gardening

What's the difference between winter cosmos and cosmos? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! And did you know that Bidens pilosa is actually a different species?!

Winter cosmos (also known as winter cosmos) is cultivated in horticulture for ornamental purposes and is a valuable plant for gardening because it blooms in winter, from September to December. At first glance, some people might confuse it with cosmos because their names are similar. However, by examining the bracts, flowers, and fruits...

2024.02.07

plant

What are the differences between Christmas roses, Lenten roses, and hellebores? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Actually, I've only ever seen Lenten roses!?

Both Christmas roses and Lenten roses belong to the genus Helleborus in the Ranunculaceae family, and in Japan, they are frequently cultivated as ornamental plants because they bloom during the winter. Extensive breeding efforts have resulted in large-flowered and double-flowered varieties. However, due to the diversity of varieties...

2024.01.07

plant

What's the difference between Tibouchina japonica and Tibouchina urvilleana? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both Tibouchina urvilleana and Tibouchina urvilleana belong to the Melastomataceae family. Tibouchina urvilleana, in particular, is well-known and, although a southern species, is relatively cold-hardy and commonly cultivated in Honshu. In horticulture, Tibouchina urvilleana is sometimes simply called "Tibouchina," which can cause confusion...

2023.11.21

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 periwinkle, climbing periwinkle (Vinca), and dwarf climbing periwinkle? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Periwinkle, climbing periwinkle, and dwarf periwinkle all belong to the Apocynaceae family and are cultivated in Japan for ornamental purposes, frequently seen even in urban areas. They are popular for their interesting features, such as their fused petals with five propeller-shaped lobes at the tip, but their names are similar, especially the climbing periwinkle...

2023.11.02

plant

What are the differences between Coreopsis lanceolata, Coreopsis grandiflora, Coreopsis radicans, and Coreopsis lanceolata? How do they differ from Cosmos sulphureus? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Coreopsis lanceolata, Coreopsis grandiflora, Coreopsis humilis, and Coreopsis radicans all belong to the genus Coreopsis in the Asteraceae family. While they have few distinguishing features, they are annual or biennial plants that give the impression of being "very showy yellow chrysanthemums with single to double flowers." Coreopsis grandiflora, in particular, is an exception...

2023.10.10

plant

What are the differences between cosmos, yellow cosmos, chocolate cosmos, and marigolds? We explain how to distinguish between similar varieties.

Cosmos, yellow cosmos, and chocolate cosmos all belong to the Cosmos genus of the Asteraceae family. Although they are introduced species in Japan, they have become representative autumn landscape plants, as evidenced by their alternative name, "autumn cherry blossom," and are widely cultivated. They are characterized by their large, beautiful ray florets and achenes...

2023.10.06

plant

What are the differences between Lycoris radiata (Red Spider Lily), Lycoris radiata var. alba, Lycoris radiata var. alba, and Lycoris radiata var. alba? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Lycoris radiata (red spider lily), Lycoris radiata var. alba, Lycoris radiata var. alba, and Lycoris aurea are all perennial plants belonging to the Lycoris genus of the Amaryllidaceae family. They are very familiar to Japanese people due to their toxicity and the clusters of flowers they produce in autumn. However, there are many varieties...

2023.09.24

plant

What are the differences between Atractylodes macrocephala (white atractylodes), Atractylodes lancea (narrow-leaved atractylodes), and Atractylodes japonica? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Atractylodes macrocephala (white atractylodes) and Atractylodes lancea (narrow atractylodes) are both perennial herbs belonging to the Asteraceae family, and are well-known as medicinal herbs. The dried rhizomes are collectively called "jutsu" (朮). Morphologically, the leaves have prominent serrations, and the flowers, typical of the Asteraceae family, are arranged in capitulum (flower heads) composed solely of tubular florets...

2023.09.17

plant