gardening

What's the difference between baby's breath and perennial baby's breath? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Most people can't tell the difference!

Both baby's breath (Gypsophila sempervirens) and perennial baby's breath (Gypsophila sempervirens) belong to the Gypsophila genus of the Caryophyllaceae family. They bear numerous delicate, small flowers (mainly white or pink) and are often planted in flowerbeds, as well as being widely used as cut flowers and in flower arrangements...

2025.04.16

plant

What are the differences between Oxalis, Purple Wood Sorrel, Potato Wood Sorrel, Red Wood Sorrel, and Flower Wood Sorrel? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species!

Purple wood sorrel, sweet wood sorrel, red wood sorrel, and flowering wood sorrel all belong to the genus Oxalis in the family Oxalidaceae. Within the vast Oxalis genus, these species are characterized by their obovate leaflets with rounded corners and red to pink flowers. They were originally cultivated as ornamental plants but have since become naturalized and introduced species...

2025.04.01

plant

What are the differences between Mahonia japonica, Narrow-leaved Mahonia japonica, and Flat-leaved Mahonia japonica? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species!

Mahonia japonica, Narrow-leaved Mahonia japonica, and Flat-leaved Mahonia japonica all belong to the Berberidaceae family, genus Berberis. They have odd-pinnately compound leaves with coarse, needle-like serrations and are frequently cultivated as ornamental plants due to their ease of growth. However, few people may be able to properly distinguish between the three species...

2025.02.20

plant

What are the differences between morning glories, round-leaved morning glories, wild morning glories, and American morning glories? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar varieties! The origins of Japanese morning glories are shrouded in mystery!?

Morning glories (Ipomoea nil), round-leaved morning glories, wild morning glories, and American morning glories all belong to the Ipomoea genus of the Convolvulaceae family. Among the varieties with "morning glory" in their name, they are particularly popular for their large corolla diameter (over 3 cm) and are widely cultivated as ornamental plants. While they are very popular, there is considerable individual variation between varieties...

2024.07.10

plant

07.0582 Asparagus japonica (Leaf-shaped branch)

What are the differences between Asparagus, Asparagus, and Coprinus? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Asparagus, rhizome, and dwarf asparagus are all perennial herbs belonging to the genus Asparagus in the family Asparagaceae, and their most distinctive feature is the clusters of very thin, spine-like "leaf-like" structures. In reality, these are modified "branches" (called cladodes), and the true leaves are...

2024.05.17

plant

What are the differences between Rhaphiolepis indica, Rhaphiolepis umbellata, and Ternstroemia gymnanthera? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Rhaphiolepis indica, Rhaphiolepis umbellata, and Rhaphiolepis ternata all belong to the genus Rhaphiolepis in the family Rosaceae. While they naturally grow on coastlines, they are frequently seen planted in urban areas. However, the classification of the genus Rhaphiolepis is complex even at the species level, and there are many other species besides the three mentioned above...

2024.05.07

plant

What are the differences between Hirado azalea, Kurume azalea, and Satsuki azalea? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Hirado azalea, Kurume azalea, and Satsuki azalea (Satsuki rhododendron) all belong to the genus Rhododendron in the family Ericaceae, and are three species that are extremely commonly cultivated even in urban areas. However, since the shape of their flowers is almost identical, some people may have trouble distinguishing them. The three species can be distinguished by the shape of their leaves...

2024.04.27

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

07.2482 Hibiscus syriacus (Purple Cup Flower)

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 Photinia serrulata, Photinia glabra, and Photinia glabra (Red Robin)? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Photinia serrulata, Photinia glabra, and Photinia glabra (Red Robin) are all members of the Photinia genus in the Rosaceae family. They are native to Japan and are also commonly cultivated as privacy screens in gardens, making them very familiar trees. Their most distinctive feature is their red young leaves. However, distinguishing between these three species can be difficult...

2024.04.20

plant