About Heronswood Plants

Plant Taxonomy:

Family, Genus, Species, Variety, Cultivar
If we use a cultivar name in single quotes, such as ‘Heronswood Mist’, you may be assured that this plant has been propagated asexually, i.e., by cuttings, grafting, or tissue culture, except in rare instances as noted in the plant description. This plant will be identical to the parent plant from which it was propagated. If we use a cultivar name or collection number in brackets, such as [Alba] or [DJH 123] you will know the plants we are offering are seedlings of the original plants. Though you can often expect some variation in these plants, it is important to note that by offering these, we do expect the desired trait to come through. While attempting to describe my wild collections that we offer as seedlings (i.e., not cuttings or divisions from a mature garden plant resulting from my collections) I am relying on my field notes which describe only the seed parent. Please keep in mind that seedling variation may exist to some degree. Though I will remind you of this fact in the plant’s description if my collection was based on a particular aberrant trait of the parent (i.e., distinctive leaf shape, fruit or flower color, ultimate shape or size of the plant), I will not as a rule reiterate this potentiality throughout the text of the catalogue.

What is the Meaning of “sp. aff.”?

These two abbreviations following a genus name and followed by a specific epithet and often a collection number are used to communicate the fact that we are not yet completely satisfied with its species name, though its floral or folial characteristics clearly demonstrate a close resemblance, or affinity, to a species we have already come to know. We have never been quick to assign specific epithets to the plants that we have introduced into cultivation, as by doing so in haste we can potentially corrupt good nomenclature in the horticultural industry for years if not decades. It is for this reason also that our collection numbers remain attached to the plants that we sell, as you will have a cross reference for any plant that you have purchased from our wild collections in the event that its nomenclature is refined in future. The collection numbers also allow institutions and individuals access to additional information regarding provenance, i.e. the locality, altitude and plant associations where it was collected. This information will be provided upon reasonable request.

Plant Descriptions:

When describing any plant’s habit, performance, and color I am generally using my own frame of reference – i.e., our garden through my eyes. Plants perform differently in different climates, and to be sure, we as individuals see and describe colors in different ways. I try my best to paint a portrait of the plant that grows in our garden as accurately as possible. We now include photographs on our website, but can a color photograph actually capture the full story of any plant? If these descriptions and devices seem too subjective for your level of comfort or if you do not have access to the Internet, please plan a visit to our garden and buy directly from our nursery (go to “Nursery and Garden Visits”).

Cultural Information:

Since we offer a wide range of new and unusual plants, it is impossible to include cultural information for each plant in each region of the country. You may ask us cultural questions regarding plants you have ordered, but we request that you send them to us in writing via mail, email or fax. Please do not telephone us with your questions. The people best able to answer your questions are generally working in the field and are not available to take phone calls. We will make every effort to have your inquiries answered as promptly as possible and ask for your kind patience in these instances. During shipping seasons especially, and other times as well, there are few spare moments to correspond. We will be in touch as soon as we have any information to offer. This we promise.

For general information about the plants you have ordered, we suggest that you consult your favorite reference book. For specific advice on your climate, we suggest that you consult your local agricultural extension service or regional gardening literature. Seattle residents should become acquainted with the Miller Horticultural Library at the Center for Urban Horticulture, University of Washington – certainly one of the best horticultural reference libraries in the country.

Cultural comments regarding purple, yellow or variegated foliage:

Interesting foliage, whether yellow or purple or variegated, may wash out or fade early in warmer temperatures. Contact your local County Extension Agent if you have questions about a specific plant’s performance in your area. Do not assume that because your plant has reverted to “normal” foliage, that it will no longer be effective in your garden. Some plants take time to settle into place, while others will only shine in variegated or purple or yellow effects in early spring.