Plant of the Week

Silverleaf scurf pea
Psoralea argophylla Pursh
scientific name, 2008
Pediomelum argophyllum (Pursh) Grimes
other common names: scurf pea
Psoralea: from Greek, meaning “scurfy” or “scabby,” because of the glandular spots on the leaves, stems, and calyx
Argophylla: meaning “silvery-leaved”
Legume family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Photograph by Thomas Rosburg, Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie: The Upper Midwest, Second Edition

June Gardening Tip

Mulch to control weeds, conserve moisture, and cut down on diseases. Good mulch materials include grass clippings, chopped autumn leaves, straw, hay, and pine needles.

Veronica Lorson Fowler with the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Gardening in Iowa and Surrounding Areas

This Week in Iowa Nature

Wood duck hatchlings tumble from high nests and head for the nearest water.

Jean C. Prior and James Sandrock, The Iowa Nature Calendar

Plant of the Week

Prairie cord grass
Spartina pectinata Link
other common names: cord grass, freshwater cord grass, marsh grass, slough grass, tall marsh grass, rip gut
Spartina: from Greek spartine, a cord such as that made from the bark of Spartinum. This was probably from the strong, tough leaves.
Pectinata: from Latin, meaning “comblike,” from the toothed edge of the leaf blades
Grass family: Poaceae (Gramineae)

Photograph by Thomas Rosburg, Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie: The Upper Midwest, Second Edition

June Gardening Tip

Plant sweet corn a second time, about two weeks after your first planting in late May, to extend the harvesting season.

Veronica Lorson Fowler with the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Gardening in Iowa and Surrounding Areas

Plant of the Week

Spotted St. John’s–wort
Hypericum punctatum Lam.
other common names: St. John’s–wort
Hypericum: the ancient Greek name for this genus
Punctatum: from Latin, meaning generally “dotted,” for the conspicuous marking of black and clear glandular dots on its leaves and flowers
St. John’s–wort family: Hypericaceae (The family name is derived from an ancient legend that the bloodlike spots on the leaves appeared immediately after St. John was beheaded.)

Photograph by Thomas Rosburg, Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie: The Upper Midwest, Second Edition

May Gardening Tip

Mow your lawn to a height of about two inches. The clippings make excellent mulch for flower and vegetable gardens, as long as you haven't treated your yard with herbicide. Keep the lawn well mowed throughout the season - it's one of the best ways to prevent weeds.

Veronica Lorson Fowler with the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, Gardening in Iowa and Surrounding Areas