Cirsium vulgare (Bull Thistle, Spear Thistle)

Despite the beautiful light purple flowers, Bull Thistle grows a little too well for most gardeners’ liking. These are frequently considered weeds for their strong
taproots, extremely tolerant qualities, spiny/spiky foliage, and fast growth rates.

Cirsium vulgare (Bull Thistle, Spear Thistle)
Deciduous: yes
Hardiness Zones: 2-9 presumably (occurs in all 50 states in the U.S.A.)
Height: The taproot may extended 70 centimeters (28 inches) into the soil. During the second year of life, these may grow up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall.
Diameter: During the first year, Bull Thistle forms a basal rosette to 1 meter (3 feet) in diameter.
Growth Rate: fast
Age: biennial
Root System: taproot, strong
Family: Asteraceae
Subspecies: none

Tolerates: essentially any type of soil, drought
Problems (major): invasive
Problems (minor): sharp spines
Poisonous: no known toxins

Soil requirements: survives in all soil types; light/sandy, medium/loamy, heavy/clay, acidic, neutral, alkaline
Air requirements: not sufficiently researched
Watering requirement: prefers moist soils
Sun requirement: requires full sun, rarely part shade

Leaf shape: lanceolate to oblong, divergent lobes, spiny, pinnately lobed or pinnatifid (having leaflets or resembling a feather in some manner), “winged” or sessile (attached at the base of the stem without much obvious support) petioles
Leaf size: up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) long by 15 centimeters (6 inches) wide
Flower structure: The inflorescence is a corymb (a convex cluster of flowers) with up to 300 individual flowers (which may turn into small, wind-dispersed seeds known as “achenes”) at maturity. An vase-shaped “involucre” (a collection of bracts holding up the corymb inflorescence) holds up the purple flowers.
Flowering frequency: flowers in its second year of life from June until September
Bulb/tuber: neither, taproot
Monocot/Dicot: dicot
Annual/Biennial/Perennial: biennial

Notable characteristics:
The large purple corymbs are self-fertile and perfect (have both male and female sexual organs, making these plants monoecious). They’re extremely good at
staying alive, even when people don’t want them to be.

Uses:
Many herbivores, insects, and some birds use these thistle as food, either by eating the spiny foliage or consuming the nectar. Some small birds, insects, and
mammals use these for shelter or protection.

Sources used:

• http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=civu
• http://www.usu.edu/weeds/plant_species/weedspecies/bullthis.html
• http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200023702
• http://www.missouriplants.com/Pinkalt/Cirsium_vulgare_page.html
• http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/bull_thistle.htm
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Cirsium+vulgare
• http://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=3393

A light purple corymb

A developing corymb and involucre

A flower at the beginning of development alongside foliage

All of the images provided were taken by me. They may be used for educational/informational purposes only, provided that this article/online journal is
appropriately cited first.

Platanus occidentalis (American Sycamore, Buttonball Tree)

Easily recognized because of their large leaves and mottle, brown-cream bark, American Syacmores are fast-growing deciduous trees frequently growing to 30 meters (100 feet) tall.

Platanus occidentalis (American Sycamore, Buttonball Tree)
Deciduous: yes
Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Height: 22-30 meters (75-100 feet) (up to 46 meters (150 feet)) tall
Diameter: 22-30 meters (75-100) foot wide canopy, up to a 5 meter (16 foot) trunk
Growth Rate: fast (up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall 1 year after germination)
Age: possibly over 250 years old
Root System: strong, spreading
Family: Platanaceae
Subspecies: none

Tolerates: herbivores (deer), urban pollution (poor air quality), light shade
Problems (major): sycamore anthracnose
Problems (minor): canker, leaf spot, powdery mildew, borers, scale, Japaese beetles, caterpillars, mites, litter in autumn
Poisonous: The foliage is believed to cause hay ever in warm climates.

