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Acknowledgments
Reviewers: Species included in this guide were reviewed by the following authorities regarding native range, appropriateness for use in individual states, and availability in the nursery trade:
Rodney Bartgis, The Nature Conservancy, West Virginia. Ashton Berdine, The Nature Conservancy, West Virginia. Chris Firestone, Bureau of Forestry, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.Chris Frye, State Botanist, Wildlife and Heritage Service, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.Mike Hollins, Sylva Native Nursery & Seed Co.William A. McAvoy, Delaware Natural Heritage Program, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.Mary Pat Rowan, Landscape Architect, Maryland Native Plant Society.Rod Simmons, Maryland Native Plant Society.Alison Sterling, Wildlife Resources Section, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.Troy Weldy, Associate Botanist, New York Natural Heritage Program, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Graphic Design and Layout: Laurie Hewitt, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chesapeake Bay Field Office.
Special thanks to: Volunteer Carole Jelich; Christopher F. Miller, Regional Plant Materials Specialist, Natural Resource Conservation Service; and R. Harrison Wiegand, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Division for assistance throughout this project.
Citation: Slattery, Britt E., Kathryn Reshetiloff, and Susan M. Zwicker. 2003, 2005. Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Chesapeake Bay Field Office, Annapolis, MD. 82 pp.Document may also be found online at: http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/chesapeake/
First printing, 2003
Second printing, 2005
Third printing, 2009
Fourth printing 2012
The Native Plant Center
Citizens, schools, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies use this resource to select native plants to create landscapes to attract wildlife and reduce pollutants going into the Chesapeake Bay. To reach even more citizens, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service created an online version of this guide, the Native Plant Center -- Chesapeake Region, www.nativeplantcenter.net.
This online guide includes a geo-locator feature to quickly identify plants suited to your location.
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Table of Contents
IntroductionBenefits of Conservation Landscaping .......................................................................................... 3Why Use Native Plants ................................................................................................................. 4Other Conservation Landscaping Elements ................................................................................... 4How to Choose Plants .................................................................................................................. 6Where to Find Native Plants ......................................................................................................... 6
How To Use This GuidePlant Names and Types ................................................................................................................ 7Characteristics ............................................................................................................................. 7Growth Conditions ........................................................................................................................ 8Habitat ......................................................................................................................................... 9Native To (Where to Use) ............................................................................................................. 9Wildlife Value ............................................................................................................................... 9Notes ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Plant Information PagesFerns .......................................................................................................................................... 11Grasses & Grasslike Plants ......................................................................................................... 14Herbaceous Plants ...................................................................................................................... 18Herbaceous Emergents .............................................................................................................. 41Shrubs ........................................................................................................................................ 45Trees .......................................................................................................................................... 54Vines .......................................................................................................................................... 64
Plants with a PurposePlants for Coastal Dunes ............................................................................................................ 66Plants for Saltwater or Brackish Water Marshes ........................................................................ 66Plants for Freshwater Wetlands and Other Wet Sites ................................................................ 67Plants Appropriate for Bogs or Bog Gardens ............................................................................... 68Plants for Dry Meadows ............................................................................................................. 68Plants for Wet Meadows ........................................................................................................... 69Plants for Forest or Woodland Plantings ..................................................................................... 69Solutions for Slopes ................................................................................................................... 71Evergreens ................................................................................................................................. 72Plants to Use as Groundcovers ................................................................................................... 72Plants for Spring and Fall Color ................................................................................................... 72Deer Resistant Plants ................................................................................................................. 73
Photo Credits ............................................................................................................................... 74References ................................................................................................................................... 75Index ............................................................................................................................................... 79
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To the Reader
The use of native plants in landscaping and of course habitat restoration is certainly not new. In fact,their use has grown exponentially in recent years. Natural resources professionals in turn have beenflooded with requests for information on native plants to use in various types of planting projects.Communities, schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, watershed groups, local governments,state and federal agencies and many others are enhancing and restoring habitat, solving ecologicalproblems, reducing maintenance, or just beautifying surroundings, all using locally native plants.Natural resources professionals, in turn, have been flooded with requests for information on nativeplants to use in various types of planting projects. There are many excellent resources available onnative plants - some more technical than others, some more comprehensive than others. Thefrustration voiced most frequently by users is the lack of color photographs of the plants. After all, it isthe striking visual quality of these plants that is their best “selling point.”
This publication includes those pictures as well as user-friendly information on native speciesappropriate for planting in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and adjacent coastal regions. Although oneguide cannot furnish the answers to every question, we have included as much useful information aspossible in a limited space. Although the large number of species of plants included here mayoverwhelm some readers, this guide displays the great diversity of plants available. We hope you willbypass the over-used, non-native and sometimes invasive ornamental plants, and select the equallyand often more attractive native plants. Pour through this guide the same way you look throughnursery catalogs. Use it to plan and design your next planting, whether it’s a small corner of your frontyard, a two-acre meadow seeding, or 100 acres of wetland restoration.
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Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat andConservation Landscaping:Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Introduction
“Conservation landscaping” refers to landscaping with specific goals of reducing pollution andimproving the local environment. In the Chesapeake Bay watershed (the land that drains to the Bay andits many tributaries), this style of landscaping is sometimes called “BayScaping,” or beneficiallandscaping.
Conservation landscaping provides habitat for local and migratory animals, conserves native plants andimproves water quality. Landowners also benefit as this type of landscaping reduces the time andexpense of mowing, watering, fertilizing and treating lawn and garden areas, and offers greater visualinterest than lawn. Beneficial landscaping can also be used to address areas with problems such aserosion, poor soils, steep slopes, or poor drainage.
One of the simplest ways to begin is by replacing lawn areas with locally native trees, shrubs andperennial plants. The structure, leaves, flowers, seeds, berries and other fruits of these plants providefood and shelter for a variety of birds and other wildlife. The roots of these larger plants are alsodeeper than that of typical lawn grass, and so they are better at holding soil and capturing rainwater.
Benefits of conservation landscaping
Americans manage approximately more than 30 million acres of lawn. We spend $800 million per yearon grass seed. In managing our yards and gardens, we tend to over-apply products, using 2.5 to 5million tons of fertilizer and more than 70 million pounds of pesticides annually. The averagehomeowner spends 40 hours per year behind a power mower, using a quart of gas per hour. Grassclippings consume 25 to 40% of landfill space during a growing season. Per hour of operation, smallgas-powered engines used for yard care emit more hydrocarbon than a typical auto (mowers 10 timesas much, string trimmers 21 times, blowers 34 times). A yard with 10,000 square feet of turf requires10,000 gallons of water per summer to stay green; 30% of water consumed on the East Coast goes towatering lawns.
The practices described in this guide reduce the amount of intervention necessary to have attractiveand functional landscaping. Conventional lawn and garden care contributes to pollution of our air andwater and uses up non-renewable resources such as fuel and water. Many typical landscapes receivehigh inputs of chemicals, fertilizers, water and time, and require a lot of energy (human as well as gas-powered) to maintain. The effects of lawn and landscaping on the environment can be reduced ifproperties are properly managed by using organic alternatives applied correctly, decreasing the arearequiring gas-powered tools, using native species that can be sustained with little watering and care,and using a different approach to maintenance practices.
With conservation landscaping, there is often less maintenance over the long term, while stillpresenting a “maintained” appearance. Conservation landscapes, like any new landscape, will requiresome upkeep, but these alternative measures are usually less costly and less harmful to theenvironment. New plants need watering and monitoring during the first season until they becomeestablished. Disturbed soil is prone to invasion by weeds - requiring manual removal (pulling) instead ofchemical application. Over time, desired plants spread to fill gaps and natural cycles help with pestcontrol. Garden maintenance is reduced to only minimal seasonal cleanup and occasional weeding orplant management. The savings realized by using little or no chemicals, and less water and gas, canmore than make up for initial costs of installing the landscaping. Redefining landscaping goals overalland gradually shifting to using native species provide even greater rewards in terms of environmentalquality, landscape sustainability, improved aesthetics, cost savings, and bringing wildlife to theproperty.
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Why use native plants?
Native plants naturally occur in the region in which they evolved. While non-native plants mightprovide some of the above benefits, native plants have many additional advantages. Because nativeplants are adapted to local soils and climate conditions, they generally require less watering andfertilizing than non-natives. Natives are often more resistant to insects and disease as well, and so areless likely to need pesticides. Wildlife evolved with plants; therefore, they use native plantcommunities for food, cover and rearing young. Using native plants helps preserve the balance andbeauty of natural ecosystems.
This guide provides information about native plants that can be used for landscaping projects as wellas large-scale habitat restoration. All of the plants presented are native to the designated areas,however not all of the native species for that area have been included. Rather, plants have beenincluded because they have both ornamental and wildlife value, and are generally available for sale.This guide covers the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed, including south central New York; most ofPennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia; the District of Columbia; Delaware, west of Delaware Bay; andthe eastern panhandle of West Virginia.
The region’s wildlife, plants, habitats and network of streams and rivers leading to the Bay aretremendous resources. As the human population throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed growsand land-use pressures intensify, it is increasingly important to protect our remaining natural areas andwildlife, and restore and create habitat. By working together, these treasures can be conserved forfuture generations. Individual projects are great, collective measures are even better, yet every actionhelps no matter what size.
Conservation landscaping elements
We can incorporate elements of natural systems into the existing areas where we live, work, learn,shop and play. Landscaping provides valuable opportunities to reduce the effects of the builtenvironment. These areas can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Use of native species willmake your garden or landscaping more environmentally beneficial. By combining plant selection withsome of the other concepts below, you can achieve more environmental benefits.
Reduce disturbance. Carefully decide where new development will occur to avoid destruction ofexisting habitat as much as possible. Take advantage of the site’s existing natural features.
Reduce lawn or high maintenance areas. Replace turf or ornamental plantings by adding newlandscaping beds and/or enlarge existing ones with native plants.
Think big, but start small. Draw up a plan for your entire yard but choose one small area for yourfirst effort. Trial and error with the first project will help you learn without being overwhelmed. Phase inthe whole project over time.
Use native plants. Start by using natives to replace dead or dying non-native plants, or as asubstitute for invasive non-natives in existing gardens or landscaping. Plan to use native plants in newlandscaping projects.
Avoid invasive species. Non-native plants can be invasive. They have few or no naturally occurringmeasures to control them, such as insects or competitors. Invasive plants can spread rapidly andsmother or out-compete native vegetation. Invasive, non-native plants are not effective in providingquality habitat. A copy of the publication “Plant Invaders of Mid Atlantic Natural Areas” can bedownloaded from www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/index.htm.
Improve water quality. Native species planted on slopes, along water bodies and along drainageditches help prevent erosion and pollution by stabilizing the soil and slowing the flow of rainwaterrunoff. To collect and filter runoff, depressions can be created and planted with native plants suited totemporary wet conditions. These “rain gardens” will capture water and hold it temporarily for a day ortwo and remove pollutants washing off of the surrounding land.
In certain conditions, some native plants can alsobecome aggressive spreaders, though theirspread is more limited by natural controls thannon-native aggressors. Plants that seed readily(such as black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia species),or that spread by lateral roots (such as mintfamily plants Monarda or Physostegia species)should be used sparingly or controlled in gardens.Certain native species that are difficult to controlor show up uninvited should not be planted, suchas cattail (Typha species).
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Enhance and create wildlife habitat. An animal’s habitat is the area where it finds food, water,shelter, and breeding or nesting space, in a particular arrangement. If we want our gardens to have thegreatest ecological value for wildlife, we need to mimic natural plant groupings and incorporatefeatures that provide as many habitat features as possible.
Plants are one of the most important features of an animal’s habitat, because they often provide most,or even all of the animal’s habitat needs. Animals in turn help plants to reproduce through dispersal ofpollen, fruits or seeds. Consequently, plants and animals are interdependent and certain plants andanimals are often found together. So, it is important that plants be selected, grouped, and planted in away that is ecologically appropriate.
Each plant prefers or tolerates a range of soil, sunlight, moisture, temperature and other conditions, aswell as a variety of other factors including disturbance by natural events, animals or human activities.Plants sharing similar requirements are likely to be found together in plant communities that make updifferent habitat types - particular groupings of plant communities commonly recognized as wetlands,meadows, forests, etc. Some plants may tolerate a wider range of conditions than others, andtherefore can be found at more than one type of site, in association with a different set of plants ateach. By matching plants with similar soil, sunlight, moisture and other requirements, and plantingthem to the existing site conditions, the planted landscapes will do a good job of approximating anatural habitat.
Instead of isolated plantings, such as a tree in the middle of lawn, group trees, shrubs and perennialsto create layers of vegetation. A forest has, for example, a canopy layer (tallest trees), understory layers(various heights of trees and shrubs beneath the canopy) and a ground layer or forest floor. Theselayers provide the structure and variety needed for shelter, breeding or nesting space for a diversity ofwildlife.
To provide food and cover for wildlife year-round, include a variety of plants that produce seeds, nuts,berries or other fruits, or nectar; use evergreens as well as deciduous plants (those that lose theirleaves); and allow stems and seedheads of flowers and grasses to remain standing throughout fall andwinter.
All animals need water year-round to survive. Even a small dish of water, changed daily to preventmosquito growth, will provide for some birds and butterflies. Puddles, pools or a small pond can be ahome for amphibians and aquatic insects. A larger pond can provide for waterfowl, such as ducks andgeese, and wading birds such as herons. Running or circulating water will attract wildlife, stay cleanerand prevent mosquitoes.
Rock walls or piles, stacked wood, or brush piles provide homes for insects, certain birds and smallmammals. Fallen logs and leaf litter provide moist places for salamanders, and the many organismsthat recycle such organic matter, contributing nutrients to the soil. Standing dead tree trunks benefitcavity-nesting wildlife such as woodpeckers.
Consider naturalistic planting, or habitat restoration. It may be feasible to create a more naturallandscape instead of a formal one. Naturalistic landscaping uses patterns found in nature, and allowssome nature-driven changes to occur. Plants multiply, and succession or gradual replacement ofspecies may take place, with less human intervention. A property located near natural areas, such asforests, wetlands and meadows, is a good candidate for a habitat project. Expand existing forest byplanting trees and shrubs along the woods line, using native species that grow in the area, and allowbirds and wind to bring the understory plants over time. Wet sites, areas with clay soils, or drainageditches can be converted to wetlands. An open piece of ground or lawn can be planted as a meadow orgrassland. Schools, homes, small businesses, large corporate sites, municipalities, militaryinstallations, recreational areas and other public lands can all include habitat plantings.
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How to choose plants
Finding ready information about what plants “go together” for habitat restoration, enhancement, orcreation projects is difficult. Often, the professional will examine a nearby natural area and try to mimicthe combination of plant species found there. That may not be possible for individuals unfamiliar withnatural areas. Fortunately, by following some simple guidelines, you will have garden spaces that growwell on your site and mirror the plant communities found naturally in your area. The plant lists found atthe end of this guide will also help give you a start at planting appropriate groupings.
Know your site and plant to the existing site conditions. Check the sun exposure, soilmoisture and soil type where you plan to plant, and choose plants that will grow and thrive inthose conditions. For a few dollars your state or local cooperative extension office can analyze asmall soil sample you send them (for contact information, see your government listings in thephone book). The results will include soil type (sand, clay, loam, etc.), pH and fertility status andrecommendations for amending the soil to make it into “average garden soil.” However, byselecting native species that thrive in the existing conditions, you won’t need to add soil, fertilizer,lime or compost. There are a wide variety of plants that will thrive in most conditions, even thedriest, poorest soil or very wet clay soil. If, however, the soil test shows extreme pH - very acidic(pH of less than 5) or very basic (pH 8 or above), your plant choices will be fairly limited. In thatcase, you might choose to follow the instructions for making the soil more neutral. If the soil ishard, compacted fill dirt, you might want to improve it by adding organic matter and work theground so that it can more easily be planted. If you alter the site, then select plants suited to thenew conditions.
Choose plants native to your region of your state. Along with planting to the existing siteconditions, use locally native plants. Use the map on page 9 to identify which physio-geographic region the planting site lies in. If you’re close to a border dividing two regions, youmay choose plants from either or both regions.
Choose a habitat type. Try to create or emulate a specific habitat, like woods, wetland ormeadow, and choose plants that are appropriate to both your site and the habitat. Look throughthis guide and mark the plants with growth requirements that match conditions at the plantingsite. This will help improve the success of your planting, the habitat value, and the ecologicalfunctioning of the project. This publication will eventually be made available online, in a formatthat can be electronically sorted by plant characteristics or growth conditions.
Where to find native plants
Most nurseries carry some native plants, and some nurseries specialize and carry a greater selection.As the demand for native plants has grown, so has the supply at nurseries. Some plants will be morereadily available than others. Here, we’ve focused on species most appropriate for planting andavailable through the nursery trade. A limited number of species included here are not commonlyavailable but are able to be nursery grown. Take this guide along with you when you visit nurseries andif you need help, ask for nursery staff familiar with native plants. If you see a plant you like, check tosee if it’s included in the guide for your state and physiographic region. For those species that are moredifficult to find, the hope and intention is that this publication will spark a demand, and hence a greatersupply. If you have a favorite plant that you can’t obtain, be sure to ask your local nursery to consideradding it to their stock. A list of some of the many retail and wholesale native plant nurseries in theChesapeake Bay region is available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chesapeake Bay FieldOffice at http://chesapeakebay.fws.gov/bayscapes.htm.
For the greatest ecological value, select the “true” native species, especially if planting for wildlifebenefit. There are cultivated varieties (cultivars) available for many native plants. These are namedusing the scientific name (Latin genus and species, such as Rudbeckia fulgida) plus the cultivar name, athird word in single quotation marks (such as Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’). These varieties have beengrown to provide plants with certain physical characteristics, perhaps a different flower color, differentfoliage or a compact shape or size. Although these are suitable for gardening use, use true species (notcultivars) if you are planning a habitat project to provide food for wildlife. These plants are most suitedfor use by the native wildlife, and will increase your chances of attracting them.
