Nyssa sylvatica
Black gum or black tupelo has been called the most beautiful of the native trees. With its tall straight trunk and scarlet fall foliage this tree is adaptable to wet and dry soils. The juicy fruit of the female tree is a treat for many birds and mammals.
Panicum virgatum
Switchgrass is often used in rain gardens and provides excellent nesting and cover for birds. It can also be used for erosion control and bank stabilization.
Asclepias incarnata
Naturally found in low spots or moist areas in full sun, milkweed is also adaptable to drier conditions. The bright pink flowers are attractive from July to September.
Morella pensylvanica
This versatile shrub tolerates a wide range of soil and growing conditions, including drought and salt spray. Northern Bayberry should be planted in groups to ensure fruiting.
Cornus sericea
A large, flowering shrub, the redosier dogwood’s red branches have long been used to add winter interest to the landscape. Clusters of pea-sized white berries are an important source of food for resident and migrating birds in fall.
Cercis canadensis
The eastern redbud is a small, deciduous tree ideal for sun or shade. The tiny, purplish-pink flowers of this tree are among the first to bloom in the spring.
Lobelia cardinalis
The cardinal flower, a water-loving perennial, produces brilliant stalks of bright red blooms beginning in mid-summer. Its affinity for water makes this flower an excellent choice for rain gardens, swales, ditches and pond edges.
Ilex verticillate
Common winterberry produces brilliant red berries that attract birds late into the winter. Cut branches offer a colorful accent to holiday wreaths and decorations. Native to swampy areas, winterberry is a low maintenance plant that will thrive in wet or well-drained sites. Both male and female plants are required for fruit set; one male is sufficient to pollinate ten female plants.
Liatris spicata
Blazing star’s upright purple flower spikes provide a bright long-blooming accent in the garden in July and August. An excellent cut flower, Liatris attracts butterflies and is a good native plant alternative to purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Amelanchier laevis
Often appearing at the edge of woodlands or along stream banks, this small to medium-sized tree is one of the first to flower each spring and also provides stunning fall color. The sweet red-purple berries in June attract many species of birds. Serviceberry is a great tree for landscapes and can be utilized as a native alternative to the invasive calley pear (Pyrus calleryana).
