American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, is a beauty to behold and sought after in markets all over the globe. American ginseng still grows wild, but its population is dwindling as overharvesting takes its toll, even from years past. The key to keeping this species...
You can identify wild ginseng by following the information laid out in the article below. It is important to be able sift through your own natural underbrush to identify the ginseng crop, so let’s learn a bit about how to distinguish the plant before we go digging up our cultivated crop.
Read the transcript below:Welcome to today’s episode of Plants of the Amazon! As the largest tropical rainforest in the Americas, the Amazonian rainforest has unparalleled biodiversity. One in ten species in the world lives in this rainforest, making it a habitat...
Roots are almost always underground, but these hidden systems are responsible for a range of functions from securing the plant in the soil to absorbing water and nutrients. You can think of the root system as the foundation of a building: it's what keeps the plant stable, nourished, and capable of growth throughout its life cycle.
What is a Chrysanthemum? The chrysanthemum is a popular gardening flower all over the world, commonly referred to as chrysanths or mums. It is an herbaceous perennial with alternate leaves divided into leaflets. These leaflets are typically toothed; occasionally,...
Among the many fascinating things to study in botany, perhaps the most interesting is the stark differences and eerie similarities that plants have to humans and other animals. In this article from HerbSpeak, you’ll learn about the lifespan of plants, and whether...
You’ve probably heard about wildlife sanctuaries, which are swaths of land dedicated to providing habitat for certain species of wildlife. Lesser known, however, are plant sanctuaries. These sanctuaries serve the same purpose, but on a more foundational scale.
There are so many more species of bee living within your local ecosystem than the common honeybee. Learning how to identify bees is one of the best ways you can get to know your backyard ecosystem a little bit better and begin overcoming any fear of the lovely insects you might have.
Global change happens with local, individual action. In this article, you’ll learn about how inaction hurts and what you can do about the climate crisis today.
Over the last few years, a lot of people have begun turning to alternate methods of gardening. One ‘alternative’ method is planting native plants in lieu of the typical garden plants we might be familiar with today. Let’s take a look at why – and how – this can be...
For centuries, American ginseng has been in the spotlight for mountain foragers and market specialists. Now, it is in the spotlight for conservationists who are striving to protect it from an irreversible decline.
A lot of states have regulated the harvest of ginseng plants to specific seasons, requiring a state license to collect the plant. Like other hunting seasons, there are stipulations for what you are allowed to collect – and what you are not. How Old is a 4-Prong...
One of the best things about microgreens is that they don't require a lot of space. You can grow them in a small container on your windowsill, balcony, or even your kitchen countertop. Since they grow quickly, you can enjoy fresh greens in just a few days for most beginner-friendly varieties.
In this article, HerbSpeak will cover the pros and cons of several popular microgreens trays to help you decide which one is right for you – and which ones just aren’t worth the money for what you’re looking for.
Interested in getting into the microgreens market, but worried if they’ve lost their popularity and profitability? Learn what you need to know here.
The naturalists of today may not spend most of their time sailing the seas and looking under crude microscopes, but there is still plenty to explore in the world. With the advancement of science comes an advancement in technology - which further aids science. While...
There are many plant identification apps available online, but Go Botany is different. As a plant database, rather than an automatic detection app, it is the only resource dedicated to accurate self-guided identification of New England plants. Go Botany gives users...
Keeping houseplants is a hobby that is on the rise in recent years. The more time you spend at home, the more you want to fill your home with beautiful foliage. In fact, plants are great at helping reduce the stress we experience on a daily basis. But what do you do if you also have pets?
Take a break and photosynthesize a little. With monthly emails from HerbSpeak delivered right to your inbox, you can develop your botanical literacy in a way that is fun and accessible.
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