fallen leaves

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

What are the differences between Koyabouki, Nagabano Koyabouki, and Kashiwaba Haguma? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

*Aster tataricus*, *Aster tataricus*, and *Aster savatieri* all belong to the genus *Aster* in the Asteraceae family. A key distinguishing feature within the vast Asteraceae family is that the central tubular florets of the flower head have a two-lipped corolla. They are commonly found in forests. However, the flower heads of the three species are similar...

2026.07.17

plant

What are the differences between white magnolia, kobushi magnolia, star magnolia, and tamushiba magnolia? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it a myth that their flowers are primitive? What is the purpose of their conspicuous red seeds?

White magnolia, kobushi magnolia, star magnolia, and tamushiba all belong to the Magnolia genus of the Magnoliaceae family. Being deciduous trees, they shed their leaves in winter, and around April, like cherry blossoms, they produce large, white, polypetalous flowers—one per branch—before the leaves appear. A key characteristic of these trees is...

2026.03.10

plant

What are the differences between Morus alba, Morus serrata, and Broussonetia papyrifera? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species!

Both Morus alba and Morus serrata belong to the genus Morus in the family Moraceae and are deciduous shrubs commonly found along the edges of forests in Japan. Both are well-known for their use in sericulture (silkworm farming). Morphologically, a major characteristic is the presence of hairless upper leaves, a mix of undivided leaves and lobed leaves with a distinctive 3-5 incisions. However, 2...

2025.05.07

plant

What are the differences between Japanese redbud (Cercis chinensis), American redbud (Cercis chinensis), and European redbud (Cercis rupestris)? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species!

The most distinctive feature of the Japanese redbud (Cercis chinensis), American redbud (Cercis rupestris), and European redbud (Cercis rupestris) is that, like cherry blossoms, they are covered in dense clusters of pink to purple, butterfly-shaped flowers characteristic of the legume family in spring before the leaves unfurl. While the Japanese redbud, cultivated for centuries, is well-known, the American redbud and European redbud have become increasingly popular in recent years...

2025.04.24

plant

What are the differences between Pieris japonica, Pieris ryukyuensis, and Pieris japonica? We explain how to distinguish between similar species!

Japanese Andromeda, Ryukyu Andromeda, and Japanese Stewartia all belong to the Ericaceae family, have downward-facing, urn-shaped to bell-shaped flowers, and their bark can be twisted. They also all share the characteristic of being poisonous. Therefore, some people may have difficulty distinguishing them. However, Japanese Andromeda and Ryukyu Andromeda are similar...

2025.04.23

plant

07.2861 Deutzia gracilis (inflorescence)

What are the differences between Deutzia, Deutzia crenata, and Deutzia gracilis? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Could Deutzia be the origin of hedges?

Deutzia, Deutzia gracilis, and Deutzia crenata all belong to the Deutzia genus of the Hydrangeaceae family. It is believed that their name, "Utsugi" (hollow tree), comes from the fact that, except for the young branches, the inside of the branches is hollow. In Japan, they have a history of being planted as a guide for rice planting, and are also said to be the origin of hedges...

2025.04.08

plant

07.2450 Ailanthus altissima (Japanese wood tree) upper surface of leaf even number

What are the differences between Pyrus pyrifolia, Ailanthus altissima, and Lucifer praecox? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both *Pachypodium sibiricum* and *Ailanthus altissima* belong to the Simaroubaceae family and are deciduous trees sometimes planted in Japan. *Ailanthus altissima*, in particular, is known for its rapid growth and widespread naturalization worldwide. However, they share similarities, such as having odd-pinnately compound leaves, so those unfamiliar with them might not distinguish them...

2024.05.08

plant

What are the differences between Enkianthus perulatus, Enkianthus campanulatus, and Rhododendron molle? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Enkianthus perulatus, Enkianthus campanulatus, and Rhododendron molle all belong to the genus Enkianthus in the family Ericaceae. Enkianthus perulatus and Enkianthus campanulatus are particularly commonly seen cultivated as garden trees and park trees. Their downward-facing, urn-shaped flowers are charming. However, the shape of their leaves...

2024.05.05

plant

What are the differences between Zelkova, Japanese elm, and Japanese elm? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Zelkova serrata, Japanese elm, and Japanese elm all belong to the elm family. In Japan, they are commonly seen growing wild in forests and are also very commonly cultivated as street trees. All three have beautiful autumn foliage, which can sometimes lead to confusion. Of the three, the zelkova belongs to the genus Zelkova...

2024.05.03

plant

fallen leaves

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 *Koyabouki*, *Nagabano Koyabouki*, and *Kashiwaba Haguma*? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between white magnolia, kobushi magnolia, star magnolia, and tamushiba magnolia? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it a myth that their flowers are primitive? What is the purpose of their conspicuous red seeds?

What are the differences between Morus alba, Morus serrata, and Broussonetia papyrifera? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species!

What are the differences between Japanese redbud (Cercis chinensis), American redbud (Cercis chinensis), and European redbud (Cercis rupestris)? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species!

What are the differences between Pieris japonica, Pieris ryukyuensis, and Pieris japonica? We explain how to distinguish between similar species!

What are the differences between Deutzia, Deutzia crenata, and Deutzia gracilis? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Could Deutzia be the origin of hedges?

What are the differences between *Pyrus pyrifolia*, *Ailanthus altissima*, and *Lucifer praecox*? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Enkianthus perulatus, Enkianthus campanulatus, and Rhododendron molle? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Zelkova, Japanese elm, and Japanese elm? 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 Koyabouki, Nagabano Koyabouki, and Kashiwaba Haguma? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Pyrus pyrifolia, Ailanthus altissima, and Lucifer praecox? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.