Module 5

Yucca filamentosa in the landscape. Images Source: Miki James

Announcements

Learning Objectives

• Describe the ID characteristics of the plant species covered this week.
• Identify the strengths and weaknesses of this weeks plant species.
• Define the terms associated with plant species covered this week

Terms-to-Know

• xeriscaping
• succulent
• Erwinia

Gaillardia X grandiflora. Image Source: MShades

Plant List

ARACEAE
Zantedeshia spp. - Calla Lily

ASTERACEAE
Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound' - Silvermound Wormwood
Gaillardia X grandifolia - Blanket Flower*
Stokesia laevis - Stoke's Aster

AGAVACEAE
Yucca filamentosa - Adam's Needle Yucca*

CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Abelia grandiflora 'Francis Mason' - Glossy Abelia
Abelia grandiflora X schumannii 'Edward Goucher' - Edward Goucher Abelia

CRASSULACEAE
Sedum reflexum 'Blue Spruce' - Spruce-leaved Stonecrop, Stone Orpine
Sedum spurium 'Tricolor' - Two-row Stonecrop

FABACEAE
Baptisia alba - White Wild Indigo*

ROSACEAE
Spirea japonica 'Shirobana' - Shirobana Japanese Spirea

*Indicates a native species

Reading List

• pages in textbooks related to this weeks plant materials
• Review pictures of each species in Family Photo Album

Flowers of Abelia X grandiflora. Image source: jam343

Study Questions (10 pts each, answer in complete sentences)

1. A client in the central region of North Carolina has repeated problems with their planting of Silvermound Wormwood during the summer. Explain to the client what the most likely cause of the depressing summer appearance of the plant is.
   
   
2. In a mixed sun and shade garden explain how Baptisia alba might be effectively used in conjunction with Baptisia australis to promote color and plant health.
   
   
3. Gaillardia X grandiflora is a tetraploid. Conduct internet research and describe what a tetraploid plant is. Give examples of other common plant tetraploids.
   
   
4. Members of the genus Sedum are often used in xeriscaping. Describe xeriscaping and explain what anatomical features of Sedum reflexum and Sedum spurium make these species useful in xeriscaping.
   
   
5. Build a dichotomous key for the cultivars of Stoke's Aster listed in your textbook. (you do not need to use complete sentences for this one)
   
   
6. We have covered several members of the ASTERACEAE family during this semester. List these species and one unique attribute of each.
   
   
7. Calla Lilies are beautiful garden plants, but gardeners should be aware of two severe challenges with using these species. Discuss the two challenges and management practices that might help reduce or alleviate those issues.
   
   
8. Describe appropriate landscape uses of Abelia X grandiflora. How might this be an advantageous plant to include in a landscape being designed to be low maintenance?
   
   
9. Describe the soil conditions needed to optimize the growth of Yucca? Explain how you could use this plant in the landscape even with its course texture.
   
   
10. Describe to a horticulture enthusiast how to correctly identify Spirea japonica 'Shirobana'.
    

Extra Credit (list the correct definition of each botanical term below, +1 each)

• laevis
• reflexum
• spurium
  

Additional Resources
Do It Yourself Xeriscaping
Xeriscape Colorado (Great Source of Information)

Residential Xeriscape in Albuquerque, NM. You can imagine how much this landscape would reduce transpirational water loss as compared to a traditional turf lawn. Image Source: teofilo