Soil requirements: prefers nutrient-rich, humusy, moist, well-drained soils
Air requirements: tolerates urban air pollution
Watering requirement: moderate to high (moist to wet)
Sun requirement: full sun

Needles: none
Cones (male): none
Cones (female): none
Leaves: 3 or 5 lobed, 10-25 centimeters (4-10 inches) long, alternate, toothed
Flowers: bloom in April, male flowers yellow, female flowers red
Fruits: Spherical, light brown clusters persist into deep winter. The individual fruits (know nas “achenes”) have the seed attached to a lightweight, fuzzy end designed for dispersion
Seeds require stratification: yes
Monoecious or Dioecious: monoecious

Notable characteristics:
The wood peels with age; the brown outer bark falls off to reveal a creamy white color underneath. The leaves are massive, and American Sycamores grow to
enormous heights. P. occidentalis is considered to the largest tree native to the northeastern United States.

Uses:
These are infrequently used as ornamentals, more commonly as shade trees. The wood has been used for a variety of purposes, including furniture, crates, and
dugout canoes.

Sources used:

• http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PLOC
• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a891
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Platanus+occidentalis
• http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=36
• http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/platanus/occidentalis.htm

Foliage with a developing cluster of achenes

A cluster of seeds in spring

The peeling foliage

Bark and information (from the Missouri Botanical Garden)

Close-up of a leaf

All of the images provided were taken by me. They may be used for educational/informational purposes only, provided that this article/online journal is
appropriately cited first.

Lilium longiflorum (Easter Lily, Trumpet Lily)

Native to southern Japan and Taiwan, this Division IX lily features large, white, fragrant, trumpet-like flowers that usually bloom in July-August. Plants which flower during Easter have been forced.

Lilium longiflorum (Easter Lily, Trumpet Lily)
Deciduous: yes
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Height: 60-90 centimeters (24-36 inches) tall
Diameter: 22-30 centimeters (9-12 inches) wide
Growth Rate: moderate
Age: perennial
Root System: shallow
Family: Liliaceae
Subspecies: ‘White Heaven’

Tolerates: some shade, damp soils
Problems (major): Do not allow the soil to dry out, this can be fatal.
Problems (minor): strong winds and excessive shade (stalk these plants to secure the stem), aphids, lily mosaic virus, bulb rot, Botrytis, leaf spots, gray mold, root
rot, bulb borers, spider mites
Poisonous: no toxins known

Soil requirements: prefer somewhat moist, nutrient-rich, well-drained soils
Air requirements: not sufficiently researched
Watering requirement: demand consistently moderately moist soils (not too wet, though)
Sun requirement: full sun to part-shade

Leaf shape: lanceolate, dark green
Leaf size: 12-20 centimeters (5-8 inches) long by 1 centimeter (0.5 inches) wide
Flower structure: trumpet-shaped, white, fragrant, 12-18 centimeters (5-7 inches) long
Flowering frequency: July-August
Bulb/tuber: bulb
Monocot/Dicot: monocot
Annual/Biennial/Perennial: perennial

Notable characteristics:
The flowers are large and fragrant. The bulbs sometimes divide, producing new plants.

Uses:
Easter Lilies are primarily used as ornamentals. They should be planted 10-20 centimeters (4-8 inches) in the soil and covered by mulch. Plant these anytime from
early spring to autumn on a non-western side of your home. A 5-10-5 (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium, NPK) fertilizer will promote overall health and blooms.
Once the folige yellows and the blooms die, they should be cut back to the ground. The seeds require typically 3 years of growth before it will begin flowering.

Sources used:

• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e953
• http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LILO3
• http://pss.uvm.edu/pss123/fplili.html
• http://county.wsu.edu/chelan-douglas/gardening/MG/Documents/easterlily.pdf
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lilium+longiflorum

Trumpet Lilies behind another variety of lily

A close-up of a flower

All of the images provided were taken by me. They may be used for educational/informational purposes only, provided that this article/online journal is
appropriately cited first.

Hemerocallis fulva (Orange Daylily, Common Daylily, Tawny Daylily)

Native to Asia, Orange Daylilies are extremely hardy, quick to colonize, and produce gorgeous blooms in mid-summer. They divide every few years, producing entirely new plants that help outperform common unwanted garden plants (weeds). These are very common in suburban areas where applicable due to their deisreable qualities. However, these lilies compete with easter lilies, asiatic lilies, tiger lilies, and other daylilies (there are over 40,000 registered varieties of daylily available today).

