fallen leaves

What are the differences between Japanese kerria and white kerria? How do they differ from butterbur and Hypericum patulum? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Both Japanese kerria (Yamabuki) and white kerria (Shiroyamabuki) belong to the Rosaceae family, Rosioideae subfamily. They grow wild and are also cultivated for ornamental purposes, making them trees that signal the arrival of spring. However, some people mistakenly believe that white kerria is simply "Japanese kerria with white petals"...

2024.04.23

plant

What are the differences between Hibiscus syriacus, Hibiscus mutabilis, and Confederate Rose? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Hibiscus syriacus, Hibiscus mutabilis, and Confederate rose are all members of the Hibiscus genus in the Malvaceae family and are trees frequently cultivated in horticulture for ornamental purposes. Their most distinctive feature is the large, beautiful red to white flowers they produce, but they are often confused with each other. These are primarily Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus mutabilis...

2024.04.21

plant

What are the differences between Paulownia (Paulownia) and Jacaranda (Jacaranda)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Paulownia (Paulownia) and Jacaranda (Jacaranda jacaranda) are both deciduous trees with "paulownia" in their name, and are quite similar in that they both produce purple, tubular, bell-shaped flowers, and their flowering seasons are also close. Traditionally, the paulownia has been considered a sacred tree by the Japanese, and its flowers and wood have been highly valued, while the jacaranda...

2024.04.14

plant

What are the differences between Japanese apricot (Prunus tomentosa), Japanese garden apricot (Prunus serrulata), and Japanese garden cherry (Prunus serrulata)? How do they differ from Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) and Japanese cherry (Prunus serrulata)? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Japanese apricot (Prunus tomentosa), Japanese garden apricot (Prunus serrulata), and Japanese cherry (Prunus serrulata var. japonica) all belong to the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae. Despite being shrubs, they are popular in horticulture because they produce beautiful flowers in spring, similar to plums and cherries. They are also known to be edible. However, their appearance is quite similar, leading to confusion...

2024.04.03

plant

What are the differences between Oubai (Japanese jasmine) and Oubaimodoki (Yunnan jasmine)? How do they differ from Chimonanthus praecox (winter jasmine)? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Both *Jasminum praecox* (yellow jasmine) and *Jasminum yunnanense* (false jasmine) belong to the genus *Jasminum* in the family Oleaceae, and are native to China, cultivated for ornamental purposes. Their distinctive feature is the yellow flowers that bloom even in winter, which is likely one of the reasons for their popularity. However, they share many similar characteristics, leading to frequent confusion...

2024.03.21

plant

What are the differences between wild strawberries, Japanese wild strawberries, and large wild strawberries? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! It's surprisingly difficult to tell them apart!

Strawberry (Potentilla indica), Japanese wild strawberry (Potentilla fragarioides), and common wild strawberry (Potentilla indica) all belong to the genus Potentilla in the Rosaceae family. They are known as representative spring weeds in Japan, characterized by their creeping stems that spread along the ground. Occasionally, they are referred to as "wild strawberries" along with other members of the Rubus genus...

2024.03.20

plant

What are the differences between lilac, syringomyelia, and dwarf lilac? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! What exactly is a "dwarf lilac"?

Lilac, syringa, and dwarf lilac all belong to the genus Syringa in the Oleaceae family. Their flowers bloom in clusters in spring, covering the upper parts of the trees and creating a very attractive appearance, so they are often cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens. However, some people may not know the differences between them....

2024.03.11

plant

What are the differences between Japanese honeysuckle and American honeysuckle? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Japanese maple (Acer pycnanthum) and American maple (Acer pycnanthum) are both members of the Acer genus in the Sapindaceae family, characterized by their beautiful autumn foliage. In spring, Japanese maple blooms with red flowers before its leaves open, which is the origin of its Japanese name. However, these trees look similar and can be difficult to distinguish. Although there are differences in leaf size and shape, there is considerable individual variation, so differentiation is not always easy. This article focuses on the classification of Japanese maple and American maple.

2023.11.19

plant

What are the differences between Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), large-leaved maple (Acer palmatum), mountain maple (Acer japonicum), fan maple (Acer japonicum), and small fan maple (Acer japonicum)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Japanese maple, large-leaved maple, mountain maple, fan maple, and small fan maple all belong to the Acer genus of the Sapindaceae family. They change color and shed their leaves in late autumn, making them representative deciduous trees of the Japanese autumn landscape. Their distinguishing features include samaras (winged fruits) with a pair of "wings" and palmate leaves...

2023.09.29

plant

What are the differences between Clematis terniflora, Clematis patens, and Clematis japonica? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Clematis terniflora, Clematis patens, and Clematis japonica all belong to the genus Clematis in the Ranunculaceae family and are climbing semi-shrubs found in Japanese forests. They share several common features, including compound leaves, flowers with white sepals instead of petals, and feathery fruits, which can sometimes make them difficult to distinguish.

2023.09.08

plant