This is the second post in a series, with the first one detailing my visit to the Monarch Butterfly sanctuaries found here.
While my main goal in Mexico was to see butterflies, I never pass up a chance to botanize! There were some spectacular flowers in the understory of the Oyamel fir forest, most of which were completely new to me. Thanks to my knowledge of plant families I was able to at least make a close guess on site, and then research them deeper once I was back within wi-fi range. These are the flowers that fuel the first leg of the monarch’s journey north in spring. At the end of the post I’ll include some great analogs for our area to provide that much needed nectar once the butterflies reach us!
Clinopodium macrostemum
The orange, tubular flowers of C. macrostemum. The common name, “poleo” and “yerba de borracho”, is also used for another plant in the mint family, especially in the south part of the country. Photo by our tour guide, Ivan, of A Closer Look Tours.
We were just past 11,000 feet high at El Rosario Butterfly Reserve and I was feeling…bad. The steep incline and lack of air was getting to me. Our guide spotted me leaning on a tree, probably looking a little limp and pathetic. He tore a few leaves from a nearby plant and shoved them under my nose — whoa! What a pick me up! The minty, citrusy, peppery scent opened my nostrils and sharpened my air-starved mind. My Spanish is barely passable, enough to say thank you and ask what it was. His English was not much better, but we made it work: he told me that the plant with the orange flowers helps with altitude. They are also known as “Yerba de Borracho”, herb of the drunk man. Good for a hangover! He winked. I laughed it off at first, then decided I should keep some in my pocket. If I survive the trip back down, I planned to sample regional mezcal at lunch, and may need it!
Dear reader: I did, indeed, need it.
Geranium potentillifolium
G. potentillifolium (I think***) at Sierra Chincua Butterfly Reserve.
Small and unassuming, these purple flowers were growing in the shade of larger shrubs and brush. Their delicate blooms reach up above the lobed, serrated foliage to be seen, and – their ultimate goal – to be pollinated. I saw this one and recognized it immediately as a geranium species, but it took a lot of digging to find out which one! There is scant information on some of these remote, high elevation species of Mexico. I am not 100% sure on this ID, but iNaturalist shows a lot of sightings right in the same area so I am going with it.
When trying to find records of this plant online, I came up empty. There seems to be very little information about it available outside of iNaturalist sightings. It was growing in sunny patches of open forest, with broad leaves and about 3 to 4 feet high. This plant is a member of the crownbeard flower family, all of which are white or yellow in color and in the subtribe Helianthieae.
From Mexico to My Yard
While these understory flowers of the central Sierra Madres wouldn’t survive in my garden back home, there are lots of great native and/or locally adaptable non-native options with a similar look that are better suited to the Great Plains climate. Instead of C. macrostemum, I could opt for a Penstemon pinifolius or Agastache ‘Firebird’. Both of these have orangey-red tube shaped flowers but can handle our hot, dry landscape.
Geranium maculatum is a native KS shade plant with an almost identical flower to the Geranium species found in Mexico. Verbesina has such a unique flower form, but the height and color can be recreated with ox-eye sunflower, Heliopsis helianthoides or even a black-eyed susan species like Rudbeckia lacinata.
All of these plants are low maintenance and great for adding pollinator habitat to the garden. These, and many more, will be available at FloraKansas THIS WEEKEND!
South Central Kansas presents a unique challenge for gardeners: the region’s signature “oven-blast” summer winds and intense sun make shade a sanctuary, but the dense shade under established canopy trees can be a difficult place for typical bedding plants to thrive. Moving toward a native shade garden isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s a strategy for resilience. Here are some ideas that may help you as you think about your own shade garden.
The Ground Layer
To build a successful shade layer, look to the woodland floor. Eastern Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is an excellent perennial for early spring color, offering delicate red and yellow spurred flowers that are magnets for migrating hummingbirds. Some nice spreading groundcovers would include woodland phlox, golden ragwort, wild ginger, and white woodland aster. For those dealing with “dry shade”—the notoriously difficult areas under large maples or oaks—Bluestem Goldenrod (Solidago caesia), Elm-leaf Goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia) and Blue Wood Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium) provide a critical late-season nectar source for pollinators when most other shaded plants have finished blooming.
