cultivation

What are the differences between alyssum, sweet alyssum, and Iberis? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Perennial alyssum, sweet alyssum, and Iberis all belong to the Brassicaceae family. Their leaves creep horizontally, and while they have the characteristic cruciate flowers of the Brassicaceae family, they are quite small, consisting of four petals. They are cute and hardy, making them frequently cultivated as ornamental plants. However, as for the varieties...

2026.07.24

plant

What are the differences between aloe and agave? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Aloe and agave (Agave verum) both belong to the Asparagales order and are characterized by their drought tolerance, succulent, thick leaves, and thorns along the leaf margins. As succulents, they are frequently seen being cultivated in urban areas throughout Japan. However, seeing an agave...

2026.07.23

plant

What are the differences between Lyonia ovalifolia and Ipheion undatus (Dwarf Lyonia ovalifolia)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both *Lyonia ovalifolia* and *Ipheion undatus* (also known as *Lyonia ovalifolia*) are sometimes called "Lyonia ovalifolia" and are deciduous trees that are commonly planted. Although they are actually completely different species in terms of classification, they are similar in their flowering patterns, leaf characteristics, and fruit properties, leading to confusion and the misuse of *Ipheion undatus* as "Lyonia ovalifolia"...

2026.07.22

plant

07.3341 Ipomoea purpurea (White flower type)

What are the differences between petunias and calibrachoas? How do they differ from vinca? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Petunias (Ipomoea nil) and calibrachoas both belong to the Solanaceae family. Originally, the genus Calibrachoa was included in the genus Ipomoea nil, but it is now treated as a separate genus. The two species are very closely related, making taxonomic distinction extremely difficult, however, when considering horticultural varieties, leaf size and other factors...

2026.07.20

plant

07.3877.a False Jerusalem Artichoke Flower

What are the differences between Jerusalem artichoke, dog Jerusalem artichoke, and false Jerusalem artichoke? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Jerusalem artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus, and false Jerusalem artichoke all belong to the Asteraceae family. They share characteristics such as erect stems, scales on the receptacle, and yellow ray florets, but their overall appearance is so lacking in distinct features that they could be described as "The Asteraceae." Distinguishing between them is difficult if you only focus on the flower heads...

2026.07.19

plant

What are the differences between Japanese pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), American pokeweed (Phytolacca americana var. japonica), and round pokeweed (Phytolacca americana var. japonica)? How do they differ from burdock (Phytolacca americana)? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Even though it's highly poisonous to humans, birds are unaffected!?

Japanese pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), American pokeweed (Phytolacca oleracea), and round pokeweed (Phytolacca oleracea) all belong to the Phytolaccaceae family and genus Phytolacca. Their names come from the fact that their fleshy, thick roots resemble those of burdock (Philadelphia arvensis), and they are characterized by their entirely poisonous nature and dark purple berries. However, the three species are often confused...

2026.07.11

plant

What are the differences between Tama coral (winter coral) and Himeta coral? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both Solanum sieboldii (winter coral) and Solanum nigrum belong to the Solanaceae family and are cultivated extensively for ornamental purposes because they produce attractive, round, red, ripe fruits (berries) in winter. However, in Japan, it is not always possible to properly distinguish between the two varieties, Solanum sieboldii and Solanum nigrum...

2024.06.06

plant

What are the differences between Boehmeria japonica, Boehmeria nivea, Ramie, and Urtica dioica? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Boehmeria japonica, Boehmeria nivea, Ramie, and Urtica dioica all belong to the Urticaceae family and share the characteristic of having leaves with fine veins and serrations. They are common herbaceous plants that grow in mountains and fields. Boehmeria japonica and Ramie are also well-known for their use as fibers. However, the classification of the Urticaceae family is complex...

2024.05.10

plant

What's the difference between Hatake-nira and Nira-modoki? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both Allium spectabile and Allium sibiricum belong to the genus Allium in the Amaryllidaceae family. Although they are introduced species in Japan, they are now very common, growing in places like between concrete blocks along roadsides. However, they are extremely often confused. To distinguish between these two species, it's necessary to examine their leaves and flowers. Regarding the flowers...

2024.05.05

plant

What are the differences between Lobelia, Lobelia chinensis, and Lobelia sessilifolia? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Lobelia (also known as blue-flowered bellflower), Lobelia sessilifolia, and Lobelia sessilifolia are characterized by their blue flowers, typical of the Campanulaceae family, and their bilaterally symmetrical blossoms. They are commonly cultivated in gardens, especially in horticulture. However, image searches often lead to confusion between these species...

2024.04.23

plant

cultivation

What are the differences between alyssum, sweet alyssum, and Iberis? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between aloe and agave? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between *Lyonia ovalifolia* and *Ipheion undatus* (Dwarf Lyonia ovalifolia)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between petunias and calibrachoas? How do they differ from vinca? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Jerusalem artichoke, dog Jerusalem artichoke, and false Jerusalem artichoke? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between *Tama coral* (winter coral) and *Himeta coral*? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Boehmeria japonica, Boehmeria nivea, Ramie, and Urtica dioica? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What's the difference between *Hatake-nira* and *Nira-modoki*? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Lobelia, Lobelia chinensis, and Lobelia sessilifolia? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Lyonia ovalifolia and Ipheion undatus (Dwarf Lyonia ovalifolia)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Tama coral (winter coral) and Himeta coral? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What's the difference between Hatake-nira and Nira-modoki? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.