Plant Corner: Plant Care Tips & Tricks to Grow Your #PlantFam

8 Popular Types of Christmas Greens to Spruce Up the Holidays

The holidays have arrived, so now is the perfect time to brush up on your knowledge of holiday-related topics, including Christmas greenery. How many different types can you name? Become acquainted with the different kinds of Christmas greens below. They are a beautiful way to add something natural to your holiday home.

Fir

There are seven different types of Christmas tree firs: noble fir, balsam fir, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, grand fir, Canaan fir, and Concolor Fir. Each fir tree is unique. For example, Douglas firs range in height from 70 to 250 feet tall, while balsam firs are smaller in size and will grow to be about 40 to 60 feet.

Spruce

Spruce is another common variety you’ll see on the Christmas tree lot. Types of spruces include the Colorado blue spruce, Norway spruce, and white spruce. Similar to pines and firs, spruce trees have needles instead of leaves. The needles on spruce trees are attached individually to the branches rather than in clusters, which is the main difference between spruce and pine trees. Fir trees also have needles grown in this way, but spruce needles are sharp, whereas fir needles are not as pointy.

Pine

Another common holiday green is pine, which you’ll see on everything from Christmas trees to wreaths and fillers in Christmas flower arrangements. The varieties include white pine, Scotch pine, and Virginia pine. You can identify pine by its spindly needles and branches that appear to be bent upwards. It also tends to have fewer branches than other tree types.

Holly

Holly is another classic green plant with distinguishing red berries and prickly leaves. Prior to holly being used as a symbol of the Christmas season, the Druids viewed it as a sacred plant that symbolizes fertility and eternal life. While other plants die off during the winter, holly continues to thrive.

Juniper

Junipers are known for their short green foliage, blue berries, and sap. These hearty plants have a rugged, natural appeal, making them unique greenery to add to your Christmas decor.

Ivy

Ivy may be known for trademarking the top schools in the country, but it is also found in a number of Christmas arrangements. It adds texture and holiday green to arrangements, garland, or as a living wreath. Keep the cut ends in water to maintain their health.

Boxwood

Boxwood is great greenery for garland and wreaths because its fuller texture creates clean, modern arrangements. Its small leaves that closely resemble an olive tree are so attractive that you can use the clippings on their own for the holiday table or stuffed in a stocking.

Mountain laurel

For our readers in the South, you’re probably at least a little familiar with mountain laurel. This is because mountain laurel is traditionally seen in southern regions, and used in garlands and wreaths. It offers a simple spot of white, marked with pink etchings, and provides a refreshing alternative to more mainstay Christmas greenery. It’s best to use laurel outdoors to preserve its freshness.

A holiday home decorated with Christmas greens shows attention to personalization and classic style. Even branches clipped from your garden and strewn on the mantle or perimeter of the front door add instant merriness to the home. It’s especially festive to bring in something natural during the winter season.

7 Best Office Plants For Your Desk at Work

Our homes aren’t the only place that could use a little décor to help create a peaceful and serene environment — our place of work can benefit from the same. Aside from hanging pictures with positive sayings and decorating our desks with photos of family members, having plants throughout the office can also make us smile. Not only can they make you feel good, but studies have shown that employees are more productive when workplaces are decorated with some indoor office plants.

Could your office use a pick-me-up? If so, here are some of the best plants to do just that.

Bamboo

We love using bamboo around the office due to the calming effects it has on work spaces. It’s also known to clean the air, which is another added bonus for your health. These bamboo plants are the perfect size for that space on your desk that appears to be rather empty, and, in addition to the health benefits you experience, you may even find that one brings you a bit of good luck throughout your work day too.

Bonsai

Indoor bonsai will need some sun in the morning, so if your office has south- or west-facing windows, these are an excellent choice to place on the window sill. Maintenance is on the simpler side for indoor bonsai, as they tend to respond best when being watered every two or three days rather than every day.

Cactus

This cactus dish garden is perfect for the office, mainly because of its size. No larger than a paper plate, one of these can fit just about anywhere, but we recommend using one for your desk if your individual work space could use some enhancements — just be strategic about where you put it so that no one who comes to visit you gets stuck by it. These cacti and succulents can survive in low light and no light with very little water, making them a great office plant for any new plant parents.

