Joshua Tree Photos and Art

It is Saturday, and time for another botanical art appreciation post. In the spotlight is the ever intriguing Joshua tree. It is hard to say what is more captivating; the quirky 'outstretched arms' of the Joshua tree, or the severe yet beautiful Mohave desert surroundings. You be the judge.

Joshua Tree in Joshua Tree by Mobius Images

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19161361

Joshua Trees in The Desert Original Oil Painting by Irene Livermore Gallery

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21361296

The Path... - 8x8... Fine Art Print by KimberlyRose Photography http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17329809

Joshua Tree (number 2) 10x8 by An Englishman in Palm Springs http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14975674

Hello Joshua - ACEO - Limited Print by Red Horse Studios http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21361531

Tell Me Your Favorite

I would like to hear from you today. What is your favorite plant, and why? You can list more than one if there is a tie. Also tell me what part of the country you are from . Leave your feedback in the comments section below this post. (no need to be technical or use scientific names, unless you want to)

I'll go first:

Tulip tree Liriodendron tulipifera. Trees are my specialty, and there is so much I love about this tree. It is tall, provides shade, has bare winter branches,beautiful (but not overstated) yellowish green flowers, and has the most gorgeous tulip shaped leaves. To top it off, it is a U.S.A. native! I am from Oregon, but currently living in South Carolina.Your turn!

Desert Plant I.D.

Provided Information:

1. Photos:

2. Date: January
3. Location: Kingman, Arizona
4. Plant type: Evergreen shrub or tree, desert plant
5. Environment: Commercial landscape
6. Exposure: Full sun
7. Scent: none
8. Other: Also seen growing in the open landscape of the surrounding desert

Identification:

1. Name: Yucca brevifolia (Joshua tree, tree yucca, yucca palm)
2. Family: Liliaceae (formerly part of the Agavaceae family)
3. Origin: Mojave Desert, Southwestern United States
4. Random facts: The Joshua tree has a form of symbiotic relationship with the pronuba moth. This moth is the only successful pollinator for the Joshua tree, and even has specialized apparatus to accomplish the task. In return, the moth gains specific benefit from the Joshua tree by laying eggs within the ovaries of the yucca flowers, allowing their young to feed on some of the resulting seeds. The Joshua tree got its name in the early 1800s from Mormons who thought the branches of the tree resembled Joshua, from the Bible, with his arms outstretched to the heavens and leading the way to the promised land.

Palm Tree I.D.

Provided Information:

1. Photos:
2. Date: February
3. Location: Goose Creek, South Carolina
4. Plant type: Evergreen tree
5. Environment: Street scape
6. Exposure: Full sun
7. Scent: None
8. Other: Very long, curved fronds, pinnate leaf pattern

Identification:

1. Name: Butia capitata (pindo palm, jelly palm)
2. Family: Arecacea (Palmae)
3. Origin: South America
4. Random facts: This palm develops orange fruit (called pindo dates in the South) that is edible and can be used to make jelly. Though it is not a North American native, it is one of the only palms that flourishes on both U.S.A. coasts.

Monday Plant Feature

Featured Plant: Name: Ulmas glabra 'Camperdownii' (Camperdown elm)

1. Family: Ulmaceae
2. Plant type: deciduous tree
3. Exposure: full sun or filtered shade
4. Branching pattern: alternate
5. Habit: weeping, grafted on a tree standard. It typically grows to 15-25 ft, but can grow taller and usually much wider.
6. Foliage: coarse texture, prominent veins, pubescent (fine hairs) beneath, double serrated, dark green in summer, yellow fall color, asymmetrical leaf base at point of attachment to petiole
7. Flowers: somewhat insignificant on this plant
8. Fruit: single seed semaras, flat and green, typically there is little or no fruit set
9. Similar species: Ulmus glabra 'Pendula'
10. Other: Discovered in Dundee, Scotland in the 1800s and named for the Camperdown House at which it was found. It was originally a rambling shrub with no main stem.

Just For Fun

As a plant enthusiast I always enjoy a great botanical reproduction in just about any form. There are a number of independent artists out there that seem to share the same sentiment. As a follow up to yesterday's post, I have selected a few Etsy items that showcase the beautiful white flower of the Southern magnolia. Enjoy!

Sparrow and Magnolia, acrylic painting by Sherry's Nature Paintings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_6&listing_id=20965119&ga_search_query=magnolia&ga_search_type=tag_title

MISS Magnolia 1 on Canvas by L. Young Studio

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_1&listing_id=20448951&ga_search_query=magnolia&ga_search_type=tag_title

Southern Magnolia by Tricia Kay Photography http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_10&listing_id=13065061&ga_search_query=magnolia+white&ga_search_type=tag_title

Sweet Magnolia Blossom on White - Fused Glass Pendant, Pin, Magnet, or Keychain by Lawatha's Glass and More http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_12&listing_id=18707205&ga_search_query=magnolia+white&ga_search_type=tag_title

Magnolia 2 by Christian Bradford http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_15&listing_id=10203885&ga_search_query=botanical+magnolia&ga_search_type=tag_title

Broadleaf Evergreen Tree I.D.

