Samara of Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)

A samara is a  simple dry fruit and indehiscent (not opening along a seam).  The shape of a samara enables the wind to carry the seed away from the parent tree. Commonly referred to as a whirlybird, helicopter, or whirligig. Also referred to as a key.

examples:

• Elm
• Maple
• Ash

This evergreen fern native to Western North America is often found in the understory moist soils of the coniferous forests. The large dark green fronds of this fern grow to 20-70 inches (50-180 cm) tall and persist for 1.5-2.5 years.

Can be used with great success in the landscape, removing old fronds yearly in the early spring will keep this native fern looking great.

image :Aaron Escobar

Also known as Wormwood, Ghost Plant, Mugwort this small herbaceous perennial, native to Japan, is hardy in zones 3 to 7. Growing as a spreading mound this plant matures to a height of 12″ and spreading 18″ wide.

A perennial border powerhouse chosen for its spectacular silvery green, fine textured foliage. Silver Mound should be grown in full sun and well drained soil. Prune early spring. In the disease and pest category rust seems to be the main problem.

deciduous (dĭ-sĭj’ū-əs) A term used to describe trees or shrubs that drop all their leaves to survive a cold or dry season; not evergreen.

The Coral Bark Japanese maple is a moderate to slow growing deciduous tree. Planted in sun to partial shade this tree tolerates a wide range of well drained soils. Growing 20-25 feet tall and 15-20′ wide.

Coral red winter bark gives this attractive specimen tree its name. Bark color is more intense when tree is planted in full sun. Deeply lobed light green leaves develop red margins and turn a golden yellow to red orange in the fall. Hardy in zones 5-8, avoid dry and windy site placement.

Tomentose (tō-mĕn’tōs’)

Covered with short, dense, matted hairs.

Hardy in zones 5-9 this attractive ornamental grass with fine silver-green blades will grow 6 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Maiden Grass turns a golden bronze color after the first hard frost. Used as a specimen or when planted in groups it serves as a great screen. Full sun or part shade and fertile soil will ensure that this grass performs well in the landscape. Leaving the bronze blades into the early part of the spring will add some winter interest. Cut back to 6″ from crown, propagated by division.

Inflorescence (ĭn’flə-rĕs’əns)

A cluster of flowers arranged in a particular way on a stem. Spikes, racemes, umbels, whorls, panicles, cymes, and corymbs are common types of inflorescences.

Science writer Richard Preston talks about some of the most enormous living beings on the planet, the giant trees of the US Pacific Northwest. Growing from a tiny seed, they support vast ecosystems — and are still, largely, a mystery.

via:TED.com