Snake plant

Sanseveria Zeylanica, aka snake plants, are a showstopper in any office that could use some brightening up. This office plant grows straight up with a glossy, speckled leaf and is extremely low maintenance — you’ll love this plant if your motto is “Work smarter, not harder.” Snake plants are susceptible to root rot, so watering only every three or so weeks is ideal. They also tolerate all types of light as long as it’s not direct (which you rarely get near a desk anyway), making this versatile plant a must for any cubicle in need of some edge.

Orchid

Orchids, the 2023 Flower of the Year, prefer filtered light rather than direct sun, so they’re perfect for spaces that are out of the way of the sun’s rays. We suggest using these to brighten up a corner of your office that’s a bit darker than the rest of your work space. They also only require watering about once or twice a week, so maintenance won’t be too difficult!

Philodendron

Philodendrons are ideal for office environments since they’re relatively easy to grow and can tolerate a ton of different conditions. They’re usually OK even with just occasional care. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, a sandstone garden would be a great choice. It includes a mix of green plants, including silver philodendron, and is the perfect size for a desk, ledge, or shelf.

Peace lily plant

When you’re going to spend 40-plus hours a week in your office, keeping calm is key. A peace lily plant can help with that, and it comes with the bonus of being able to clean and purify indoor air. Keep your peace lily away from cold, drafty windows and out of direct sunlight for best growth results. Peace lilies are an especially good office plant because they can tolerate periods of drought, so they’ll forgive you if you forget about them while you focus on a project deadline.

How to Keep Your Succulents Alive and Thriving

Succulents are having a moment — and for good reason. From being able to grow just about anywhere to requiring little maintenance, these unique plants have a lot going for them. Such as…

6 reasons to love succulents

1. They can grow almost anywhere

Unlike most common houseplants, they’re not as finicky about water and temperature.

2. They’re the perfect size for small space

You can tuck a little greenery into the corner, up on a shelf, or even on your desk.

3. They’re low maintenance

The biggest problem with succulents occurs when you try to “kill them with kindness.” These plants like to be pretty much left alone.

4. They’re unique

Succulents’ wide, smooth leaves and crisp shapes give them a decidedly modern appearance, making for a very chic presentation when lined up on a long table or clustered on a shelf. They’re even used as non-traditional wedding bouquets (just look up “succulent bouquet” on Instagram).

5. They can be therapeutic

From soothing a burn (aloe vera) to cleaning the air (snake plant), many succulents perform functions beyond just looking pretty on a shelf.

6. They make a great gift

Because of their attractive looks and low maintenance, succulents are ideal plants to gift. Even the most novice green thumb can keep them alive, and they do double duty as an accessory to any home décor.

But wait, what are succulents?

Succulents are any one of a family of drought-resistant plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. They typically have leaves that are smooth and fleshy in appearance.

Succulent care with "Dig It" Succulent Trio

The most popular succulents include the aforementioned aloe vera and snake plant; other varieties include the jade plant, zebra plant, moonstones, and “hens and chicks.”

Prickly pear and purslane are examples of succulents that you can eat, and air plants (“tillandsia”), cacti, and sedum are all in the succulent family, too.

If we’ve piqued your interest and you’re ready to dive in, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the three basic areas of care that succulents need: soil, light, and water.

Succulent care tip No. 1: Plant your succulents in soil that drains

Succulents are meant to tolerate drought, and regular potting soil is designed to hold water and drain slowly. This can make succulents prone to root rot if they sit for a prolonged period of time in wet soil.

You can avoid root rot in one of two ways:

1. Purchase a soil mix designed specifically for cacti or succulents

These mixes are looser and more porous. They keep the plant stable in its container and hold in a little moisture while still draining thoroughly.

2. Amend a standard potting soil mix

The goal is to adjust the soil so that moisture exits the container quickly. You can make a better soil mix for succulents by adding coarse sand, perlite, pumice, coconut coir, and mineral grit, all of which help aerate the soil and increase drainage.

