Cat’s-Ear Weed

Cat’s-ear is often confused with dandelions.

Cat’s-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) is an invasive perennial weed that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe but has spread to many parts of the world, including North America, where it is often considered a nuisance in lawns, gardens, and pastures. The plant typically grows in rosettes, with leaves forming a basal cluster close to the ground. Its flowers resemble those of dandelions, featuring bright yellow petals atop long, slender stems.

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Japanese Knotwood

The success of the species has been partially attributed to its tolerance of a very wide range of conditions; including drought, different soil types, variable soil pH, and high salinity.

Japanese knotwood, known as Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a perennial, herbaceous plant native to East Asia, including Japan, China, and Korea. It was introduced to Europe and North America in the 19th century as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance and hardiness.

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Wild Onions or Wild Garlic?

Wild onions have flat, solid leaves, while wild garlic has long, slender, hollow leaves.

Wild onions (Allium canadense) and wild garlic (Allium vineale) are both common wild plants belonging to the Allium genus, which encompasses various onion, garlic, and leek species. While they share similarities in appearance and habitat, there are distinct differences between the two that aid in their identification. Wild onions typically grow in clusters and have flat, solid leaves emerging from an underground bulb. The leaves are slender, often bluish-green, and can grow up to 20 inches tall.

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What are Tree Suckers or Basal Shoots?

Suckers are a tree’s attempt to grow more branches, often in response to some kind of injury. If the roots have been damaged, suckers may grow from the base of the trunk. If suckers grow higher on the trunk, they’re called watersprouts and they are usually at the site of a pruning wound, a crack or some other damage.

Tree suckers, also known as basal shoots, root sprouts, adventitious shoots, or basal sprouts, are vegetative growths that emerge from the base of a tree’s trunk or from its roots. These shoots often arise from dormant buds located on the root system or just below the soil surface.

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Moon Trees

Varieties of trees such as Loblolly Pine, Sycamore, Sweetgum, Redwood, and Douglas Fir.

Moon trees are a unique botanical phenomenon that embodies the intertwining of space exploration and terrestrial life. Originating from seeds that journeyed to the moon aboard NASA’s Apollo 14 mission in 1971, these seeds were carried in the command module by astronaut

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The Disease Triangle

Understanding the biology and life cycle of the pathogen is essential for implementing effective disease management strategies.

In plant pathology, the disease triangle is a conceptual framework used to understand the interplay of three key factors that contribute to the development and spread of plant diseases. These factors are the host plant, the pathogen, and the environment.

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Difference Between Seedlings and Saplings

Similar to a seedling, a sapling is also a juvenile life stage of a tree. A sapling can originate from a seed, or through a vegetative part such as cutting.

Seedlings and saplings are two distinct stages in the life cycle of a plant, each with its own characteristics and significance in the process of growth and development. Understanding the differences between these stages is essential for effective plant management and cultivation.

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Ashley Frasca  – Green and Growing

Her show covers garden basics, expert interviews, features from around town, and garden questions from listeners.

Garden expert, writer, and radio and television host Walter Reeves[1] hosted the “Lawn and Garden Show” every Saturday morning (6-9 am) WSB Radio, Atlanta, for 26 years, 1352 shows. When he retired, January 31, 2020, he appointed Ashley Frasca, producer of the show for 8 years, as his predecessor.

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