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New World Plants

© Marilyn Burns

As we sit down to break bread with friends and relatives during the upcoming holiday season, here is a little table conversation topic for you and your guests to consider:

We live in a botanical wonderland. Many trees, vines, fruits, vegetables, and other plants have contributed so much to the culture of the world since the discovery of the New World. We often take them for granted, but if the lands of the Western Hemisphere had not been discovered and settled, modern peoples would have missed out on many botanical treasures.

We are all aware of plants such as corn, peanuts, squash, potatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Other plants that have enhanced our dinner tables include blueberries, cranberries, vanilla used to flavor desserts, and chocolate. Even the native wild strawberry proved to be a winner when it was crossed with European varieties, and became the forerunner of today's modern hybrids. Fox grapes, which include the Concord and Catawba, and the Muscadine grape, are all native to the New World. Maple syrup is another contribution to the global menu.

Native rhododendrons are another example. Various species make their home on the North American continent. Rhododendrons and azaleas range from rock-hardy varieties to warm-loving plants. Once discovered, they made their way across the pond, and were instant hits in English gardens everywhere.

Native dogwood, Cornus florida, and many varieties of viburnums are other examples. Native species and varieties of trees, including many of the oaks and maples, as well as other trees too numerous to list, have contributed much to the world of horticulture.

Marigolds, sunflowers, and echinacea, or coneflowers, are some of the wonderful flowering plants that we all know and love. They are also native to the New World.

We have much to be grateful for. Our world has been truly enriched by the rich botanical treasures that the North and South American continents have given to the world at large. It is a wonderful era to be a gardener, indeed!

November "Honey-do" List:

1. Early in the month and until the ground freezes, continue to plant bulbs for next spring's flowers.

2. Continue to water newly planted trees, shrubs, roses and evergreens, broadleaf and needled, until the ground freezes. Be sure to disconnect hoses from faucets to prevent damage if below freezing temperatures threaten.

3. Remove all leaves and leaf litter from around your roses. After a hard freeze, mound soil and mulch to protect the canes. Spray the exposed canes with an anti-dessicant to prevent moisture loss from winter winds.