Succulent care with Succulents by Lula's Garden

Succulent care tip No. 2: Give your succulents plenty of light

Succulents need light, and plenty of it. Ideally, they need six hours a day. If grown in too little light, the plants become leggy and the leaves tend to fade in color. You will also want to rotate your plants frequently, as they tend to “reach for” the light if left sitting in one spot without rotation.

Succulent care tip No. 3: Don’t overwater your succulents

We can’t emphasize this enough: Do not overwater your succulents. Remember, these are drought-tolerant plants, and are designed to withstand long dry spells in their native habitat.

A big part of successful watering has to do with the pot in which you plant your succulent. Terra cotta pots are ideal (especially if you’re just starting out on your succulent journey) because they dry out quickly and pull water away from the soil. Terra cotta is also a naturally “breathable” material, due to its porous properties.

Succulent care with Safari Animal Succulents

While planter material like terra cotta helps, the most essential element is a drainage hole. Whether the planter comes with a pre-drilled hole or you drill one yourself, you want your succulent container to be able to drain out any excess water swiftly and completely.

How to water?

Simply add water to the soil until you see it come out of the drainage hole. Then leave it be. You won’t want to water again until the soil is dried out, which you can check by testing the top inch of soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. With succulents, less is more.

You can use any tool you like for watering, except for a spray bottle. Spray bottles only mist the surface, so water doesn’t get deep enough into the soil. This can result in plants with thin, shallow roots. Nice strong roots come from a deep and thorough watering. Spray bottles also tend to leave moisture on the leaves, which can result in mold growth. Stick to a pretty pitcher or watering can.

Why You Should Name Your House Plants

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that “plant parent” is the new “pet parent” — and it’s not just millennials that are obsessed with their plants. People of all ages are looking toward the many health benefits of plants and ways to brighten up their homes or offices.

naming your house plants with apartment dwellers living with plants

When welcoming a new member of your household, it’s customary (and polite!) to give your new “family member” a name, and your #PlantFam is no different. Naming plants has become increasingly popular, so we’ve come up with a list of the benefits of naming your green friends.

Plant expert and 1-800-Flowers.com Vice President of Merchandising Alfred Palomares is a “total plant dad” and has 14 houseplants (!!!) that he affectionately calls the “Shady Ladies.” “My apartment gets a lot of indirect light, which is perfect for my group of houseplants that thrive in this type of environment,” he says.

Reasons for naming your house plants

Naming your family of plants helps you gain a deeper connection with them and gives you a good reason to start talking to them.
Talking to plants has proven to have a calming affect and makes some people feel less lonely. “My plants also make working from home a much calmer, relaxing, and less lonely experience, while also adding beauty to the space,” Palomares says.
Talking to your plants can help them grow faster, likely because of the CO2 you exhale.
“Naming plants is a fun and healthy way of connecting with them,” Palomares says. “It further promotes an investment in plant care — as you watch your plants flourish, you have a sense of excitement, whereas if they aren’t doing so well, you may feel concern and tend to them more.”

3 tips for naming your house plants

1. Learn more about your plants’ names

Usually most plants have more than one name. The snake plant, for example, is also called sansevieria zeylanica. A money tree bonsai is also known as pachira aquatica, and a pilea peperomioides is more commonly known as a UFO plant. With info like that, details in their names may help you pick a name for your new plant fam member.

2. Base your plant’s name on its characteristics

Each plant has its own personality and style, and two plants are the same. Look into the characteristics of your plant, such as leaf color or whether it blooms, like an orchid. If your plant does bloom, what color are its flowers? Are the leaves round, like those of a UFO plant, or spikey, like those of a snake plant? These details can help you find the perfect plant name. Many plants also come in different species, so do some research to make sure you know exactly which one yours is.

3. Be creative and have fun

At the end of the day, there is no wrong way to name your plant, so be creative and have fun with your new green plant! If you want to give your plant a middle name and last name, the world is your oyster.

