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Need Help To Identify Wild Plant From Wyoming

September 14, 2009 by 1 Comment

I received this questions on 9/9/09.

Ask the Expert:

Solanum Triflorum - Cutleaf Night Shade

Solanum Triflorum - Cutleaf Night Shade

Plant Expert Reply:

I am stumped. I have passed the picture on to some colleagues at the Wyoming Extension Service.  Hopefully, they will have an identification for us tomorrow.  I apologize for the delay in identifying this unique plant.

After sending this message to Connie, she replied back with this message:

Dear Jamie,

Attached are a few more photos of the plant.  The last photo shows the hilltop location of the plant which is in middle of a scoria rock outcrop.

One lady thought it might be a tenpetal starburst but I researched and the leaves are not at all rough but shiney and it makes no mention of the fruit that hangs along the underside of the leaves.  In fact, all of the starbursts I looked at did not have any fruits but had seeds which were not like little tomatoes.

thank you so much,

(I’m researching too still but come up with nothing).

Connie


Thanks to an email from Karen Panter, we finally have an identification. This is the email identification I received:

It’s a weedy plant known as Solanum triflorum or cutleaf nightshade. It is native to North America east of the Cascades to the Great Plains. It inhabits waste places and cultivated fields as a weed.
Karen P.

Karen L. Panter, Ph.D., C.P.H.
Extension Horticulture and Specialty Crops
Plant Sciences – 3354
University of Wyoming

Thanks Karen for the identification!

Filed Under: Plant Identification Tagged With:

What Is This Purple Flower Found on Capt Cook Island Hawaii?

September 14, 2009 by 1 Comment

Malasian Orchid - Spathoglottis plicata

Malasian Orchid - Spathoglottis plicata

Ask the Expert: flower identification
Would appreciate your assistance identifying the common and scientific name of this flower. It is growing in in my mother-in-law’s front yard on the Big Island of Hawaii at about 1500 ft altitude.  Wally

Plant Expert Reply:

I believe it is a Malasian Orchid (Spathoglottis plicata).  It is a terrestrial (ground) orchid that naturalizes quite easily and it sometimes referred to as a garden orchid.  It can be found in Hawaii, Australia and tropical Asia.

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: , ,

Don’t Hate Me. “Twilight” Piques My Interest

September 11, 2009 by 4 Comments

Hi, my name is Brynn and I’m a “Twilight” addict.

I know. Since I’m certainly not a tween and other stories in this genre are unappealing to me, it seems strange that I would like the books and movies but I do. I really, really do.

I was thinking about what to do before “New Moon” releases and it made me think of florists. Go figure, right? I knew that I would be hosting a Twilight themed party at my house before leaving to see “New Moon” in theatres. I started thinking about the decorations and it dawned on me. Flowers!

So in my many hours of dedicated thought–ok, like 15 minutes–I decided that I would have one of my local florists create a few Twilight themed flower arrangements for my party. I even thought of a few tips for making it more Twilight-y to share with my florist. If you’re interested in the movie or your children are (more likely), think about having Twilight themed flowers delivered to your home for a pre-screening party. You’ll be the coolest parent in school. That’s for sure!

  • Use a black or brown vase. These are the colors of Edward’s eyes *hint hint*
  • Use white flowers  with red edges or dipped in something red. There is a flower like this on the cover of the “New Moon” book.
  • Think Vampires. Halloween flower arrangements often have the elements needed for a Twilight themed flower arrangement.
  • Mix up the colors. Many dark flowers and many light flowers. These are to reflect the constant mood changing of Bella and Edward.
  • Attach a Twilight mylar balloon or an apple mylar balloon (Twilight book cover) to the arrangement.
  • Create a werewolf themed arrangement for the group of fans that are on “Team Jacob.”

There are many other cool things you can do to inspire the right mood for watching “Twilight” followed by “New Moon”. These flowers are also great for a Twilight themed birthday party, Twilight book party, or even a girls-only sleepover consisting of tween-age Twilight fans. Your florist will have fun creating something so unique and different. Just give them plenty of tips and have fun!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: , , , ,

Just In Time For Rosh Hoshanah

September 10, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Rosh Hoshanah Flowers - Florist eCommerce Page

Rosh Hoshanah Flowers – Florist eCommerce Page

Just in time for the holiday, a new ecommerce page for Rosh Hoshanah is now available to users of the Flower Shop Network ecommerce websites.

The new holiday page is available immediately to FSN members using our florist ecommerce websites. FSN members that have purchased Advanced Website Controls can turn on and edit the page by accessing website controls inside FSNF2F.com.