Hemerocallis fulva (Orange Daylily, Common Daylily, Tawny Daylily)
Deciduous: yes
Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Height: 60-75 centimeters (24-30 inches) tall (scapes reach 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall)
Diameter: 60-75 centimeters (24-30 inches) across
Growth Rate: moderate
Age: perennial
Root System: fibrous, tuberous
Family: Liliaceae/Xanthorrhoeaceae
Subspecies: ‘Europa’ (orange-red flowers), ‘Flore Pleno’ (orange flowers, double blooms), ‘Kwanso’ (red flowers, double blooms), ‘Kwanso Variegata’ (same as
‘Kwanso’ with variegated foliage), ‘Vieux Carre’ (orange-red flowers, not deciduous (evergreen)), var. rosea, MANY other cultivars/varieties/subspecies exist

Tolerates: herbivores (rabbits), drought, summer heat, soil erosion, heavy/clay soils, poor air quality (urban pollution)
Problems (major): none
Problems (minor): very few
Poisonous: Although supposedly edible, consuming a large amount of the foliage may have hallucinogenic effects. Do not eat those without first contacting a
licensed medical doctor/physician/some equivalent.

Soil requirements: prefers loamy/medium well-drained soils (tolerates heavy/clay soil and light/sandy soil as well of any pH)
Air requirements: tolerates urban pollution
Watering requirement: moderate
Sun requirement: full sun to part-shade

Leaf shape: arching, strap-shaped or sword-shaped, light to medium green
Leaf size: 30-90 centimeters (12-36 inches) long
Flower structure: 5-9 flowers open for one day each atop a scape up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall, flowers: 3 petals, 3 sepals, 5 anthers, 1 stigma, large, showy, many shades of orange, funnel-shaped
Flowering frequency: annually in June-August
Bulb/tuber: fleshy rhizomes
Monocot/Dicot: monocot
Annual/Biennial/Perennial: perennial

Notable characteristics:
The blooms and flowers are quite spectacular. These colonize quickly and help crowd out weeds.

Uses:
H. fulva are grown for their foliage, flowers, and many other positive qualities.

Sources used:

• http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=hefu
• http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/hefu.htm
• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k430
• http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene9e98.html
• http://www.pittstate.edu/department/herbarium/wildflowers/Hemerocallis-fulva-OrangeDayLily.dot
• http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/singlerecord.asp?id=180
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Hemerocallis+fulva

H. fulva emerging in spring

Several re-potted Orange Daylilies

Common Daylily flower in July

This flower has almost completely unraveled.

Aerial view of a flower

Dozens of daylilies, this area became crowded as these Tawny Daylilies colonized the area.

Several H. fulva flowers

All of the images provided were taken by me. They may be used for educational/informational purposes only, provided that this article/online journal is
appropriately cited first.

Impatiens walleriana (Impateins, Busy Lizzy)

These fast growing, small tropical plants can bloom in a variety of bright colors. The flowers come in shades of red to orange to violet, with many cultivars in other
colors or bicolor.

Impatiens walleriana (Impatiens, Busy Lizzy)
Deciduous: no
Hardiness Zones: 10-11
Height: 15-60 centimeters (6-24 inches) tall
Diameter: 15-60 centimeters (6-24 inches) across
Growth Rate: rapid
Age: perennials, frequently grown as annuals
Root System: fibrous
Family: Balsaminaceae
Subspecies: ‘Mini-Hawaiian’ series (dwarfs), ‘Jewel’, ‘African Queen’ (yellow flowers)

Tolerates: heavy/dense shade
Problems (major): none
Problems (minor): slugs, aphids, cucumber beetles, nematodes, spider mites, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, oedema
Poisonous: no

Soil requirements: prefer nutrient-rich, loamy/medium, well-drained soils
Air requirements: not sufficiently researched
Watering requirement: moderate, susceptible to breakage
Sun requirement: part-shade or full shade

Leaf shape: ovate to elliptic, dark green to light green
Leaf size: up to 8 centimeters (3 inches) long
Flower structure: 5-petals, 2-5 centimeters (1-2 inches) wide, flat
Flowering frequency: flower continuously in shade in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, violet, white, bicolor, and more
Bulb/tuber: neither
Monocot/Dicot: dicot
Annual/Biennial/Perennial: perennial (treated as an annual)

Notable characteristics:
The flowers have a wide range of possible colors.

