WH AT TO PL A N T
Eleven to Look for Mission B otanica lets visitor s discover exciting native plants and tre e s , with a fun t wist. By Ethan Johnson, Plant Records Curator
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isitors looking for adventure won’t want to miss Mission Botanica. This life-sized interactive maze exhibit starts with the spin of a mission wheel, which eventually leads guests to nearly a dozen native plants and trees throughout the arboretum. Questions throughout the mission help participants decide which way to go to get to the next plant. The maze is open rain or shine. Here’s a look at the plants you’ll discover on your mission.
VACCINIUM CORYMBOSUM – HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY In Ohio: Northeastern Ohio in wetlands or along watercourses. Also in dry oak woods. At HF&G: Blueberry Pond, Wildflower Garden, Rhododendron Discovery Garden. Bloom time: April-May, usually mid to late April through early May. Growing tips: Requires acid soil — add sulfur if pH is near neutral. If young cultivars are purchased, remove the flowers for the first two years so the plants can get better established.
OPUNTIA CESPITOSA – EASTERN PRICKLY-PEAR CACTUS In Ohio: Oak Openings in Northwest Ohio, including Kitty Todd Nature Preserve and the metropark outside Toledo. In southern Ohio, Opuntia is in the sandy springs area of Adams County along the Ohio River, as well as other rocky, sandy areas in the vicinity. At HF&G: Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden south side sand dune area. Note: these are Opuntia humifusa with all yellow flowers. Opuntia cespitosa has yellow flowers with red centers Bloom time: Usually mid to late June at Holden. Growing tips: Sharp drainage and full sun are best. SILENE REGIA – ROYAL CATCHFLY In Ohio: Prairies of Southwest Ohio. At HF&G: Arlene & Arthur S. Holden, Jr. Butterfly Garden; Wildflower Garden, south end, and Prairie Garden. Bloom time: July-August, usually mid to late July to mid to late August at Holden Arboretum. Growing tips: Best in full sun with other prairie flowers and grasses.
26 FORESTS & GARDENS
SASSAFRAS ALBIDUM – SASSAFRAS In Ohio: Throughout, common in eastern Ohio woodlands, fence rows, old fields and forms thickets. At HF&G: Cleveland Botanical Garden, Western Reserve Herb Society Herb Garden, Culinary, also in Woodland Garden; Holden Arboretum, Wildflower Garden, Layer Rhododendron Garden. Bloom time: Usually mid to late April, can last into the first week of May. Growing tips: Very sensitive to disturbance and unavailable in the nursery trade. Best grown from seed in its desired location, or preserve bird-planted ones. SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS – BLOODROOT In Ohio: Throughout given woodlands with rich soils. At HF&G: Cleveland Botanical Garden, Western Reserve Herb Society Herb Garden, medicinal and dye, also in Woodland Garden, Hershey Children’s Garden, Evans Restorative Garden; Holden Arboretum, Wildflower Garden, Rhododendron Garden Bloom time: Usually mid to late April until early to mid May. Bloomed late March in 2012. Growing tips: Spring plant, enrich soil and mulch with leaf humus.