Plant naming examples for some of our favorite house plants

naming your house plants with Pilea Peperomiodes Plant

Pilea peperomioides aka UFO plant

Potential names: E.T., Alf, Paul the Pilea Peperomiodes

naming your house plants with Arrowhead Hanging Plant

Arrowhead hanging plant aka syngonium

Potential names: Arrow, Pointer, Arthur the Arrowhead Plant

naming your house plants with Snake Plant

Snake plant aka sansevieria zeylanic

Potential names: Slither, Slitherin, Spike, Sanford the Snake Plant, Sans the Snake Plant

naming your house plants with Tranquil Succulent Orchid Garden

Orchids

Potential names: Ork the Orchid, Olivia the Orchid, Zen, Serenity

naming your house plants with Monstera Deliciosa Floor Plant aka Swiss Cheese Plant and Best Plant Name Ideas

Monstera deliciosa aka swiss cheese plant

Potential names: Monty the Monstera, Meryl the Monstera, Audrey (think “Little Shop of Horrors” ;))

3 reasons house plants are a home decor must-have

naming your house plants with woman sitting amongst plants

1. They promote better health

Studies show that houseplants can purify the air as well as improve an overall sense of well-being. Whether you live in the city and want a little apartment detox or crave the comforting vibes of nature surrounding you, indoor plants are a great way to keep you inhaling the good and exhaling the bad.

2. They help keep you company

Plants make for a much calmer, relaxing, and less lonely space. Have you ever heard the saying that you’re never alone when you’re with Mother Nature? People visit forests, parks, and gardens for a reason — nature is known to soothe and relax us. Having indoor plants is like bringing some of nature home with you.

3. They make you care about something other than yourself

Having plants to care for gives you the same nurturing feeling that having a pet or child would (OK, maybe not exactly the same, but hear us out…). Giving your plants water when they’re droopy, sunlight when they’re losing their color, and fertilizer when they’re losing their leaves can give you a sort of attachment to them. Suddenly, you worry when your plant starts looking “sick” and start googling remedies, asking friends, and giving your plants more love and attention. You may even start talking to your plants!

Health Benefits of House Plants

Our new series, Rooted in Happiness, shares the many mental, emotional, and physical benefits of plants. From boosting productivity to reducing stress, we bring you expert health tips on different types of plants proven to better your quality of life.

Plants—they’re alive, colorful, scented , and did we mention just plain beautiful? While many people are aware of the many decorative benefits of plants, few realize that they have the ability to improve your mental and physical health. Whether you live in the “Concrete Jungle” or the vineyards of Northern California, every home can benefit from bringing the great outdoors inside.

Benefits of Plants Infographic

They Reduce Stress Levels

Have you ever noticed that the minute you step out into a lush forest or beautiful park, you instantly feel at ease? It’s not your imagination—people actually feel calmer when surrounded by greenery.

Plants Improve Air Quality

Believe it or not, some plants are so good at purifying air and supplying oxygen that NASA actually requires them to be onboard certain spaceships.

But even your typical green plant has the ability to:

Reduce carbon dioxide levels in your home.
Control humidity levels.
Reduce pollution levels in your home (specifically the pollutants benzene and nitrogen).
Diminish airborne dust levels.
Lower room temperatures.
Add pure, clean oxygen to a room.

Plants Help You Heal

Plants may not be a miracle cure, but studies have shown that something as simple as looking at a picture of nature can decrease pain levels. Take, for example, a 1993 study that looked at how artwork and simulated windows in hospitals affected patient healing. Amazingly, patients who looked at landscape photographs (compared to others who had white panels or abstract paintings in their room) reported less anxiety and needed less medication.

The reason? Scientists believe that the calming effects of nature images can reduce cortisol levels and improve your mood, effectively speeding up the healing process. If a picture can do all that, imagine what live plants could do!

Health-Promoting Plants to Bring into Your Home

Lavender

Lavender isn’t just a beautiful bloom for your garden–the flowering plant can provide various health benefits due to its gentle and calming scent. Lavender is often used in Epsom salts, soaps and candles to help promote relaxation and relieve stress. Lavender essential oils can also be placed in a diffuser–let it run through the night and experience the soothing scent for less restlessness and insomnia.