Uses:
Impatiens are typically used in gardens as ornamentals or border plants.

Sources used:

• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=263721&isprofile=1&basic=Impatiens
• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=IMWA
• http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene237b.html
• http://www.mrimpatiens.com/botany/impatiens.html
• http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pda_aa16.html
• http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/flowers/impatien.htm
• http://www.hear.org/pier/wra/pacific/impatiens_walleriana_htmlwra.htm

Pink flowers

All of the images provided were taken by me. They may be used for educational/informational purposes only, provided that this article/online journal is
appropriately cited first.

Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress, Pond Cypress)

Tolerant of many soil conditions, herbivores, and air pollution, Bald Cypress are fantastic street and city trees. They normally grow near on in standing bodies of water and, with their ability to create “knees” (root protrusions into the air), are one of the hardiest trees in their range. They are one of the major tree species occupying North American bogs, marshes, and “flotants”. Bald Cypress also grow quickly into large trees and persist for up to 1800 years.

Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)
Deciduous: yes
Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Height: 15-21 meters (50-70 feet) (sometimes up to 45 meters (150 feet)) tall
Diameter: 6-13 meters (20-45) feet across
Growth Rate: moderately fast (12-15 meters (40-50 feet) in 15-25 years)
Age: typically up to 600 years, potentially up to 1800 years old
Root System: surface roots typically not a problem, form “knees” in wet regions
Family: Cupressaceae
Subspecies: var. distichum, hybridizes with var. imbricarium (pond cypress), ‘Cascade Falls’ (dwarf, drooping foliage), ‘Peve Minaret’ (very small dwarf), var.
imbricarium ‘Nutans’, ‘Pendens’ (drooping foliage, horizontal branches), ‘Peve Yellow’ (dwarf, slow growing, yellow to yellow-green foliage), ‘Mickelson’/SHAWNEE BRAVE (mroe narrow and dense), ‘Monarch of Illinois’

Tolerates: clay/heavy soils, dry soils (once mature), very wet soils (extremely tolerant, arguably most tolerant tree to wet soils), urban air conditions (pollution), herbivores (deer), breaking of branches
Problems (major): chlorosis (in alkaline soils
Problems (minor): bagworms, spider mites, gall mites, twig blight
Poisonous: none known

Soil requirements: performs best in consistently moist, acidic (less than a pH of 7.5), light/sandy, somewhat well-drained soils that can retain water (tolerates most soil conditions)
Air requirements: tolerates pollution
Watering requirement: moderate to high (survives in swamps/marshes/near standing water), typically grow with a drier season
Sun requirement: full sun required

Needles: soft, minuscule, light green, to 1 centimeter (0.5 inches) long, turn orange/brown/copper in autumn, deciduous
Cones (male): smaller, more cylindrical than female cones
Cones (female): spherical, wrinkly, light green, maturing to brown, 2-3 centimeters (1 inch) in diameter
Seeds require stratification: yes
Monoecious or Dioecious: monoecious
Trunk: somewhat pyramidal, orange/brown, not perfectly rounded
Form: columnar to pyramidal, distinguished from Dawn Redwoods (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) by form when mature and horizontal branching (more upward, diagonal branching in M. glyptostroboides)

Notable characteristics:
Mature trees in or near standing water will often develop thick “knees” (root projections above water/ground) to obtain additional oxygen. The trunks are buttressed, and the wood has a distinctive look to it (brown to cinnamon colored). The crown forms a columnar to vaguely pyramidal shape.

Dendrology and differences from Dawn Redwoods (M. glyptostroboides):

• smaller leaves and (significantly smaller) leaflets (Pond Cypress have juniper-like, scale-like foliage)
• more columnar form (finely pyramidal in Dawn Redwoods), especially once mature
• fairly horizontal, slightly downward, or slightly upward branching (Dawn Redwoods have very distinctive upright diagonal branching to about 45 degrees)
• buttressed base less significant (extraordinarily prominent in Dawn Redwoods)
• female cones (spherical and light green to light brown in Bald and Pond Cypress, smaller and look very similar to Coast Redwood (Sequoia gigantea) in Dawn Redwoods)
• presence of knees  in Bald (and Pond) Cypresses, entirely absent in Dawn Redwoods
• habitat (both require full sun, but Bald and Pond Cypresses thrive in marshes and much wetter areas than Dawn Redwoods).

