The Plant Ecologist's Blog

American Beautyberry: The Native Shrub That Earns Its Purple

American Beautyberry: The Native Shrub That Ear...

Gabriella de Souza

American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is one of coastal North Carolina's most striking native shrubs — and the wildlife that depends on it might surprise you.

American Beautyberry: The Native Shrub That Ear...

Gabriella de Souza

American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is one of coastal North Carolina's most striking native shrubs — and the wildlife that depends on it might surprise you.

Heat & Humidity Adapted Tomato Hybrids for USDA Zone 8

Heat & Humidity Adapted Tomato Hybrids for USDA...

Gabriella de Souza

Vegetable Gardening Heat & Humidity Adapted Tomato Hybrids for USDA Zone 8 When summer temperatures climb past 90°F and the air feels like a warm washcloth, most tomato plants quit...

Heat & Humidity Adapted Tomato Hybrids for USDA...

Gabriella de Souza

Vegetable Gardening Heat & Humidity Adapted Tomato Hybrids for USDA Zone 8 When summer temperatures climb past 90°F and the air feels like a warm washcloth, most tomato plants quit...

Native Plants for Coastal NC Landscapes

Native Plants for Coastal NC Landscapes

Gabriella de Souza

Planting in residential and urban spaces along Coastal North Carolina comes with real challenges. Compacted soil, wind-driven salt spray, drought stress, and periodic flooding can make it difficult to establish...

Native Plants for Coastal NC Landscapes

Gabriella de Souza

Planting in residential and urban spaces along Coastal North Carolina comes with real challenges. Compacted soil, wind-driven salt spray, drought stress, and periodic flooding can make it difficult to establish...

How to Study for the NC Certified Plant Professional Exam

How to Study for the NC Certified Plant Profess...

Gabriella de Souza

A complete chapter-by-chapter guide with study objectives, exam tips, and recommended resources

How to Study for the NC Certified Plant Profess...

Gabriella de Souza

A complete chapter-by-chapter guide with study objectives, exam tips, and recommended resources

Lemon Eucalyptus: Your New Favorite Plant (Science Says So)

Lemon Eucalyptus: Your New Favorite Plant (Scie...

Gabriella de Souza

Lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora, formerly Eucalyptus citriodora) isn't your typical houseplant. It's a biochemical powerhouse wrapped in smooth, powdery bark that sheds in patches to reveal pink and cream undertones. Native...

Lemon Eucalyptus: Your New Favorite Plant (Scie...

Gabriella de Souza

Lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora, formerly Eucalyptus citriodora) isn't your typical houseplant. It's a biochemical powerhouse wrapped in smooth, powdery bark that sheds in patches to reveal pink and cream undertones. Native...

The Science of Companion Planting

The Science of Companion Planting

Gabriella de Souza

What Is Companion Planting? Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants near each other to achieve benefits such as pest suppression, improved pollination, or enhanced growth.

The Science of Companion Planting

Gabriella de Souza

What Is Companion Planting? Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants near each other to achieve benefits such as pest suppression, improved pollination, or enhanced growth.