Provided Information:

1. Photos:
2. Date: December
3. Location: Corvallis, Oregon
4. Plant type: evergreen tree
5. Environment: commercial landscape
6. Exposure: full sun
7. Scent: none
8. Other: very large, thick glossy leaves. White summer flowers

Identification:

1. Name: Magnolia grandiflora (Southern magnolia, sweet magnolia, bull bay)
2. Family: Magnoliaceae
3. Origin: Coastal regions of Southeastern U.S.A.
4. Random Facts: It is the state tree and flower of Mississippi, as well as the state flower of Louisiana.

Deciduous Tree I.D.

Provided information:

1. Photos:

2. Date: December
3. Location: Oregon
4. Plant type: woody deciduous shrub, or small tree
5. Environment: home garden
6. Exposure: filtered shade
7. Scent: none
8. Other: opposite branching

Identification:

1. Name: Acer palmatum dissectum (cutleaf Japanese maple)
2. Family: Aceraceae
3. Origin: Japan
4. Random Facts: Every name has a meaning. 'Palmatum' refers to the palmately lobed leaves and 'dissectum' refers to them being finely cut and dissected.

Broadleaf Evergreen Shrub I.D.

Provided Information:

1. Photos:
2. Date: December
3. Location: Corvallis, Oregon
4. Plant Type: Evergreen woody shrub
5. Environment: commercial landscape
6. Exposure: shade
7. Scent: none
8. Other: thick glossy leaves, bright red buds, opposite branching, evergreen

Identification:

1. Name: Viburnum davidii (David viburnum)
2. Family: Caprifoliaceae
3. Origin: China
4. Random Facts: This plant is known for its showy metallic blue berries in the summer. Though this plant is not truly dioecious (having separate male and female plants), it is common for them to be referred to as 'male' and 'female' plants depending on the fruit set of an individual plant. Some clones inherently produce fruit more abundantly ('female') while others must be cross pollinated ('male'), and therefore are less likely to fruit on their own or when surrounded by a similar grouping of viburnums. When selecting plants be sure you can see clear signs of fruiting or buy one that is designated as a 'female' clone.

Tuesday Terminology: Deciduous and Evergreen

A plant i.d. blog must be more that photos and results, it must also encompass some part of the identification process. While I am not specifically detailing how I determine the identity of each plant reviewed, I try to give clues along the way that will help you recognize that same plant when you encounter it in the landscape. Each plant is unique and possesses a collection of traits that determine how it is classified and named. I am going to start simple and just focus on one or two terms per week. This is undoubtedly review for many of you, but I would like this blog to be enjoyed by plant enthusiasts of all levels, and helpful for those of you who are just starting out.

• Deciduous: a plant that loses all or most of its leaves for the winter.

(Latin) Caducus: falling, or dropping off early

• Evergreen: A plant that retains its leaves all year round, except for normal shedding of old leaves or needles.

(Latin)Sempervirens: always green

(Latin) Perhiemens: persisting through the winter, remaining all winter

• Semi-evergreen: refers to a plant that is less consistent from year to year or climate to climate. This plant may lose some or all of its leaves one year and retain them all the following year. Alternatively it may be a plant that loses all of its leaves in a cold climate and only loses some leaves in a warmer climate Knowing if a plant is evergreen or deciduous is a key factor in identifying a plant. Knowing if a plant is semi-evergreen is a bit more specific and mainly useful to know when planning a landscape, and is not as commonly used for keying out a plant. In a future post we will discuss the different types of evergreens and deciduous plants, but let's keep this post short and simple.

*Practice note: This is the perfect time of year to determine if a plant is evergreen or deciduous. Walk outside and observe all the trees and plants that are still covered in green or living foliage, and those that are bare or only retaining dry brown leaves. This applies to trees and smaller plants

Herbaceous Perennial I.D.

Provided Information:

1. Photos:
2. Date: December
3. Location: Corvallis, Oregon
4. Plant type: herbaceous perennial
5. Environment: commercial landscape
6. Exposure: full sun
7. Scent: leaves are mildly fragrant
8. Other: soft woolly leaves

Identification:

1. Name: Stachys byzantina (lamb's ears)
2. Family: Lamiaceae
3. Origin: Turkey, Armenia, and Iran
4. Random Facts: As a part of the mint family, this plant has stems that have a square shaped cross section. This can also be felt by attempting to roll the stem between your fingers; you will feel the 4 flat sides of the stem.