Uses:
The wood is heavy and resists rotting, making it ideal for woodworking. Bald cypress are frequently used in the south as street trees or city trees.

Sources used:

• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m510
• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b439
• http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=tadi2
• http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/taxdisa.pdf
• http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=117
• http://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/taxodium-distichum/
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Taxodium+distichum
• http://bigtree.cnre.vt.edu/TreeAge.htm

Mature specimens (Mobot)

A large group of the root protrusions (“knees”)

Developing needles in Illinois

A fairly large T. distichum in Missouri

Foliage and female cones of Pond Cypress (siuc)

Pond cypress male cone cluster (siuc)

Bark (Pond Cypress), siuc

Juniper-like/scale-like foliage of Pond Cypress (siuc)

Foliage in Missouri

The brown-cinnamon colored  trunk

Branching pattern

Light green, new foliage with new, immature, green cones

All of the images provided were taken by me. They may be used for educational/informational purposes only, provided that this article/online journal is appropriately cited first.

Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum)

Easily identified for their leaves’ dramatic autumn colors and fruits (commonly called “gum balls”), L. styraciflua grows to considerable heights quickly. They
commonly survive up to 200 years and serve as an excellent shade tree. Litter created by the fruits and the strong root system may cause problems, however.

Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum)
Deciduous: yes
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Height: 18-24 meters (60-80 feet) (rarely to 36 meters (120 feet)) tall
Diameter: 12-18 meters (40-60 feet) wide
Growth Rate: moderate to fast
Age: usually up to 200 years, rarely up to 300 years old
Root System: large, grow aggressively, shallow, deep vertical (taproot-like), strong surface roots
Family: Altingiaceae/Hamamelidaceae
Subspecies: ‘Rotundiloba’ (male only cultivar, no fruit production), ‘Festival’ (less cold hardy), ‘Moraine’ (most cold hardy), ‘Burgundy’ (deep red autumn color),
‘Palo Alto’ (orange foliage in autumn),

Tolerates: wet soils, drought (moderately), salt (moderately), clay/heavy soils, pollution (somewhat)
Problems (major): none
Problems (minor): Webworms, leaf miner, caterpillars, borers, scale, leaf spots, wood rot, bleeding necrosis, canker, iron chlorosis (in alkaline soils), litter (caused
by gum balls)
Poisonous: no known toxins

Soil requirements: prefers moist, deep, nutrient-rich, well-drained soils – tolerates most soils that aren’t alkaline (light/sandy, loamy/medium, clay/heavy, very acidic,
slightly acidic, neutral)
Air requirements: moderately tolerant of urban pollution
Watering requirement: moderate
Sun requirement: full sun

Needles: none
Cones (male): none
Cones (female): none
Leaves: toothed, 5 star-shaped lobes, deep green, 4-7 inches long
Flowers: yellow-green, inconspicuous, appear in clusters, usually April-May
Fruits: initially light green, maturing to brown, 3-5 centimeters (1-2 inches) in diameter, spherical, spiky, called “Gum balls”
Seeds require stratification: yes
Monoecious or Dioecious: monoecious

Notable characteristics:
The crown is initially pyrimidal but becomes rounded with age. The resin/sap exerted by the tree when wounded gives these trees their names. The foliage turns
excellent shades of yellow, orange, red, and black in autumn.

Uses:
The gum has been used as chewing gum and for aromatic purposes.

