Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to western and southern parts of Asia. It has a long history of cultivation and rich symbolism in polytheistic religions. Fruits of pomegranate play an important role in many West Asian cuisines. Aside from culinary uses, this fruit-bearing shrub is also cultivated for ornamental purposes.

American wild mint, or Mentha canadensis, is the only mint that is exclusively native to North America. Like other mints from across the globe, it can grow happily in both very boggy or saturated soils! Since it has a powerful odor, it can also be used in live traps to lure in wild animals, like foxes.

The grain of grain sorghum is utilized for human consumption, animal feed, and ethanol manufacturing. It is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical countries, originating in Africa. The grain is used to make liquor, animal feed, and bio-based ethanol, among other things.

The cat's claw (*Martynia annua*) is a pretty plant that spreads so effectively that it is classed as invasive in several countries, including Australia, India, China, and Indonesia. A popular garden plant, cat's claw is prized for its violet flowers that resemble orchids. The flowers are also popular as cut flowers in floral displays.

Lemon is a cultivated small evergreen tree known for its yellow, juicy, sour fruits full of citric acid. Its origins are unknown, but it was probably first created in India, China, or Burma as a hybrid of sour orange (Citrus × aurantium) and citron (Citrus medica). It is commercial fruit cultivated in warm regions around the world.

Shining bird of paradise (Heliconia metallica) is an evergreen soft-wooded perennial named for its large, exotic flowers that resemble a bird’s beak. Blooms from spring into summer. Requires rich, moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out between watering. Grows best in full sun or bright light.

Maize (Zea mays) is a well known domesticated cereal grain first domesticated in Mexico. In much of the world it is also called corn. Worldwide cultivation of maize surpasses other prominent grains like wheat and rice. Maize must be planted in the spring due to its intolerance for cold weather.

Lobularia maritima, commonly known as sweet alyssum, is an annual flowering plant that grows very low and has a tendency to spread its branches over the soil, creating a mat. That is why this lovely ornamental is an excellent choice for a groundcover or a bedding plant.

The sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) is native to the warmer regions of Asia but has also been found on other continents. The plant is rather weedy in growth habit and has very fragrant foliage, which makes it memorable. It is more useful in scientific arenas than in ornamental horticulture and is being tested for various purposes.

Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a highly ornamental small tropical tree or shrub, often multi-stemmed. It is native to India, Southeastern Asia, and Japan, and features a characteristic vase-shaped crown and beautifully-ruffled pink blooms that can last from early summer to autumn. It is also a popular nesting shrub for small birds.

White vervain (Verbena urticifolia) is a weedy plant found in pastures fields and roadsides. It has a high ecological value and is a food source for insects and birds. Its small white flowers which bloom summer to fall provide nectar for bees wasps and butterflies. Other insects feast on the stalks and leaves. Songbirds in particular are attracted to its seeds. This plant grows in full sun partial or full shade.

Arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is a beautiful foliage plant, one of the most popular species of the Araceae family. Due to its air purifying qualities and good looks, arrowhead plant is often cultivated as a houseplant. Every part of this plant is toxic, so it's best to keep it away from kids and pets.

Queen of the night is a unique flowering plant. Its flowers are funnel-shaped and have clean white petals and an aromatic scent. Each flower blooms on a single quiet night and fades within hours, making the plant a veritable moonlight beauty.

The name of the japanese pittosporum can be deceiving. It is not a true orange plant, it instead gets its name from the fact that the highly fragrant flowers have a distinct citrus scent. The flowers don’t last for a long time, only about two weeks, but the dark evergreen foliage is attractive all year long and the plant makes a great addition to a border or as a stand-alone plant.

Peach is native to Northwest China. China, Spain, and Italy are the top three producers of peaches world-wide. The peach is also the state fruit of Georgia. Peach production in the US in 2017 was valued at $599 million. The fruit has a yellow or white flesh, a sweet aroma, and a skin that is either velvety (peaches) or smooth (nectarines).

Opium poppy (*Papaver somniferum*) was first cultivated approximately 5,400 years ago by the lower Mesopotamians. The Sumerians called it “Hul Gil,” which means the “joy plant.” It is used in the production of medical painkillers. The tiny seeds are commonly added as a topping on bread buns, but most portions of the plant are toxic if eaten.

The southern maidenhair fern is known for its extract, which is often used to make an oil that is an ingredient in shampoo. The fern is also unique because it can shed water without feeling wet. These plants are easy to grow in shade or bright indirect light and thrive in moist but not soggy soil.

Originally from China, winter jasmine is prized for its wispy branches and early blooming. Its bright yellow flowers are spreadable, and the plant is readily available to grow roots and form a new shrub when its branches touch the ground. This makes it a great choice for ground cover on banks, and it trellises easily.

Cape leadwort is a flowering plant native to South Africa. Its Latin name, Plumbago auriculata, is derived from the word auriculata meaning "with ears," referring to the shape of its leaves. The leaves serve as food for the caterpillar of the Hummingbird hawk-moth. The plant's sticky sepals, on the other hand, can grab animals as small as a housefly.

Because of its prolific blossoming, which can blanket the tree canopy and provide abundant shade, the southern silky oak is a good tree for parks. Its resplendent flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Prior to the invention of aluminum, its wood, which is resistant to wood rot, was frequently used for external window joinery.