Monday Plant Feature

Featured Plant:

Name: Calycarpus japonica (Japanese beauty berry)

1. Plant type: Deciduous woody shrub
2. Exposure: Full sun or filtered shade
3. Branching pattern: Opposite
4. Habit: Upright and open plant habit with an average height and spread of 4-6 ft, though it can grow taller.
5. Foliage: Medium texture, summer green turning yellow in the fall
6. Flowers: small white flowers with long stamens
7. Fruit: Tight clusters of metallic purple berries that persist through the winter months. 'Leucocarpa' is a white fruiting variety.
8. Similar species: Callicarpa bodinieri, Callicarpa dichotoma
9. Other: The metallic purple berries appear on bare branches, making them a stunning winter accent. Plant them in groupings or locate a single specimen near a backdrop of green to make a bigger impact in the landscape. It is best not to hide this shrub in the back of a planting, as the details are better appreciated at a closer distance. The late summer flowers are somewhat insignificant compared to the subsequent fruit display, but the foliage turns a nice golden yellow, providing additional seasonal interest.

Herbaceous Boadleaf Evergreen I.D.

Provided Information:

1. Photos:
2. Date: December
3. Location: Corvallis, Oregon
4. Plant Type: perennial
5. Environment: commercial landscape
6. Exposure: part sun, part shade
7. Scent: None
8. Other: giant glossy leaves

Identification:

1. Name: Acanthus mollis (Bear's breeches)
2. Family: Acanthaceae
3. Origin: Mediterranean
4. Random Facts: It is believed that Corinthian columns were designed after this plant. The base of each column is adorned with similar basal leaves and the top is artistically similar to the tall flower spikes of the bear's breech.

Broadleaf Evergreen Shrub I.D.

Provided Information:

1. Photos:
2. Date: December
3. Location: Corvallis, Oregon
4. Plant Type: shrub
5. Environment: commercial landscape
6. Exposure: shade
7. Scent: none
8. Other: large glossy leaves

Identification:

1. Name: Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia)
2. Family: Araliaceae
3. Origin: Japan
4. Random Facts: Fatsia gets its name from the word 'fatsi' which used to mean 'eight' in Japanese. This is in reference to the eight main lobes on each leaf.

First I.D. Example

Provided Information:

1. Photos:
2. Date: December
3. Location: Corvallis, Oregon
4. Plant Type: large shrub
5. Environment: commercial landscape
6. Exposure: sun with partial shade
7. Scent: none
8. Other: bright red fruit clusters, leaves are slightly downy on the underside, shrub is about 12 feet tall

Identification:

1. Name: Cotoneaster lacteus (milkflower cotoneaster)
2. Family: Rosaceae
3. Origin: China
4. Random Facts: Though lacteus means 'milky,' and is refering to the creamy white summer flowers, their smell is far less appealing. It is often compared to the smell of rotting fish.

Submitting a Plant Question

The focus of this blog is to talk about plants; their unique characteristics, identities, and care aspects. I ask that you keep your questions plant-specific to avoid digressing from the theme of this blog. There are far too many variables within different landscapes and gardens so I will not entertain general questions such as: "how do I care for my lawn or garden?" Here are some examples and guidelines for the type of questions you may submit:

Rules:

1. You must name a specific plant in your question.
2. You must ask a specific question about the mentioned plant.

Examples:

• How do I prune my weeping beech tree?
• What is the best time for transplanting rhododendrons?
• How do I reduce black spot on my roses?
• When do I cut back my daffodils?
• What is the best method for propagating hydrangeas?

You get the idea. Just name a plant, and state a question! Send all your inquiries to:

namethatplant@gmail.com

No guarantees will be made that your question will be published. Please keep your emails clear and to the point if you want to increase your chances of being answered.

Submitting a Plant Photo

Welcome to my plant I.D. blog! The central idea of this site is to focus on plants. With a question and answer type format I aim to keep it simple by insisting that all posts are dedicated to 1) identifying mystery plants and 2)answering specific questions pertaining to plant information and care. You are invited to join in with your plant photos and questions, but please read all the following information before sending me your photos, and stay tuned for tomorrow's post detailing how to submit a question.

Please remember that the more detail you provide to me, the more likely I am to provide an I.D. Try to keep your emails concise and to the point, providing any info that may be pertinent. Multiple photos are welcome if they show various plant details; i.e. fruit, flowers, growth habit, foliage, etc.

Info that is MANDATORY:

1. Photo(s): entire plant, details of foliage, flowers, fruit, bark, etc
2. Date or month that photo was taken
3. Location: City and State

Additional info that is welcome and could help me I.D. it faster

1. Plant type: tree, woody shrub, non-woody shrub, ground cover, climbing vine, weed, etc.
2. Environment: Home garden, commercial landscape, roadside, meadow, forest, near water, etc
3. Exposure: full sun, deep shade, partial sun/shade
4. Scent: unique flower or foliage smells
5. Other: Any other unique details you may notice...flaky bark, fuzzy or serrated leaves, brightly colored stems or trunk, fast or slow growth rate, spiny or soft, thorns,fruit, nuts, flowers, etc

Send me as much of the above information as possible, along with your photos to: namethatplant@gmail.com Please send me only 1 plant per email to avoid confusion. No guarantees will be made that your submission(s) will be published or when it will occur.