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Native plants should never be removed from the wild unless an area is about to be developed. Eventhen, it is difficult to transplant wild-collected plants and to duplicate their soil and other growthrequirements in a home garden. Plants that are grown from seed or cuttings by nurseries have a muchgreater tolerance for garden conditions. Help to preserve natural areas by purchasing plants that havebeen grown, not collected.
Ask nurseries about the source of the native species sold. Did they come from seed or cuttings ofplants found growing locally, or are they from another region? Ideally, the plants you use should comefrom stock from the same region, say, within about a 200-mile radius in the same physiographicprovince (coastal plain, Piedmont, or mountain). Differences exist from region to region even in thesame plant species, due to differences in climactic conditions between distant locations. For example,a plant grown in Maine may flower at a different time than the same species grown in Maryland. Theymay have slight physical differences. These characteristics make a difference in designing gardens andthey matter to wildlife seeking food sources. The more consumers ask for locally grown plants or seed,the more likely it is that nurseries will carry local stock.
Once you begin to explore and experiment with native plants, you’ll soon discover that many of theseplants go beyond just replacing worn out selections in your yard. Native plants will eventually reduceyour labor and maintenance costs while inviting wildlife to your yard helping to create your own senseof place.
How to use this guide
Plant Names and Types
Plants are organized within each section alphabetically by scientific name. All scientific plant namesused are based on names accepted by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants areindexed at the back of the book by scientific as well as frequently used common names. Scientificnames are changed periodically as new information is gathered; for those commonly recognized namesthat changed during development of this guide, the new names are used here, with a cross referencenoted in the index. For example: Aster divaricatus is now Eurybia divaricata, so the plant is listed in theindex under both Aster and Eurybia.
Plants are grouped by botanical categories: Ferns; Grasses & Grasslike Plants (includes grasses andplants with long slender leaves that may appear similar to a grass); Herbaceous Plants (includesflowers and groundcovers); Herbaceous Emergents (plants that grow in moist to wet soils, wetlands orin standing water with roots and part of their stems below water but with most of the plant above thewater); Shrubs; Trees; and Vines.
A note about groundcovers: English ivy, periwinkle, creeping lily turf and Japanese pachysandra aresome commonly used groundcovers, particularly for shade. However, these species are non-nativesthat are invasive in the landscape, so they should be avoided. What native alternatives can be usedinstead? A groundcover can be any plant that would physically cover or hide the bare ground fromview. For the purposes of environmentally beneficial landscaping and habitat enhancement, any plantin the “herbaceous”category would make a good groundcover. For those gardeners and landscapersstill seeking a low-growing, creeping, spreading, or clump-forming plant for a groundcover, these plantsare marked with a symbol in the Notes column and a list is included at the end of the guide.
Characteristics
Height and/or Spread The typical mature height or possible range of heights is given in feet, tothe nearest half (0.5) foot. Height may vary depending on conditions (e.g., amount of moisture orsun). For trees and vines, spread is also given in feet. For trees, spread is the measurement of thecrown of the plant; for vines, spread is the length a vine will grow along a surface.
Flowers: bloom period and flower color The typical months in which the plant blooms aregiven. The exact time and duration of bloom may be shifted by days or weeks for different areasand/or depending on seasonal weather conditions and climactic trends. The basic, overall color of
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the flower is noted. The color of a flower’s center or throat may not be included due to limited textspace. For simplicity, some shades or tones of colors have been grouped, e.g. lavender, palepurple, bluish purple, even fuchsia may have been listed simply as purple; tan, brown, dark brownare all listed as brown; yellows and pinks may be similarly condensed.
Fruit: fruiting period, color and type This information is provided for plants with moreconspicuous fruits or visually interesting seeds. Terms used include: Achene, a dry flat seed suchas in clematis; Berry, which includes small single berries such as blueberry, larger berries such aspersimmon, aggregates such as blackberry and hips such as a rose hip; Capsule, including varioustypes and sizes of dry fruits with two or more compartments containing seeds, such as iris, sweetpepperbush, hibiscus, or black-eyed Susan; Cone/cone-like such as pines, hemlock, or alder;fleshy pomes or drupes such as hawthorn, beach plum, paw paw, passion flower, or cherry; Nut/nut-like, as in acorns (oaks) or hickory; Pod, which may include pea-like legumes such as partridgepea or wild senna, follicles or other long pod-like capsules such as milkweeds, delphinium, ortrumpet creeper; and Winged, such as the samaras of maples or elm.
Fall Color The color listed indicates the fall color of the leaves, or of the stems for certain plantssuch as grasses. Some color shades have been grouped by the basic color, as for flower color.Evergreens, species that retain their leaves throughout the winter (in all plant categories), aredesignated with a symbol in the Notes column. Evergreens are popular for various landscapinguses and valuable for year-round cover for wildlife.
Growth Conditions
Light The amount of sunlight a plant requires is defined as: Full Sun , the site is in directsunlight for at least six hours a day during the growing season; Partial shade , the site receivesapproximately three to six hours of direct sunlight; and Shade , the site receives less than threehours of direct sunlight or filtered light.
Moisture The amount of soil moisture a plant requires is defined as: Dry (D), areas where waterdoes not remain after a rain (areas may be in full sun or in a windy location, on a steep slope, orhave sandy soil); Moist (M), areas where the soil is damp, and may be occasionally saturated; andWet (W), areas where the soil is saturated for much of the growing season, except in droughts.Many of the plants designated for wet areas tolerate specific ranges of water depths (see FloodDepth). Plants with the Dry designation can be considered drought tolerant.
Soil pH and Type Many of the native plants listed will tolerate a range of soil types. Soil typesare listed here as Organic (O), containing a high amount of organic material such as decayedleaves and bark; Clay or fine-textured (C) soils with a high clay content and some silt - very finesoil particles; Loamy or medium-textured (L) soils that contain a mix of mostly silt and sand butmay contain some clay; and Sandy or coarse-textured (S) soils with larger particles. Soilinformation has necessarily been simplified for this guide, and lumped into these main categories,which will suffice for the novice. Soils in actuality are often a mixture or gradations of types,categorized by the percentages they contain of clay, silt or sand, for example clay loam (a certainmix of clay and sand); sandy clay; silt loam; or silty clay loam. For best results, select plants suitedto existing site conditions rather than amending the soil. However, be aware that plant selectionmay be limited if your site has very sandy soil, heavy clay, compacted soil, or extreme soil pH(above 8 or below 5.5). In these cases, seek advice from a nurseryman, horticulturist, botanist,Cooperative Extension agent, or other expert.
Flood Depth Some plants tolerate prolonged standing water, and occur in specific water depthsor range of depths. In the Herbaceous Emergents section, the depth of water tolerated isindicated (in inches). Other types of wetland plants that can tolerate only intermittent floodingappear in other sections of the guide, and their flood tolerance information is included in theNotes column. For more complete information on planning and planting wetlands, see thereferences listed at the end of this guide.
Salt Tolerance Some plants that tolerate prolonged standing water can tolerate saltwater orbrackish (partly salty) water. For plants in the Herbaceous Emergents section, the salinity range inwhich each of these plants will grow is given in parts (of salt) per thousand parts (of water) or ppt,
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from 0 ppt (fresh water) to the maximum salinity tolerated. For plants in other sections of theguide, the maximum salinity is given in the Notes column. Full seawater is approximately 32 ppt. Ifsalinity is not given, then the plant grows in fresh water only or in drier conditions.
4. HabitatFor each plant in this guide, we include a description of habitats in which that plant may be found.Several habitat types may be mentioned as each plant is rarely found in one and only one habitat type.There are dozens of forest types, several types of wetlands including forested wetlands and even wetmeadows. The habitats described include those that provide the conditions most preferred by eachplant species. To help with planning projects, sample lists of plants to use in certain habitat types, orcertain site conditions, are given in the back of this guide. More technically detailed information onplant communities can be found in resources listed in the references section.
5. Native To (Where To Use) - States and Physiographic RegionsFrom the sandy dunes of the coast to the rocky slopes of the mountains, the rich variety of habitatsfound throughout the region is strongly linked to its geology, topography and climate. For this guide, thestates in the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been divided into three regions or provinces: (1) thecoastal plain (C), an area with fairly flat topography and more southern climate; (2) the Piedmontplateau (P), with its rolling hills; and (3) the mountain zone (M), a more northern climate (see map). Forsimplicity, the mountain category combines all of the more specific higher-altitude provinces (BlueRidge, Ridge and Valley, Allegheny or Appalachian Plateau). Some native plants are commonthroughout these provinces, while others are adapted to the unique conditions found only in one or two.
Based on the existing literature and expert input, the physiographic regions and states in which eachplant species naturally occurs is noted. However, plants do not follow the political boundaries thatdefine our states, so matching ecological boundaries with political ones is difficult. Certain plants mayoccur in different regions in different states. For example, the range of a species could extendthroughout all of Pennsylvania, but be limited to the mountain and Piedmont regions of Maryland. Aneffort has been made to be as accurate as possible, while erring on the side of inclusion to cover thewidest range of possibilities throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed as a whole. This sameapproach has been used for other characteristics, such as height and bloomperiod, which may vary slightly from region to region.
Note: Some species native to a state but not commonly found maybe officially designated and legally protected as “rare, threatened,or endangered” (RTE). This may be because the plant is at theedge of its natural range there, or its population has declineddue to loss of habitat caused by various natural events and/or human activities in that region. Species that are listed ina state as RTE should generally not be planted there,because importing species from elsewhere couldpotentially lead to damaging alteration of the gene poolof the remaining population. This guide lists only thosestates in which a plant is common and recommendedfor planting. As a general rule of thumb, if a plantyou like is not designated in this guide for yourstate or your region of the state, we stronglyencourage you to forego planting that andselect another plant suited to your site.
6. Wildlife ValueThe notation “high wildlife value” isbased mainly on the value of thefruits, seeds and/or nectar used asfood for wildlife, and the relativenumber of species using theplant for food. But rememberthat animals use leaves,
OneontaCortland
Scranton
Corning
St. Mary's City
HarrisburgAltoona
Hagerstown
FrederickCumberlandBaltimore
WashingtonD.C.Fairfax
Front Royal
Franklin
Harrisonburg
Charlottesville
Richmond
Fredericksburg
New York
Pennsylvania
MarylandDelaware
WestVirginia
Virginia
Bridgeville
Annapolis
Petersburg
Norfolk
Lynchburg
Covington
Monterey
York
Elkton
Chesapeake Bay WatershedState lines
Physiographic ProvincesCoastal PlainPiedmontMountain
10
twigs, roots and shoots for food or nesting material, and every plant has value as cover and/or nestingsites. In that respect, although we’ve marked those of higher wildlife (food) value, every plant in thisguide has value to wildlife, as well as other environmental values.
The types of wildlife noted here are those desirable species that are likely to use the plants for food,including pollinators which are critical to plant reproduction, for gardens, natural areas and agriculturalcrops. The information here is fairly general. The songbird icon indicates use of a plant by small usuallymigratory birds, but may include upland game birds. The waterfowl icon may include shorebirds andwading birds along with ducks and geese. The hummingbird icon has been indicated separatelybecause many people are interested specifically in attracting them. The butterfly icon may refer to theadults or to the larval stage that uses the plant as a host. The beneficial insect icon, besides butterflies,includes ladybugs, bees (essential pollinators) and other insects that serve as a pest control or otherdesirable role. The small mammal icon is noted for plants used by any of a variety of small animals,such as raccoons, opossums, foxes, etc., depending upon location and surrounding habitat.
Absent but not forgotten: Certain wildlife species are not represented, due in part to a lack ofavailable information for every plant related to all types of animals. However, these are all likely toinhabit or occasionally visit a native plant garden or habitat planting, and their importance in the webof life should not be underestimated. Many insects have not been represented here, though theycertainly use a wide variety of plants throughout their life cycles and are an integral part of theecosystems we’re trying to protect, conserve and enhance. Reptiles and amphibians, particularlysalamanders, frogs and turtles, inhabit our yards as well as natural areas. They use plants for food andcover, and especially need water sources such as lakes, ponds, streams, puddles or even a small dishof water (aerated or changed daily to prevent mosquito breeding). Bats provide a valuable service asinsect pest controllers and pollinators.
7. NotesThis catchall includes pertinent information that bears emphasizing or is not reflected in the othercategories. It may include additional notes or clarification about the plant’s characteristics, growth, andspread; tips or suggestions on cultivation; cultivars; or general use of the plant.
By providing these characteristics for each plant species we hope to provide you with a variety ofchoices to meet the conditions of your property as well as your personal preferences. Whether you arereplacing a few individual plants, designing a new bed or planning for an entirely new look, this guidecan help narrow the choices to plants most likely to thrive in your environment and create thelandscape you desire.
Songbird
Waterfowl
Hummingbird
Butterfly
Beneficial insect
Small mammal
Providing the basic habitat structures describedearlier and planting a diversity of plants (andtherefore food sources) will bring a surprisingand beneficial array of life to your property.
FernsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
11
Adiantum pedatum
northernmaidenhair fern
Height:
Fruit:
1-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4.5-6.5
L S
moist woods, rockyshaded habitats
Region:
States:
M P C
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
grows in clumps; delicatetexture; herbal uses
O
UWI M
C
Aspleniumplatyneuron
ebony spleenwort
Height:
Fruit:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4.5-7
C L S
banks, open woodsand thickets, slopes,rocky ledges,swamps
Region:
States:
M P C
DC MD
NY VA
WV
easily transplanted; onlymoderate care needed;evergreen
RHW
May-Sep
Athyrium filix-femina
northern lady fern
Height:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
L S
woods, banks,wooded hillsides,sandy bogs
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY
WV
varieties occur throughoutregion; in MD, VA can also usesubspecies asplenioides(southern lady fern)
UWI K
JS
Botrychiumvirginianum
rattlesnake fern
Height:
Fruit:
1-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.6-6.9
L
rich, woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WVO
RHW
Dennstaedtiapunctilobula
hay-scented fern
Height:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L
open woods andfields
Region:
States:
M P C
DC MD
NY VA
WV
can spread over large areas ofopen understory or pasture
UWI R
WF
Jul-Oct
Dryopteriscarthusiana (D.spinulosa)
toothed orspinulosewoodfern
Height:
Fruit:
1-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5-6
L
low woods, thickets,swamps, richwoods, rocky slopes
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
forms colonies; semi-evergreen
O
UWI R
WF
Jun-Aug
Dryopteris cristata
crested wood orshield fern,narrow swampfern
Height:
Fruit:
1.5-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
3.5-6.5
C L
shallow emergentmarshes, shrubswamps, woodedswamps, openshrubby wetlands
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
small rosette fronds
UWI R
WF
Jun-Sep
Dryopterisintermedia
evergreen wood-fern
Height:
Fruit:
2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
L
rich, moist to drywoods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
clump-former; not common oncoastal plain; hybridizes witheight species
O
UWI E
JJ
FernsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
12
Dryopterismarginalis
marginal orevergreen shieldfern, evergreenwood fern
Height:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
moist woods,clearings
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
clump-former; attractive; easilytransplanted
UWI R
WF
Jun-Oct
Onoclea sensibilis
sensitive fern
Height:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
C L S
fresh tidal andnontidal marshes,meadows, swamps,woods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
spreads in wet areas; fertilefronds dark brown, erect
UWI K
JS
Jun-Oct
Osmundacinnamomea
cinnamon fern
Height:
Fruit:
2-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-7
C L
woods, marshes,swamps, bogs,streamsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
tolerates drought; fertile frondsreddish brown, wooly
RHW
, UW
I TK
Apr-May
Osmundaclaytoniana
interrupted fern
Height:
Fruit:
1-4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4-6
C L
fields, forest andswamp edges
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
grows in clumps
UWI E
JJ
Osmunda regalis
royal fern
Height:
Fruit:
1.5-6' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4-6
C L S
fresh tidal andnontidal marshesand swamps,woods, irregularly,seasonally, orpermanentlysaturated (up to100% of growingseason)
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
tolerates full sun if moist;tolerates drought; toleratesirregular, seasonal orpermanent saturation; onlytolerates flooding for a fewdays
UWI E
JJ
Apr-Jun
Polystichumacrostichoides
Christmas fern
Height:
Fruit:
0.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4.5-7
L S
woods, thickets,rocky slopes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
grows in clumps; easily grownin rock gardens and shadedplaces; impartial to soil type
USFW
S BE
S
Jun-Oct
Pteridium aquilinum
bracken fern
Height:
Fruit:
1.5-6' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
C L S
dry pine woods,swamps, marshes,fields, waste places
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
forms large colonies; host forseveral ant types
CM N
RCS
Thelypterisnoveboracensis
New York fern
Height:
Fruit:
1-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4-7
C L S
forested wetlands,dry to damp woods,thickets
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
tolerates drought; easilytransplanted; forms largecolonies; spreads easily
USFW
S BE
S
Jun-Sep
FernsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
13
Thelypteris palustris
marsh fern
Height:
Fruit:
2-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
C L S
swamps, bogs,fields, thickets, freshmarshes, woodedstreambank
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
spreadsUW
I RW
F
Jun-Oct
Woodwardiaareolata
netted chain fern
Height:
Fruit:
0.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
bogs, swamps,woods
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
VA
spreads by creeping rhizome
PLAN
TS R
M91
Jul-Oct
Woodwardiavirginica
Virginia chainfern
Height:
Fruit:
3-6' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
swampy places,woods
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
spreads by creeping rhizome
PLAN
TS
Jul-Sep
RHW
RHW
RS M
NPS
USFW
S BE
S
Osmunda regalis Osmunda cinnamomea
New fern fiddleheads emerging.