Rose Bush

“Stop and smell the roses” isn’t just an expression anymore! Studies have shown that just by looking at a rose, people were able to decrease their stress levels and feel more level-headed.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has been used a natural remedy for generations, surpassing the test of time as new methods and medicines have been developed. The clear gel from the plant’s leaves soothes the skin and is typically used for sunburns, psoriasis, frostbite and general burns.

Snake Plant

Sansevieria, also know as the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, is well known to improve the air quality of your house. Snake Plants remove toxins from the air like trichloroethylene, formaldehyde and toluene all while converting the carbon dioxide you release into oxygen. Another great benefit? They’re notoriously easy to care for. Looking for more easy-to-care for plants? Learn more here.

Fern

If your home suffers from low levels of humidity, skip the humidifier and consider buying a fern. Within days, you’ll notice that your skin and hair feel less dry and your home’s air is easier to breathe.

Peace Lily

Like the Snake Plant, Peace Lilies are a great pollutant remover. They can absorb harmful air-bound substances like ammonia and xylene that may be present in your home. Not only will you breathe better, you’ll breathe lighter—the peace lily has a pleasant, calming aroma since it produces flowers.

All About Aquatic Plants

If asked, we bet you could list at least five different types of plants and flowers that can be found in your garden or in a beautiful bouquet, but could you name five plants that thrive in the water? While you may not be all that familiar with them, you’ve probably come into contact with an aquatic plant or two before (if you have a fish tank at home or prefer to spend your time being one with nature, we’re looking at you). But since just seeing them isn’t enough, we’re breaking things down to increase your awareness about plant life in the water.

What are aquatic plants?

Aquatic plants are those that can be found in any salt or freshwater environment — a small fish tank, home aquarium, lake, pond, ocean, you get the idea. Whether they live above water, are fully submerged in water or somewhere in between doesn’t make too much of a difference; the main concept to know is that aquatic plants are any species that naturally prosper in a wet environment.

Characteristics of aquatic plants

The characteristics of aquatic plants can vary depending on the type, but there are a few that remain the same. For example, aquatic plants can utilize less of their resources for the purpose of support tissues as they are naturally able to stay afloat. Furthermore, water loss doesn’t have to be a concern because these plants are constantly surrounded by it. But aside from those characteristics that are consistent, here are some that vary based on classification.

Submerged plants are usually without a cuticle layer in order to avoid excessive dryness.
Submerged plants lack xylem since their leaves can do all of the work.
The leaves of submerged plants rarely have stomata.
Immersed plants have leaves that stick out of the water with access to the air and sun, though their roots are always located at the bottom of a body of water.
Free-floating plants have leaves that float on the surface of the water as opposed to sticking out of it.

Benefits of aquatic plants

Aquatic plants aren’t just used to give a fish tank some character or to serve as a resting place for frogs (though their ability to add to the aesthetics of bodies of water is certainly something worth mentioning). Rather, they are an extremely important part of aquatic environments as they can:

Provide protection to fish
Increase oxygen levels in water
Filter water
Prevent undesirable plants from growing
Act as food

Additionally, in larger bodies of water specifically, they can also help our shores fight against aggressive currents and erosion.

Types of aquatic plants

Now that you know more about what aquatic plants are, their characteristics and their benefits, it’s time to get into the different types that can be found. Below, we’ve put together a list of aquatic plants that can be found in fish tanks/aquariums, the ocean and ponds.

aquatic plants with molles and swordtail In tropical aquarium

Aquatic plants for a fish tank/aquarium

Regardless of whether you have a small fish tank at home or support a large aquarium, some popular aquatic plants for your home to consider are water hyacinths, anubias, and java moss.

Water hyacinths, also known as eichhornia crassipes, are native to South America. A free-floating plant, these are known to be approximately three feet tall at their highest. Water hyacinths are particularly important because they are good aerators for the water and can also absorb harmful waste.
Anubias plants are a great choice if you’re looking to spice up your fish tank’s personality. Known to originate in Africa, these plants really stand out among other fish tank decor as they are one of the taller aquatic plants.
Java moss is beneficial for a home fish tank because it can thrive under various conditions and can help maintain the nutrients in water. Additionally, it can grow pretty quickly!

