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EDITOR’S NOTE: University of Florida/IFAS Extension Director for Nassau County and Environmental Horticulture Agent III, Rebecca Jordi, addresses questions about landscaping and gardening in Florida northeast. She is a School of Florida faculty member also. QUESTION: My neighbor informs me I have beautyberry in my own yard but I think it is pokeweed. Can I am informed by you the difference between these two plants? JORDI: Once you know how to recognize a beautyberry I am certain you will never forget it. American beautyberry (Callicarpa Americana), as its name indicates, is indigenous to North America.

There are several other types from Asia and Central America. American beautyberry is found throughout the southern part of the U.S. It develops well in light tone but can tolerate some direct sun. It really is got by us growing in the UF/IFAS Nassau State Demo garden in a few sun. It is currently filled with berries – come see it in the garden along with other plants now blooming such as crape myrtle, loropetalum, plumbago, blanket flower, and firecracker.

American beautyberry gets the potential to reach heights up to 8 ft with an equal spread. It develops well in just about any type of garden soil but will flower and fruits better in organic ground. It really is deciduous but the leaves shall provide beautiful fall colors before falling. Don’t be fooled in considering the vegetable has died – it shall come back after the springtime temperature ranges get there. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two plants is to check out the fruit.

The fruit of beautyberry, which is attached almost on the stem just above the leaf node, is eaten by wild birds and many small rodents. Pokeweed, Phytolacca Americana, is also indigenous to North America but the fruits is produced on an extended stalk. The berries and seeds are poisonous. However the leaves have been found in days gone by for food (Poke Salad Annie) it must be processed appropriately or it could be dangerous. QUESTION: My sister-in-law is always talking about things which leave me at night. Day she was talking about some flower called ageratum The other.

I never heard about such a place. What can you tell me about any of it? JORDI: Don’t worry about not knowing plant names – there are way too many to become proficient at all of them. I don’t even know them all and this is my full time job! Think of this as an chance to expand your knowledge.

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Ageratum is a fairly large group of vegetation (about 60) and the more prevalent name is flossflower. Most ageratum produce blossoms for only 1 growing season which would classify them as annuals. There are a few ageratums which have several growing season and we would classify them as perennials.

Ageratum blossoms range in color from white to green to blue and crimson. Native to South and Central America, they often produce plenty of seed making them a favorite of gardeners as they easily propagate in the flower bed season to season. QUESTON: I usually get baffled between viburnum and ligustrum. They look the same to me. MAY I am helped by you remember how to tell the difference between them? JORDI: Well, let’s start with how they are alike which explains why telling them apart may be leading to you problems.

Viburnum and ligustrum are both evergreen (although there are a few deciduous viburnum) shrub/trees and shrubs and have shiny green leaves. The leaves are organized on the stem the same manner which is straight opposite each other. Both of these are generally used as a basis plants in home scenery and commercial sites. Both of these can grow to heights of about 12 feet. We often see them pruned too short, 2-4 feet, but they would like to be much taller really. Both viburnum and ligustrum can be grown completely sun to partial shade, they might need little care, but can both be troubled by fungal leaf spot and piercing/sucking insects.

Viburnum has nearly 80 varieties growing here in the U.S., whereas ligustrum has a much smaller number of varieties. Now telling the difference will be easiest by looking at a leaf from each shrub. The edge or margin of the ligustrum leaf does not have any serrated edges or “teeth”. When you look at the viburnum leaf you will observe the edge or margin of the leaf does show serration or teeth. The fruit and bouquets are different, too, nevertheless, you should be able to see the leaves on either of the plant life most of enough time.

So, now you will be able to tell the difference between the two shrubs always. It really is a great tool to use for helping children or grandchildren become better at observing the world around them – even in your backyard! Are you on FACEBOOK? Connect with Amelia Island Living eMagazine’s FACEBOOK fan page to keep up with news improvements, occasions, recent photos (over 40 photo albums) and more!