If you have questions or would like to provide feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Click here to view a live sample showcasing Rosh Hoshanah flowers, courtesy of Floral Scentsations, a Flower Shop Network local florist in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Filed Under: Florists Only Tagged With: , ,

An Anniversary Flowers Idea For The Creative Type

September 10, 2009 by Leave a Comment

As you probably know, most flowers are associated with a particular meaning. For instance, the flower meaning of red roses is “passionate love.” Forget-me-nots are a rather obvious one, “remember me forever.” Ginger is associate with being proud. Sweetpea is associated with shyness. There are tons of flowers associated with a particular meaning which comes in very handy when you need a unique anniversary gift.

For the creative type this year, write a poem for your sweetheart. It can’t just be any poem though. Make this one special to your beloved, unique to his/her personality, and include a few flower meanings that are associated with his/her disposition. When you get ready to buy anniversary flowers for your love, simply ask the florist to use a mix of those flowers only or a pretty blend that is predominantly one kind; the one with a meaning that best reflects her uniqueness.

If you’re not the creative type, I’ll help you out by giving you an anniversary flower arrangement idea. I’m sure I’d love your sweetheart but since I do not know her/him, I’ll make this example about me and my beau. If you have a different personality type in mind, simply view Flower Shop Network’s list of flower meanings and pick out the ones that mean the most to you. Here goes!

Anniversary Flowers For A Woman

My personality is very distinctive. I am very open, blunt and slightly opinionated. I am very thoughtful, analytical and intelligent. I am perky around people and completely quiet when left to myself. For a personality like this, try:

  • Pansy (loving thoughts)
  • Larkspur (beautiful spirit)
  • Freesia (spirited)
  • Yellow tulips (hopelessly in love) — a reflection of your feelings for her

Anniversary Flowers For A Man

My sweetheart’s personality is very complimentary but different. He is very reserved, cautious and protective. He doesn’t brood on things as I do but he is able to assess a situation. His entire world is wrapped around being with his family and providing for them. His personal hobbies are a little young for his age but that’s only because he works harder than anyone his age should have to.  For a personality like his, try:

  • Lilac (first love) — he is mine, this may be appropriate for you as well
  • Black-eyed susan (encouragement)
  • Pink carnations (gratitude) — for everything he does selflessly
  • Gardenia (joy)
  • Ginger (proud) — because you’re proud of him
  • Passion flower (passion) — a reflection of your feelings for him

If these do not strike a chord with you, view Flower Shop Network’s list of flower meanings or visit FSN’s flower dictionary to discover other unique things about these flowers.

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: , , , , , ,

All Good Things Come To An End Even Lucky Bamboo

September 9, 2009 by 1 Comment

Ask the Expert: Why is my lucky bamboo yellowing and droopy
My 5yr old lucky bamboo is in a small pot glued in under pebbles and can’t be repotted.  It’s leaves used to stand straight up, but over the last month, it’s leaves have begun to yellow and are now yellowing rapidly.
The stalks are still dark green, but the leaves are drooping badly.  Can I save my plant? Jan

Plant Expert Reply:

All good this come to an end and so has your lucky bamboo and it’s container.  The container no longer gives the lucky bamboo what it needs – a good home.

I suggest you propagate new lucky bamboo stalks.  To do this you will need rooting hormone (a powdery substance from your local garden center), a new container, a sharp knife and some distilled water.  Begin by locating a node (raised ring on the stem of you lucky bamboo stalk) that is half way up the stalk.  Now take the knfie and cut the stalk at a 45degree angle about an inch above the node.  Now you have a top with no roots and a bottom with no leaves.

Take the top and dip the cut side in rooting hormone.  Wait any where from 2 hours to 24hours and place the top in the new container with water. In a couple of weeks, this stalk will form roots and you will have a new plant.

Usually the bottom will develop new leaves beside the cut.  However since the container is small and glued in this may not occur.  I would still give it a try.  Beginning 2 days after cutting, start misting the plant twice a day.  Do this until you see new shoots for on the sides of the cut.

Once you have roots and leaves treat your plants as you did before you propagated them.  Good Luck and Keep me posted.

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo Tagged With: , ,

Top 5 Reasons To Send A Dish Garden For Grandparents Day

September 9, 2009 by Leave a Comment

There are many reasons why Grandma and Grandpa will love dish gardens instead of more traditional Grandparents Day gifts. If your grandparents are anything like mine, reading this will likely result in a lot of nodding and the occasional phrase “that sounds just like my grandma/grandpa.”

Dish Garden1. Dish Gardens Are Low Maintenance Gift

“I’m pretty sure they can handle a plant.” Grandma and Grandpa were there for you through childhood, tween years, teen years and beyond. They’re still supportive. Thankfully, a dish garden requires no more maintenance than any other houseplant. It’ll be a nice break after all those years.