Aquatic plants for the ocean

If you’ve been to the beach, you must be familiar with at least one aquatic plant — seaweed! This type of aquatic plant essentially encompasses several types of marine plants and algae, two being phytoplankton and kelp. Here’s how they differ:

Phytoplankton, sometimes called microalgae, are one of the smaller types of seaweed. And though this is a plant that thrives in the ocean, it is similar to our terrestrial plants since it does require sunlight in order to survive. You can usually find this type of plant towards the ocean’s surface, and one of its main functions is to provide food for those animals that live in the sea.
Kelp, on the other hand, is a smaller seaweed that can be found in the ocean. More often than not you’ll find “kelp forests” in shallow ocean waters. These are particularly important to ocean life because it provides food and shelter.

Aquatic plants for a pond

Even if you don’t have a pond in your backyard, it’s still important to be familiar with this last group of aquatic plants. We bet you would definitely recognize the first – the water lily:

Water lilies, also called nymphaea odorata, are important to our waters because of the way that they provide shade and help keep things clean (and of course, they are a great place for frogs to kick back and relax). Similar to phytoplankton, water lilies are best suited for shallow areas, and they’re also known for the beautiful flower that blooms aside the leaves (just like the lilies you may have in a vase at home).
Next up, the lotus. This type of aquatic flower is often mistaken for water lilies as they look pretty similar at first glance. Since they do prefer warm weather it can be difficult for this type of plant to thrive in cold temperatures, but when it is blooming it may be one of the most beautiful aquatic plants you see.
Last but not least, there is also the arrow arum. These plants are known for the food that they provide for ducks, and again, they primarily thrive in shallow waters.

Aquatic plant care

If you are responsible for aquatic plants in any way, shape, or form, be it for your home aquarium, outdoor pond, maybe even a garden with aquatic features, it’s important to know that caring for this type of plant life may differ from your usual routines. First things first, make sure that you do your research about which plants can survive in the environment you want to put them in — depending on temperatures and lighting, the right plant for you may not be the same as your neighbor’s.

Once you’ve determined which type of aquatic plant or flower you want to use, make sure to check in on them regularly to ensure that everything is going smoothly. For example, you should prune your plants when needed to ensure that your pond or aquarium is nicely manicured, and you must also check the water to make sure it hasn’t been overtaken by any gases that can harm your plants. Finally, if your aquatic plants are living outdoors, make the necessary adjustments to bring them indoors when winter arrives, or rearrange their placement in your pond to ensure that winter weather doesn’t disrupt them!

Your Guide To Poisonous Plants

Many plants may seem harmless in their natural state, but when you really get to know them, there are some species that just aren’t safe and can cause extreme illness or even death in humans. And since we’re surrounded by plants each and every day (just step outside and you’ll see!), we want you to know which kinds to stay away from; take a look at the guide we’ve put together on some of the top poisonous plants below.

Hemlock

Where they grow: Poison hemlock plants are often found in areas where forest land has been cleared.
What’s poisonous: All parts of hemlock plants are poisonous.
Symptoms: When eaten, hemlock poisoning may cause abdominal cramps, nausea, convulsions and potentially death. Those who are poisoned but survive may experience tremors or amnesia. Additionally, those with sensitive skin may experience skin inflammation as a result of touching a hemlock plant.

Nightshade

Where they grow: Nightshade plants are native to central and southern Eurasia, and are found in fields.
What’s poisonous: All parts of nightshade plants are poisonous, with the unripened berry being especially dangerous.
Symptoms: If eaten, deadly nightshade plants can cause digestive problems and may be fatal. Furthermore, touching a deadly nightshade plant can result in symptoms such as rashes if the skin has exposed cuts.

Moonseed

Where they grow: Moonseed plants are most commonly found in wooded areas.
What’s poisonous: The berries of moonseed plants are toxic – they may resemble wild grapes, so don’t be fooled!
Symptoms: If eaten, moonseed plants have the potential to be fatal.

Oleander

Where they grow: Oleander plants are often found in southern and coastal states, and commonly grow in schoolyards.
What’s poisonous: All parts of oleander plants are toxic, with an emphasis on the leaves and branches.
Symptoms: Poisoning as a result of eating an oleander plant can cause severe digestive problems, seizures, comas and even death. Additionally, those that touch the leaves on an oleander plant may experience skin irritation.

