Plants – Page 4 – Syndication Server

Fascinating facts about spring’s most beautiful flower, the cherry blossom

Explore this springtime delight.

Bright, blossoming flowers signal spring’s arrival. After the cold of winter and before allergy season, spring lifts the world’s spirits with beautiful buds. While many wildflowers display brilliant colors, one bloom enraptures crowds more than any other. This popular flower is, of course, the cherry blossom.

Cherry blossom trees, also known as sakura or Japanese cherry trees, are known for their stunning and ephemeral cherry blossom flowers. There are several kinds of cherry blossom tree. Most species feature the signature cherry blossom flower in colors that range from white to pink. Learn more about these wonders of nature with this fascinating collection of cherry blossom facts.

What makes cherry blossom trees special?

The tree’s cherry blossom flower blooms for a short period and usually only lasts for one or two weeks. This fleeting nature lends the blossoms an allure that captivates audiences worldwide.

In the United States, cherry blossom trees arrived after U.S. Department of Agriculture official Dr. David Fairchild imported 100 of the trees from Japan’s Yokohama Nursery Company. Cherry blossom trees are native plants in many parts of Asia, though today Japan is often the country most associated with them.

Cherry blossom parades and celebrations

See how much people adore these fabulous flowers at a cherry blossom parade or celebration. U.S. residents can travel down South to explore Macon, Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival. The town is home to 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees. Washington D.C.’s famous cherry blossom trees are also a great sightseeing opportunity. Visit the city for its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, and make sure to spend time watching the flower parade.

Outside the U.S., you can attend charming cherry blossom festivals in places like Japan, South Korea, and even Denmark. In Japan’s Hyogo prefecture, the dazzling Himeji Castle welcomes guests for its annual Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival. South Korea’s Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is also a beautiful place to observe these seasonal flowers. If you’re in Europe come springtime, you can celebrate cherry blossoms at Denmark’s Copenhagen Sakura Festival.

Are cherry blossoms edible?

Yes! Cherry blossom petals are edible and can be made into delicious treats. Often used in sweet dishes, the petals can flavor ice cream, cookies, candy, mochi, and syrups. Homemade cherry blossom syrup is a delicious way to make flavored sodas and cocktails. Don’t have much of a sweet tooth? Try pickled cherry blossoms or cherry blossom tea.

See spring wildflowers at these 16 gorgeous places in the US

Spring has sprung!

After bleak months of leafless trees, many people thrill at those bright, familiar friends — flowers! In your backyard or at a botanical garden, flowers are a beautiful sign of spring. But even more thrilling are nature’s wildflowers. You might gasp at an unexpected display of roadside bluebonnets when you come around a bend in the highway. Or maybe you’re a wildflower tourist, with blooms guiding you to your next destination. For all of you nature lovers, here are some of the most glorious places in the United States to enjoy wildflowers. Plan your springtime trip now, as flowers wait for no one.

Perennial primrose plants that will keep your garden bright and beautiful

Add some color to your life.

It can’t always be blooming season, but these perennial primrose plants will ensure that your garden always has beautiful flowers ready for spring.

What is a perennial? A perennial is a plant that lives for over two years and regrows instead of dying off in the winter. These hardy species save home gardeners time on replanting seeds every season.

Many primrose species are perennials, making them the perfect flowering plant to add color to your yard. Care for them well, and you can expect bright blooms come springtime. If you want to incorporate primrose plants into your garden, explore the six species below.

I explored Ecuador’s Cloud Forest. Here are 7 incredible things to do there.

Adventure awaits you in the Cloud Forest.

Why do people endure an increasingly bumpy three-hour ride from Quito, Ecuador, to visit an ecolodge out in the boonies? Because the stunning Mashpi Lodge sits in the middle of the glorious wet and wild cloud forest. Guests come to explore the 6,177-acre private reserve, which features a staggering amount of plants and wildlife, from over 400 bird species to six kinds of wild cats.

It all starts with the boot station. When you arrive at Mashpi, you’ll be issued a pair of rubber waders and a long, hooded rain jacket. Now you’ll fit in and be ready for the forest activities.

A wooden shed area with a row of boots. — Rubber boots, the foundation of all activities at Mashpi. / *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

What is ashwagandha? Here’s what you need to know about this plant.

Get the facts on this curious sprout.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as winter cherry, is a plant that grows in India, parts of Africa, and the Middle East. Most people familiar with this plant know about its uses in Ayurveda, a natural medicine approach that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. According to Forbes, this shrub is also gaining popularity in the United States. But why? What exactly is ashwagandha, and what is it good for?

