Division of Extension
There are many beneficial insects that people frequently overlook. One of those groups of good guys are the rove beetles, or staphylinids. Although they are usually small, these beetles are easily recognized by the slender, dark-colored body and an exposed abdomen. To learn more about these beetles read this article…
Pothos is one of the most popular houseplants in North America. Easily propagated and able to grow in relatively low light, this tropical plant is grown for its juvenile foliage. Learn more about this evergreen root-climber in this article.
Lemon balm is an easy to grow, attractive plant with a fragrant, lemon-like odor. To learn more about this herb, read this article.
Have you ever noticed a dead fly hanging with outstretched wings from a flower stalk or glued to the window in your house? These insects likely succumbed to a fungus that only affects flies. This insect destroyer called Entomophthora muscae is actually fairly common, infecting several types of flies related to house flies. To learn more about this fungus, read this article…
With inconspicuous flowers and relatively short stature, and often growing in disturbed sites, common groundsel is often overlooked. This annual weed can be locally common and spread rapidly, read more about this introduced weed in this article.
Spider plants are popular houseplants that are very easy to grow. This tough foliage plant tolerates inconsistent watering, has few pest problems, grows well in medium to bright light indoors, and is easy to propagate. It available in both green and variegated versions. Learn more about this South African native in this article.
Commonly called Brown-Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia triloba is an herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial with typical coneflowers with yellow rays and brown centers. This rangy plant with masses of small flowers works well in cottage gardens or in wildflower plantings.
Large silken webs on the ends of branches on trees may be the nests of fall webworm, which feeds on many different shade trees and deciduous ornamental trees. To learn more about fall webworm, read this article…
The succulent Aeonium is a tender perennial used extensively as an ornamental in mild climates. It adapts readily to container culture, so can be grown as a seasonal plant in cold climates or even a houseplant if you have very bright light. Read more about this interesting plant in this article.
Black medic is a prostrate clover-like weed with small yellow flowers, often growing in lawns and garden beds. Originating from Europe and temperate Asia, this leguminous plant (legume) is also called yellow trefoil, black clover and hop medic. Read more about identifying and managing this weed.
Silver sage is a perennial with eye-catching large, fuzzy, blue-green leaves that contrast nicely with other plants. Learn more about silver sage in this article.
Globe amaranth is an interesting plant to add to the garden. This annual has stiff, papery bracts that form the showy “flowers” in a range of colors from pink to red to purple, plus white. Learn more about this easy-to-grow plant in this article.
