besides humans, the berries are eaten by animals and birds and leave a nice residual minty flavor.
The Wintergreen shrub also contains a chemical substance which is very similar to aspirin. It is believed that this chemical is the reason why wintergreen can help relieve fever and body aches.
The wintergreen is relatively easy to grow when the soil is well drained and there is ample sunlight. The plant does require a lot of water during the early period of growth because of its heavy rooted system.
The mature plant does need some pruning to maintain its shape. Because the plant offers an immediate impact on landscape, it is a good choice for many home owners.
For more on the wintergreen shrub, please visit www.tnnursery.net
Besides humans, the berries are eaten by animals and birds and leave a nice residual minty flavor.
The Wintergreen shrub also contains a chemical substance which is very similar to aspirin. It is believed that this chemical is the reason why wintergreen can help relieve fever and body aches.
The wintergreen is relatively easy to grow when the soil is well drained and there is ample sunlight. The plant does require a lot of water during the early period of growth because of its heavy rooted system.
The mature plant does need some pruning to maintain its shape. Because the plant offers an immediate impact on landscape, it is a good choice for many home owners.
For more on the wintergreen shrub, please visit www.tnnursery.net
The mint flavored shrub- Wintergreen Part 1
Wintergreen is a group of plants closely related to the genus Gaultheria. Wintergreen is an evergreen shrub because of the year around green foliage. The Wintergreen plant is also known as Canada Tea, Checkerberry, Chink, Mountain Tea, Hill berry, Spiceberry, Teaberry, Redberry tea, Ground berry, Box berry, Grouse berry, Ivory plum, and Red pollom. Wintergreen leaves are usually collected throughout year to be used for health purposes.
The wintergreen is found in temperate climates and in the wild can be seen growing from northern eastern Canada, west to the prairies and south to Georgia and Florida. In the wild, wintergreen can be seen growing along hedges or borders of small alleys and lanes.
The wintergreen is preferred by landscapers because it remains dark green throughout winter and produces bright red berries.
The Wintergreen plant is an evergreen, shallow creeping shrub that releases and aromatic minty smell. The shrub grows to a height of 4-8 inches. The leaves are dark green and glossy; and the blooms are small white bell shaped flower.
The wintergreen is most well known for its bright red edible cherries. While the berries are used for medical purposes, the leaves are also used to extract a variety of aromatic oils
The wintergreen is found in temperate climates and in the wild can be seen growing from northern eastern Canada, west to the prairies and south to Georgia and Florida. In the wild, wintergreen can be seen growing along hedges or borders of small alleys and lanes.
The wintergreen is preferred by landscapers because it remains dark green throughout winter and produces bright red berries.
The Wintergreen plant is an evergreen, shallow creeping shrub that releases and aromatic minty smell. The shrub grows to a height of 4-8 inches. The leaves are dark green and glossy; and the blooms are small white bell shaped flower.
The wintergreen is most well known for its bright red edible cherries. While the berries are used for medical purposes, the leaves are also used to extract a variety of aromatic oils
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