Hardwood Trees: Identifying Types of Trees
Hardwoods, known as broadleafs, are trees classed as angiosperms with ovules enclosed for fruit protection. When appropriately watered on good fertile sites or fed in the landscape with a unique…
Everything You Need to Know About Clouds
We stare at clouds all the time, whether trying to figure out what they look like or if they’re bringing rain. Yet most of us know very little about clouds,…
Trees with Pinnate Leaves: Hickory, Ash, Walnut
Are you wondering which North American trees have pinnate leaves? Below, you’ll find out about the most common trees with a pinnated leaf structure—hickory, ash, walnut, and a few others—and…
10 Stunning Plants and Sea Creatures on the Ocean Floor
The ocean is full of uncharted territory—and of breathtaking natural wonders that look as though they might hail from another planet. Underwater plants and sea life are teeming with color…
8 Places Where You Can (Safely) Watch Lava Flow
Hiking up an active volcano isn’t an activity for the faint of heart. The rough terrain, dramatic temperature changes, hours-long physical activity—oh, and risk of a volcanic eruption sending lava…
How to Identify 8 Common North American Fir Trees
True firs are in the genus Abies and there are between 40 and 55 species of these evergreen conifers worldwide. They’re members of the pine family (Pinaceae) and can be…
8 Best Trees to Plant Along Your Street
Are you looking for a curbside tree that can tolerate compacted, infertile soil and the general environment found in cities and along streets and sidewalks? We have eight recommendations for…
11 Colorful Mushrooms and Other Fabulous Fungi
The fungi kingdom is filled with remarkable diversity. Some species of fungi are responsible for the creation of life-saving drugs such as penicillin and other antibiotics. Others are responsible for…
How to Identify the American Beech Tree
The American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is the only species of beech tree native to North America. Before the glacial period, beech trees flourished throughout much of the continent. Now, this…
Ten Most Common Trees in the United States
How many types of trees are there in the United States? A U.S. Forest Service report called the “Checklist of Native and Naturalized Trees” suggests that America is home to…