Texture and Structure
Structure is just as important as flowers in a shaded landscape. One of the best native ferns, such as the Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), adds a soft, lace-like texture that contrasts beautifully against the bold, leathery leaves of Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia). While many associate hydrangeas with high water needs, the Oakleaf variety is remarkably tough once established and provides multi-seasonal interest with its white summer panicles and deep burgundy fall foliage. Grasses and sedges are a great way to fill the voids and add late season interest, too.
Mimic Nature
Getting started requires a “layering” mindset rather than a “row” mindset. In nature, Kansas woodlands consist of a tall canopy, a middle understory of small trees like the Eastern Redbud, and a ground layer of perennials. To replicate this, clear out invasive species like non-native Bush Honeysuckle first, then focus on improving the soil with compost and leaves rather than heavy fertilizers. Planting in “drifts” of three or five of the same species will create a more natural look and make it easier for pollinators to locate their food sources in the darker understory.
Here is a list of other shade plants for you to choose.
Shrubs
Amelanchier Canadensis – Canadian serviceberry
Aronia arbutifolia – Red chokeberry ‘Brilliantissima’ cultivar
Aronia melanocarpa – Black chokeberry ‘Viking’, ‘Low Scape Mound’, and ‘Gound Hug’
Callicarpa americana – Beautyberry
Cephalanthus occidentalis – Buttonbush
Cornus amomum – Silky dogwood
Cornus racemose – Gray dogwood
Corylus americana – Hazelnut
Diervilla – American Bush Honeysuckle (Not invasive)
Maintaining a shade garden in South Central Kansas requires a “low-intervention” approach that prioritizes moisture retention and soil health. Our region typically has heavy clay soils that can swing from waterlogged to bone-dry in a couple of weeks. We recommend applying a two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch—such as shredded leaves, compost or, ideally, fallen leaves (leaf mold) to maintain a cooler root zone and suppress weeds.
Native species are quite adaptable to the specific clay-heavy soils and erratic moisture cycles of the Great Plains but even the hardiest shade plants will struggle without regular watering through the summer months. After all, you are trying to grow them in an area that was once a vast prairie with limited rainfall, not a forest with more consistent rainfall throughout the year.
Watering should be done deeply but infrequently at the base of the plants to encourage deep root systems, specifically during the “flash droughts” common in July and August. During these prolonged periods without beneficial rainfall, weekly watering is essential to sustain your shade garden. Unlike sun-loving gardens that may require some deadheading, a native shade garden benefits from being left alone in the fall; leaving the spent stalks and leaf litter provides critical overwintering habitat for beneficial insects and naturally replenishes the soil nutrients for the following spring.
It is hard to find things that will bloom in November. Usually the only things still blooming are asters and witchhazel bushes, but last year the scarlet globe mallow surprised me! The following photos are from November 14th, well into the cool season. It was still going strong and even attracting pollinators. This plant was a new addition to my home garden this spring and it did not disappoint. Read on to learn more about this western Kansas native and how to use it in the landscape.
A Western Beauty
Scarlet globemallow (Sphaeralcea coccinea) is native to a huge swath of the western United States, from Kansas to Utah and from New Mexico to Montana. Its range also extends north into Canada and south into the deserts of Mexico. It is in the Malvaceae family, which is why its bloom bears a resemblance to distant cousins like hollyhock, hibiscus, and purple poppy mallow. S. coccinea can withstand extremes of hot and cold temperatures and thrive in thin, rocky soils. Attractive to pollinators, grazed by deer and pronghorn, and visited by birds for its seeds, it is likely a welcome site to many animals living in inhospitable environments.
While I am not looking to attract any pronghorn to my urban landscape, I was happy to see bees buzzing around it even late into the season. Despite its rugged preferences, it fits in well in the average home garden. But only if you have the right setting: rocks, hot south exposure, full sun, good drainage. The raised bed off our sunroom gets blistering sun all afternoon in summer. The eaves overhang here and block most of the rain from falling on this bed, so it relies on my less-than-reliable hand watering. Nevertheless this plant got absolutely HUGE this year, much larger than expected. The abundant rains this year did hit the very edge of the bed and must have supercharged its growth, as it quickly started spilling out of the raised stone bed and onto the walkway.