Poison Ivy

Where they grow: In the United States, poison ivy plants can be found everywhere except for California, Hawaii and Alaska.
What’s poisonous: When bruised, burned or damaged, the leaves of poison ivy plants release an oil that is responsible for causing a reaction.
Symptoms: Touching poison ivy may cause a rash, bumps, blisters, swelling and itching within a few days. Although it is not contagious between humans and will not spread by scratching, if the oil sticks to clothes, pets or other nearby items, you may experience symptoms if you touch those items too.

Wisteria

Where they grow: Native to Asia and North America, wisteria plants are most commonly found in southern and southwestern regions.
What’s poisonous: Although the entire plant is technically toxic, some believe that the flowers the plant produces are not. Most importantly, stay away from the seeds and pods.
Symptoms: After eating all or part of a wisteria plant, you may experience cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

How To Protect Yourself From Poisonous Plants

Since unfortunately, there are a collection of plants that can be poisonous to humans, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from being harmed. Especially if you’ll be out camping or somewhere where a ton of plant species may be present, something simple you can do is keep yourself covered at all times – that means, pack long sleeves and pants!

Additionally, if you come across a plant that looks consumable but isn’t identified, don’t eat it! Even if it looks safe, unless you are 110% sure, your best bet is to avoid consuming it at all costs.

9 Flowers and Plants that Have Gone Extinct

Earth has existed for more than 4.5 billion years, and it has undergone some major changes during that time. One of those is in the types of greenery it is home to.

Here is a list of flowers and plants that have gone extinct either recently or billions of years ago, whether due to climate change, geological shifts, or human or animal interference.

1. Silphium

If you somehow stumble upon this flower, you might mistake it for a daisy. With its many small, long, yellow petals, the silphium looks like the cousin of yellow daisies. However, the flower has not been seen by humans since it went extinct in the first century BC.

extinct flowers with silphium flower close-up

2. Cooksonia

Believed to be one of the first plants on the planet, cooksonia lived more than 425 million years ago. (To put that in perspective, dinosaurs lived around 66 million years ago.) These water-loving plants could be found along coastlines all over the world. More interestingly, scientists believe these were the first plants to have a stem.

3. Saint Helena mountain bush

Found exclusively on the island of Saint Helena, the appropriately named Saint Helena mountain bush disappeared from the island after population size more than doubled in just a few years.

4. Franklin tree

Once found only along the Altamaha River in Georgia, the Franklin tree was discovered in the mid-1700s and named after Benjamin Franklin. However, roughly 50 years after being discovered, the plant went extinct. Though the exact reason why remains a mystery, scientists believe it was because chemicals from nearby cotton plantations leaked into the river and destroyed the local soil.

5. Valerianella affinis

This dry-weather-loving annual grew exclusively on the hill slopes of Yemen in the 19th century. The reason for the plant’s sudden disappearance remains a mystery to this day.

6. Toromiro tree

Unlike others on this list, this tree is what’s known as “extinct in the wild.” Originally found on the remote Easter Island, the Toromiro tree could no longer be found in its native habitat by the 1800s because of deforestation. However, a few seeds were recovered before the tree went extinct and were planted in greenhouses and controlled gardens in Europe. So, while the Toromiro tree still exists, it’s believed it will never grow in a natural environment again.

7. Cry violet

Tears were surely shed for this beautiful plant once it could no longer be found in the wild by the mid-1930s and went completely extinct by the 1950s. The cry violet, which was found exclusively in France, was driven to extinction after it was picked faster than it could be planted.

8. Hawaii chaff flower

If you ever visited the beaches of Hawaii in the 1950s or ’60s, odds are you saw the beautiful Hawaii chaff flower. Unfortunately, after Hawaii became a popular travel destination and the number of people living there increased dramatically, this shrub-like bush lost much of its land to houses, hotels, and condos, causing it, and its pretty purple flowers, to go extinct within a matter of years.