Sources used:

• http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=list2
• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c116
• http://w110.bcn.cat/portal/site/MediAmbient/menuitem.0d4d06202ea41e13e9c5e9c5a2ef8a0c/?vgnextoid=d9f6377546ecc310VgnVCM1000001947900aRCR D&vgnextfmt=formatDetall&vgnextchannel=3cc37037aed1a210VgnVCM10000074fea8c0RCRD&lang=en_GB
• http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/liqstya.pdf
• http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Liquidambar+styraciflua
• http://www.barcham.co.uk/trees/liquidambar-styraciflua-worplesdon-sweet-gum
• http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=53
• http://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/liquidambar-styraciflua/
• http://bigtree.cnre.vt.edu/TreeAge.htm

Foliage

Foliage and seed pods

Sweet gum typically have one primary trunk and erect vertical growth.

A newer leaf, veins apparent

A close-up of the fruit, unopened and immature

Surface roots

All of the images provided were taken by me. They may be used for educational/informational purposes only, provided that this article/online journal is
appropriately cited first.

Lamprocapnos spectabilis (Bleeding Hearts)

Easily recognized for their unique flowers and foliage, Bleeding Hearts are shade tolerant perennials grown primarily as ornamentals.

Lamprocapnos spectabilis (Bleeding Hearts)
Deciduous: Yes, the foliage tends to die off in mid-summer.
Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Height: 60-90 centimeters (24-36 inches) tall
Diameter: 45-75 centimeters (18-30 inches) across
Growth Rate: moderate
Age: perennial
Root System: fibrous
Family: Papaveraceae/Fumariaceae
Subspecies: ‘Gold Heart’

Tolerates: heavy shade, herbivores (rabbits)
Problems (major): none
Problems (minor): Wet soil during winter and dry soil during summer both have negative effects on overall health. Excellent drainage is required for survival.
Aphids occasionally infest weakened and/or young plants.
Poisonous: potentially, causes dermatitis in some

Soil requirements: prefers moist, loamy/medium, humusy soils (survives in light/sandy soils)
Air requirements: not sufficiently researched
Watering requirement: moderate
Sun requirement: part-shade (prefers) to full shade (tolerates)

Leaf shape: soft with three (3) mitten-shaped leaflets connected at a base
Leaf size: up to 8 centimeters (3 inches) long
Flower structure: The 2 centimeter (1 inch) long flowers consist of heart-shaped, pink petals with white petals emerging from the bottom.
Flowering frequency: April-May (sometimes persisting into July)
Bulb/tuber: neither
Monocot/Dicot: dicot
Annual/Biennial/Perennial: perennial

Notable characteristics:
The flowers grow on flowering spikes (scapes) and resemble opened, pink hearts.

Uses:
Bleeding hearts are grown primarily as ornamentals.

Sources used:

• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c480
• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LASP8
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dicentra+spectabilis
• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b217

A flowering L. spectabilis bush during spring

Foliage of L. spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’

Foliage of a white-flowered Lamprocapnos variety

A mature plant lacking flowers

A close-up of the foliage

Flowers on an anchoring scape

Flowers

All of the images provided were taken by me. They may be used for educational/informational purposes only, provided that this article/online journal is
appropriately cited first.

Hosta plantaginea (Hosta, August Lily, Fragrant Plantain Lily)

Native to China and Japan, hostas are extremely resilient perennials that survive in heavy shade, a wide range of soils, and many different temperate zones. The foliage of many hostas is quite attractive, and the flowers (especially those of H. plantaginea) are quite fragrant.

Hosta plantaginea (Hosta, August Lily, Fragrant Plantain Lily)
Deciduous: yes
Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Height: 30-45 centimeters (12-18 inches) tall
Diameter: 45-60 centimeters (18-24 inches) wide
Growth Rate: moderate
Age: perennial (mature in typically 4-5 years, divide after that)
Root System: fleshy with spreading rhizomes
Family: Asparagaceae
Subspecies: ‘Grandiflora’, ‘August Moon’, ‘Honeybells’, ‘Piedmont Gold’, ‘Royal Standard’, ‘Sweet Susan’, ‘Sum and Substance’, var. ‘Japonica’

Tolerates: heavy shade, Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) toxins (juglones), very resilient of diseases and pests, neglect (low maintenance), poor air quality (air pollution)
Problems (major): none
Problems (minor): slugs, snails, leaf spot, crown rot, black vine weevils, sunscald
Poisonous: toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (contain Saponins)