Garden Tips for Globemallow
Scarlet Globemallow should be used as a ground cover and filler plant. It has beautiful quarter-size blooms and stays relatively short, less than 16″ tall. This plant seems to become more upright and less leafy with drought stress and hotter temps, though mine stayed very lush and trailing all summer. It would look fantastic paired with drought-loving grass (like blue grama), a spring bloomer (like Missouri evening Primrose) and a taller show stopper (like Solidago rigida). This simple combination would give your garden multi-season interest with very low water needs and plenty of flower for pollinators to visit. I planted mine alongside Fendler’s aster and non-native Saponaria ocymoides. While I like them all individually, the habits were all too similar for my taste. I may swap out a few plants this spring to make room for grasses or something with a more vertical habit.
All these plants mentioned and more will be available at our spring FloraKansas fundraiser event! Its a great chance to get your hands on hard-to-find native and adaptable plants for our region, and chat with experts who can answer your garden questions. We’d love to see you there, and to see more Scarlett Globe Mallow making its way into the home gardens of our members and friends.
Side-oats grama is an important perennial bunchgrass species of the mixed-grass and tallgrass prairies and it can be found in every county of Kansas. This 1-3’ tall sun-loving, drought tolerant warm season grass blooms from July to September and is found most commonly in dry open grasslands.
Side-oats grama commonly grows with little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and does not compete well with taller grasses or forbs. It grows best on limestone soils but is also adaptable to sandy or clay soils as well.
Bouteloua curtipendula in flower (Photo by Michael Haddock)
The name “side-oats” refers to the oat-like flower/seed clusters hanging in a zig-zag pattern to one side of the stem. The genus honors 19th century Spanish botanists Claudio and Esteban Bouteloua, and the species epithet comes from Latin ‘short hanging’ for the short-stalked seed heads.
This grass is the larval host plant for several skipper butterfly species. The seeds are consumed by grassland birds, and the vegetation is highly palatable to livestock.
Bouteloua curtipendula in seed (Drawing by Lorna Habegger Harder)
Side-oats grama is underutilized in native plant gardens. The attractive purple and orange anthers stand out while blooming in the late summer and the seed clusters turn to shades of gold in the fall. This grass is easily propagated from plugs or seed sown in the fall or the spring (if cold/dry stratified). It is gratifying to collect the seeds in fall – you can easily accumulate them by running your hands up the stems. Side-oats grama is a must-have species in any prairie reconstruction or urban prairie meadow. For maintenance, simply mow or burn it every year or two in winter or spring.
Bouteloua curtipendula in seed (Photo by Michael Haddock)
To see more Bouteloua curtipendula photos by Michael Haddock and a detailed species description, visit kswildflower.org.
The asters have been blooming prolifically this fall, probably due to the mild weather and frequent rains we have had. While we have many species of asters on our grounds, the newest additions are a hybrid type called ‘Thunderdome’, introduced in 2023 by Intrinsic Perennials. Read on to learn about this new aster, its origin story and the potential uses in the garden.
North East Meets Midwest
New England aster, as seen in the range maps below, is prevalent throughout its namesake region and upper midwest. Aromatic aster is much more common in the Great Plains. This regional difference shows up in their growing preferences, which is an important factor in determining which species is best in different garden situations. New England aster thrives in slightly wetter, richer soils and aromatic aster can handle the drier soil and hotter temps. ‘Thunderdome’ combines the compact habit and drought tolerance of A.oblongifolius but the deeper purple color of A. novae angliae.
I am often a skeptic of some of the newly introduced hybrid native plants. Too often they are short-lived, overhyped, and rarely deliver on their promises. And researchers are still unsure about whether hybrids and cultivars of natives offer the same ecological services as their parent plants. But I am happy to report that this aster has preformed better than expected in our gardens. Planted just last fall, they matured quickly and bloomed their first year. Not as tall and gangly as New England aster, I am very much appreciating the improved habit. The bloom period has been quite long, and the flowers continue to hold their color.