Polystichum acrostichoides
Grasses & Grasslike PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
14
Agrostis perennans
autumn bentgrass
Height:
Flowers:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
5.5-7.5
C L
dry or moist thickets,open woods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
PA VA
WV
Jun-Oct
PLAN
TS R
M95
Ammophilabreviligulata
dunegrass,Americanbeachgrass
Height:
Flowers:
1.5-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
5.8-7.8
L S
maritime beaches,dunes, grasslands,shrublands
Region:
States:
C
VA
prefers well-drained, sandysites; spreads rapidly byrhizomesJul-Sep
UWI R
RK
Andropogon gerardii
big bluestem
Height:
Flowers:
2-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
6-7.5
C L S
dry or wet openwoods, prairies,swales, shores; dryopen areas
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
clump forming; attractive,with winter interest
Jun-Sep
RHW
Andropogonglomeratus (A.virginicus varabbreviatus)bushy bluestem
Height:
Flowers:
1.5-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5-6.3
C L S
fresh marshes, coastalareas
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
VA
WV
tolerates drought; grows intufts; reddish fall color
Aug-Oct, reddishbrown
PLAN
TS
Andropogonvirginicus
broomsedge
Height:
Flowers:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4.9-7
C L S
wet meadows,transition areas
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
wildlife food and cover;tolerates drought; grows intufts; reddish-tan fall colorAug-Nov, reddish
brown
PLAN
TS J
S
Calamagrostiscanadensis
bluejointreedgrass
Height:
Flowers:
1.5-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-8
C L
meadows, bogs,thickets
Region:
States:
M
DC DE
NY VA
WV
Jun-Aug
PLAN
TS 1
995
Carex crinita var.crinita
long hair sedge
Height:
Flowers:
1-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4-7.5
C L
swales, thickets, lowwoods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY VA
WV
Jun-Aug
RHW
Carex glaucodea
blue woodsedge
Height:
Flowers:
0.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
moist to dry woodsand fields
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
VA
clump-forming; alternative toLiriope
May-Jul, brown toreddish
NYN
HP,
NYN
HP
15
Grasses & Grasslike PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Carex lurida
sallow sedge,lurid sedge
Height:
Flowers:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
W
4.9-6.8
C L S
swales, swamps,woods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
wetland plant; interestingseeds
Jun-OctRH
W
Carex pensylvanica
Pennsylvaniasedge
Height:
Flowers:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
S
open, dry, sandy orrocky woods, woodedslopes
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
alternative to lawn; plantdensely; fine textured leavesless than 6 inchesApr-Jul, reddish to
white
CM N
RCS,
CM
NRC
S
Carex stricta
tussock sedge
Height:
Flowers:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
3.5-7
C L S
fresh tidal and nontidalmarshes, shrubswamps, forestedwetlands, swales,fields
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
grows in clumps; partlypersists in winter; toleratesflooding to 6 inchesMay-Aug, reddish
to purple brown
CM N
RCS
Carex vulpinoidea
fox sedge
Height:
Flowers:
0.5-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
W
6.8-8.9
C L
shallow emergentmarshes, shrubswamps, floodplainforests, hardwoodswamps
Region:
States:
M P C
NY VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
grows in clumps; toleratessaturation and flooding to 6inchesJun-Aug
UWI R
WF
Chasmanthiumlatifolium
wild oats, riveroats, sea oats,spanglegrass
Height:
Flowers:
2-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5-7
C L S
streambanks, alluvialwoods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
Jul-Sep, greenthen tan
USFW
S BE
S, U
SFW
S BE
S
Danthonia spicata
poverty oatgrass,poverty grass
Height:
Flowers:
0.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
S
open woods, pastures,meadows
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
May-Jul
UWI R
WF
Dichantheliumclandestinum
deer-tongue
Height:
Flowers:
2-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4-7.5
C L S
moist woods,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
May-Oct
USDA
JE
Dichantheliumcommutatum
variablepanicgrass
Height:
Flowers:
1-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4-6.5
L S
rocky or sandy woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
May-Oct
PLAN
TS 1
997
Grasses & Grasslike PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
16
Elymus canadensis
Canada wild rye
Height:
Flowers:
2-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5-7.9
C L S
dry, sandy, gravely, orrocky soil
Region:
States:
M P C
DC MD
VA
WV
Jun-Oct
CM N
RCS
Elymus hystrix(Hystrix patula)
bottlebrush grass
Height:
Flowers:
2-4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
alluvial woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Jun-Aug
RHW
Elymus riparius
riverbank wild-rye
Height:
Flowers:
0.5-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4.5-7.2
C L S
rich thickets,streamsides, alluvialflats, meadows
Region:
States:
P C
DE
PA VA
WV
good for streambankconditions
O
Jul-Sep
UWI E
JJ
Elymus virginicus
Virginia wild rye
Height:
Flowers:
1-5.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5-7
C L S
rich thickets, shores,meadows
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
tolerates a wide range ofconditions; forms clumps
O
Jun-Oct
CM N
RCS
Festuca rubra
red fescue
Height:
Flowers:
0.5-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5-8
C L
dry woods, roadsides,waste areas
Region:
States:
M
DC DE MD
VA
can be used as turf grass;grows best in part shade
May-Jul
RS M
NPS
Leersia oryzoides
rice cutgrass
Height:
Flowers:
5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.1-8.8
C L S
fresh tidal and nontidalmarshes, meadows,ditches, muddy shores
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
good for sedimentstabilization, erosion control;tolerates drought; toleratesflooding to 6 inches
Jun-Oct
PLAN
TS 1
995
Panicum amarum
bitter or coastalpanic grass,beachgrass
Height:
Flowers:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5-7.5
L S
sandy coastal shoresand dunes
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
prostrate form, produceslittle viable seed, usetransplants; Panicumamarum var. amarulum(coastal panicgrass), tallerform, can be seeded.
Aug-Oct
CM N
RCS
Panicum virgatum
switchgrass
Height:
Flowers:
3-6' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4.5-8
C L S
fresh and brackish tidaland nontidal marshes,wet meadows, openwoods, prairies, dunes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
food for sparrow species;grows in clumps; controlserosionJul-Oct
USFW
S BE
S
17
Grasses & Grasslike PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Saccharum giganteum(Erianthus giganteus)
giant plumegrass,sugar cane
Height:
Flowers:
3.5-10' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
3.5-7
L S
swamps, low woods,swales
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE
VA
Aug-Oct
USDA
NRC
S
Schizachyriumscoparium(Andropogonscoparius)
little bluestem
Height:
Flowers:
1.5-4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
L S
open woods,pinelands, clearings
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
tolerates poor soil; clumpgrass; winter interest andwildlife cover; excellentforage grass
Aug-Oct
USFW
S BE
S, U
SFW
S BE
S
Sorghastrum nutans
Indiangrass
Height:
Flowers:
2.5-8' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.8-8
C L S
dry slopes, prairies,borders of woods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
tall clump grass withbeautiful seed head;nutritious for livestockAug-Sep
RHW
Tridens flavus
redtop, purpletop
Height:
Flowers:
2-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.5-6.5
C L S
dry fields, roadsides,openings, forest edges
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
VA
WV
Aug-Oct
UWI E
JJ
Tripsacumdactyloides
gama grass
Height:
Flowers:
6-10' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.7-7.5
C L
swales, fields, forestedges, shores
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
excellent forage grass; oftengrows wild near corn fields;can hybridize with cornJun-Oct
CM N
RCS
See also:
In the Herbaceous Plants section:Allium cernuumLiatris pilosa v. pilosa (graminifolia), scariosa, spicata, squarrosaSisyrinchium angustifolium (graminoides), atlanticum
In the Herbaceous Emergents section:Distichlis spicataDulichium arundinaceumIris prismatica, versicolor, virginicaJuncus canadensis, effususSchoenoplectus pungens v. pungens (Scirpus pungens, americanus), validus (Scirpus validus)Scirpus atrovirens, cyperinusSparganium americanumSpartina alterniflora, cynosuroides, patens, pectinataZizania aquatica CM
NRC
S
USFW
S BE
S
USFW
S
USFW
S BE
S
Schizachyrium scopariumin a garden with Liatrisspicata and Asclepias
tuberosa.
Schizachyrium scoparium in fall. Characteristic swirls of Carex stricta.
Andropogon virginicusprovides a transition between
the road and woods.
18
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Actaea pachypoda
doll's eyes
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
rich open woods,thickets
Region:
States:
C
DE
NY PA VA
WV
interesting berries;infrequent in Piedmont andmountain regionsApr-Jun, whitish
Jul-Oct, white orred, berry
RHW
, RH
W
Agalinis purpurea
purple falsefoxglove
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
S
moist fields, rockyshores, serpentinebarrens
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
Jul-Sep, rose-purple, white
capsule
RHW
Ageratina altissimav. altissima(Eupatoriumrugosum)
white snakeroot
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
rich woods, thickets,clearings, meadows
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
tough plant; cultivarsavailable; prefers basic soils
Jul-Oct, white
capsule
UWI K
JS,
USFW
S BE
S
Allium cernuum
nodding onion
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L S
ledges, gravels,rocky or woodedslopes
Region:
States:
M
DC MD
VA
WV
Jun-Aug, pink,rose, white
capsule
RHW
Anemonecanadensis
round-leaved orCanadiananemone,thimbleweed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L
damp thickets,meadows, gravellyshores
Region:
States:
P
DC
NY VA
May-Jul, white
RHW
Anemone virginiana
thimbleweed, tallanemone
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
dry rocky openwoods, slopes,thickets
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
May-Aug,whitish
RHW
Antennaria neglecta
field pussytoes
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.5-7.5
C L
upland meadows,pastures, openwoods
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Apr-Jul, white
UWI J
RS
Aquilegiacanadensis
eastern or wildcolumbine
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L
rich rocky woods,slopes, cliffs,ledges, pastures,roadside banks
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
commonly cultivated;spreads by seed
Apr-Jul, red-yellow
capsule
RHW
, US
FWS
BES
19
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Aralia nudicaulis
wild sarsaparilla
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5-7.2
C L S
dry to moist woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
aromatic; single-leaved;lacks an above-ground stem;not common in coastal plainMay-Jul, white
or green
May-Jul, purple-black, berry
RHW
Aralia racemosa
spikenard
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
rich woods, thickets,wooded slopes andedges
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
not common in coastal plain
Jun-Aug,greenish-white
dark purple, berry
RHW
, RH
W
Arisaema triphyllum
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.8-7
L S
woods, bogsswamps
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
red berry clusters appearlate summer to fall; unusualflower; spreads rapidly fromseed
Mar-Jun,striped, purple orgreen
berry
USFW
S BE
S, R
HW
Aruncus dioicus
goat's-beard
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3.5-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
C L S
wooded roadsides,rich woods, ravines
Region:
States:
M
DC
VA
WV
May-Jul, white
pod
USFW
S BE
S
Asarum canadense
wild ginger
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
rich woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
flower inconspicuous;attractive leaves; willspread; semi-evergreenApr-May,
brownish-purple
brown, capsule
USFW
S BE
S
Asclepias incarnata
swamp milkweed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
4-6' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5-8
C L
fresh tidal andnontidal marshes,meadows, shrubswamps, woods,shores, ditches
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
can tolerate drought;interesting seed pod
May-Jun, pinkto reddish
Aug-Nov, pod
USFW
S RL
Asclepias syriaca
commonmilkweed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3.5-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
L S
thickets, roadsides,fields
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
interesting seed pods;fragrant flower
May-Aug, palepurple
Aug-Nov, pod
RHW
, RH
W
Asclepias tuberosa
butterflyweed,butterflymilkweed,butterfly flower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.8-6.8
L S
dry fields,roadsides, shalebarrens
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
taproot does not transplantwell but seedlings do;attractive seed podMay-Jul, orange
Aug-Nov, pod
USFW
S RL
, US
FWS
BES
20
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Baptisia australis
wild blue indigo,false blue indigo
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
S
open woods, alluvialthickets,streambanks,floodplains
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
VA
WV
tolerates poor soils; flowersvery showy; shrublike form
May-Jun, blue,purple
USFW
S BE
S, U
SFW
S BE
S
Baptisia tinctoria
yellow wildindigo
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
5.8-7
L S
open woods,clearings
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
tolerates poor soils
May-Sep,yellow
RHW
Bidens cernua
nodding beggar-ticks, nodding burmarigold
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.1-7
C L S
tidal marsh,sloughs, springs,pools, shore
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Aug-Oct, yellow
RHW
Boltonia asteroides
star boltonia,white doll's daisy
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
5.3-7
L S
gravelly shores,sandy thickets
Region:
States:
C
DC DE
VA
WV
Jul-Sep, white
USFW
S BE
S
Caltha palustris
marsh marigold
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
W
4.9-6.8
C L
forested wetlands,shrub swamps,streambanks, seeps,meadows
Region:
States:
M C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
clump-forming; needs someperiods of drier soil;tolerates flooding to 6inches
Apr-Jun, brightyellow
RHW
Campanulastrumamericanum(Campanulaamericana)
American or tallbellflower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
5.5-7.5
C L S
rich moist woods,rocky woodedslopes, streambanks
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
NY VA
WV
Jun-Aug, lightblue
capsule
RHW
Cardamineconcatenata(Dentaria laciniata)
toothwort
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L S
rich woods, woodedbottoms,calcareous rockybanks
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
Apr-Jun, white,purplish
RHW
Caulophyllumthalictroides
blue cohosh
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4.5-7
L
rich woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Apr-Jun, green-yellow, green-purple
dark blue, berry
RHW
21
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Chamaecristafasciculata (Cassiafasciculata)
partridge pea,prairie senna
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
S
upland meadows,fields, streambanks
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
pods coil after split open;spreads
Jul-Sep, yellow
pod
RHW
Chamerionangustifolium sppangustifolium(Epilobiumangustifolium)
fireweed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-10' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
recent clearings,burned woodlands,damp ravines, opensandy areas
Region:
States:
M
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
Jun-Sep,magenta, pink, rarelywhite
capsule
RHW
, PL
ANTS
GAM
Chelone glabra
white turtlehead,turtlehead
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
C L S
woods,streambanks,swamps, thickets
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
strong grower; herbal uses;host for Baltimorecheckerspot butterflyJul-Oct, white
capsule
RHW
Chimaphilamaculata
stripedwintergreen,striped prince'spine
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
C L S
acidic woods,frequently underpines
Region:
States:
M P C
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
flowers fragrant
Jun-Aug, white
capsule
RHW
Chrysogonumvirginianum
green-and-gold,golden knees
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L
open woods onlimestone, rockyopen woods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC MD
VA
WV
will bloom longer if keptmoist
Mar-Jun, yellow
USFW
S BE
S
Chrysopsis mariana
golden aster,Maryland goldenaster
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
S
woods, openings,roadsides,serpentine barrens
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
VA
Jul-Oct, yellow
RHW
Cimicifugaracemosa
black snakeroot,black cohosh,fairy candles
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2.5-8.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
rich woods, woodedslopes, ravines,thickets
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Jun-Sep, white
pod
RHW
Claytonia virginica
narrowleaf springbeauty, springbeauty
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
rich woods, thickets,clearings
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Mar-May, whitewith pink
capsule
RHW
22
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Clitoria mariana
Marylandbutterfly pea
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
S
open areas Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
VA
WV
vine-like
Jun-Sep, paleblue or pinkish
pod
RHW
Conocliniumcoelestinum(Eupatoriumcoelestinum)
mistflower, wildageratum
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
C L
old fields,meadows; dry sandywoods andclearings, dampthickets,streambanks
Region:
States:
C
DC DE
VA
WV
Jul-Oct, blue,violet or purple
capsule
RHW
Coreopsis tripteris
tall coreopsis, talltickseed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3.5-10' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
thickets, old fields,forest edges,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC
VA
WV
flower has anise scent
May-Sep,yellow
capsule
RHW
Coreopsisverticillata
threadleafcoreopsis
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L
dry open woods,clearings, roadsides
Region:
States:
P
DC MD
VA
WV
Jun-Oct, yellow
capsule
USFW
S BE
S
Delphinium tricorne
dwarf larkspur
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
rich woods,calcareous slopes,thickets, river bluffs
Region:
States:
M P
DC
VA
WV
Apr-Jun, blue,violet, white,variegated
pod
RHW
Desmodiumpaniculatum
panicled ornarrow-leaf tick-trefoil
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
6-7
C L
clearings, edges ofmoist or dry woods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
not found near coast
Jul-Sep,purplish or green
pod
RHW
Dicentra canadensis
squirrel corn
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
rich woods Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
flowers hyacinth scented
Apr-May,greenish-white, rosetinge
capsule
RHW
Dicentra cucullaria
Dutchman'sbreeches
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L S
rich woods Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
leaves basal; dormant insummer
Apr-Jun, whiteto cream
capsule
RHW
23
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Dicentra eximia
wild bleedingheart
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L
rocky woods andcliffs, rich woods
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
VA
WV
sometimes cultivated
Apr-Sep, pink/white
capsule
RHW
Dodecatheonmeadia
shooting star
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L S
open woods,meadows, slopes,prairies
Region:
States:
M
DC MD
VA
WV
Apr-Jun, whitewith yellow, lilac
capsule
RHW
, RH
W
Doellingeriaumbellata var.umbellata (Asterumbellatus)
flat-top whiteaster, parasolwhitetop
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-7.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
L S
open areas, woods Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Aug-Oct, white
RHW
Erigeron pulchellus
robin's plantain
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
open woods,meadows, woodedslopes, roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Apr-Sep, blue,pink, white
capsule
RHW
Erythroniumamericanum
trout lily, yellowtrout lily, dogtoothviolet
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
L S
woods, rich slopes,bottomlands,meadows
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Mar-Jun, yellow
capsule
RHW
Eupatorium dubium
Joe-Pye weed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
S
swamps, bogs,marshes, swales
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
Jul-Oct, purple,rarely white
capsule
RHW
Eupatoriumfistulosum
Joe-Pye weed,trumpet weed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-10' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4.5-7
C L
floodplains,meadows, thickets,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
herbal uses
Jul-Oct, pink-purple
capsule
RHW
Eupatoriumhyssopifolium
hyssop-leavedthoroughwort,hyssop-leavedeupatorium
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-4.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
S
dry fields,roadsides, railroadright of ways,woods, fields, saltmeadows
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
Jul-Oct, white
capsule
RHW
24
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Eupatoriummaculatum
spotted Joe-Pyeweed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
5.5-7
C L
floodplains,swamps, alluvialthickets, grasslands
Region:
States:
M P
DC
NY
WV
Jul-Sep, purpleto pale lavender
capsule
CAB
Eupatoriumperfoliatum
common boneset
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
C L S
floodplains,swamps, bogs,streambanks,meadows
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Jul-Oct, white
capsule
RHW
Eupatoriumpurpureum
green-stemmedJoe-Pye weed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
open woods, fields,floodplains
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
occurs in drier, shadierhabitats than other joe-pye-weeds; injured or dried planthas vanilla scent
Jul-Oct, pink,purple, cream
capsule
RHW
Eurybia divaricata(Aster divaricatus)
white wood aster
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
dry woods, clearings Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Jul-Oct, white
RHW
, US
FWS
BES
Gentiana clausa
closed gentian,bottle gentian
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.8-7.2
L
moist open woods,streambanks,meadows
Region:
States:
M P C
DC MD
PA VA
WV
Aug-Oct, blue
capsule
USFW
S BE
S
Geraniummaculatum
wild geranium,wood geranium
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L
woods, roadsides,fields
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
adaptable plant; long bloomtime; spreader; herbal uses;explosive seed capsuleApr-Jul,
lavender or pink
capsule
RHW
Goodyerapubescens
downyrattlesnakeplantain
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
dry to moist woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
very handsome throughoutwinter
Jun-Aug,whitish
USFW
S BE
S
Heleniumautumnale
yellow orcommonsneezeweed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-6' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4-7.5
C L S
woods, swamps,riverbanks, alluvialthickets, meadows,marshes, ditches
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
tolerates wet areas; showyflowers; herbal uses
Jul-Nov, yellow
capsule
USFW
S BE
S
25
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Helianthusangustifolius
swamp sunflower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-5.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4-7
L S
swamps, moist,sandy areas
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