If you stumbled across this article while searching for information about ashwagandha supplements, you probably want to know if and how this plant can benefit your health. While often used as a complementary or alternative treatment for stress, insomnia, and anxiety, ashwagandha needs further study to prove its efficacy. Not all natural products are helpful or safe to consume. Consult a physician and research potential side effects before taking this or any new supplement.

A close-up of the Ashwagandha plant's small green flower surrounded by leaves. — *Photo © Dinesh Valke*

Outside of medicinal use, ashwagandha is simply an evergreen shrub. Foragers can identify the plant by its dull green leaves, small green flowers, and orange-red fruit. Its roots also have a strong horse-like smell. Despite mainly growing in Asia and Africa, the plant can be cultivated in any region with well-draining soil, warm temperatures, and plenty of sunlight. Propagate ashwagandha from seeds, and watch out for pests like spider mites.

A green branch of the Ashwagandha plant. — *Photo © Dinesh Valke*

Ashwagandha’s off-putting odor and bitter taste don’t make it a popular culinary ingredient, though some cooks have found ways to incorporate the shrub. Some recipes that use ashwagandha include tea drinks, smoothies, nut butters, and porridge.

23 of the best places to see cherry blossom trees bloom in the US

Start your spring season with cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossoms mean that winter is ending — or at least the end is in sight. These beautiful pink flowers are closely tied to Japan and have many meanings and stories in Japanese lore. Cherry blossoms symbolize birth and impermanence, for they don’t last long. There’s even a Japanese word for enjoying the transient beauty of flowers: hanami. Cherry blossoms are also symbolically linked with the short, daring lives of samurai.

Fortunately for Americans, these lovely trees thrive in most parts of the United States. Chances are you’re not far from a spectacular cherry blossom display in late winter or early spring. Here are some top picks for places to see cherry blossom trees in full bloom around the country.

How to identify poison ivy, explained in 7 photos

Know the signs, and avoid a rash.

Many lifelong nature enthusiasts are familiar with this story. It’s a bright, warm day, perfect for basking in the sun and hiking through the woods. You spend hours in the forest, exploring the verdant plant life and listening to the sounds of local birds, frogs, and bugs. The experience seems idyllic — until you return home and develop an itchy red rash. What could have caused this? In the United States, poison ivy is one of the most common culprits responsible for such conditions. One bad rash will have most people on high alert to avoid ever encountering poison ivy again. Learn how to identify poison ivy with these seven photos that explain the troublesome plant’s telltale features.

Diversify your garden with these 7 (non-deadly) nightshade plants

Not all nightshades are deadly.

Belladonna, aka deadly nightshade, has given nightshade plants a bad name. While many nightshade species are dangerous for humans to consume, plenty of these sprouts make safe additions to a garden. After all, you’re not afraid of the tomatoes growing in your backyard, are you? Scientifically classified under the Solanaceae family, nightshade plants include vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, eggplants, bell peppers, and groundcherries. Delicious produce like this is common in many home gardens and shows that not all nightshade plants should be feared. Learn more about this often maligned group of flora and find new plants for your garden in the gallery of nightshades below.

Lovely heart-shaped houseplants to brighten up your space

Plants help make a house a home.

Plants liven up your home and add whimsy to your day. If you’re looking for a new leafy green buddy to fill out your garden, there are numerous options to explore.

Pothos plants and certain cacti are popular choices for beginners. Succulents also make excellent houseplants. Experienced green thumbs can try tending a String of Pearls succulent or attempt to keep an orchid alive. No matter your skill level, there’s a houseplant to suit you. In fact, you can even build a themed indoor garden. For a plant collection that complements romantic types, check out these six heart-shaped houseplants. With these charming sprouts, every day will be filled with love.

Cool types of cactus plants to elevate your home garden

Pretty fly for a cacti.

Over the past decade, cacti and succulents have exploded in popularity. If you love gardening, you’ve probably seen a few Pinterest boards and Instagram posts dedicated to aesthetically-pleasing cacti. People love these low-maintenance plants. Plus, with so many different species available, you can always find a new cactus to liven up your garden. However, as is often the case, a wealth of choices can complicate decision-making. Simplify your plant wish list by checking out these cool types of cactus plants that will elevate your home garden. These unique cacti and succulents have fascinating features that are sure to catch your attention. Happy gardening!