It has also been attracting lots of attention from insects, and below are just a few of the recent visitors to this particular aster:
Aster ‘Thunderdome’ will continue to be evaluated in our gardens for its ornamental and ecological merits. You can find it blooming now on the west side of the HUB, just north of the greenhouse. I have high hopes for this lovely plant, and hope to see more of it used as we continue to learn about its ornamental potential. It is available for purchase at our biannual FloraKansas events, along with both parent plants and many other native and adaptable aster species from our region.
Have you noticed the redbud trees blooming this year? They have really been putting on quite a show. For some reason, they have really popped in the landscape this year. Maybe it’s because they are a stark contrast to the drab landscape that is slowly coming to life. Or maybe it’s because they are a native alternative to the ubiquitous and noxious Callery pear trees that are spreading everywhere. Anyway, take some time to admire this small native ornamental tree.
Benefits of Redbuds
The edible pink blooms are a favorite of many different pollinators in early spring. There are not many trees and shrubs blooming this time of year, so they rely on the flower nectar to keep them going. These early blossoms draw in nectar-seeking insects that are quickly plucked up by birds too. Northern bobwhite quail and a few songbirds, such as finches and chickadees, will eat the seed pods. It can be used for nesting sites and nesting materials, and it also provides shelter for birds and mammals.
In the wild, redbuds are commonly seen in tree margins and along swales and ravines. The small stature of the tree allows it to fit into most landscapes. Most trees develop a nice vase-shape that shows off the attractive reddish tan bark. The heart shaped leaves emerge as the flower clusters fade. In the fall, these leaves turn yellow and orange before dropping off before winter.
Growing an Eastern Redbud
With multiple seasons of interest, redbuds (Cercis canadensis) deserve a place in just about any landscape setting. Redbuds are hardy in zones 4 to 9 so they are adapted to our climate here in Kansas. New trees can be planted in the spring or fall with my preference being a fall planting.
This small ornamental tree is native to the eastern half of Kansas. It is one of the earliest trees to bloom and produces an abundance of purplish-pink flowers. For best growth, plant them as an understory tree with morning sun and afternoon shade. They can grow in full sun but prefer protection from the hot afternoon sun. In too much shade they are leggy and sparse. A moist soil is preferred, but they are quite drought tolerant once established.
We have seen our redbud foliage damaged by herbicide drift, some of our on doing but other times from farmer spray drift, so be cautious when using chemicals around your trees. Redbuds are in the legume family so they develop bean pods. These tan pods can sometimes be very abundant so keep that in mind when choosing a location. I have never seen this as a problem, but they will eventually fall from the tree.
Darker flowers of Oklahoma redbuds
Eastern Redbud Pruning and Maintenance
Redbud trees grow quickly, usually putting on a foot or two per year depending on their growing conditions. Typically, they live for about 30 to 40 years. Once established, most trees will only need to be watered during periods of prolonged drought. Mulch around the trunk with coarse wood chips will help the soil retain moisture and cool the root system. The gnarled trunks and branches can break from strong winds, so occasional pruning may be needed to thin out the canopy.
Besides breakage, redbuds are afflicted with cankers on the branches and stems. Usually, this is not a problem that is lethal. Most redbuds have some sort of raised bark that adds to the character of the tree. Also look for fungal problems like mildew, verticillium wilt, and leaf spots. These are more likely to occur when airflow is limited, so consider pruning your tree so it has a more open structure to provide better ventilation. Insects are not usually a problem, but webworms and Japanese beetles may appear and can be treated with an appropriate but cautious application of a recommended insecticide.
‘Forest Pansy’ and ‘Merlot’ have red/purple new growth. In my experience, these red leaf forms need more protection from the hottest afternoon sun.
Oklahoma Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis ‘Oklahoma’) Glossy green leaves, more intense flower color, insect resistance.
Rising Sun Redbud-dwarf flowering tree (6-10 ft tall) has unique tri-colored leaves that blend sunny yellows and bright orange colors. This will need full sun protection as well.