Aug-Oct, yellow
capsule
RHW
Helianthusdecapetalus
ten-petaled orthin-leavedsunflower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
S
fields, bottomlands,stream banks,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
Jul-Oct, yellow
capsule
BZ
Helianthusdivaricatus
woodlandsunflower, roughsunflower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
S
dry open woods,wooded slopes,shale barrens,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Jul-Sep, yellow
capsule
RHW
Heliopsishelianthoides
oxeye sunflower,oxeye
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.6-6.8
L S
fields, open woods,floodplains,thickets,streambanks
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
long bloom time
Jun-Sep, paleyellow
capsule
RHW
Hepatica nobilis var.acuta (H. acutiloba)
sharp-lobedhepatica
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
rich upland woods,rocky slopes
Region:
States:
M
NY PA VA
may bloom throughout year(rarely)
Mar-Jun, bluish,white, pink
capsule
UWI K
JS,
UWI K
JS,
UWI J
RS
Hepatica nobilis var.obtusa (H.americana)
round-lobedhepatica, liverleaf
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
dry or rocky woods,dry upland slopes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Mar-Jun, whiteto lavender
capsule
RHW
Heracleummaximum (H.lanatum)
cow parsnip
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3.5-10' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.4-7.3
C L S
rich woods, woodedroadside banks,marshy flats,streambanks,ditches
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
can cause a dermatitis (skin)reaction
May-Aug, whiteto pink
RHW
Heuchera americana
alumroot
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
rich woods, rockyslopes, shale cliffs
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
long bloom time; manycultivars and hybrids; semi-evergreenApr-Jun, green,
white, pink, purple
capsule
MOB
OT
26
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Heuchera villosa
hairy heuchera,hairy alumroot
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
damp rocks, richwooded slopes
Region:
States:
M
DC MD
VA
Jun-Oct, whiteto greenish to pinkish
capsule
PLAN
TS J
SP
Houstonia caerulea
bluet, innocence,Quaker-ladies
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
meadows, fields,and thickets, openwoods, forest edges
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
Apr-Jun, blue,lilac, white
capsule
RHW
Hydrophyllumvirginianum
Virginia waterleaf
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
woods, thickets,streambanks
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
May-Aug,lavender, white
capsule
RHW
Hylotelephiumtelephioides (Sedumtelephioides)
Alleghenystonecrop
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
dry rocky places Region:
States:
M
DC MD
NY VA
WV
naturally occurs in bare rockoutcrops, but does well ingarden; rare in PA,threatened in NY
Aug-Sep, palepink
pod
RHW
Ionactis linariifolius(Aster linariifolius)
stiff-leaf aster,flaxleaf whitetopaster
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
S
grasslands,successionalshrublands, oak-hickory forest, dryrocky woods andedges
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
Aug-Oct, blue,yellow eye
RHW
Jeffersonia diphylla
twinleaf
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
rich woods Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
VA
WV
Apr-May, white
capsule
RHW
Lespedeza capitata
round-head bushclover
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-6' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
L S
fields, thin woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
Jul-Sep,yellowish white
UWI K
JS
Impatiens capensis(I. biflora)
jewelweed,touch-me-not
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.4-7.4
C L S
moist meadows,swamps,streambanks, openwoods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
ripe seed pod explodes withcontact; remedy for poisonivy itchingMay-Oct,
orange, yellow, white
capsule
USFW
S BE
S
27
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Liatris pilosa v. pilosa(L. graminifolia)
grass-leafblazingstar
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
open woods, forestedge, salt marshedges, dune hollows
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
VA
Aug-Oct, purple
capsule
RHW
Liatris scariosa
eastern ornorthern blazingstar, tallgayfeather
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
dry upland woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
Aug-Sep,lavender to rose-purple
capsule
RHW
Liatris spicata
gayfeather,blazingstar,spiked blazingstar
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.6-7.5
C L S
moist meadows,open areas
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE
VA
WV
Jul-Aug, rose-purple or white
capsule
USFW
S RL
Liatris squarrosa
plains blazing star
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L S
dry open fields andbanks
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE
VA
Jul-Sep, rose
capsule
RHW
Lilium canadense
Canada lily
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
L
fields, thickets,woods
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Jun-Aug,yellow, orange, red
capsule
RHW
Liliumphiladelphicum
wood Lily
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
L S
open woods, forestedges, thickets
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
Jun-Aug,yellow, red-orange
capsule
RHW
Lilium superbum
Turk's cap lily
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
4-8' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
L S
meadows,streamsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
leaves in whorl aroundstem; takes several years tobloomJul-Aug, yellow-
orange, orange-red
capsule
RS M
NPS
Limoniumcarolinianum
sea lavender
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
6-8.5
C L S
irregularly floodedhigh salt marshes
Region:
States:
C
DE MD
NY VA
Jul-Oct,lavender
PLAN
TS LA
tolerates salinity to 30 ppt
28
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Lobelia cardinalis
cardinal flower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.8-7.8
C L
fresh tidal andnontidal marshes,wooded swamps,seeps, banks ofponds, rivers,streams
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
long bloom time; biennial,must reseed
Jul-Oct, redRH
W
Lobelia siphilitica
great blue lobelia
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
C L S
woodlands,meadows, swamps
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
long bloom time; whitecultivars available
Aug-Oct, blue,violet
capsule
RHW
, US
FWS
BES
Lupinus perennis
lupine, sundiallupine
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
S
open woods, fields,roadsides,streambanks
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY VA
WV
prefers acidic soil
Apr-Jul, blue,rarely pink or white
pod
RHW
Maianthemumcanadense
Canadamayflower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
fragrant flowers
May-Jul, white
pale red speckled,berry
RHW
Maianthemumracemosum ssp.racemosum(Smilacinaracemosa )
false Solomon'sseal
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
dry to moist woods,clearings, bluffs
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
flowers in plume-likeclumps at tip of stem; herbalusesMay-Jul, white
red, berry
PLAN
TS J
A, P
LAN
TS W
SJ
Medeola virginiana
Indian cucumber
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L S
woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
rhizome is edible
May-Jun,yellowish
dark purple orblack, berry
RHW
, RH
W
Melanthiumvirginicum
Virginiabunchflower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2.5-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
woods, seepages,clearings
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
Jun-Aug,greenish
capsule
RHW
Mertensia virginica
Virginia bluebells
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-8
C L
rich wooded slopes,floodplains
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
dormant in summer; flowercolor blue, pink, or whiteaccording to soil acidityMar-Jun, pink
turning blue
Mar-May, nut/nut-like
RHW
29
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Mimulus ringens
monkeyflower,Alleghenymonkeyflower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
W
L
open swamps,meadows, shores
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
interesting flowers
Jun-Oct, blue
capsule
RHW
Mitchella repens
partridgeberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
dry acidic woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
two flowers form one fruit;berry edible; slow creeper,forms mats under treesMay-Jul, white
July-Dec, scarlet,berry
USFW
S, R
HW
Mitella diphylla
twoleafmiterwort,bishop's cap
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
rich, woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Apr-Jun, white
capsule
RHW
, RH
W
Monardabradburiana (M.fistulosa)
wild bergamot,horsemint
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
6-8
C L
fields, thickets,roadsides, forestedges
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
confused with bee-balm (M.didyma); aromatic; herbalusesJun-Sep, pink to
purple
nut/nut-like
RS M
NPS
Monarda didyma
beebalm, Oswegotea
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
L
creek banks,floodplains, woods
Region:
States:
M
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
showy flowers; aromatic;herbal uses
Jul-Sep, red
nut/nut-like
USFW
S BE
S
Monarda punctata
horsemint,spotted bee-balm
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
L S
open sandy fields Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
Jun-Oct, yellowand purple
nut/nut-like
RHW
Nuttallanthuscanadensis (Linariacanadensis)
blue, old-field, orCanada toadflax
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
maritime grasslandsand shrublands,successionalshrubland, woods,fields
Region:
States:
M P C
MD
NY VA
WV
delicate flowers; preferswell-drained soil
Apr-Sep, lightblue
capsule
PLAN
TS W
SJ
Oenothera biennis
common eveningprimrose
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
5-7
C L S
cultivated fields,waste ground,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
flowers open in evening;biennial
Jun-Oct, yellow
capsule
RHW
30
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Oenothera fruticosa
narrow-leavedsundrops
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.5-7
C L S
fields, meadows,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
May-Sep,yellow
capsule
RHW
Oenothera perennis
sundrops
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
fields, pastures,roadsides, shalyslopes
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
similar to evening primrose(O. biennis); long bloomtime; spreaderMay-Aug,
yellow
capsule
UWI R
WF
Opuntia humifusa(O. compressa)
eastern prickly-pear cactus
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
L S
sandy coastaldunes, shaly soils
Region:
States:
M C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
fruit edible, used for jelly
Jun-Jul, yellow
purplish to deepred, fleshy
RHW
Osmorhizalongistylis
sweet cicely,anise root
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
rich woods, woodedslopes, thickets
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
all plant parts have anisescent
May-Jun, whiteto green
RHW
Oxalis violacea
violet wood sorrel
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L
woods Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
PA
WV
Apr-Jul, violet
capsule
RHW
Packera aurea(Senecio aureus)
golden ragwort,golden groundsel
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
L
moist fields, woods,floodplains,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
wetland plant; long bloomtime; aggressive spreader
Apr-Aug, yellow
capsule
RHW
Penstemon digitalis
beardtongue, tallwhite or foxglovebeardtongue
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.5-7
C L S
open woods,meadows
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
tolerates poor drainage;variety of cultivars
Jun-Aug, whiteor faintly purple
capsule
USFW
S BE
S, R
HW
Penstemonlaevigatus
smooth or easternbeardtongue
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
rich woods, fields Region:
States:
M
DC MD
VA
WV
May-Jul,purplish
capsule
UWI M
RB
31
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Phlox carolina
thick-leavedphlox
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
L S
open woods Region:
States:
M
DC
VA
May-Jun, pinkto purple, rarely white
capsule
PLAN
TS W
SJ
Phlox divaricata
woodland or wildblue phlox, wildsweet William
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
5.5-7.2
C L S
rich woods Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
aromatic; showy flower;dormant in summer (leavesdisappear); frequentlycultivated; evergreen
Apr-Jun, blue,lavender, white
capsule
RHW
Phlox maculata
phlox, meadowphlox, wild sweetWilliam
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.9-6.8
C L
meadows,streambanks,thickets
Region:
States:
M P C
DE
PA VA
WV
aromatic; showy flowers; afrequent escapee fromcultivationMay-Sep, rose,
pink, purple, rarelywhite
capsule
PLAN
TS W
SJ
Phlox paniculata
summer phlox,garden phlox
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
rich, open woods,roadsides,streambanks,thickets
Region:
States:
M P C
DC
PA VA
WV
aromatic; showy flowersfrequently escapes fromcultivationJul-Oct, pink,
red-purple, white
capsule
RHW
, US
FWS
BES
Phlox stolonifera
creeping phlox
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
rich woods Region:
States:
M
DC MD
VA
WV
Apr-Jun, blue,red-purple, violet
capsule
RHW
, US
FWS
BES
Phlox subulata
moss phlox,moss-pink
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
5.7-7.5
C L S
rock crevices,ledges
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
NY VA
WV
nice rock garden plant
Apr-Jun, rose,pink, white
capsule
USFW
S BE
S, U
SFW
S BE
S, R
HW
Physostegiavirginiana
obedient plant,false dragonhead
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
moist open areas,streambanks,shorelines
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
PA VA
WV
flowers showy; spreadsrapidly by undergroundstems; best in full sun; canescape cultivation
Jun-Sep, pinkto purple
nut/nut-like
USFW
S BE
S, U
SFW
S BE
S
Podophyllumpeltatum
Mayapple
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
rich woods, openfields
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
ripe fruit edible; woodlandgroundcover; mottled foliage
Apr-May, white
yellow, berry
RHW
32
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Polemonium reptans
Jacob's ladder,Greek valerian
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L S
rich or rocky woods,wooded floodplains
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
attractive flowers; slowspreader; herbal uses
Apr-Aug, blue
capsule
RHW
Polygonatumbiflorum
Solomon's seal,dwarf Solomon'sseal
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L
woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
flowers dangle along stalk
Apr-Jun, whiteor green
blue to black, berry
RHW
Polygonatumpubescens
Solomon's seal,downy Solomon'sseal
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
dry to moist woods Region:
States:
M P C
DE
NY PA VA
WV
herbal uses; edible
Apr-Jun,yellowish-green
blue to black, berry
UWI K
JS
Porteranthustrifoliatus (Gilleniatrifoliata)
Bowman's root
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
open upland woods,clearings, rockyslopes, roadsides
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
established plants droughttolerant; spreads to formtight clumps; seldom needsdividing; yellow fall color
May-Jul, white
pod
RHW
Pycnanthemumincanum
hoary mountainmint
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
C L S
upland woods,fields, thickets,barrens
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Jul-Sep, whiteto lavender, purplespots
nut/nut-like
RHW
Pycnanthemumtenuifolium
narrow-leavedmountain mint
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
S
streambanks,floodplains, moistfields
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
Jul-Sep, purpleto white
nut/nut-like
PLAN
TS R
M89
Rhexia virginica
Virginia meadow-beauty
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
W
L
open areas Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
VA
WV
also R. mariana for MD
Jun-Sep, darkpink
capsule
RHW
Rudbeckia fulgida
early, eastern, ororangeconeflower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L
moist fields,meadows
Region:
States:
P
DC DE MD
VA
cultivars have nice foliage
Jul-Oct, yellow-orange, black eye
capsule
USFW
S RL
33
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Rudbeckia hirta
black-eyed Susan
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
6-7
C L
fields, meadows,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Jun-Oct, yellow,black eye
capsule
USDA
MG
Rudbeckia laciniata
tall, green-headed, or cutleafconeflower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-10' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-7
C L S
floodplains,streambanks, fields
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
herbal uses
Jul-Sep, yellow
capsule
RHW
Rudbeckia triloba
three-lobedconeflower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-4.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
fields, open woods,rocky slopes
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
Jun-Oct, yellowor orange
capsule
PLAN
TS W
SJ
Ruellia caroliniensis
Carolina wildpetunia
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
woods, roadsides,thickets, wasteplaces
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
actually in the nightshadefamily, flower fragile; ahighly variable speciesMay-Aug,
lavender-blue
capsule
RHW
Sabatia angularis
rose pink,common marsh-pink
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
moist open woods,fields, marshes,meadows; uplands,shores
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
Jul-Oct, pink orwhite
capsule
RHW
Salvia lyrata
lyre-leaf sage
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
moist pastures,upland woods,thickets, wasteareas
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
VA
WV
Apr-Jun, violet
nut/nut-like
RHW
Sanguinariacanadensis
bloodroot
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
rich woods, openroadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
showy flowers, but bloomsfleetingly; herbal uses
Mar-May, white
capsule
RHW
Saxifragapensylvanica
eastern swampsaxifrage
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
W
C L S
wet woods, bogs,swamps
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
Apr-Jun, whiteto green
capsule
RHW
34
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Saxifragavirginiensis
early saxifrage
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
rock crevices, dryslopes, woods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Mar-May, white
capsule
RHW
Scutellariaintegrifolia
rough or hyssopskullcap, helmetflower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
swamps, bogs,moist woods, fields
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
May-Jul, blue,pink, white
blackish, nut/nutlike
RHW
Sedum ternatum
mountainstonecrop, wildstonecrop
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
damp rocks, rockybanks, cliffs, woods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
creeping stems; used in rockgardens
Apr-Jun,greenish-white
pod
RHW
Senna marilandica(Cassia marilandica)
Maryland orsouthern wildsenna
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4-7
L S
dry roadsides,thickets, openwoods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
pods important food forupland gamebirds
Jul-Aug, yellow
pod
USFW
S BE
S, U
SFW
S BE
S
Silene caroliniana
wild pink
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L
dry open woods,rocky slopes,roadside banks,shale barrens
Region:
States:
M C
DC DE MD
VA
semi-evergreen; native tolimestone areas
Apr-Jun, whiteto pink
capsule
RHW
Silene stellata
starry campion,widow's frill
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
wooded slopes,roadside banks,barrens
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
drought-tolerant; naturalizesin woods
Jun-Sep, white
capsule
RHW
Silene virginica
fire pink
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L
upland woods,wooded slopes,streambanks,clearings
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE
VA
WV
Apr-Jul, darkpink to red
capsule
RHW
Silphiumperfoliatum
cup plant
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-8' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L
floodplains, fields,moist meadows,woods
Region:
States:
M P
DC
VA
WV
Jul-Oct, yellow
capsule
PLAN
TS D
L
35
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Sisyrinchiumangustifolium (S.graminoides)
blue-eyed grass
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5-7
C L
grassy areas, dampwoods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
grasslike leaves; also S.montanum in NY
Apr-Jun, blue-violet
brown, capsule
CM N
RCS
Sisyrinchiumatlanticum
coastal or easternblue-eyed grass
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
marshes, meadows,low woods
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
VA
leaves grasslike, moreslender than S.angustifoliumMay-Jul, blue-
violet
capsule
UWI J
S
Solidago caesia
bluestemgoldenrod, wreathgoldenrod
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.5-7
C L
rich deciduouswoods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
stems bluish or purplish
Aug-Oct, yellow
capsule
RHW
Solidago canadensisv. scabra (S.altissima)
tall or lategoldenrod
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3.5-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L
woods, fields,riverbanks,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Jul-Nov, yellow
capsule
UWI,
RRK
Solidago canadensis
Canada goldenrod
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.8-7.5
C L S
fields, roadsides Region:
States:
M P C
DE
NY VA
WV
Jul-Oct, yellow
capsule
UWI M
RB
Solidago flexicaulis
broad leaf or zigzag goldenrod
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.3-7
L
moist woods, rockywooded slopes
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Jun-Oct, yellow
capsule
RHW
Solidago juncea
early goldenrod
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
S
fields, meadows,rocky slopes,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Jun-Oct, yellow
capsule
RHW
Solidago nemoralis
gray, dwarf, old-field, or one-sidedgoldenrod
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
6.5-7.5
L S
fields, open woods,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
tolerates poor soils
Jun-Nov, yellow
capsule
RHW
36
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Solidago odora
sweet goldenrod
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
dry open woods,barrens
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY VA
WV
Jul-Oct, yellow
capsule
RHW
Solidago rugosa
wrinkle-leaf orrough-stemmedgoldenrod
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5-7.5
L S
fields, woods,floodplains,roadsides, wasteplaces
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
tough plant; aggressive;strongly colonial
Aug-Nov, yellow
capsule
RHW
Solidagosempervirens
seasidegoldenrod
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.5-7.5
L S
coastal areas, dunes Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
coastal plant, may occurwhere road salts are used
Jul-Nov, yellow
capsule
RHW
Solidago speciosa
showy or slendergoldenrod
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
dry to moist openwoods and fields
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
NY VA
Jul-Oct, yellow
capsule
PLAN
TS T
GB
Spiranthes cernua
nodding ladies'tresses
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-6.5
C L S
meadows, openwoods, roadsides,bogs
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
orchid flowers; herbal uses
Jul-Nov, white
USFW
S BE
S
Stachys tenuifolia(S. hispida)
hedge nettle
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.7-7.4
C L S
woodedbottomlands,streambanks,meadows, fields
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
Jun-Aug, whiteto pink
nut/nut-like
RHW
Stellaria pubera
star chickweed,great chickweed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
woods, shadedrocky areas
Region:
States:
M P ?
