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@hortorium
Underwood Plum flowers (Prunus ‘Underwood’)
Underwood plums are hybrid plum trees originating from a cross between Shiro (P. angustifolia x P.cerasifera x P. salicina x P. simonii) and Wyant (P. Americana).
The Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins, CO - 04/18/18
Asparagus shoots (Aparagus officianalis)
Asparagus is a perennial vegetable. Only the shoots, which are harvested in spring, are eaten. The plant will grow 40-60 inches tall with feathery foliage for the rest of the season. It will also grow small red fruits which are poisonous to humans.
The Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins, CO - 4/18/18
People talk about zones for planting, what do they actually represent here in Colorado?
The “zones” refers to the USDA Plant Hardiness zones. Most of Colorado falls under zones 4-6. These zones represent the average minimum winter temperature in an area. Colorado tends to be colder so our zones reflect that plants which aren’t cold hardy will probably die here in the winter.
The lower number zones can be further assumed that they will be cooler throughout the year, so you’ll see some plants described as not being able to tolerate certain zones (for example, in my recent post on Nanking cherries, they were stated to not do well south of zone 7).
Honeyberry flowers (Lonicera caerulea)
Also known as haskap in Japan, zhimolost in Russia, and edible blue-berry honeysuckle. The honeyberry is a hardy shrub to temperatures of -53 degrees Fahrenheit (-47 degrees Celsius) and is found in peat-heavy forest soils in northern latitudes.
The blue fruits can range from very tart to sweet. Seeds and cuttings are both readily used to propagate honeyberry shrubs.
The Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins, CO - 4/18/18
Nanking Cherry flowers (Prunus tomentosa)
The Nanking cherry has an excellent winter hardiness to zone 2 and should not be planted south of USDA zone 7. They are good plantings for attractive wind breaks that also provide food for wildlife.
Plants found in nurseries in the United States tend to be variable as they are typically grown from seed. The fruits can be sweet or tart, but most of them tend to be more on the sour side.
Nanking cherries are a popular choice for permaculture landscapes as they add food to an understory niche or a smaller space than a tree could. The are also very hardy and easy to care for, so this reduces a lot of upkeep.
The Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins, CO - 4/18/18
Nanking Cherry flowers (Prunus tomentosa)
This shrub is native to northern Asia. It produces red drupes that appear similar to cherries, but the shrub is more closely related to plums. Nanking cherries are very tough plants and capable of surviving in dry, hot conditions. The birds love the fruits and can quickly eat most of them if they’re not covered.
The Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins, CO - 4/18/18
Periwinkle flowers (Vinca minor)
See previous post on Vinca minor.
Fort Collins, CO - 3/21/18
Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
A dove native to Asia that was introduced to North America. It is seen as invasive though the oldest established populations are stabilizing or in decline. They do well in suburban areas and can be identified by their call.
The Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins, CO - 4/18/18
Young Curly Dock or Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)
Like the broad-leafed dock, curly dock is native to Europe and has naturalized in the United States. It can be distinguished from other Rumex species by its curled leaves, which become more prominent with more growth.
It is also edible and contains oxalic acid, so it should be eaten in moderation. The plant is used medicinally and the taproot, which is yellow and where it gets the name “yellow dock,” has been used to treat anemia due to its high iron content.
Fort Collins, CO - 03/21/18
Young Broad-Leafed Dock (Rumex obtusifolius)
A perennial plant native to Europe that has naturalized in most of the United States. The leaves are edible but contain a high quantity of oxalic acid, so they should be cooked and/or eaten in moderation.
Fort Collins, CO - 03/21/18
Northern White-Cedar or Eastern Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
A small to medium North American native tree that is widely cultivated as an ornamental. Arborvitaes are easily identified by their flat, planar needles. They can be quite long lived, with the oldest specimens living upwards of 1,650 years.
These trees are important in Objiwe culture for their many uses. The wood is used in construction of fences, canoes, and cabins. The foliage contains a high vitamin C content, and the whole plant contains essential oil which is has been used for cleaning and medicine.
Fort Collins, CO - 03/02/18
Violet leaves (Viola sp.)
Shown here is a perennial violet, likely Viola sororia which is also known as “wild violet.” This plant is seen as a weed in lawns, but produces purple flowers where its namesake “violet” comes from. Flowers from wild violets can be eaten as is, candied, or made into jams. The leaves are also edible.
Fort Collins, CO - 03/02/18
Redstem Filaree or Redstem Stork’s Bill (Erodium cicutarium)
An herbaceous perennial native to the Mediterranean, but has since been introduced North America where it has naturalized and is considered a weed. In Colorado, it is a “List C” species under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act.
The whole plant is edible and has both a sharp parsley smell and taste.
Fort Collins, CO - 03/08/18
Creeping Woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata)
Pictured here is purple-leafed variety of creeping woodsorrel. Most varieties are green. It is likely native to North America, but is considered a weed in lawns and agriculture.
The leaves are edible with a tangy, lemon-like taste. Eating large quantities can inhibit vitamin c uptake, so some caution should be taken.
Fort Collins, CO - 03/08/18
Amur Corktree (Phellodendron amurense)
A tree native to eastern Asia that is considered an invasive and noxious weed in much of the eastern United States due to its suppression of native hardwood trees. Only the female trees have this invasive habit.
The bark is one of the 50 fundamental herbs of traditional Chinese medicine and is still used today in herbal treatments.
The name “Phellodendron” should not be confused with the common houseplant “Philodendron.”
Fort Collins, CO - 03/02/18
Prague Viburnum (Viburnum ‘Pragense’)
A broadleaf evergreen shrub with white flowers that bloom around May. They are versatile plants and can be useful as hedges and the flowers and berries are used by wildlife as well.
Fort Collins, CO - 03/02/18
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata ‘Capitata’)
A tree, or large shrub, that is considered one of the best needled evergreens for shady conditions. It cannot tolerates heavy, wet soils so drainage is necessary.
Yews are incredibly poisonous due to the taxane alkaloids they contain. Even eating a few leaves can lead to death. The wood remains poisonous after the plant dies, so burning yew wood is still dangerous.
Fort Collins, CO - 03/02/18