The Plant Ecologist's Blog

Spicebush and the Swallowtails That Can't Live ...

Gabriella de Souza

Spicebush is an overlooked NC native shrub that hosts two swallowtail butterflies and produces some of the highest-fat, highest-protein fruit that fall migrating songbirds can find. Here's how it works...

Spicebush and the Swallowtails That Can't Live ...

Gabriella de Souza

Spicebush is an overlooked NC native shrub that hosts two swallowtail butterflies and produces some of the highest-fat, highest-protein fruit that fall migrating songbirds can find. Here's how it works...

Fall Vegetable Planting Guide for Coastal North...

Gabriella de Souza

What to get in the ground now for a fall harvest in Eastern NC, using NC State Extension's planting calendar: collards, broccoli, kale, lettuce, spinach, and turnips.

Fall Vegetable Planting Guide for Coastal North...

Gabriella de Souza

What to get in the ground now for a fall harvest in Eastern NC, using NC State Extension's planting calendar: collards, broccoli, kale, lettuce, spinach, and turnips.

National Moth Week Is Here: Why NC's Nighttime ...

Gabriella de Souza

National Moth Week runs July 18-26. Here is what moths actually do for North Carolina's ecosystems, and how to take part from your own porch light.

National Moth Week Is Here: Why NC's Nighttime ...

Gabriella de Souza

National Moth Week runs July 18-26. Here is what moths actually do for North Carolina's ecosystems, and how to take part from your own porch light.

Native Plants for Coastal Erosion Control in North Carolina

Native Plants for Coastal Erosion Control in No...

Gabriella de Souza

The native plants that hold NC's coast together: Sea Oats, Wax Myrtle, Yaupon Holly, Switchgrass, Pink Muhly Grass, and Dwarf Palmetto. A practical guide for coastal property owners and gardeners...

Native Plants for Coastal Erosion Control in No...

Gabriella de Souza

The native plants that hold NC's coast together: Sea Oats, Wax Myrtle, Yaupon Holly, Switchgrass, Pink Muhly Grass, and Dwarf Palmetto. A practical guide for coastal property owners and gardeners...

The Zebra Swallowtail's Only Host Plant: Why Pawpaw Belongs in Your NC Garden

The Zebra Swallowtail's Only Host Plant: Why Pa...

Gabriella de Souza

The Zebra Swallowtail butterfly has one host plant in North Carolina — Pawpaw (Asimina triloba). This native understory tree supports the butterfly's entire life cycle, produces wildlife-sustaining fruit, and belongs...

The Zebra Swallowtail's Only Host Plant: Why Pa...

Gabriella de Souza

The Zebra Swallowtail butterfly has one host plant in North Carolina — Pawpaw (Asimina triloba). This native understory tree supports the butterfly's entire life cycle, produces wildlife-sustaining fruit, and belongs...

Black-Eyed Susan and the Bee That Can't Live Without It

Black-Eyed Susan and the Bee That Can't Live Wi...

Gabriella de Souza

Rudbeckia hirta is more than a roadside wildflower. One native bee can only raise its young on Rudbeckia pollen — and Black-eyed Susan is one of the most accessible ways...

Black-Eyed Susan and the Bee That Can't Live Wi...

Gabriella de Souza

Rudbeckia hirta is more than a roadside wildflower. One native bee can only raise its young on Rudbeckia pollen — and Black-eyed Susan is one of the most accessible ways...