Kids Research Express

Cedar (tree) is a common name for three or four species of large trees native to mountainous areas of North Africa and Asia. Cedar trees belong to the pine family, the members of which have needlelike leaves and, like all conifers, bear their seeds on scales clustered into cones. They differ from other members of the family in their evergreen four-angled leaves borne on short side-branches. The genus produces fragrant, durable, red-colored wood used in construction and cabinetry. The name cedar is also applied to other conifer trees with fragrant wood (see Cypress ). The well-known white cedar grows in swamps of the eastern United States and reaches a height of 24 m (80 ft). An arborvitae is also called cedar; western cedar and eastern white cedar are both important timber trees in the United States. Eastern red cedar, widespread in the eastern United States, is a juniper . A flowering tropical American mahogany is known as Spanish or West Indian cedar. Incense Cedar Native to wester

Arborvitae Arborvitae (Latin for “tree of life”), common name for certain related evergreen trees of the cypress family, so named early in the 17th century because of the medicinal value ascribed to their balsamic resin. Extracts of this resin increase blood pressure and reduce fever. The leaves have a fragrant, balsamlike odor. The wood is reddish, light, and durable. Some of the larger species are valuable timber trees. The smaller species are cultivated in gardens and as wind screens for more tender plants. The common, or American, arborvitae, often called white cedar, is found in the northeastern regions of North America as far south as Virginia. It flourishes in moist, cool places and attains a height of 15 m (50 ft). The branches are horizontally expanded, compressed or flattened, and have small, scalelike leaves. The cones are small and obovate. The only other species native to North America is the giant arborvitae, found west of the Rocky Mountains from northern California to

Pictures of Angiosperms Lavender Field Common lavender, a summer-flowering evergreen shrub, is often cultivated in gardens for its fragrant flowers. Lavender is also grown for oil of lavender, a chemical extracted from the flowers and used in the manufacture of perfumes and other materials. Lemon Tree The lemon tree is believed to have been transplanted from the Middle East to Europe and Africa during the Middle Ages. Today the lemon is cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions. The fruit, which is actually considered a berry, is generally produced in great quantities throughout the year. A single lemon tree may produce as many as 1,000 to 2,000 lemons in a year. Lily of the Valley The Convallaria majalis, known as the lily of the valley, is a perennial herb found in Eurasia and eastern North America and is popular for shady gardens. A dichotomous plant, it has long-stalked oval leaves and a stem of several white flowers. These tiny, pungent, bell-shaped flowers are used i

Garden Geranium The popular garden geranium, genus Pelargonium, grows best in warm, dry climates, where the plant may reach the size of a bush. The common zonal variety is pictured here. Its single or double rounded petals come in many colors. Garden Larkspur The garden larkspur, native to northern temperate regions, is a fast-growing, branching, annual flowering plant, grown for its colorful white, pink, or blue flowers. Reaching a height of 1.2 m (4 ft), larkspur grows best in a sunny location in fertile, well-drained soils. Plants of this genus may be especially susceptible to damage from slugs and snails. Garden Nasturtium The common garden nasturtium, a variety of Tropaeolum majus, is cultivated for its attractive flowers and edible foliage. The nasturtium originally came from South America. Golden Poppy The golden poppy, also known as the California poppy, is the state flower of California, where it grows wild. Most species of poppy are quite easy to cult

Pictures of Angiosperms English Elm The English elm, one of a number of elm species found throughout the North Temperate Zone, is native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It grows to a height of 30 m (100 ft). The English elm is used for its timber and its bark, from which certain dyes can be made. In the United States, the English elm and most other elms have fallen victim to the Dutch elm disease, which was accidentally introduced from Europe and for which no cure has been found. Flame Tree The flame tree is named for its brilliant scarlet blossoms that cover long, spreading branches. It is a native of the island of Madagascar, where its dangling seed pods are often gathered and used as fuel. It is now cultivated as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. Flower Garden Maintenance A healthy flower garden requires maintenance. By regularly removing spent or fading flowers, a practice called deadheading, gardeners prolong the blooming season in the

Columbine Grown for its purple, white, or yellow flowers, the columbine prefers sunny locations in well-drained soils. The hardy perennial is colorful when not in bloom, as well; in autumn, its leaves turn rich colors. Common African Violet - The common African violet, a native of eastern Africa and not a violet at all, has been extensively cultivated for use as a houseplant. Numerous cultivars are available in a variety of colors, including red, pink, white, purple, and blue. Common Cultivated Onion The cultivated onion is an edible, summer-flowering, perennial bulb preferring sunny locations with well-drained soils. Cultivated onions grow to heights of 30 to 70 cm (12 to 28 in) and produce pink or white flowers. Common Dandelion The flower of the common dandelion, which belongs to the genus Crepis, is not a single flower but rather a composite made up of a large number of very small flowers. Although usually considered a troublesome weed, the dandelion’s leaves are edible if