Ruby Falls Redbud-A petite, one-of-a-kind, cascading tree with maroon-purple to dark green leaves. Again, it will need to be protected from hot afternoon sun.
Stuck inside during the cold days of January and February, I spent some time working on the 2025 Native Plant Guide. It takes many hours to revise the list every year – double check the native ranges, add new species and take off those that are no longer available, and constantly correct my sloppy spelling! I noticed that this year we will have a huge variety of Eupatorium species available at FloraKansas. These beauties are not the most popular plant in the prairie garden, but they should be! So here is an introduction to Joe Pye weed in all its forms.
Eupatorium coelstinum
Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) blooming in Bird Park, Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Mist flower is a lovely and rather petite member of this group of plants. It generally stays less than three feet tall, and blooms late summer through fall. It resembles the annual ageratum that I am used to seeing at traditional greenhouses. But this one is better! Why? Much more drought hardy, it is a perennial, and it is native here in Kansas, particularly in the far south east counties. In my experience, it does best in partial sun though many online sources say otherwise. I think hot afternoon sun on west or south exposures can wilt it, leading to less vigor.
Eupatorium perfoliatum ‘Blind Date’
‘Blind Date’ has flat topped flowers and chocolate colored new growth. Photo from Intrinsic Perennials
E. perfoliatum, common boneset, it native to pretty much every state east of the Rockies, and also Canada. Versatile and adaptable, it finds a home in roadside ditches, woodland margins, and along streams and wetlands. Moist soil is best for this beauty, and be prepared for rapid spread if conditions are right. The variety ‘Blind Date’ has slightly darker new growth than the straight species, giving it an ombre effect and heightening its ornamental appeal.
Tall Boneset is beloved by pollinators, but not so much by gardeners. It grows up to 6 feet tall in some cases, and spreads readily by seed and by rhizomes. Hundreds of white flowers appear in late summer, much to the delight of butterflies, beetles, wasps, bees, and many other crawling and flying things! Sometimes labeled as a ‘problem plant’ or undesirable, it’s actually quite lovely. If you have lots of space and don’t mind a bit of chaos, it is a worthwhile addition to wildlife gardens or pocket prairies. Not sure of your soil moisture level? No problem, this plant grows in wet or dry conditions, and can handle full sun or partial.
Eupatorium maculatum
Spotted Joe Pye Weed gets its name from the marks on its stem that distinguish it from other similar species. Tall plants are topped with umbels of pink flowers, and it needs full sun and consistent moisture to stay looking its best. Planted around ponds, near streams, or in reliably wet rain gardens, this plant will get up to six feet tall.
Name Game
Taxonomists, those scientists that work to classify living beings into the proper groups, have been hard at work changing some names around. Eupatoriumspp. with whorled leaves were changed to the genus Eutrochium, while those that have opposite or alternate leaves stayed the same. Mist flower is now referred to as Conclinum coelstinum, once genetic analysis revealed it was more closely related to Ageratums than true Eupatoriums. The genus name Eupatorium actually comes from ancient times, in what is now Turkey. It has a fascinating history involving King Mithridates VI of Pontus, known as Eupator Dionysius, and his fear of poisoning.
A lover of wet soil and sunny situations, ‘Little Joe’ is the best loved of all the plants in this group. It has been widely available for garden use for many years. The cultivar is shorter and more manageable than the straight species, but is unchanged in flower shape and color. E. dubium is not native to Kansas, found mostly in the southeastern US and Atlantic coast region. But it grows well here in garden settings with supplemental watering.
The largest of all the Joe Pye, this plant is also known as trumpetweed and Hollow Joe Pye. This is due to its mostly hollow stems. If you are looking for a statement plant, or something to obscure a fence or add some privacy, this might be the Joe Pye for you! Partial sun and medium soil moisture will suit just fine, though once established it is pretty tough and can handle a wide range of soil conditions.
What do all these Eupatoriums have in common? All are excellent for pollinators, all of them can be used ornamentally or for cutting gardens, and all of them are available at the spring FloraKansas event!