2. Dish Garden Containers Have Their Own Unique Qualities

If they’re the type that have collected every childhood trinket pertaining to their grandkids, dish gardens will be a nice gift for both of you. They’ll probably keep the container because it’s what they do. At least it’s not a useless knick-knack that needs dusting. You’ll feel better for not contributing to the shrine o’ junk that was once your old bedroom. It’s a win-win.

3. Plants In A Dish Garden Last Quite A While

On a light-hearted note, plants in a dish garden last quite a while. There is only as much care required as a normal houseplant. Simply water when the soil is dry to the touch. Once your plants are too big for their container, you can separate them out into even more houseplants to love.

4. Dish Gardens Are Unique Gifts

That’s right. You’re better than peer pressure. You’re above it. That’s why you will choose to send dish gardens. While everyone else is sending something cheesy and porcelain, you’re relaxing in the new found fresh air created by the dish garden that you had a local florist deliver. Mmm. Even the food will taste better when you head over to your grandparents house  for a holiday celebration.

5. Did I Say 5 Reasons? Let’s Go With Eco-Friendly Gifts

I can probably name several other reasons why dish gardens are awesome gifts, but I’ll stop with the eco-friendliness of sending a dish garden. First of all, the containers can be reused. Recycling is fun for everyone. Go recycling! Second, some dish garden plants can be transplanted. That’s great for the environment because plants replenish soil nutrients and create fresh air for us all.

Hurry! Grandparents Day is September 11, 2011.

Have another reason to send dish gardens? Even if you just want to comment on my comments, feel free to commence commenting below.

Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Holiday Info, Plant Suggestions Tagged With: , , , , ,

Are You Packed For The Alabama State Florists Association Convention?

September 9, 2009 by 1 Comment

If you’re not already packed for the 2009 ASFA Convention, throw some clothes in a bag and head out! You won’t want to miss the biggest floral industry event of the year for Alabama florists. This year’s convention promises to be loads of fun, learning and mingling. In other words, three keys to success!

This ASFA Convention/Christmas Show will be held September 25-27, 2009. This is your chance to participate in fun competitions to become the state’s best Christmas wreath designer, table top designer, win the 2009 Alabama Cup or become 2009’s Designer of the Year. Simply download your applications and get started on these great competitions. Plus, competing in (and especially winning) these competitions are great publicity for your shop. But hurry!! The registration deadline is September 15th! You don’t get the opportunity to say “award-winning” flower shop unless you compete for awards so here’s your chance to show off what your town already can’t stop talking about.

Let the rest of Alabama know what a talented set of florists and flower shops call their state home. Display your pride in the floral industry and in your flower arrangements at the 2009 ASFA Convention and Christmas Show. We wish you a happy conference and a happy new year!

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows Tagged With: ,

What Is This – A Fern?

September 8, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Fern?
Fern?

Ask the Expert: What kind of plant is this and how can I save it?
Hi,

Do you know what kind of plant this is? It has flat ‘catus-shaped’ leaves.

Do you know how I can save it? It’s losing a lot of leaves . . .

Please help!

Thanks,  Jen

Plant Expert Reply:

This has been a hard one for me.  It kind of looks like a fern but not exactly like a staghorn fern.  My guess would be either a Phlebodium aureum ‘Mandaianum”  (Rabbit Foot Fern) or a Polypodium californiucum.

To make a better identification I would need photos of the back side of the leaves and the area where the leaves are coming from.

From what I can tell, the plant probably has a water stress issue.  Is the soil dry?  Is any excess water draining from the container?  If the soil is dry water it and keep it moist.  If the plant is sitting in water re-pot it into a container that has drain holes.  Then keep the soil moist but not soggy.  I also suggest exposing it to more light.

Filed Under: Plant Identification Tagged With: , ,

What Is This Flower – Red Spider Lily

September 8, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Ask the Expert: Ask the Expert: What kind of flower is in this photo?

Red Spider Lily - Lycoris radiata

Red Spider Lily - Lycoris radiata

A friend had this photo sent to her and we really like these flowers but dont know what they are called – S bailey

Plant Expert Reply:

The beautiful flower is called red spider lily.  The common name spider lily is attributed to at least 2 genus Crinum and Lycoris.  Red spdier lily is mostly associated with Lycoris radiata a bulbous perennial with red flowers.  Lycoris radiata (red spider lily) late summer  into early autumn.  It is sometimes known as the hurrican lily because it can be found in many southeast gardens during hurricane season.

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: , , , , ,
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