Articles I Have Written – Beyond the Field Guide

30

Aug

Canada Geese and Cackling Geese – How to Tell These Species Apart

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) and Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii). These two species used to be one species – Canada Goose. But in 2004, several of the smaller subspeices of Canada Goose were separated out from Canada Goose and classified as a separate species – Cackling Goose. This was based on two major things. First, […]

22

Aug

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

How to grow and its growth habit: – Full to part sun. – Medium-wet to medium-dry soil. This plant will let you know when it is thirsty – the leaves will droop and this will be obvious. In my experience, it is somewhat drought and heat tolerant. Some of mine are planted in a narrow, […]

16

Aug

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

How to grow and its growing habit: – Needs full to part sun. – Drier to average soil. Avoid wet soils or soils that do not drain well. Fertilizer is not needed and as one of the reasons to add this plant to your garden is to encourage Monarch Butterflies – who […]

15

Aug

Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa)

When I think of plants that are native to many northern states – and thrive – I admit that a cactus never crosses my mind. But in many of our northern states, we do have a cactus that grows well – Prickly Pear Cactus. This genus of cactus (Opuntia) is native in many states east […]

14

Aug

Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium)

Rattlesnake Master: – Full to part sun. – Well-drained soil is a must. Will tolerate drought. – 3-4 ft. tall and spread is 12-18”. – Blooms July and August. Greenish-white balls. – Self-seeds. Attractive brown seed heads. – No fertilizer is necessary. – Does not transplant well. – To deadhead, cut flower stalk to the […]