Blog Posts
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How to grow Sassafras: Propagation
We’ve talked about sassafras identification and some of the reasons the compounds in this tree have been banned. I am currently trying to grow Sassafras to help in some land remediation efforts. Invasive plants like honeysuckle are endemic to my area. After removing the honeysuckle, I am attempting to fill the gap that the honeysuckle…
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Are Kanna flowers male or female?
When it comes to growing and breeding plants, it is important to know what type of flowers your plant has. There are a few options. A plant could be dioecious: one plant has all male flowers and another has only female. Plants can also be monoecious: each plant has both male and female flowers. The…
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Kanna Seed pods
One of the difficult parts of growing rare and unusual plants is that there tend to be no pictures of things and therefore no reference points to some of the things you’ll encounter with your plants. To that end, I have had some luck in pollinating my Kanna plants recently and I was disappointed in…
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Sassafras Identification: Bark, Growth, and Smell Guide
Identifying Sassafras Albidum without the presence of the classic “Dino paw” or mitten shaped leaves is a tricky proposition. Identifying a tree by bark alone is often the most difficult way to perform an ID and should be double checked if you are not confident with your identification. Places like reddit communities and apps like…
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How to make your first home grown tincture
Learn how to make a folk tincture with me!
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Plant Spotlight Jewelweed: a natural antidote to its surroundings
Jewelweed (impatiens capensis) is a common North American plant often found in moist, shaded environments like stream banks and woodland edges. It is easy to spot in the underbrush due to its burnt-orange flowers and its thick, translucent stalk. Not only is the plant a gorgeous specimen, it has been used in the treatment of…
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Wildly Illegal: Sassafras
A cold glass of root beer is one of the most refreshing childhood memories I have. Summer evenings by the lake with a can of root beer in my hand, smoke in my face, and a bobbling bobber in my mind were a common occurrence! Like most American children, I had no idea what root…
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Introducing Wildly Illegal: The Persecuted Plants of Our Natural Spaces
In any given natural space, you’re sure to find a plant that has been outright outlawed or has had its compounds banned. We’ll be exploring the history of these “shady” individuals, how they relate to the story of humanity, and their run ins with the law. From heavy hitters like the star of Reefer Madness:…
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February Garden Update
Things have been hectic! I have had a move in the last month so I’ve had less time to devote to my plants. Some have had some issues due to my circumstances, but thankfully, most of my plants are doing fine. You can see a little bit of everything in this image. My 40 cell…
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How to Identify Kanna
Thankfully, most vendors I have come across seem to be selling the real deal when it comes to Kanna. I have only seen a few instances where someone has reported receiving the wrong species of plant when they ordered a Kanna. I am writing this post to hopefully show people what is legitimate so that…
Transplant Garden -- Rare and Curious Plants 