We get a lot of questions about what it means for a plant to be a cultivar or a variety, and if that is good or bad in terms of pollinator attraction or ecological value. There are lots of strong opinions on the matter, but to really answer that question, it is important to know how that plant is produced, where and how it was discovered, and what the patent says about its parentage. It can be a tricky! Come along with us on our blog series where we plunge into the intrigues of plant reproduction and patenting, and the impact that the horticulture industry has on the market for native species.
Today’s question is: How is it possible to patent a plant, and why do people do it?
We most often discuss plant patents in reference to agricultural species. Selecting and improving crops for yield, drought resistance and improved taste has been instrumental in creating a stable global food economy. In fact, domestication of wild food plants has been happening for 10,000 years! But in modern times, horticulturalists are working to alter ornamental species as well. They do this to reduce the height, change the flower color, improve drought resistance, and so on. While our original goal in selecting and altering plants was for food, humans can now also use the same principles to improve certain flowering species for landscaping use in cities and neighborhoods.
For many thousands of years most of our commonly consumed foods have been carefully selected for desirable traits, and subsequently domesticated. Photo found here via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0,
Creating a “New” Plant
Echinacea is an easy example to start with, since horticulturists love to mess around with this plant!Echinacea species hybridize readily with each other, and they are a very marketable plant. This is why there are so many Echinacea varieties and hybrids to choose from, all with different colors, heights, and habits. But how do these come to exist?
Let’s follow the story of one line of Echinacea breeding, now known as Echinacea purpurea G0052Y. The patent link itself makes for a pretty long read, so I will do my best to paraphrase for the layperson:
In 2001, ‘Magnus’ Echinacea and ‘Kim’s Knee High’ Echinacea were cross pollinated.
Seed developed, and was collected.
Researchers planted that seed in fields and in greenhouses in the spring of 2002.
By July of 2002, eleven of the best plants were chosen as the best of the bunch. Pollen was collected from these eleven plants, mixed, and redistributed amongst the eleven to pollinate them.
Seeds where harvested from each of the eleven plants, and planted into eleven different field populations.
Researchers monitored the fields for desirable traits, and identified 22 plants with horticulturally important traits (brighter flower color, good branching, compact height).
Pollen was collected from the 22 plants, mixed, and used to pollinate them again.
Researchers harvested the seed that developed, and planted again in 2004.
The plants with the most striking, deep rose flower color and best growth habit were identified, and tested for which of their traits are dominant (recessive color testing).
Researchers identified four plants that had identical copies of the gene for brighter flower color.
These four were crossed to create a stable line that could be named G0052Y.
Between 2006 and 2008 the resulting seeds were planted in field trials to ensure stability and uniformity.
Once confirmed, the patent was applied for – USP 7,982,110.
Patent Pending
The process of breeding and trialing plants requires a lot of time, and a lot of money. Researchers can spend many years testing and tinkering before they create a plant that is actually marketable. Receiving a patent protects their hard work and initial investment, and eventually allows them to charge royalties on the product. The breeding of E. purpurea G0052Y has directly led many of the popularly available Echinacea varieties available today, like the Sombrero series of red, orange, and yellow, as well as the Proven Winner’s Echinacea ‘Fire Finch’.
Rhus typhina ‘Tiger Eyes’ is a patented cultivar of the native staghorn sumac with a shorter height than the species. Because of this, we can more easily incorporate it into landscape designs. But research is ongoing on whether the alteration in leaf color is detrimental to insects.
Pros and Cons of Patented Plants
Patented plants are all around us. They are hard to distinguish from other plants unless you read the fine print on the tag. But there are some pros and cons to using them in your garden.
Pro: breeding plants increases awareness and wider use of natives. Folks who would have never been exposed to these species are now seeing them in popular gardening magazines and at garden centers, leading to greater public access.
Pro: patented plants bred for reliable height and structure are excellent for landscapers trying to achieve a specific look. These plants grow more uniformly than genetically variable straight species, which can be bigger/smaller depending on parentage or environmental conditions. In a formal planting, business setting, or city park, aesthetic is king! The predictability of a plant’s performance is a must*.
