Opuntia humifusa
This Ohio native cactus thrives in hot and dry environments in full sun and is also winter hardy. The fleshy foliage of this plant adds a textural element to garden plantings. The readily available pollen and nectar attract a variety of insects, especially honey and bumble bees.
Juniperus virginiana
A small to medium-sized evergreen tree that thrives on dry soil in full sunlight. This aromatic tree is also winter hardy, salt tolerant and serves as an excellent windbreak. Northern Mockingbirds relish the berry-like bluish soft cones.
Lysimachia terrestris
This showy perennial blooms vivid yellow in mid-summer, adding color to rain gardens and wet areas. Its sturdy stems make it an excellent cutting flower. Native pollinators, like the syrphid flower fly, are attracted to the flower’s nectar.
Lindera benzoin
Spicebush is a deer-resistant shrub with early-season nectar for butterflies and bright red berries for migratory birds. The common name refers to the sweet, spicy fragrance of the stems, leaves and fruits when bruised. The spicebush swallowtail lays its eggs on spicebush.
Schizachyrium scoparium
A colorful native prairie grass with striking blue-green foliage and pink overtones. In the fall, its foliage takes on a coppery hue. It works well in areas prone to deer damage. Attracts both birds and butterflies.
Sedum ternatum
White flowers bloom in April and May with leaves in whorls of three. Best as a groundcover in shade gardens. Drought resistant.
Asimina triloba
This beautiful understory tree lends a tropical appearance to gardens and is disease and pest resistant, rarely being browsed by deer. Largest edible fruit native to the U.S.
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Shrub or small tree with showy flowers and fruit that grow well under diverse conditions and provide winter interest. Pruning is usually not necessary. Bees and butterflies use nectar for honey.
Tiarella cordifolia
Makes excellent ground cover for shaded or partially shaded wooded areas provided soil is moist and well-drained. Evergreen lobed leaves form dense clumps that provide interest all season long.
Hamamelis virginiana
This large shrub is recognized for its distinctively long crooked branches. Brilliant gold-colored flowers appear in the fall and continue throughout the winter. The seeds are ejected with a “snapping” sound.
