Posted by: Posted On:20 Feb 2026
Eastern Box Turtle Taxonomy Common Names by Region Description What You’re Seeing A high-domed terrestrial turtle with a hinged plastron (bottom shell) that allows it to close completely like a box. Key visual identifiers: Adults typically measure 4.5–6 inches (11–15
Posted by: Posted On:19 Feb 2026
Jackman’s Clematis Taxonomy Kingdom: PlantaeClade: TracheophytesClade: AngiospermsClade: EudicotsOrder: RanunculalesFamily: RanunculaceaeGenus: ClematisSpecies: Clematis × jackmanii (hybrid origin)Cultivar: ‘Jackmanii’ Common Names by Region Description Growth Habit A vigorous, deciduous, climbing perennial vine that twines by leaf petioles. Typically reaches 8–12 feet in
Posted by: Posted On:19 Feb 2026
Aoudad / Barbary Sheep Taxonomy Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: MammaliaOrder: ArtiodactylaFamily: BovidaeSubfamily: CaprinaeGenus: AmmotragusSpecies: Ammotragus lervia (Pallas, 1777) Common Names by Region General: Aoudad, Barbary SheepNorth Africa: Aoudad (various local spellings)United States (introduced populations): AoudadHunting / Wildlife Management Context: Barbary Sheep
Posted by: Posted On:18 Feb 2026
Water Forget-me-not Taxonomy Kingdom: PlantaeClade: AngiospermsClade: EudicotsOrder: BoraginalesFamily: BoraginaceaeGenus: MyosotisSpecies: Myosotis scorpioides L. Common Names by Region General: Water Forget-me-not, True Forget-me-notEurope: Water Forget-me-not, Marsh Forget-me-notNorth America (naturalized): Water Forget-me-notTraditional / Historical: Scorpion grass (referring to coiled flower stems) Description
Posted by: Posted On:18 Feb 2026
Northern Dusky Salamander Taxonomy Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: AmphibiaOrder: Caudata (Urodela)Family: Plethodontidae (Lungless Salamanders)Genus: DesmognathusSpecies: Desmognathus fuscus (Rafinesque, 1820) Common Names by Region General: Dusky Salamander, Northern Dusky SalamanderCanada: Northern Dusky Salamander (common in parts of the east; noted as widespread
Posted by: Posted On:17 Feb 2026
Elephant’s Foot Taxonomy Kingdom: PlantaeClade: AngiospermsClade: EudicotsOrder: GentianalesFamily: ApocynaceaeGenus: PachypodiumSpecies: Pachypodium rosulatum Baker Common Names by Region General: Elephant’s Foot, Bottle TreeMadagascar: Local regional names vary; often referenced simply as a pachypodiumHorticulture: Elephant Foot Pachypodium, Rosette PachypodiumCollector Trade: Caudiciform Pachypodium
Posted by: Posted On:16 Feb 2026
Black Swan Taxonomy Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: AvesOrder: AnseriformesFamily: AnatidaeGenus: CygnusSpecies: Cygnus atratus (Latham, 1790) Common Names by Region General / English: Black SwanAustralia: Black Swan (widely used nationally)Scientific / Hobby Use: Cygnus atratusRegional Reference: Native to Australia; introduced populations in
Posted by: Posted On:16 Feb 2026
American White Water Lily Taxonomy Kingdom: PlantaeClade: TracheophytesClade: AngiospermsClade: EudicotsOrder: NymphaealesFamily: NymphaeaceaeGenus: NymphaeaSpecies: Nymphaea odorata Common Names by Region Description General Appearance A perennial aquatic plant with floating leaves and showy white flowers that rise slightly above the water surface.
Posted by: Posted On:15 Feb 2026
Zabulon Skipper Taxonomy Common Names by Region Description General Appearance The Zabulon Skipper is a small, fast-flying butterfly in the skipper family. As with most skippers, the body is stout and moth-like, with rapid, darting flight and a resting posture
Posted by: Posted On:14 Feb 2026
Salsa Red Echinacea (Commonly sold as Sombrero® Salsa Red Coneflower) Taxonomy Common Names by Region Description Overall Form Salsa Red Echinacea is a compact, herbaceous perennial selected for vivid saturated red blooms and strong garden performance. Plants form upright clumps