DC MD
VA
WV
Mar-Jun, white
capsule
RHW
Symphyotrichumcordifolium (Astercordifolius)
heart-leaved aster
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
upland meadows,woods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC
NY PA VA
WV
Aug-Oct, blue-violet to rose
RHW
37
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Symphyotrichumericoides var.ericoides (Asterericoides)
heath, whiteheath, or dense-flowered aster;frostweed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
dry fields, forestedges, woods,thickets
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY
WV
forms dense mounds
Jul-Nov, white,rarely blue, violet, rose
RHW
Symphyotrichumlaeve var. laeve(Aster laevis)
smooth blue aster
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
C L S
open areas, forestedges
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Aug-Oct, paleblue, violet, white
MOB
OT
Symphyotrichumnovae-angliae(Aster novae-angliae)
New Englandaster
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-6' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
open woods,seasonal wetlands,shores, meadows
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
showy, frequently cultivated;tolerates drier soils andseasonal floodingAug-Oct, violet
USFW
S
Symphyotrichumnovi-belgii var. novi-belgii (Aster novi-belgii)
New York aster
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-4.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
L
thickets, meadows,shores
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
Jul-Oct, blue-violet
RHW
Symplocarpusfoetidus
skunk cabbage
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
W
4-7
C L S
fresh tidal andnontidal marshesand shrub swamps,forested wetlands,seeps
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
flower inconspicuous,emerges before leaves; saphas skunk-like odorFeb-May, green
to purple-brown
RHW
, US
FWS
BES
Thalictrum dioicum
early meadow rue
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
rich rocky woods,ravines, alluvialterraces
Region:
States:
M P C
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
Apr-May, greento purple
capsule
RHW
Thalictrumpubescens (T.polygamum)
tall meadow rue
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-9' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
rich woods, lowthickets, swamps,meadows,streambanks
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
foliage similar tocolumbines; clump-forming;delicate flowers; speciesvery variable
Jun-Aug, white
RHW
Thalictrumthalictroides(Anemonellathalictroides)
rue anemone,windflower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
wooded banks andthickets
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
foliage similar tocolumbines
Apr-Jun, white
RHW
D
capsule
M
MApr-May,maroon, purple, green
, berry
M
38
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Trillium sessile
toadshade
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
woods, floodplains Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
VA
WV
Apr-May,maroon, purple, green
berry
RHW
Trillium undulatum
painted trillium
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
woods Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
May-Jun, whitewith purple
bright red, berry
RHW
Uvularia grandiflora
large-floweredbellwort
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
woods Region:
States:
M
DC
NY VA
WV
rhizome can be cooked andeaten; young shoots can besubstituted for asparagusApr-Jun,
orange-yellow
capsule
RHW
Uvularia perfoliata
perfoliatebellwort, mealybellwort
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
rhizome can be cooked andeaten; young shoots maybesubstituted for asparagusApr-Jul, yellow
capsule
RHW
Tiarella cordifolia
foamflower, falsemiterwort
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
rich woods, moistrocky woodedslopes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
attractive, long-blooming;creeping, clump-forming;many cultivarsApr-Jul, white
capsule
USFW
S BE
S
Tradescantiavirginiana
Virginiaspiderwort,widow's tears
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4-8
C L
wooded slopes,shale outcrops,fields, roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
flowers showy
Apr-Jul, deepblue-purple
capsule
RHW
Trillium erectum
purple or redtrillium,wakerobin
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
woods Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
flowers ill-scented
Apr-Jun, purpleor greenish to white
dark red, berry
RHW
Trillium grandiflorum
white or large-flowered trillium
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L
woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
showy flowers; common,often in large colonies
Apr-Jun, whitethen pink
black, berry
RHW
39
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Uvularia sessilifolia
straw lily
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
dry to moistwoodlands
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
rhizomes may be cookedand eaten; young shootsmay be substituted forasparagus
May-Jun,yellow
capsule
RHW
Veratrum viride
green falsehellebore, whitehellebore
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
C L S
swamps, woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
leaf edges will brown if soildries and plant is in windyarea; does best in coolertemps; slugs like the foliage
May-Jul,yellow-green
capsule
RHW
Verbena hastata
blue vervain,simpler's joy
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
C L S
meadows, swamps,floodplains, ditches,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
bright flowers; herbal uses
Jun-Oct, blue topurple
nut/nut-like
RHW
Verbesinaalternifolia
wingstem, yellowironweed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3.5-8' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
wooded slopes,open woodlands,riverbanks, shadedlowlands, roadsides,fields
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
threatened in NY
Aug-Oct, yellow
capsule
RHW
Vernonianoveboracensis
New Yorkironweed
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3.5-8' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
L
streambanks, fields,freshwater marshes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
brilliant flowers; tall uprightform adds structure togarden; spreadsAug-Oct, purple
capsule
RHW
Veronicastrumvirginicum (Veronicavirginica)
Culver's root
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-6.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
C L S
rich woods,meadows, thickets,swamps
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
Jun-Sep, white,pink
capsule
RHW
Viola conspersa
American dogviolet
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
woods, fields,swamps
Region:
States:
M P C
NY PA VA
WV
delicate plant and flower;edible
Apr-Jul, paleblue, violet
green, capsule
UWI R
WF
Viola cucullata
marsh blue violet,blue marsh violet
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0-0.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
C L S
bogs, meadows,swamps
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
PA VA
WV
stemless; self-sows; canbecome a nuisance
Apr-Jul, palepurple
green, capsule
RHW
40
Herbaceous PlantsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Viola hastata
halberdleafyellow violet
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
rich deciduouswoods
Region:
States:
M
DC MD
VA
WV
Apr-May, yelloww/ violet
green, capsule
RHW
Viola pedata
bird's foot violet
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0-0.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
sandy or rockybarrens, dry forestedslopes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
stemless
Mar-Jun, paleblue or w/ purple-black tips
green, capsule
RHW
Viola pubescens var.pubescens (V.pennsylvanica)
yellow violet,downy violet
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
6-7
L
moist or dry woods,swamps
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
May-Jun,yellow, purple veins
green, capsule
RHW
Viola sororia (V.papilionacea)
common blueviolet
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
6-7.8
C L
dry to moist woods,swamps, thickets
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
delicate plant and flower;edible; spreader; stemless
Mar-Jun, darkblue, violet
green with purple,capsule
RHW
Viola striata
striped creamviolet, stripedviolet
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
L
alluvial woods,swamps, fields
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Apr-Jun, ivoryw/ purple
green, capsule
MP
Yucca filamentosa(Y. flaccida)
Adam's needle
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
5.5-7.5
L S
coastal sand dunes,outcroppings on thinrocky soils
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
flower stalk can rise 5-15feet above foliage
Jun-Sep, white
RHW
Zizia aurea
golden-alexanders
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
woodedbottomlands,streambanks, moistmeadows,floodplains
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
Apr-Jun, yellow
RHW
See also:
In the Vines section:Smilax herbacea
In the Herbaceous Emergents section:Iris prismatica, versicolor, virginica
Herbaceous EmergentsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
41
Distichlis spicata
saltgrass
Height:
Flowers:
0.5-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-50 ppt
M W
6.4-10.5
C L
tidal salt marshes,from Mean High tideabove to spring tidelevel; high salinity; wetdepressions
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
often intermixed withSpartina patens, forms densematsAug-Oct
podFruit:
UWI E
JJ
Dulichiumarundinaceum
three-sided sedge
Height:
Flowers:
1-3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
W
4.7-7.5
C L S
fresh tidal and nontidalmarshes, bogs,swamps, pond edges
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
grows best where waterrarely draws down
Jul-Oct
brown, nut/nut-likeFruit:
UWI A
H 0-12”
Hibiscusmoscheutos (H.palustris)
rose mallow,easternrosemallow
Height:
Flowers:
3-6' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-15 ppt
M W
4-7.5
C L
fresh to brackish tidalmarshes, occasionallynontidal marshes
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
common along coast;persists in winter; split seedcapsules; use H. laevis inPiedmont
Jul-Sep, cream,pink
Sep-Mar, brown,capsule
Fruit:
CM N
RCS
0-6”
Iris prismatica
slender blueflag
Height:
Flowers:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-0.5 ppt
M W
fresh to moderatelybrackish tidal marshes,meadows, shores,swamps, forestedwetlands
Region:
States:
C
DC DE
VA
leaves 1/4-inch wide,narrower than Iris versicolor
May-Jun, blue
green to brown,capsule
Fruit:
RHW
0-6”
Iris versicolor
blue flag
Height:
Flowers:
3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity 0-0.5 ppt
M W
L S
fresh to moderatelybrackish tidal marshes,meadows, shores,swamps, forestedwetlands
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
May-Jun, blue
green to brown,capsule
Fruit:
RHW
0-6”
Iris virginica
Virginia blue flag
Height:
Flowers:
1-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-0.5 ppt
W
4.8-7.3
C L
fresh to moderatelybrackish tidal marshes,meadows, shores,swamps, forestedwetlands
Region:
States:
P C
DC
VA
WV
May-Jul, blue
green to brown,capsule
Fruit:
RHW
0-6”
Juncus canadensis
Canada rush
Height:
Flowers:
1-4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-0.5 ppt
M W
4.5-5.9
C L S
fresh to slightlybrackish tidal andnontidal marshes,swamps, ponds andpond borders, shores,wet meadows, shallowwater
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
NY PA
WV
Jul-Oct, greenishbrown
brown, capsuleFruit:
UWI A
H
Juncus effusus
soft rush
Height:
Flowers:
1-4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
M W
5.5-7
C L S
fresh tidal and nontidalmarshes, shrubswamps, meadows,ditches
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
often grows in clumps
Jun-Sep, greenishbrown
brown, capsuleFruit:
CM N
RCS,
USF
WS
BES
0-12”
Herbaceous EmergentsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
42
Juncus roemerianus
black needlerush,needlegrass rush,needlegrass rush
Height:
Flowers:
1-4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-25 ppt
M W
3.5-7
C L
brackish and saltmarshes, above MeanHigh tide to spring tidelevel
Region:
States:
C
DE MD
VA
some nitrogen fixing value
May-Oct, yellow-green
July-Nov, brown,capsule
Fruit:PL
ANTS
LA
Justicia americana
Americanwater-willow
Height:
Flowers:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
W
5.4-7.6
C L S
muddy edges ofshallow freshwaterstreams, lakes, ponds;shores
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
PA VA
WV
has underground stems andforms colonies
Jun-Oct, whitewith purple
achene (dry, flatseed)
Fruit:
RHW
Kosteletzkyavirginica
seashore mallow
Height:
Flowers:
1.5-4.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-10 ppt
W
irregularly flooded saltand brackish marshes,above Mean High tideto spring tide level
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
common near the coast;looks similar to Hibiscus
Jul-Sep, pink
brown, capsuleFruit:
RHW
Nuphar lutea (N.advena)
spatterdock,yellow water lily,cow-lily,American lotus
Height:
Flowers:
1-1.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
W
C L S
fresh tidal and nontidalmarshes, swamps,ponds
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
large leaves floating butrooted; fruit berry-like, manyseeded, somewhat flattened,leathery
May-Oct, yellow
green, berryFruit:
RHW
12-36”
Nymphaea odorata
fragrant water lily,American waterlily, white water lily
Height:
Flowers:
1-4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
W
C L S
tidal and nontidal freshwaters, shallow lakes,ponds
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
large leaves floating butrooted; fruit berry-like, manyseeded, somewhat flattened,leathery
Jun-Sep, white
green, berryFruit:
RHW
12-48”
Orontium aquaticum
golden club
Height:
Flowers:
1.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
W
C L S
edges of regularlyflooded tidal freshmarshes, inlandshores, pond borders,on mud or in shallowwater
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
fruit is a thick fleshy spikecovered with small darkgreen berry-like structuresApr-Jun, yellow
green, berryFruit:
RHW
Peltandra virginica
arrow arum
Height:
Flowers:
2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-2 ppt
W
5.2-9.5
C L S
fresh to moderatelybrackish tidal andnontidal marshes,swamps, shallowwaters of lakes andponds
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
globular head of berriesenclosed in green leatherycase, curved downwardApr-Jul, green to
white
green or blackFruit:
RHW
, RH
W
0-12”
Pontederia cordata
pickerelweed
Height:
Flowers:
3.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-3 ppt
W
6-8
C L S
fresh to moderatelybrackish, tidal andnontidal marshes,shallow water ofponds or lakes
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
spreads vigorously; a smallbladder-like structure crestedwith toothed ridges holdsone seed
Jun-Nov, purple
Fruit:
UWI M
C 0-18”
Herbaceous EmergentsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
43
Sagittaria latifolia
duck potato,arrowhead,broadleafarrowhead
Height:
Flowers:
0.5-4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity:
W
4.7-8.6
C L
fresh tidal and nontidalmarshes, swamps;borders of lakes,streams and ponds
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Jul-Sep, white
green, achene (dry,flat seed)
Fruit:RH
W
0-24”
Saururus cernuus
lizard's tail
Height:
Flowers:
1.5-4.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
W
C L S
fresh tidal and nontidalmarshes, swamps,shallow water
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
fragrant flower; often formsextensive colonies
Jun-Sep, greenishwhite
capsuleFruit:
RHW
0-12”
Schoenoplectuspungens v. pungens(Scirpus pungens,Scirpus americanus)common three-square
Height:
Flowers:
4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-15 ppt
W
C L S
fresh and brackish tidaland nontidal marshes,shores, shallow water
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
spike above flower is up to 5inches tall
Jun-Sep, brown
Jun-Sep, brown,achene (dry, flat seed)
Fruit:
CM N
RCS
0-6”
Schoenoplectusvalidus (Scirpusvalidus)
great bulrush, softstem bulrush
Height:
Flowers:
6-10' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-5 ppt
W
C L S
fresh to brackish tidaland nontidal marshes,pond edges, quietwaters, emergentmarshes
Region:
States:
M P C
MD
NY PA VA
high wildlifevalue
spreads rapidly
Jun-Sep, brown
Jun-Sep, brown,achene (dry, flat seed)
Fruit:
PLAN
TS 1
995
0-12”
Scirpus atrovirens
black or greenbulrush, darkgreen bulrush
Height:
Flowers:
3-6' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity:
W
4-8
C L
shallow emergentmarshes, shrubswamps, floodplainforests, woodedswamp, bogs, wetmeadows, swales,ditches
Region:
States:
M P C
MD
NY PA VA
WV
grows in clumps or sod-forming
Jun-Aug, brown
Jun-Aug, brown,achene (dry, flat seed)
Fruit:
PLAN
TS J
A
Scirpus cyperinus
woolgrass,woolgrassbulrush
Height:
Flowers:
4-5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity:
M W
4.8-7.2
C L S
fresh tidal and nontidalmarshes, swamps,forested wetlands,meadows, ditches,ponds, bogs
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
grows in large clumps, oftenextensive colonies
Aug-Sep, brown
Aug-Sep, brown,achene (dry, flat seed)
Fruit:
USDA
JK
Sparganiumamericanum
American bur-reed
Height:
Flowers:
5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
W
4.9-7.3
C L S
fresh nontidalmarshes, shallowwaters, muddy shores
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
good for sedimentstabilization
May-Aug, greenish
green to brown,achene (dry, flat seed)
Fruit:
RHW
0-6”
Spartina alterniflora
salt marsh orsmooth cordgrass
Height:
Flowers:
2-7' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-35 ppt
M W
5.4-7
C L S
salt and brackish tidalmarshes (mid-tide upto Mean High tidelevel)
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
good for shore stabilization;important in seasidehabitats; short form (<1.5 ft)found in irregularly floodedhigh marsh, tall form inregularly flooded low marsh
Jul-Sep
Fruit:
USFW
S
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
Herbaceous EmergentsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
44
See also:
In the Ferns section:Dryopteris cristataOnoclea sensibilisOsmunda cinnamomea, regalisThelypteris palustrisWoodwardia areolata, virginica
In the Grasses & Grasslike Plants section:Andropogon glomeratus (virginicus var abbreviatus), virginicusCalamagrostis canadensisCarex crinita var. crinita, lurida, stricta, vulpinoideaElymus virginicusLeersia oryzoidesPanicum amarum, virgatum
In the Herbaceous Plants section:Asclepias incarnataBidens cernuaCaltha palustrisDoellingeria umbellata var. umbellata (Aster umbellatus)Lobelia cardinalisSabatia angularisSymphyotrichum novae-angliae (Aster novae-angliae)Symplocarpus foetidusVerbena hastataVernonia noveboracensis
Spartinacynosuroides
big cordgrass
Height:
Flowers:
3.5-10' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-10 ppt
M W
5.8-7.5
C L S
fresh and brackish tidalmarshes, near MeanHigh tide and above tospring tide level
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
soil stabilizer; not droughttolerant
Aug-Oct
Fruit:PL
ANTS
LA
Spartina patens
salt meadow hay
Height:
Flowers:
1-3' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-35 ppt
M W
5.3-7.5
C L S
coastal salt andbrackish tidal marshes;irregularly flooded highmarsh at or aboveMean High tide line
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
forms large mats; good forshore erosion control
Jul-Sep
achene (dry, flatseed)
Fruit:
Spartina pectinata
freshwater cordgrass,prairie cordgrass
Height:
Flowers:
4' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-3 ppt
M W
6-8.5
L
brackish and fresh tidaland nontidal marshes,shores, wet meadows;upper half of intertidalzone and above tospring tide level
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
shore stabilizer; low droughttolerance
Jul-Sep
achene (dry, flatseed)
Fruit:
CM N
RCS
0-6”
Zizania aquatica
wild rice
Height:
Flowers:
6-10' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
Flood Depth:
Salinity:
M W
6.4-7.4
C L S
fresh tidal and nontidalmarshes, streamsides,shallow waters
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
NY VA
annual; edible
Jun-Sep
achene (dry, flatseed)
Fruit:
RHW
0-36”
CM N
RCS
USFW
S
USFW
S RM
USFW
S BE
S
Wetland plants (Spartinaalterniflora, here) stabilize
the shoreline withoutobstructing the
homeowner’s view.
