Live Oak
Live oak (Quercus virginiana) is one of the most well-known trees found in Southern landscapes. While it is adaptable to all regions of South Carolina, it reaches its full development only within...
Category: Trees
Pine
Pine trees (Pinus species) are one of the most important groups of plants. These trees are called conifers because they have needles, cones, and are typically evergreen. There are many different...
Cedar-Apple Rust
Introduction As one takes a walk through the woods in spring, they may notice something unusual going on with Eastern redcedar trees (Juniperus virginiana); a brown ball covered with long orange...
Dogwood Diseases & Insect Pests
The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a small, deciduous ornamental tree that is native throughout the eastern United States. Although dogwoods are well adapted to South Carolina, they can be...
Site Considerations When Selecting Plants
Planning Before Planting A beautiful and functional landscape owes its success to many considerations. Chiefly among them is a keen assessment and understanding of the conditions particular to the...
Holly Diseases & Insect Pests
Diseases Black Root Rot: Black root rot is caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis basicola. This fungus primarily affects the root system and reduces plant vigor. Aboveground symptoms may include...
Camellia Diseases & Insect Pests
Camellias are one of the most desirable and well-adapted plants for Southern gardens. Many of the common problems of sasanqua camellia (Camellia sasanqua, C. hiemalis, and C. vernalis) and the...
Black Twig Borer
Black Twig Borer (Xylosandrus compactus) is a species of a scolytid beetle and is one of the few ambrosia beetles that will infest healthy or stressed plants. The adult beetle is solid black, shiny,...
Sycamore Diseases & Insect Pests
Of the 10 species of sycamore (Platanus species), one species, American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and one hybrid, London plane tree (Platanus x acerifolia) are common in South Carolina. Both...
Oak Diseases & Insect Pests
Although oak trees (Quercus species) are well adapted to South Carolina, they can be commonly affected by many pests and diseases. Maintaining healthy oak trees, by following recommended cultural...
Bradford Pear
Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’) is a spring-flowering tree that has been widely planted throughout the eastern U.S. in the last few decades. It is a popular tree that is frequently seen...
Common Buttonbush
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is often lauded for its utility rather than its beauty. Its commercial introduction in 1735 was primarily for beekeepers (hence, its other common name of...