9. Kalimantan mango

Native to Indonesia, the Kalimantan mango (also known as Mangifera casturi) was a tropical fruit tree that grew more than 30 feet tall. Though extinct in the wild due to illegal logging practices, botanists worked hard to cultivate the tree in controlled environments because of its delicious fruit.

Hopefully, we’ll never have to live in a world in which roses, daisies, and tulips don’t exist!

Types of Fuzzy Plants & Flowers

fuzzy flowers with Pussy Willow Close-up

There are lots of words that can be used to describe flowers and plants — between their scent and appearance alone, we could create a list that goes on and on. One of the most interesting descriptions, however, would have to do with how they feel when they are touched. Adjectives like “prickly” or “soft” might immediately leap to mind, but another word we think when we picture certain types of plants and flowers is “fuzzy” — and there are quite a few out there that fit that description.

Here are some specifics about these oh-so-touchable fuzzy flowers and plants.

Fuzzy plants

Angel’s hair artemisia

If you’re looking to attract some visitors to your garden, such as birds and butterflies, consider adding some angel’s hair artemisia. The foliage produced by angel’s hair artemisia is gray/silver in color. Should you choose to add these fuzzy garden wonders to your yard, keep in mind that they can become invasive under the right (or wrong) conditions, so monitor their growth closely.

Dusty miller

You may be better able to recognize dusty millers if you live in a warmer climate, but even if you don’t, you may have seen them before as flower fillers. Visually, dusty millers have mostly gray leaves, as well as some yellow foliage, but they can appear silver depending on how you look at them.

Fountain grasses

Whether you’re looking for a short or tall, dark or light addition to your garden, you’ll find success with fountain grass. Able to grow at various heights and in various colors, fountain grasses share fuzzy flowers that you’re sure to fall in love with! Similar to angel’s hair artemisia, fountain grasses can become invasive under certain circumstances, so keep an eye on them as they start to grow.

Lamb’s ears

Best grown in USDA zones 4 to 10, lamb’s ears are suitable if you’re looking for a ground cover or edging plant. Ideally, lamb’s ears require full sun to partial shade, and grow best with moderate to regular amounts of water, although dry conditions won’t wipe them out completely. If you find the right kind, you may even see some beautiful purple flowers start to bloom among their fuzzy green leaves!

Licorice plant

Best known for their ability to add a little something extra to flower and plant arrangements, licorice plants grow fuzzy leaves that can be any color from gray/green to various shades of cream and green. And though their scent does resemble the classic smell of licorice, don’t be too tempted to taste — all parts of licorice plants are toxic to humans if ingested.

Old man cactus

Wondering where this type of cactus gets its name? It’s from the fluffy white hairs found on the surface. This fuzzy white plant can serve as the perfect houseplant, especially if you’re looking for something unique. Better yet, they can be grown outside too: USDA zones 9 and 10 are particularly favorable for outdoor growing.

Panda plant

Panda plants are typically grown just for their foliage. If you see one, you’ll notice that their leaves are covered with soft silver hairs, which contribute to its fuzzy appearance. In addition to their beautiful silver and green colors, the edges of panda plant leaves usually have a brown or rusty tint to them, making for a beautiful color combination.

Fuzzy flowers

Chenille plant

Parts of this flowering shrub are so fuzzy that you might not even recognize it as being something that grows in nature! Often used as houseplants, chenille plants are best positioned in a spot where they can drape downward and really show off their fuzzy blooms. Chenille plants need humid conditions to really thrive, so choose a location in your home wisely.

Jerusalem sage

Although its name suggests it is a member of the sage family, Jerusalem sage is actually closer related to mint. In some zones, you can find this fuzzy bloom as an evergreen (zones 8 to 10, to be exact), while in others (zones 5 to 7), it will die back in the winter. Beautiful and bright in color, Jerusalem sages look excellent in a number of floral arrangements.

Pussy willow

Perfect for spring — although, depending on the conditions, they can start to bloom around the first of the year — a pussy willow will produce amazingly soft catkins (long, slim, petal-less flowers). The best place to situate one of these shrubs is a window that receives full sun daily (if you are lucky enough to have one). There, it will act as the perfect piece of home decor!