June 2026

Wiregrass (Ventenata dubia)

Xerpha Gaines (1891-1970) was a prominent Washington State University alum and botanist, with particular expertise in weeds. Born in Wisconsin and moving to Washington with her family in the early 1900s, she was an exceptional student with an intimate familiarity of the local flora. She married WSU agronomist Edward Gaines, who encouraged her to pursue […]