Cons: in some cases, we inadvertently shorten the lifespan of highly specialized plants. This is particularly apparent in Echinacea. A native Echinacea can live on for many years, but some of the brightly colored red and orange hybrids sometimes last four years or less. If the plant blooms more prolifically and for a longer period of time, it can sort of “exhaust” itself and this may be a contributing factor to a shorter overall lifespan. This is certainly not the case for all patented plants, but is something to be aware of.
Cons: patented plants reproduced via asexual propagation are all clones. The lack of genetic variation may lead to issues in mass plantings – if they are susceptible to a certain pathogen, the gardener is likely to see the problem in the whole group.
*hopefully we will start to slowly change our perspective on what constitutes an “attractive” urban landscape to allow for more natural variation, and if so, the pressure for the plant to be ‘perfect’ and uniform will become a thing of the past!
Should I Buy Patented Plants?
‘Tuscan Sun’ Heliopsis is less prone to flopping over than the straight Heliopsis helianthoides. It is also a little less spready, which appeals to gardeners with little space. Photo from Walter’s Gardens
For some folks, these pros are not convincing enough and for others these cons are no worry at all. It just depends on your overarching goals. If you are trying to create a prairie reconstruction and are concerned with genetic diversity, then steer clear! But when looking for bloom power and reliable performers for an urban setting, a well-bred plant might be perfect. In my vegetable garden, I stick with ‘Better Boy’ tomato and ‘Slicemaster’ cucumber, those patented plants ensured to perform well. I also opt for nativars when planting a species that is traditionally too unruly. With a small yard, I must choose plants that won’t outgrow my space. But in the case of most other flowers and grasses, I personally prefer to stick with straight species or older cultivars that are not far phenotypically from the species.
All that to say, don’t let the business of plant patenting scare you off. Do your research, and figure out what your priorities are for the garden. If you need advice on your particular project, be sure to reach out to us via our contact us form. Our plant people are happy to help!
Also known as chokeberry, Aronia is a North American native fruiting bush that is sorely underused in the ornamental landscape. Often confused with chokeCHERRY, chokeberries also have a white spring bloom, dark summer fruit, and gorgeous fall color. There are many Aronia varieties available, but it can be hard to keep them all straight! I planted three different types in my own backyard as a little experiment in how they might differ, and now that they are 3 years old, I can finally see the contrast. Read on for a primer on this superfruit-producing native shrub and a breakdown of a few different varieties.
Aronia rarely gets much taller than six or seven feet in our region, though it can reach eight feet tall if situated properly. The white blooms are prolific, and attract lots of those spring bees buzzing around. These shrubs are self-fertile, but planting in groups will increase your berry crop. The fall color is bright, saturated red tones, and when the leaves drop the berries often hang on through much of winter. Interestingly, birds don’t eat them right away. I notice in my yard that they are largely untouched until mid-winter, when the robins suddenly show up and then gobble them all down in the matter of a few hours. Perhaps they get more palatable with lots of freezing and thawing cycles? Just a hunch.
North and South
Native ranges of Aronia species in North America, photo from BONAPS
Aronia arbutifolia and Aronia melanocarpa are both native to north America, but have slightly different ranges. A. arbutifolia is more commonly found in the southern states, with a range that dips all the way to Florida and the Gulf Coast. A. melanocarpa is hardy into the far northern parts of Minnesota and on into Canada. While neither one is native to Kansas, they can still thrive here since we are on the edge of both the ranges. The flowers and berries have wonderful wildlife value for our pollinators and birds.
Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’ in bloom. Photo by Daderot at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington D.C., via Wikimedia Commons
Berry Different
From left to right: Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’, A. melanocarpa ‘Viking’, and A. melanocarpa ‘MacKenzie’
When potted and ready to purchase at our Florakansas event, it is almost impossible to tell the difference between the many types of chokeberry we offer. It is not uncommon for us to have up to five Aronias to choose from at one time, all displayed together. But once allowed to mature, some obvious differences emerge. A. arbutifolia has smaller, firmer berries that hold their red coloring much longer into the year. They also have ovate leaves. A. melanocarpa varieties tend to have large fruit and round to teardrop-shaped leaves. The largest fruit, in my experience, is from ‘MacKenzie’. If you are looking for a large harvest for human consumption, MacKenzie will be the best choice. Some wonderful ideas for Aronia jelly, sauce, vinaigrette, and fruit leather can be found at the Forager Chef.
