West Virginia native plant ideal groundcover in shade
When botanist Thomas Meehan died in 1901, I'm sure he went to the big forest in the sky feeling proud that Nathaniel Lord Britton...
Simply ferntastic! West Virginia's many fern species
In my humble opinion, ferns are one of the most overlooked groups of plants in West Virginia forests and woodlands. Here in Greenbrier County,...
Single-leafed orchid grows wild in West Virginia woodlands
This here story is a tale about a very interesting native plant that just happens to be one of the many species of orchids...
Some spring crocus are indigenous in Appalachian Mountains
FLAT TOP, W.Va. — There are few surer signs of the approach of spring in West Virginia than the emergence of crocus blossoms in...
Eastern Skunk Cabbage performs magic in spring
SUNSHINE FARM, W.Va. — Winter and spring may be the best time of year to sing the praises of Symplocarpus foetidus, a.k.a. “Eastern Skunk...
Native W.Va. garden plant may go unnoticed in the wild
A picture speaks a thousand words, and that’s a good thing because I have a lot to say about this plant that could best...
Native Solomon's Seal ideal for wild and shade gardens
If you’ve read any of my past diatribes, you know that I favor scientific botanical nomenclature above common names. That’s caused many readers to...
Yes, (West) Virginia, there is a native geranium!
SUNSHINE FARM, W.Va. — When it became my turn to present my current story proposal at our regular editorial board meeting, my pitch was...
Remarkable orchid's single leaf persists through winter in W.Va.
You may have to stretch your imagination a bit to embrace the common name of this exciting West Virginia resident. That plant, Tipularia discolor,...
Hearty beech fern ideal for the West Virginia garden
Before we commence chatting about my favorite fern of all time, let’s get the nomenclature out of the way (nomenclature: a fancy, two-bit word...
Rare West Virginia wildflower named for Thomas Jefferson
During this Corona pandemic, silver linings aren’t that difficult to uncover. Take the air in our major cities: at no time in our industrial...
Spring ideal season to engage in West Virginia botanical events
SAINT ALBANS, W.Va. — One of the best things about living in West Virginia is the opportunity to experience its cycles of growth. Whether...