Wetlands of anysize provide
valuable habitatfor wildlife.
ShrubsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
45
Alnus serrulata
smooth alder,hazel alder
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
12-20'
yellow, red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.5-7.5
C L
fresh tidal andnontidal marshes,shrub swamps,forested wetlands
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
forms thickets alongwatercourses; nitrogenfixing; tolerates flooding to 3inches
Fall color:
Mar-Apr, purple
Aug-Feb, brown,cone/cone-like
USFW
S BE
S, P
LAN
TS W
SJ
Aralia spinosa
Devil's walkingstick
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
20-30'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.5-7.1
C L S
moist woods,stream banks,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
seeds are poisonous ifchewed; low maintenance;spreads from new shoots;thorny, clublike stem
Fall color:
Jul-Aug, white
Aug-Sep, black,berry
RHW
Baccharishalimifolia
high-tide bush,groundsel tree,sea myrtle
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-12'
purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
7-8.5
C L S
fresh to saltmarshes, ditches,shores, dunes
Region:
States:
C
DE MD
VA
volunteers in disturbedplaces; shallow, lateralroots; tolerates flooding to 6inches; tolerates salinity to15 ppt
Fall color:
Aug-Sep, white
Oct-Nov, silverywhite, achene
USFW
S BE
S O
Callicarpaamericana
Americanbeautyberry,French mulberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.8-7
C L S
Region:
States:
C
DC
VA
flowers from new growth; ifovergrown prune to 6-18inches tall; will regainheight in one season
Fall color:
Jun-Aug,lavender-pink
Sep-Mar, lavender,berry
USFW
S BE
S
Ceanothusamericanus
New Jersey tea
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3'
yellow to tan
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
4.3-6.5
C L S
meadows, fields,glades, open woods,borders, rockyareas, openings
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
tough; tolerates moist soil ifwell drained; fixes nitrogen;tolerates dryness
Fall color:
May-Sep, white
Sep-Oct, black
RHW
Cephalanthusoccidentalis
buttonbush
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-12'
yellow-green
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
6.1-8.5
C L S
fresh tidal andnontidal marshes,shrub swamps,forested wetlands;stream, lake andpond edges
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
needs sun to flower; flowersfragrant; interesting fruit;tolerates drought; leavesmay persist into winter;tolerates flooding to 36inches
Fall color:
Jul-Aug, creamywhite
Sep-Jan, green tobrown
RHW
O
Clethra alnifolia
sweetpepperbush,summersweet
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-12'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-6.5
C L S
tidal and nontidalforested wetlands,shrub swamps,bogs, woods,coastal riverfloodplains,lakeshores
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
NY VA
very fragrant; toleratessome flooding by partly saltywater
Fall color:
Jul-Aug, white/pink
Sep-Feb, brown,capsule
USFW
S
Comptoniaperegrina
sweetfern
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3'
brown
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
4-7
L S
hillsides, cliffs,woods openings,sand flats andbarrens, fields,dunes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
fragrant; fixes nitrogen,leaves may persist intowinter
Fall color:
Apr-May,yellow-green
Aug-Oct, green tobrown, cone/cone-like
USFW
S BE
S O
ShrubsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
46
Cornus amomum
silky dogwood,red willow, silkycornel
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-12'
orange, red orpurple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
6.1-7.5
C L S
forested wetlands,floodplains, shrubwetlands, streamand pond banks,clearings
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
Fall color:
May-Jun, white
Aug, blue, berry
RHW
Cornus racemosa
red-panicled orgray dogwood
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-12'
purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
6.1-8.5
C L
open woodedfloodplains, forestedwetlands, shrubswamps, rockywoods or ledges,fencerows
Region:
States:
M P
NY VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
tolerates a variety ofconditions; berries are foodfor many songbirds andsmall mammals
Fall color:
May-Jun, white
Aug-Sep, white, redstems, berry
UWI K
JS,
UWI K
JS
Corylus americana
Americanhazelnut or filbert
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
10-15'
yellow orange
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
6.1-7.5
C L
dry woodlands,forest edges,hillsides, fencerows, ravines,floodplain woods,brushy pastures
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
forms large thickets; ediblenut; male catkins brown,female red
Fall color:
Mar-Apr, brownor red
Aug-Sep, lightbrown, nut/nut-like
UCON
N,
UCON
N,
UCON
N
Gaultheriaprocumbens
wintergreen,checkerberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4-6.5
L S
clearings, steeprocky open slopes,sandy oak woods,hummocks in bogs
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
dense, mat-like form; formscolonies; edible fruits,leaves; wintergreen tasteand scent
Fall color:
May-Aug, whiteto pink
Jul-Apr, red, berry
RHW
, RH
W O
Gaylussacia baccata
black huckleberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-3'
reddish-purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4.5-6.5
C L S
woods, thickets Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
very common; fruits ediblebut many-seeded
Fall color:
May-Jun, whiteto pink
Jul-Sep, black,berry
RHW
Gaylussaciafrondosa
dangleberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-4'
reddish-purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4.5-6.5
S
woods and thickets Region:
States:
M C
DC DE MD
NY VA
high wildlifevalue
berries borne on long,drooping stems
Fall color:
Apr-Jun,greenish to purple
Jul-Oct, blue, berry
CM N
RCS
Hamamelisvirginiana
witch hazel
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
15-30'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.5-6.5
C L S
woods or brushyfields, moist or dry
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
noted for fall/winter bloom;medicinal uses, leaves maypersist into winter
Fall color:
Sep-Dec, yellow
Oct-Nov, tan brown,capsule
RHW
Hydrangeaarborescens
wild or smoothhydrangea
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-6'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
6.1-8.5
L S
rich upland orfloodplain woods,streambanks
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
PA VA
WV
eaves poisonous to humans;does best on loamy soils
Fall color:
Jun-Aug, white
Oct-Jan, brown,capsule
RHW
ShrubsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
47
Hypericumdensiflorum
dense St. John'swort
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-6'
yellow green
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
5.5-7
C L S
low boggy places,seepage slopes,pond and lakeedges, wetmeadows,streambanks,ditches, moistpinelands
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
blooms small but formdense flat-topped clusters;can spread aggressively
Fall color:
Jul-Sep, yellow
Oct-Apr, brown,capsule
RHW
O
Ilex glabra
inkberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-10'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.5-6
C L S
forested wetlands,shrub swamps,sandy woods
Region:
States:
C
DE
NY VA
high wildlifevalue
berries persist throughwinter; male and femaleflowers on separate plants;tolerates some salt flooding;short cultivars (4-5')available
Fall color:
May-Jun,greenish white
Sep-Mar, black,berry
USFW
S BE
S, U
SFW
S BE
S
O
Ilex laevigata
smoothwinterberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
10-12'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4.5-6.5
C L S
wooded swamps Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
high wildlifevalue
berries provide winter birdfood; prefers soil with acalcareous layer
Fall color:
May-Jul, whiteto cream
Sep-Feb, red,scarlet, berry
RHW
, RH
W O
Ilex verticillata
winterberry,winterberry holly,black alder
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-12'
yellow to brown
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-6.5
C L S
fresh tidal swamps,shrub swamps,forested wetlands
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
berries provide winter birdfood, poisonous to humans;berries on female plants,need male plant to pollinate
Fall color:
Jun-Jul,greenish white
Aug-Feb, red, berry
USFW
S BE
S O
Itea virginica
tassel-white,Virginiasweetspire
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-10'
red to purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.1-7.5
C L S
forested wetlands,shrub swamps,streambanks,shallow water
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
fruit capsules on stalk; plantwill sucker, form thickets;tolerates flooding to 6inches
Fall color:
Jun-Jul, white
Aug-Mar, brown,capsule
USFW
S BE
S
Iva frutescens
marsh elder, hightide bush
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-10' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5-5.7
C L S
tidal brackish andsalt marshes
Region:
States:
C
DE MD
VA
similar to Baccharishalimifolia but with oppositeleaves; tolerates salinity to15 ppt
Fall color:
Aug-Oct,greenish white
not conspicuous,capsule
PLAN
TS LA
, RH
W
Kalmia angustifolia
sheep laurel,lambkill
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-3'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-6
C L S
pastures, barrens,slow woodedstreams, swampborders, bogs,thickets
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
foliage poisonous to hoofedbrowsers (not eaten by deer)
Fall color:
May-Jul, white,pink, purple, red
Sep-Mar, brown,capsule
CM N
RCS O
Kalmia latifolia
mountain laurel
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
12-20'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4.5-6
C L S
woods, ridge tops,fields, swamps,mountain meadowsand slopes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
foliage poisonous to hoofedbrowsers; PA state flower
Fall color:
May-Jul, whiteto pink/purple
May-Jun, brown,capsule
USFW
S BE
S O
ShrubsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
48
Leucothoeracemosa
fetterbush,sweetbells
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
13' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-6
C L
swamps, woods,thickets
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
zig-zag twigs, reddish orgreenish; tends to sucker,forming thickets
Fall color:
May-Jun, white,pinkish
brown, capsule
RHW
, PL
ANTS
WSJ
Lindera benzoin
spicebush
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6.5-16'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-6.5
L S
woods, woodedslopes, dunes,floodplain forests
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
all parts edible andaromatic; herbal uses
Fall color:
Mar-May, yellow
Sep-Oct, scarlet,berry
CM N
RCS,
RHW
, CM
NRC
S
Lyonia ligustrina
male-berry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-12'
orange to red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4-6
C L S
open areas,swamps, woods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
berry-like capsules persistthrough winter
Fall color:
May-Jul, white
Sep-Mar, brown,capsule
RHW
O
Lyonia mariana
stagger-bush
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-6.5'
red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4-6
S
swamps, moist ordry woods
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
interesting woody capsulespersist through winter
Fall color:
May-Jun, white,pale pink
Sep-Feb, brown,capsule
RHW
, CM
NRC
S
Morellacaroliniensis(Myricaheterophylla)
southern orswamp bayberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
8-12'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4.5-7
C L S
dry or moistthickets, woods,bogs
Region:
States:
C
DE
VA
glossy dark green leaves,leaves larger than M.cerifera, plants fuller
Fall color:
Apr-Jun,yellowish-green
Sep-Apr, bluishwhite, berry
PLAN
TS
Morella cerifera(Myrica cerifera)
wax myrtle,southernbayberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-15'
evergreen insouthern areas
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
5.5-7
C L S
tidal and nontidalfresh and brackishmarshes, swamps,sandy dune swales,upland woods
Region:
States:
C
DE MD
VA
fragrant; loses leaves northand west of Ches. Bay, MDnorth; may reach 30 feet;can be pruned as hedge;nitrogen fixer; toleratessalinity to 10 ppt
Fall color:
Mar-Jun,yellowish-green
Sep-Apr, bluishwhite, berry
USFW
S BE
S, P
LAN
TS
Morellapensylvanica(Myricapensylvanica)
northernbayberry,candleberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
5-10' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
5.1-6.5
C L S
tidal and nontidalfresh and brackishmarshes, swamps,sand flats, dunes
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
NY VA
high wildlifevalue
fragrant leaves; tends tosucker and form largecolonies; waxy berriespersist through winter;tolerates salinity to 20 ppt
Fall color:
Mar-Apr,yellowish-green
Sep-Apr, bluishwhite, berry
CM N
RCS
Photiniamelanocarpa(Aroniamelanocarpa)
black chokeberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-6'
crimson red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
5.1-6.5
C L S
bogs, swamps,springs, dunes,cliffs, fields,clearings, wet or drythickets, creekbanks, balds, rockoutcroppings
Region:
States:
M P C
DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
can be pruned as hedge
Fall color:
Apr-May, whiteor pink-tinged
Sep-Nov, black,berry
USFW
S BE
S O
ShrubsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
49
Photinia pyrifolia(Aronia arbutifolia)
red chokeberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-13'
orange to red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
5.1-6.5
C L S
forested wetlands,shrub bogs, uplandforests, fields,dunes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
tolerates infrequent floodingby water with some salt;can be pruned as hedge
Fall color:
Mar-May, white,purple-tinged
Sep-Dec, red, berry
USFW
S BE
S, V
T
Physocarpusopulifolius
ninebark
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
5-12'
yellow to purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
6.1-8.5
C L
thickets, alongstreams in sand orgravel bars, rockyslopes
Region:
States:
M P
DC
NY PA VA
WV
papery bark continuallymolts in thin strips; verydrought tolerant; adaptable
Fall color:
May-Jul, white,pink
Jul-Mar, orange tored, capsule
USFW
S BE
S
Prunus maritima
beach plum
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-8' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.8-7.7
L S
ocean dunes,roadsides,hedgerows
Region:
States:
C
DE MD
high wildlifevalue
edible fruit, prized for jamsand jellies; salt tolerant
Fall color:
Apr-May, white
Aug, blue-purple,fleshy
CM N
RCS
Rhododendronatlanticum
dwarf or coastazalea
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2.5' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4.2-5.7
S
coastal, sandy soils Region:
States:
C
DE MD
VA
flowers very fragrant;colonial, arising fromspreading undergroundstems;
Fall color:
Apr-May, white,purple-tinged
brown, capsule
GM A
RS,
USFW
S BE
S
Rhododendroncalendulaceum
flame azalea
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
5-9'
yellow green
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.1-6
C L
open oak woods, dryrocky woodlands,damp slopes,mountainstreambanks, heathbalds
Region:
States:
M
VA
WV
Fall color:
May-Jun,yellow, orange, red
Aug-Feb, brown,capsule
RHW
Rhododendroncanescens
sweet azalea
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-10' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4.2-5.7
S
woods Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
Fall color:
Apr-May, whiteor pink
brown, capsule
PLAN
TS,
PLAN
TS
Rhododendronmaximum
great laurel,rosebayrhododendron
