European crab apple (Malus sylvestris) is a plant species that can live to be one hundred years old. European crab apple is native to Europe and its latin name Malus sylvestris means forest apple. Caterpillars of the twin-spotted sphinx feed on the leaves of european crab apple. This species has been considered an important ancestor of the domestic apple.

Looking like a miniature fairy tale tree, jade plant is one of the world's most popular succulents. Native to southern regions of Africa, Crassula ovata is well adapted to the dry warm air of modern homes. It grows slowly but lives for so long that plants get passed from generation to generation. It is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and even mildly toxic to humans.

Florist kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) originates from Madagascar and has been a popular houseplant since the 1930s. Unlike most other succulents that are grown for their interesting leaves, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is valued for the colorful flowerheads it produces in autumn and winter. This is the reason it is commonly gifted during holidays, earning it another name - Christmas kalanchoe. It is toxic to pets.

False christmas cactus gets its name from its flowering season; producing red purple pink or white flowers from fall to winter. Native to a small coastal strip on the east of Brazil this cactus prefers the shade and humidity of jungle conditions. In the wild hummingbirds pollinate the flowers.

Common sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) is an erect, perennial, herbaceous legume that blooms in spring and in fall. Clusters of spiked blossoms bloom along a stem. Striped pink flowers attract a variety of bees. Seed pods form and have small spikes that cling to animal fur and help to propagate the plants in new locations.

The common name, garden Catchfly, refers to the plant’s sticky stems, which may indeed catch small insects. These perennials were imported to the US from Europe for gardens, but have naturalized across the new continent and are listed as invasive in Alaska.

Wild rue (Peganum harmala) is a perennial herbaceous shrub native to southeast Europe that can grow to 91 cm tall. It has fragile-looking succulent leaves and stalks. Small white flowers bloom from spring to fall, at varying times depending on location. It is considered a weed in some areas.

Henbane is a poisonous annual or biennial plant that is native to the Mediterranean. The plant is entirely covered with greasy hairs. Its seeds spread from mid-spring to early fall.

The garden croton is a showy tropical display that does well indoors or in warm climates. Known for its attractive foliage, this plant can have both color and structural variations in its leaves. Leaf colors can include orange, yellow, scarlet, white, and green, and many times all are present on one plant.

Painted-leaf begonia (Begonia rex) is a flowering perennial native to tropical climates in Central America and South America. Painted-leaf begonia is cultivated inside as a houseplant in temperate climates and grown outside in cooler climates.

Dwarf umbrella tree (*Schefflera arboricola*) is an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub native to China. It is commonly grown as a houseplant or a garden plant in milder climates for its decorative palmate compound leaves. The leaves contain calcium oxalates, which can damage internal organs when ingested. It shouldn't be confused with the Australian umbrella tree, *Schefflera actinophylla*.

Yellow rocket is a biannual herb endemic to Europe. Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen and mining workers, inspired the name Barbarea. This plant's leaves are edible, whether raw or cooked. It also has a natural resistance to several bug species.

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.

Tree gloxinia (Kohleria amabilis var. bogotensis) is a flowering plant native to Honduras and Columbia that has become popular as an ornamental. It blooms exotic spotted flowers in spring and summer.

As a member of the Hen and Chicks family, the mountain house-leek (Sempervivum montanum) spreads baby offset plants from a "mother hen," giving this succulent an adorable clustered appearance that makes for a great houseplant. The foliage of each is presented in tight rosettes that slowly mature into a rotund ball of fleshy foliage.

Hare's-Foot Clover (Trifolium arvense) is a flowering clover species native to Europe. Hare's-Foot Clover grows on dry sandy soils, acidic and alkaline soils, and on the edges of fields. Sheep and goats graze on this species, and it can be beneficial to agriculture by adding nitrogen to the soil where it is planted.

Evergreen spindle(Euonymus japonicus) is a popular ornamental evergreen shrub with numerous cultivars. Due to its superb adaptability and decorative looks, evergreen spindle can be found in parks and gardens all over the world. Its flowers produce a lot of nectar, which makes this plant very attractive to bees.

Large-leaved lime is a plant species native to Europe. Ironically, it grows in soils rich in the mineral called lime. This species' scientific name, Tilia platyphyllos, means "broad leaves." It is widely cultivated around the world as an ornamental tree, often planted in parks and city streets because of its hardy, versatile nature. Wood from the large-leaved lime is used for carving. It is an old species: its fossilized remains have been found in Turkey from the Pliocene epoch.

Jerusalem artichoke is a North American native sunflower with large amber flower heads, broad leaves, and sturdy branches. Its tubers are a highly nutritious vegetable food crop that tastes sweet and nutty. The plant's Latin name, Helianthus tuberosus, stems from helios, the Greek word for sun, and anthos, meaning flower.

Amazon Lily (Eucharis amazonica) is a perennial native to Peru which has also been naturalized in Venezuela, Mexico, and many tropical islands. It grows as much as 75 cm in height, with large waxy leaves and fragrant flowers. The name amazon Lily is often also used for the Eucharis genus in general, which can cause some confusion.