Soil requirements: performs best in consistently moist, medium/loamy, well-drained soils
Air requirements: mildly tolerant of urban pollution
Watering requirement: moderate
Sun requirement: part-shade to full shade (perform best on eastern sides of homes)

Leaf shape: heart-shaped, round, deep green, 7-9 easily visible veins
Leaf size: up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) long
Flower structure: a flowering spike (called a “scape”) up to 75 centimeters (30 inches) tall with many trumpet-shaped, fragrant, white flowers up to 10 centimeters(4 inches) long
Flowering frequency: begin blooming in August (flower annually)
Bulb/tuber: rhizome
Monocot/Dicot: monocot
Annual/Biennial/Perennial: perennial

Notable characteristics:
Extremely tolerant of many soil conditions and climates, hostas are very popular perennials for homes in North America.

Uses:
Hostas are very commonly used as garden plants for their incredible hardiness. The cut flowers are sometimes used as gifts.

Sources used:

• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h120
• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=HOPL2
• http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scened264.html
• http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/landscaping/hostas/
• http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/plantain-lily
• http://plants.connon.ca/11100004/Plant/7113/Plantain_Lily
• http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/flowers/hgic1165.html
• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d320

The hostas on the right are August Lilies. (H. ‘Halycon’ is on the left in the left picture;

Hosta ‘June’ or Hasta ‘Jonet’

Hosta ‘Patriot’
 
Hosta ‘Francee’

   
Multiple other Hosta varieties/cultivars

All of the images provided were taken by me. They may be used for educational/informational purposes only, provided that this article/online journal is appropriately cited first.

 

Allium giganteum (Ornamental Onion, Allium)

Ornamental Onions are fast-growing perennials that appear for only a few months out of the year. Their enormous purple, pink, or white umbels create a dramatic appearance in gardens.

Allium giganteum (Ornamental Onion, Allium)
Deciduous: Yes, the foliage dies once flowering begins in May.
Hardiness Zones: 5-8
Height: 1.0-1.5 meters (3-5 feet) tall
Diameter: 50-60 centimeters (18-24 inches) across at maturity
Growth Rate: fast
Age: perennial
Root System: likely fibrous
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Subspecies: var. ‘Twinkling Star’

Tolerates: Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) toxins (juglones), herbivores (deer and rabbits)
Problems (major): no major pest issues
Problems (minor): Winds, especially when strong, easily knock over the inflorescences (known as scapes). Bulb rot may kill ornamental onions.
Poisonous: potentially toxic (especially to dogs) if consumed in large quantities

Soil requirements: performs best in moderate/medium/loamy, well-drained soils (tolerates most pH levels)
Air requirements: not sufficiently researched
Watering requirement: moderate
Sun requirement: prefers full sun, survives in some shade

Leaf shape: basal, strap-shaped, light-green to gray-green
Leaf size: less than 12 inches in diameter per leaf
Flower structure: The scapes grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall with an umbel (globular cluster of individual flowers) consisting of tiny (sometimes white or pink) purple, star-shaped flowers (known as florets).
Flowering frequency: blooms annually in May-June
Bulb/tuber: bulb up to 3 inches in diameter
Monocot/Dicot: monocot
Annual/Biennial/Perennial: perennial

Notable characteristics:
The large cluster of florets (forming an umbel) are large and spectacular. Although visible above-ground for only a short amount of time, these are commonly grown in gardens for their flowers.

Uses:
These are commonly planted as ornamentals.

Sources used:

• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j250
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+giganteum
• http://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/allium-giganteum/
• http://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.cfm?number=B918
• http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=alliu
• http://www.kevockgarden.co.uk/plantlist/b14m_allium_giganteum_twinkling_star.htm
• http://faculty.clintoncc.suny.edu/faculty/michael.gregory/files/bio%20102/bio%20102%20lectures/plant%20structure/plant%20structure.htm

Five (5) entire A. giganteum

A close-up of an umbel with purple, star-shaped florets

Three (3) entire Ornamental Onions

Foliage

A pollinated umbel, seeds maturing

Two (2) mature purple umbels at the Missouri Botanical Garden

A giant white allium at the Denver Botanic Gardens

All of the images provided were taken by me. They may be used for educational/informational purposes only, provided that this article/online journal is appropriately cited first.