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
15-20'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-6
L
mountain slopes,woods, shelteredcoves, ravines,streamsides
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
needs space; may formdense thicket
Fall color:
May-Aug, white,pink
Sep-Nov, tan to red,capsule
RHW
, US
FWS
BES
Rhododendronpericlymenoides
pinxterbloom,pink azalea,pinxter flower
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-10'
dull yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4.5-5.5
L
woods, low swampyareas, limestonecliffs
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
will tolerate thin soils overbedrock; open, airy quality;susceptible to disease andinsects
Fall color:
Apr-May, pink,purple, white
Aug-Mar, brown,capsule
RHW
ShrubsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
50
Rhododendronprinophyllum
rose, roseshell,mountain or earlyazalea
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-8' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
rocky or rich woods Region:
States:
M
PA VA
WV
may reach 15 feet tall, butrarely; flowers have clove-like scent
Fall color:
May-Jun, pink
May-Sep
PLAN
TS
O
Rhododendronviscosum
swamp azalea
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6.5-10'
yellow, orange,to purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4-6
C L S
wet floodplainwoods,streambanks,swamp edges,hillside bogs, ditchbanks, clearings
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
attractive spreading, loose-branched habit; demandsacid soil; susceptible todisease and insects
Fall color:
May-Aug, white,pink
Aug-Mar, brown,capsule
RHW
O
Rhus aromatica
fragrant sumac
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6'
red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
6.1-8.5
L S
limestone cliffs,open upland woods,rocky bluffs, oakbarrens, foredunes,barren rock
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
NY VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
fuzzy edible berry clusters;aromatic leaves; shortercultivars available; male andfemale separate plants
Fall color:
Mar-May,greenish yellow
Jul-Mar, dark winered, berry
RHW
, RH
W
Rhus copallina
shining, winged,flameleaf, ordwarf sumac
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
20-35'
rich red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
5.3-7.5
C L S
thickets, fields,open woods,roadsides,fencerows
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
forms large colonies; winterfood for wildlife
Fall color:
Jul-Sep,greenish yellow
Oct-Nov, red, berry
RHW
, CM
NRC
S
Rhus glabra
sweet or smoothsumac
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
2-20'
red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.3-7.5
L S
dry or moist openareas, shalebarrens, fields, dryopen slopes,roadsides,fencerows
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
fuzzy berry clusters; maleand female may be onseparate plants; extremelydrought resistant
Fall color:
Jun-Jul,greenish
Aug-Oct, red, berry
CM N
RCS
Rhus hirta (R.typhina)
staghorn sumac
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
35-50'
orange-red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.5-7.2
C L S
fields, roadsides,forest edges
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
spreads by lateral roots toform colonies; female plantsproduce seed; winter foodfor wildlife
Fall color:
Jun-Jul, yellow-green
Jul-Feb, red, berry
RHW
Ribes rotundifolium
Appalachian oreasterngooseberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-6'
red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
6.1-8.5
C L S
rocky upland woods Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
NY VA
WV
do not use near appleorchards; may spread cedarapple rust
Fall color:
May-Jul,greenish purple
Jul-Aug, purple orgreenish, berry
USFW
S BE
S
Rosa carolina
pasture rose
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-3'
yellowish toorange
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
6.1-8.5
C L S
dry fields, openwoods; rocky banks,shale barrens
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
edible fruit is a berry-likehip; thorns
Fall color:
May-Jun, palepink
Aug-Mar, red, berry
RHW
, RS
MN
PS
ShrubsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
51
Rosa palustris
swamp rose
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
8' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4-7
C L
fresh tidal andnontidal marshes,forested wetlands,shrub swamps,streambanks
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
edible fruit is a berry-likehip; thorns; toleratesflooding to 3 inches
Fall color:
Jun-Aug, pink
Jul-Mar, red, berry
PLAN
TS W
SJ
Rubusallegheniensis
Alleghenyblackberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-9'
orange, red, topurple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.5-7.5
C L
roadsides, fencerows, fields,thickets, openwoods, clearings
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
prickly; juicy edible fruitused by people and wildlife
Fall color:
May-Jun, white
Jul-Sep, black,berry
USFW
S BE
S, R
HW
Rubus odoratus
purple floweringraspberry,fragrantthimbleberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-6'
pale yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
5.1-6
C L S
forest edges, rockyledges, rockywooded slopes
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
feels sticky; fruit edible;spreads by suckers
Fall color:
Jun-Sep, rosepurple
Jul-Sep, dull red,berry
PLAN
TS W
SJ
Salix humilis
prairie willow
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-12'
dull yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
6.1-7.5
C L S
dry thickets,openings, boggyswales; mountainridges, barrens,meadows,roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
typically spreads up to twiceit's height; flowers arecatkins
Fall color:
Apr-May,greenish yellow
May-Jun, brown,capsule
PLAN
TS 1
997
O
Sambucus nigrassp. canadensis (S.canadensis)
commonelderberry,American elder
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-12'
yellow green
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
6.1-7.5
C L S
fresh tidal andnontidal marshes,swamps, wetmeadows, moistwoods, fields
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
berries eaten by 48 speciesof birds
Fall color:
Jun-Jul, white
Aug-Sep, purple toblack, berry
RS M
NPS
, US
FWS
O
Sambucusracemosa v.racemosa (S.pubens)
red elderberry,scarlet elder
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-12'
yellow green
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
6.1-8.5
L
rich woods, dryrocky woods, alongcreeks, rockcrevices, shelteredcoves, ravines
Region:
States:
M
PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
important summer wildlifefood; one of earliestblooming shrubs; fragrant
Fall color:
May, white
Jun-Jul, red, berry
RHW
, RH
W
Spiraea alba v.latifolia (Spiraealatifolia)
broad-leavedmeadow-sweet
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-6'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
L S
bogs, woods,barrens, swamps
Region:
States:
M
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
similar to S. alba but twigsmore purplish or red
Fall color:
Jun-Sep, whiteor pinkish
Sep-Mar, brown,capsule
RHW
Spiraea alba
narrow-leavedmeadow-sweet
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-6'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
6.6-7.5
C L S
bogs, swamps,meadows
Region:
States:
M
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
bark may be shaggy, orange-brown
Fall color:
Jun-Sep, white
Sep-Mar, brown tored brown, capsule
RHW
O
ShrubsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
52
Spiraea tomentosa
steeplebush,hardback spirea
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-6'
yellow green
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.1-6
C L S
meadows, fields,bogs, swamps, lakeedges, marshes,dunes, swales
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
cultivars available withwhite or red flowers
Fall color:
Jul-Sep, pink topurple
Sep-Mar, brown,capsule
RHW
O
Staphylea trifolia
Americanbladdernut
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-15'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
6.1-8
L
rich woods,floodplain woods,ravines, shores oflakes and ponds,rocky woodedstreambanks,shaded dunes
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
PA VA
WV
fruit is 3-lobed, papery,balloon-like capsule;branches green-whitestriped
Fall color:
May, greenishwhite
Aug-Dec, red-brown, capsule
RHW
Vacciniumangustifolium
lowbushblueberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1-2'
red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4-6
C L S
dry woods, barrens,rock outcroppings
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
edible berries oftenharvested, makes a niceground layer
Fall color:
May-Jun, whiteor pink-tinged
Jul-Aug, blue toblack, berry
BES
Vacciniumcorymbosum
highbushblueberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-12'
yellow to red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4-6.5
L S
forested wetlands,shrub swamps,bogs, dry to wetwoods, thickets,streambanks, rockoutcroppings
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
edible berries commonlycultivated
Fall color:
Apr-Jun, whiteor pink-tinged
Jul-Aug, blue toblack, berry
USFW
S BE
S, U
SFW
S BE
S
O
Vacciniummacrocarpon
cranberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
0.5-1'
dark green topurple to red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
W
4-6
L S
sphagnum bogs,cool swampy areas
Region:
States:
M C
DC DE MD
NY PA
WV
low mat form, can spreadindefinitely; ediblecranberries
Fall color:
Jun-Jul, white topink
Sep-Nov, red, berry
RHW
O
Vaccinium pallidum(V. vacillans)
early lowbushblueberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
1.5-2' Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
L S
dry woods andbarrens
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
sweet berries
Fall color:
Apr-May, white,reddish
Jul-Aug, blue, berry
RHW
Vacciniumstamineum
deerberry
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-12'
red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4-6.5
C L S
dry woods,openings, barrens;uplands, floodplainforests, clearings,thickets, rockoutcroppings
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
berries edible but sour
Fall color:
Apr-Jun, whiteor purple
Sep-Oct, bluishblack, berry
RHW
Viburnumacerifolium
maple-leavedarrowwood
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
3-6'
orange, red,purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.1-6
C L
floodplain forests,dry wooded slopes,woods,rocky slopes,rock outcrops,wooded ravines
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
dry, edible berries
Fall color:
Jun, creamy-white, pink
Aug-Dec, blue toblack, berry
RHW
, RH
W
ShrubsCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
53
Viburnum dentatum(V. recognitum)
southernarrowwood
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
10-15'
reddish-purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
5.1-6.5
L S
swamps, wetwoods, bogs,floodplain forests,streambanks, low,wet acid-sandhabitats
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
stems very straight, nicestructure in winter
Fall color:
May-Jun, white
Sep-Nov, blue toblack, berry
USFW
S BE
S, R
S M
NPS
O
Viburnum nudum v.cassinoides (V.cassinoides)
witherod
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6-12'
orange-red topurple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
5.1-6.5
L
swamps, bogs,moist woods,barrens
Region:
States:
M P C
MD
PA
handsome stature; multiplefruit colors at once
Fall color:
May-Jun,creamy white
Aug-Sep, pink toblue-black, berry
USFW
S BE
S O
Viburnum nudum
naked witherod,possum-hawviburnum
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
6.5-20'
red to purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.1-6
L S
wet woods, richupland woods,swamps, margins ofvernal ponds, heathbogs
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
high wildlifevalue
edible fruit but very acidic;shallow fibrous roots,transplants well
Fall color:
Jun-Jul, white tocream
Sep-Oct, red toblue, then black, berry
RHW
Viburnumprunifolium
black haw
Height:
Flowers:
Fruit:
12-24'
reddish purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4.8-7.5
C L
woods, thickets,fields, roadsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
fruits edible, used forpreserves
Fall color:
Apr-May, white
Jul-Nov, pink tobluish-black, berry
RHW
See also:
In the Trees section:Castanea pumilaCornus alternifoliaJuniperus virginianaMagnolia virginianaMalus (Pyrus) coronariaQuercus ilicifolia
CM N
RCS
CM N
RCS
USFW
S BE
S
RHW
RHW
USFW
S BE
S
Rhus copallina Rosa palustris Itea virginica
Vaccinium corymbosum in fall. Kalmia angustifolia
Kalmia latifolia
54
TreesCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Acer negundo
box elder, ash leafmaple, Manitobamaple
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
30-60'30-60'
yellow, red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.2-7
C L S
along rivers,streams, ponds,and seasonallyflooded areas
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
brittle wood; thicket-forming
Fall color:
Apr-May, yellow-green
Jul-Sep, tan brown,winged
USFW
S BE
S, R
HW
Acer rubrum
red, scarlet,swamp, or softmaple
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
40-100'30-75'
red, orange,yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.4-7.1
C L S
swamps, uplands,rocky hillsides,dunes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
earliest spring bloomer;adaptable
Fall color:
Mar-Apr,(inconspicuous)
Apr-Jun, red-brownor yellow, winged
USFW
S BE
S, R
HW
Acer saccharinum
silver, white, river,or soft maple
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-100'75-100'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.2-7.1
C L S
floodplains,streamsides, riverbottoms, pond andlake edges
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Fall color:
Feb-Mar,greenish yellow
Apr-May, tanbrown, winged
PLAN
TS D
EH
Acer saccharum
sugar maple
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
60-100'50-75'
yellow, orange,red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4-7.3
L S
upland woods,mountain covesand slopes
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE
NY PA VA
WV
fall color; maple syrup; statetree of New York and WestVirginia
Fall color:
Apr-May, yellow-green
Sep-Oct, green, tanat maturity, winged
USDA
JE
Acer spicatum
mountain maple
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
20-35'20-35'
orange to red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
5.5-7
L
cool rich woods,moist rocky slopesand flats, alongsmall streams
Region:
States:
M
MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
short-lived, strong acidpreference
Fall color:
May-Jun,yellow green
Jul-Sep, red oryellow, winged
RHW
Amelanchierarborea
downyserviceberry,shadbush
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
15-25'
yellow, red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.5-7.5
L S
wooded riverbanks, swamps,rocky slopes
Region:
States:
M
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
used by 58 wildlife species;35 bird species; importantearly summer food; berriesedible to people
Fall color:
Mar-May, white
red to dark purple,fleshy
RHW
Amelanchiercanadensis
serviceberry,shadbush,shadblow
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
35-50'35-50'
orange to red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.6-7.5
C L S
swamps, lowground, woods,thickets
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
Fall color:
Apr-May, white
Jun-Jul, red topurple, fleshy
CM N
RCS
Asimina triloba
paw-paw
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
20-35'20-35'
yellow/ copper-red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
5.2-7.2
L S
river valleys,bottomlands,understory ofwoods.
