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Plant Profile: Phyllanthus tenellus
Longstalked phyllanthus, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, is primarily an upright summer annual, though it can behave as a perennial in subtropical regions. This plant typically features a single, upright stem that reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet, with minimal branching aside from those that bear fruit. Its leaves resemble those of chamberbitter, being alternate and oblong, measuring between 1/4 to 3/4 inch long, and are found on short branches, mimicking the compound leaves of certain legumes. Notably, the plant does not release a milky sap when its parts are broken. The flowers are greenish-white, and round green fruits develop on the undersides of lateral branches in the leaf axils, supported by short stalks. Seedlings typically sprout from summer to early autumn but can persist throughout the year in subtropical climates. These plants may begin to flower during the summer and continue into early fall, even when they are only a few inches tall, before dying off after frost. When ripe, seeds are forcefully ejected a short distance from the fruit. Longstalked phyllanthus is not effectively managed by most preemergence herbicides approved for nursery crops. To prevent seed production and further spread, it is advisable to hand weed young plants.
**Management Strategies for Longstalked Phyllanthus:** This species frequently thrives in the potting media of container-grown ornamental plants and can emerge through drainage holes or tears in nursery fabric near irrigation risers. It poses challenges in both greenhouse settings and landscapes, affecting turf areas and garden beds alike. As longstalked phyllanthus germinates more readily in moist conditions, reducing irrigation can be a beneficial strategy. Grouping plants by their water needs and ensuring that irrigation systems are well-maintained and distribute water evenly can also help. It is crucial to hand pull longstalked phyllanthus as soon as it is spotted. Once established, both species of Phyllanthus can be challenging to remove by hand due to their extensive root systems. Given their high light requirements for germination, applying mulch can be an effective control measure.
Long-stalked Phyllanthus, Longstalked Phyllanthus
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Phyllanthus urinaria
Chamberbitter is a summer annual characterized by its heavily branched base and upright stems, typically reaching heights of 1 to 2 feet and often forming a mound. The leaves are oblong, measuring between 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, and are found on short branches, resembling the compound leaves of certain legumes. Despite belonging to the spurge family, chamberbitter does not release a milky sap when its stems are broken. The flowers are small, subtle, and greenish-white in color. Notably, the round fruit appears on the undersides of lateral branches at the leaf axils. While it shares a resemblance with long-stalked phyllanthus (Phyllanthus tenellus), the two can be distinguished by the length of their seedpod stalks: chamberbitter's fruit is sessile (lacking stalks), whereas long-stalked phyllanthus has stalks measuring approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Phyllanthus seeds require substrate temperatures exceeding 75°F for germination, making them more prevalent in summer, although they can persist into late fall in the southeastern United States and year-round in subtropical regions. These plants bloom throughout the summer and fall, ultimately dying off after frost, with their fruit forcefully ejecting seeds over short distances.
Management strategies for chamberbitter: Both phyllanthus species are notoriously challenging to control. It is crucial to prevent the plants from seeding. Before planting, thoroughly inspect pots to eliminate any new infestations before they can spread. Most preemergence herbicides labeled for use are ineffective against them.
Propagation: Seeds are expelled forcefully.
Chamberbitter, Chamber Bitter, Gripeweed, Shatterstone, Stonebreaker
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Acanthus 'Summer Beauty' (Bear's Breeches 'Summer Beauty')
Bear's Breaches 'Summer Beauty' is a perennial cultivar that forms clumps and results from the hybridization of Acanthus mollis and Acanthus spinosus. Its large, dark green foliage imparts a tropic
Bear's Breeches 'Summer Beauty'
Acanthus \ \ Acanthaceae
Acca sellowiana (Feijoa, Guava, Guavasteen, Pineapple Guava)
Pineapple guava, a native of South America, is not only known for its delicious guava fruit but also for its striking appearance as a shrub. Its vibrant flowers could easily inspire a painting by G
Feijoa, Guava, Guavasteen, Pineapple Guava
Acca \ sellowiana \ Myrtaceae
Acer buergerianum (Three-toothed Maple, Trident Maple)
The Trident maple is a small to medium-sized tree native to Asia, characterized by its rounded, branching structure. Its distinctive leaves feature three lobes that point forward, resembling a trid
Three-toothed Maple, Trident Maple
Acer \ buergerianum \ Sapindaceae
Acer campestre (Field Maple, Hedge Maple)
This plant is a shrub or small tree characterized by its rounded shape and ability to withstand significant pruning. It serves well as a street tree, providing ample shade, and is also utilized for
Field Maple, Hedge Maple
Acer \ campestre \ Sapindaceae
Acer capillipes (Japanese Stripped-Bark Maple, Kyushu Maple, Red Snakebark Maple, Snakebark Maple)
This tree originates from Japan's mountainous regions, thriving in cooler summer climates. It favors partial shade and requires moderately moist, well-drained soil, particularly in hotter summer co
Japanese Stripped-Bark Maple, Kyushu Maple, Red Snakebark Maple, Snakebark Maple
Acer \ capillipes \ Sapindaceae
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