Dave Muffly’s Post

There are around 2600 different types of palm trees, the most of which are found in tropical, subtropical, and mild climates. One of the most majestic species, royal palms (Roystonea spp.) can grow up to 70 feet tall. They are renowned for their neatly arranged leaves and the lovely, smooth green area of their trunk that is directly beneath the canopy. Any environment is made stately by date palms. The palm that produces luscious, sweet dates is this one. There are many various types of palms, and one might be shocked to learn that the wrong term for one of them is actually the following tree rather than the word palm, as palms are actually huge grasses similar to bamboo, corn and sugar cane rather than actual trees.

Species spotlight: Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Cardinal flowers are perennial wildflowers that stand out in any garden. Most pollinators struggle to access their flowers due to the long necks of their flowers, so these plants depend on hummingbirds for fertilization. Cardinal flowers grow best in moist to wet conditions with full to partial sunlight exposure, and they are naturally occurring around wetlands, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eJTHaxb4

Minnesota Native Monday. Common name: Red Columbine Scientific name: Aquilegia canadensis Sun: Full sun to full shade Size: 1' to 2' tall, 1' to 2' wide Flowers: Red Bloom: May to June Columbine has masses of beautiful nodding tomato-orange bell-shaped flowers with yellow eyes and orange spurs at the ends of the stems in late spring, which are most effective when planted in groupings The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its lobed compound leaves remain light green in color throughout the season. This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer do not particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. #landscapernearrosemount #landscapingnearroemount #landscapingservices #landscapernearme #dakotacounty #landscapingnearme #polinatorfriendly #minnesotanativeplants #polinators #minnesotanativelandscapes #polinatorfriendlyplants

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a deciduous, riparian shrub that attracts lots of wildlife: hummingbirds and butterflies love the flowers, birds love the seeds, and sphinx moth larvae love the foliage. Deciduous, riparian shrub growing 6-12’ tall or sometimes even taller in favorable conditions. Leaves turn bright colors (yellow, orange, scarlet) in the fall. Large fuzzy ball flowers (usually white but rarely pink) that attract numerous species of pollinators (butterflies, bees, etc) bloom from June into fall. They’re very fragrant and permeate a good area. Full sun to shade, regular water, hardy to -20°F. Larval food plant for the Titan sphinx (Aellopos titan) and Hydrangea sphinx (Darapsa versicolor) moths. Found along the margins of streams, often in canyons in rocky soils to marshy land from 1,500-4,500 ft. widespread throughout the United States, southeastern Canada, and into Mexico. We also see plants in relatively dry washes, but where water collects when it rains.

Plant Profile: Eastern Red Cedar Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) The Eastern red cedar is the most widely-distributed eastern conifer in the United States. This fragrant, native tree is incredibly resistant to drought, salt, heat, and cold and is tolerant in a wide range of soils such as alkaline soil; dry, rocky soil; or wet, swampy land. Eastern red cedars are dioecious, which means that male and female trees are separate plants and both sexes need to be planted in close approximation for fruit production. When in bloom, the female trees produce green flowers, while the males produce yellow flowers. This tree is known for its attractive bark and beautiful berries during the fall and winter months. Female plants produce berry-like cones that, if pollinated, ripen to a blue-gray color. These trees produce fruit that persists throughout winter, which attracts a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and Cedar Waxwings (which were named for this tree). Pine Warblers, Northern Cardinals, Tufted Titmice, and Carolina Chickadees, are only a few of the other bird species that will eat the fruits from Eastern red cedar. American Robin on Eastern Red Cedar. Photo by Larry Reis. #PlantsforBirds #NativePlants