Shape Up
The shrubs not only have different berry sizes, they also grow in slightly different shapes. ‘Brilliantissima’ is very upright and vase shaped, while ‘MacKenzie’ is rounded and dense. ‘Viking’ is sort of between the two, not as round as the big fruited bush but not as narrow as ‘Brilliantissima’. Of course, I am drawing generalizations from a too-small sample size (1 specimen each) so this is purely anecdotal. I made a sketch, such as it is, of their general shape as they are now in my backyard. I am writing this in December when they have lost their leaves, otherwise I would have taken a photo, which might have been more helpful!
Because of its adaptability, edibility, low-maintenance habit, and wildlife value, Aronia is a fantastic addition to any landscape. It is sorely underrepresented in urban environments. So as we look ahead to spring, start thinking about where you can add one of these to your yard and garden. You won’t regret it!
I recently spoke at the Oklahoma Native Plant Network fall festival in Oklahoma City. They had a day full of speakers, including representatives from Tulsa Botanic Garden, the Xerces Society and Bat Conservation International. But the real treat of course was the plant market outside the presentation hall. So many great native treasures were available from local vendors, I couldn’t resist buying a few new plants. I was able to get a few hard-to-find species for installation on the Arboretum grounds. Keep an eye out for these beauties on your next visit.
Callicarpa americana var. lactea – White American Beautyberry
Photo provided by the grower, Wild Things Nursery of Seminole, Oklahoma.
I didn’t even realize a naturally occurring white variety of beautyberry existed until I saw it being sold by Wild Things Nursery at the ONPN event. All the same lovely characteristics as its purple cousin – shade tolerant, pollinator friendly, bird attracting – but with striking white berries on arching stems. Marilyn, the owner of Wild Things Nursery said she collected the seed over twenty years ago down a shady dirt road in north western Arkansas. According to her they come true from seed reliably. Beautyberry are marginally edible, though not very tasty. Find these new additions in the back of the Compassionate Friends Garden near the hedgerow at the arboretum.
Our pond has several lovely Hibiscus moscheutos thriving along its edge, and I am excited to add H. laevis to the mallow collection. This is a slightly taller species with narrow leaves, as the name implies, in the shape of a medieval sword. Native throughout the eastern half of the US, though much of its wetland habitat in the mid-Atlantic has been disturbed. Sadly, it is not as commonly found as it once was. I’ll be planting this on tip of the island, where there is some space on the banks thanks to our latest renovation. I found this at a great plant at a vendor called Duck Creek Farms from Mounds, Oklahoma.
Anyone who has seen the opening scenes of Bridgerton house on Netflix’s hit show will recognize the pendulous purple blooms of Wiseria vine. But most of the Wisteria you see in media and in formal landscapes is the asian variety. Beautiful, but at a price: invasive in certain parts of the country and downright pushy in the garden, it needs diligent trimming to keep growth in check. But native W. frutescens is a great alternative to its exotic cousins, and with plenty of color to spare. I’ll plant this next spring near a leg of our new octagonal gazebo soon to be erected in the Birdwatch Garden.
In between shopping for the Arboretum, giving the keynote presentation of the festival, and networking with all the like-minded conservationists and plant peddlers, of course I also snagged a few things for my own landscape! I found blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum) for a hot, dry spot near my front sidewalk. I also found an adorable spineless cactus (possibly Optunia ellisiana?) to plant nearby. Here’s hoping these cuties fill in the rather inhospitable space between my purple prairie clover and creeping sedum.
If you are in the area, put ONPN’s fall festival on your radar for next year. It was a great time to learn about native plants and related topics in conservation. And you will never see me turn down an opportunity to buy plants and support small growers!
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