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
Fall color:
Apr-Jun, purple
Aug-Sep, yellow,berry
PLAN
TS J
SP,
USFW
S BE
S
high wildlifevalue
55
TreesCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Betulaalleghaniensis
yellow birch
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
60-80'35-50'
golden yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.6-8
L S
rich uplands, lowswamps,streamsides,elevated floodplainterraces and knobs
Region:
States:
M
MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
fall color; attractive wintertexture and color; preferscool, moist conditions,common on calcareous soils
Fall color:
Apr-May, yellowgreen
Jul-Oct, green totan, cone/cone-like
PLAN
TS R
M
Betula lenta
sweet birch,black birch,cherry birch
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-75'35-50'
golden yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.8-6.8
L S
steep rocky landand lower slopes
Region:
States:
M P
DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
excellent fall color; prefersmoist sites, tolerates dry;colonizes open or disturbedareas
Fall color:
Apr-May, yellowgreen
Aug-Nov, green totan, cone/cone-like
USFW
S BE
S, R
HW
Betula nigra
river birch, redbirch, black birch
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-75'35-50'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4-6
C L
along streams,rivers, ponds andswamps
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
attractive peeling bark;
Fall color:
Apr-May, darkbrown
Jun-Aug, tan brown,cone/cone-like
USFW
S BE
S, U
SFW
S BE
S
Carpinus caroliniana
Americanhornbeam,musclewood,ironwood
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
13-40'35-50'
orange, red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4-7.4
L S
river margins,bottomlands,swamps
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
slow growing and shortlived
Fall color:
Apr-May, red orreddish-green
Jun-Oct, nut/nut-like
USFW
S BE
S
Carya alba (C.tomentosa)
mockernuthickory
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
60-100'35-50'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
6.5-7.4
L S
ridges, dry hills,hillsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
good fall color
Fall color:
May-Jun, lightgreen
Sep-Oct, lightreddish brown, nut/nut-like
USDA
NRC
S
Carya cordiformis
bitternut orswamp hickory,pignut
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
60-100'60-100'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
6.5-7.4
C L S
rich bottomlands,swamps,frequentlyflooded areas,dry hillsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Fall color:
Apr-May,yellow-green
Aug-Oct, yellowishgreen, nut/nut-like
PLAN
TS
Carya glabra
pignut, sweetpignut, or smoothbark hickory
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
60-100'35-50'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
6.5-7.4
L
dry woods onhillsides and ridges
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Fall color:
Apr-May,yellow-green
Sep-Oct, dark brown,nut/nut-like
CM N
RCS
Carya ovata
shagbark,scalybark, orshellbark hickory
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
70-100'35-50'
brown
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4-6.7
L S
dry upland slopes,lowlands, valleys
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
attractive peeling bark
Fall color:
May-Jun,yellow-green
Sep-Oct, dark orreddish brown, nut/nut-like
USDA
NRC
S
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
56
TreesCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Castanea pumila
chinquapin,eastern orAlleganychinkapin
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
12-20'12-20'
yellow orpurple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
4.5-7.5
L S
rocky slopes, steeprocky land, rockystreambanks,sandy ridges,swamp edges,open woods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
sweet, edible fruit
Fall color:
Jun, pale yellow
Sep-Oct, dark brown,nut/nut-like
RHW
Celtis occidentalis
commonhackberry,sugarberry,nettletree
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
40-100'40-100'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
6-7.8
C L S
drainage basins,floodplains,wooded slopes,high rockylimestone bluffsbordering streams,windbreaks
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
butterfly larval host; droughttolerant; toleratesoccasional flooding;saplings can sprout in deepshade, common onlimestone soils
Fall color:
Apr-May, yellowgreen, brown tint
Sep-Dec, purplebrown, berry
UWI K
K
Cercis canadensis
eastern redbud
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
20-35'20-35'
golden yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.5-7.5
L S
river bottoms andstreambanks
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
fixes nitrogen
Fall color:
Apr-May, pink tolavender
Jul-Dec, black, pod
USFW
S BE
S, U
SFW
S BE
S
Chamaecyparisthyoides
Atlantic whitecedar
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
75'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-5.5
C L S
freshwaterswamps, woods
Region:
States:
C
DE MD
VA
Fall color:
Mar-Apr,greenish brown
bluish, cone/cone-like
PLAN
TS 1
997,
PLA
NTS
GFR
Chionanthusvirginicus
white fringetree
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
20-35'20-35'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.5-6.5
L S
moist streambanks,ridges, hillsides insandy to deep-richsoils
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
Fall color:
May-Jun, white
Sep-Oct, bluishblack, berry
USFW
S RS
, RH
W
Cornus alternifolia
alternate-leaf orpagoda dogwood
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
15-25'15-35'
maroon
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
5.8-7.5
L
dry woods, forestedges, rocky slopes
Region:
States:
M
DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
used by 64 wildlife species;43 bird species; keep rootzone moist and acidic;tolerates full sun; youngstems often purple
Fall color:
May-Jun,creamy white
Jul-Aug, bluishblack, berry
CM N
RCS
Cornus florida
floweringdogwood
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
20-50'20-50'
scarlet red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5-7
L
woods, woodlandedges andopenings,mountain slopes,coves
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
fall migrant birds eatberries; tolerates sun, bestin moist, well-drained,acidic soil with organicmatter, VA state tree
Fall color:
Apr-May, white
Sep-Dec, red toorange, berry
RHW
, US
FWS
RM
Crataegus crus-galli
cockspurhawthorn
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
20-35'20-35'
orange to red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.5-7.2
C L S
thickets, openareas, especially indry or rocky places,low rich slopes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Fall color:
May-Jun, white
Aug-Jan, dull red orgreen, fleshy
USDA
JE
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
57
TreesCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Crataegus viridis
southern thorn,green hawthorn
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
20-35'
purple, scarlet
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
6-7.3
C L
lowlands andvalleys
Region:
States:
C
DE MD
NY VA
Fall color:
Apr, white
bright red to orange,fleshy
PLAN
TS
Diospyros virginiana
commonpersimmon
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-75'35-50'
yellow or purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5-7
C L
open, disturbedareas, deciduouswoods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
edible fruits
Fall color:
Jun, greenishyellow to cream
Sep-Nov, orangepurple, berry
PLAN
TS 1
997,
PLA
NTS
199
7
Fagus grandifolia
American beech
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-100'50-75'
yellow/ tan;retains leaves till spring
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4.1-6.5
L S
rich uplands andlowlands
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
edible nuts; attractive bark;leaves may persist intowinter
Fall color:
Apr-May,yellow-green
Sep-Nov, orange-green, nut/nut-like
CM N
RCS,
CM
NRC
S
Fraxinus americana
white ash
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-100'50-75'
yellow, maroon
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
5-7.5
C L S
upland slopes,valleys, coves,bottomlands
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
fast growth; fall color
Fall color:
Apr-May, deeppurple
Aug-Feb, tan brown,winged
UWI K
JS
Fraxinuspennsylvanica
green ash, redash, swamp ash
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-75'35-50'
yellow toorange
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
5-8
C L S
tidal and nontidalfreshwaterforested wetlands;seasonally toregularly flooded orsaturated
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
tolerates drought; toleratesinfrequent flooding andsome salt; male and femaleflowers on separate plants
Fall color:
Apr-May, purple
Aug-Dec, tan brown,winged
UWI K
K
Ilex opaca
American holly
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
15-50'18-40'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4-7.5
C L
sandy woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
birds eat berries; state treeof Delaware
Fall color:
May-Jun, whiteor cream
red, fleshy
USFW
S BE
S
Juglans nigra
black walnut,American walnut
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
70-90'75-100'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
5.5-8
L
woods, slopes,streamsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
may stunt growth of nearbyplanst
Fall color:
May-Jun,yellow-green
Aug-Sep, yellow-green, nut/nut-like
PLAN
TS D
EH
Juniperus virginiana
eastern red cedar
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-75'35-50'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5-8
C L S
broad range ofhabitats
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
berries consumed by over 50species of birds; berrieshave culinary use
Fall color:
Mar-Apr, redpurple
Jul-Mar, pale greento dark blue, cone/cone-like
RHW
, CM
NRC
S
high wildlifevalue
58
TreesCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
high wildlifevalue
Liquidambarstyraciflua
sweet gum, redgum, sap gum
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
60-100'50-75'
yellow, red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-7
C L S
upland woods,slopes, ravines,floodplains,streambanks
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
Fall color:
Apr-May,yellow-green
Jul-Jan, brown,capsule
CM N
RCS
Liriodendrontulipifera
tulip tree, tulippoplar, yellowpoplar
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
70-100'35-50'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4.5-6.5
L S
bottomland woods,mountain coves,lower slopes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
fast growth
Fall color:
Jun, greenishyellow
Aug-Nov, brown,winged
RHW
Magnolia acuminata
cucumbermagnolia
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
70-100'35-50'
ashy brown
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
5.2-7
C L S
slopes, ravines,valleys,streamsides
Region:
States:
M
MD
NY VA
WV
Fall color:
May-Jun,greenish-yellow
Sep-Nov, browncone w/ scarlet seed,pod
DFT
DL,
DFT
HW,
DFT
HW
Magnolia virginiana
sweetbaymagnolia
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
12-30'12-30'
semi-evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5-6.5
C L S
forested wetlands,seeps, stream andpond edges, sandywoods
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
VA
semi-evergreen; fragrantflowers; toleratesoccasional flooding, somesalt
Fall color:
May-Jul, whiteto cream
Sep-Oct, red, berry
RHW
, US
FWS
BES
Malus coronaria(Pyrus coronaria)
sweet crabapple,Americancrabapple
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
10-30'20-30'
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
forest edges, rockystreams, fields
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
flowers fragrant; susceptibleto insects and diseases;plant at least 500 feet fromcedars; attracts bees andwasps; fruit sour;
Fall color:
Apr-May, pink towhite
Sep-Oct, greenish,fleshy
PLAN
TS W
SJ
Morus rubra
red mulberry,moral
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
35-60'35-60'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
5-7
C L S
floodplains, rivervalleys, hillsides
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
fruit sweet
Fall color:
May-Jun,greenish
Jun-Jul, red, berry
UWI K
K
Nyssa sylvatica
black gum,sourgum, black orswamp tupelo
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
30-75'20-50'
red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4.5-6
L S
forested seasonalwetlands, swampborders, uplandwoods, dry slopes;seasonally floodedor saturated
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
outstanding fall color
Fall color:
Apr-Jun,greenish white
Sep-Oct, blue-black,fleshy
CM N
RCS,
RHW
Ostrya virginiana
eastern hop-hornbeam,ironwood
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
25-50'20-35'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4.2-7.6
C L S
slopes and ridges Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
leaves may persist intowinter
Fall color:
May, red-brown
Jun-Oct, greenturning brown, nut/nut-like
PLAN
TS W
SJ
high wildlifevalue
59
TreesCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Pinus echinata
shortleaf pine,shortstraw pine,southern yellowpine
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
100'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.6-6
C L S
dry mountainridges, fields,floodplains
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
best used for naturalizing
Fall color:
reddish brown,cone/cone-like
BUG
RFW
Pinus rigida
pitch pine
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-75'50-75'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
3.5-5.1
L S
slopes and ridgesof mountains,river valleys, andswamps
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
many birds feed on theseeds; provides wintercover; old trees are fireresistant due to thick bark
Fall color:
May, red- purple
light brown, cone/cone-like
CM N
RCS
Pinus serotina
pond pine, marshpine, pocosin pine
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-60'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.8-6.8
L S
swamps, pocosins,bays, pondmargins, flatwoods
Region:
States:
C
DE
PA VA
many birds feed on theseeds; provides winter cover
Fall color:
yellowish brown,cone/cone-like
VT
Pinus strobus
white pine,Eastern whitepine
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
75-100'50-75'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4-6.5
L
variety ofhabitats; doesbest on moist,well drained,sandy loam soilsof ridges
Region:
States:
M P
DC MD
NY PA VA
WV
many birds feed on theseeds; provides winter cover
Fall color:
May-Jul, red topurplish
Aug-Oct, green tolight brown, cone/cone-like
USDA
NRC
S
Pinus taeda
loblolly, old field,or North Carolinapine
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
70-90'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
4.5-7
C L S
floodplains fields,slopes
Region:
States:
C
DE MD
VA
many birds feed on theseeds; provides winter cover
Fall color:
yellowish, cone/cone-like
USFW
S BE
S
Pinus virginiana
Virginia pine,scrub pine, Jerseypine
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-80'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.5-7.5
C L S
well drained sites;often a pioneerspecies
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
PA VA
WV
many birds feed on theseeds; provides winter cover
Fall color:
reddish brown,cone/cone-like
USDA
NRC
S
Platanusoccidentalis
Americansycamore,Americanplanetree
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
75-100'75-100'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.9-6.5
L S
river bottoms, lakeshores
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
leafs out late spring; showybark; leaves may persist intowinter
Fall color:
Apr-Jun, yellow-green
Aug-Dec, brown,achene (dry, flat seed)
PLAN
TS LA
, US
DA N
RCS
Populus deltoides
eastern orsoutherncottonwood,Carolina poplar
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
75-100'50-100'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.2-7.3
C L S
along waterways Region:
States:
P
DC DE MD
NY VA
WV
best used for naturalizing;grows fast but short lived
Fall color:
Mar-Apr, red
May-Jul, yellow-green, capsule
UWI J
K
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
60
TreesCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
high wildlifevalue
Populusheterophylla
swampcottonwood,swamp poplar,blackcottonwood,downy poplar
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
80'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
W
4.6-5.9
C L
swamps andbottomlands
Region:
States:
P
DE MD
VA
Fall color:
Mar
Apr-May, , capsule
VT,
PLAN
TS 1
997
Prunus americana
American wildplum
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
20-35'20-35'
pale yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5-7
L S
woods, pastures,fencerows,streamsides
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
edible fruit, used for makingpies and jellies
Fall color:
Apr-May, white
Aug-Sep, orange tored, fleshy
RHW
Prunus pensylvanica
pin cherry, firecherry
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
20-35'20-35'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
4.3-6.6
C L S
woods Region:
States:
M
MD
NY PA VA
WV
Fall color:
May, white
Jul-Sep, bright red,fleshy
RHW
Prunus serotina
black or wildcherry, blackchokecherry
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
40-75'20-35'
yellow/ red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5-7.5
L
forests, fencerows, fields, forestedges
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE
NY VA
WV
birds eat fruit
Fall color:
May-Jun, white
Aug-Sep, black,fleshy
CM N
RCS,
RHW
Prunus virginiana
choke cherry
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
25-50'20-35'
dark red-purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
5.2-8.4
C L S
open moist sites;pioneer speciesafter fires
Region:
States:
M
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
fast growing, short lived;fruit sometimes used formaking jelly
Fall color:
May-Jun, white
Aug-Sep, red, black,or yellow, fleshy
RHW
Quercus alba
white oak, staveoak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
75-100'75-100'
red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.5-6.8
L S
dry to moistwoods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
acorns food for wildlife;majestic; MD state tree;leaves may persist intowinter
Fall color:
Mar-May,yellow-green
Sep-Oct, brown,nut/nut-like
CM N
RCS
Quercus bicolor
swamp white oak,swamp oak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
60-100'50-75'
red/brown
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
W
4.3-6.5
C L S
bottomlands,swamp andstream edges
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
acorns food for wildlife
Fall color:
May, yellow-green
Sep-Oct, tanbrown, nut/nut-like
PLAN
TS R
M89
, OS
U
Quercus coccinea
scarlet oak, redoak, black oak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
40-75'50-75'
scarlet
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.5-6.9
L S
dry uplands andslopes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
acorns food for wildlife
Fall color:
May-Jun,yellow-green
Sep-Oct, reddishbrown, nut/nut-like
CM N
RCS
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
61
TreesCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Quercus falcata
southern orswamp red oak,Spanish oak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
70-80'
brown
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.8-7
C L S
uplands Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
acorns food for wildlife
Fall color:
Apr-May
Oct, orangebrown, nut/nut-like
DFT
HW
Quercus ilicifolia
bear oak, scruboak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
12-20'12-20'
yellow, scarletred to purplish
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
4-7.5
C L S
barrens, balds,woods, dunes,fields
Region:
States:
M P
PA VA
WV
leaves may persist intowinter
Fall color:
May-Jun,yellow-green or reddish
Sep-Jan, lightbrown, nut/nut-like
CM N
RCS
Quercus marilandica
blackjack oak,Jack oak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
35-50'35-50'
yellow/brown
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
4.6-5.6
L S
woods, ridges,slopes, sandyflatwoods
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
acorns food for wildlife,leaves may persist intowinter
Fall color:
Apr-Jun,yellow-green
Sep-Oct, tan brown,nut/nut-like
CM N
RCS
Quercus michauxii(Q. montana)
swamp chestnutoak, basket oak,cow oak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-80'75-100'
red/ brown
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-6.5
L
bottomlands,ravine slopes,flatwoods overlimestone
Region:
States:
M P C
DE MD
NY VA
WV
acorns food for wildlife
Fall color:
May, yellow-green
Sep-Oct, tan brown,nut/nut-like
PLAN
TS 1
995
Quercusmuehlenbergii
Chinquapin orchinkapin oak,yellow oak,chestnut oak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
35-50'35-50'
yellow-brown
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
6.5-8
L
rich, woods,uplands, outcrops,dry bluffs, slopes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC MD
NY VA
WV
Fall color:
May-Jun,yellow-green
Sep-Oct, lightbrown, nut/nut-like
UWI K
JS
Quercus nigra
water oak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-80'
green persistslate
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.8-5.8
C L
upland woods,bottomlands,hammocks, fields
Region:
States:
C
DC DE MD
VA
acorns food for wildlife
Fall color:
Apr-May
Oct, black, nut/nut-like
PLAN
TS LA
Quercus palustris
pin oak, swampoak, Spanish oak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-80'50-75'
red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-6.5
C L
bottomlands orupland flats
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
popular shade tree; fallcolor; acorns food forwildlife; leaves may persistinto winter
Fall color:
Apr-May,yellow-green
Sep-Oct, lightbrown, nut/nut-like
PLAN
TS R
M91
Quercus phellos
willow oak, pinoak, peach oak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
80-100'
red
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4.5-5.5
C L
bottomlands, lowflatwoods, uplandfields
Region:
States:
P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
acorns food for wildlife
Fall color:
Feb-May
light yellow orgreenish brown,nut/nut-like
USFW
S BE
S
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
62
TreesCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Quercus prinus (Q.montana)
chestnut oak,rock oak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
40-80'
yellow/orange
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D
4.5-7
L S
rocky ridges andslopes
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
acorns food for wildlife; fallcolor
Fall color:
May-Jun,yellowish
Sep-Oct, brown,nut/nut-like
PLAN
TS 1
997
Quercus rubra
northern red oak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
90'
red or yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.3-6.5
C L
slopes, coves, anddrier ridges
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
acorns food for wildlife;hardy and long-lived; fallcolor
Fall color:
Apr-May
scales reddish-brown, nut/nut-like
UWI K
JS
Quercus stellata
post oak, iron oak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
35-50'35-50'
brown
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.8-7
C L S
upland dry ridgesto moistflatwoods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
VA
WV
acorns food
Fall color:
Apr-Jun, yellow-green
Sep-Oct, lightbrown to almost black,nut/nut-like
CM N
RCS
Quercus velutina
black oak, yellowbark oak,quercitron oak
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
75-100'75-100'
red/brown
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.5-6
C L S
dry upland ridgesand slopes,flatwoods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
acorns food for wildlife;leaves may persist intowinter
Fall color:
Apr-May,yellow-green
Sep-Oct, light red-brown, nut/nut-like
BUG
DJM
Salix nigra
black willow,swamp willow
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
35-50'20-35'
yellow green
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
6-8
C L S
fresh tidalmarshes andswamps, forestedwetlands,floodplains, wetmeadows;seasonally toregularly floodedor saturated
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
streambank stabilizer;spreads by suckers;preferred food of ruffedgrouse and pine grosbeak;tolerates flooding; toleratessalinity to 0.5 ppt
Fall color:
Mar-Apr, yellowgreen
Apr-May, greenyellow, cone/cone-like
CM N
RCS
Salix sericea
silky willow
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
12'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.2-7
C L S
marshes, ditches,low woods
Region:
States:
M P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Fall color:
Jun-Jul
CM N
RCS
Sassafras albidum
sassafras
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
35-50'35-50'
yellow, orange,purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
4.5-7.2
L S
moist, open woods Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
edible and medicinal uses;provides spring and fallcolor
Fall color:
Apr, yellow-green
Sep-Oct, dark blue,fleshy
USFW
S BE
S, R
HW
Sorbus americana(Pyrus americana)
Americanmountain ash
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
30-40'
orange, purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
5.3-6.8
C L S
areas fromborders ofswamps to rockyhillsides;openings,uplands alongforest edges,roadsides
Region:
States:
M
MD
VA
WV
slow-growing, short-lived;not drought or heat tolerant;plant at least 500 feet fromcedars
Fall color:
May-Jul, white
Aug-Dec, orange,fleshy
RHW
, RH
W
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
63
TreesCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Taxodium distichum
bald cypress,cypress, swampcypress
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-100'20-35'
purple to brown
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
W
4.5-6
C L S
rivers, lake andpond margins,swamps, coastalmarshes, pocosins,river bottoms
Region:
States:
C
DE MD
VA
deciduous conifer
Fall color:
Mar-Apr, deeppurple
Oct-Dec, brown,cone/cone-like
USFW
S BE
S, U
SFW
S BE
S
Thuja occidentalis
arborvitae,northern whitecedar
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
50-75'35-50'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.2-7
C L S
calcareous areas Region:
States:
M
NY VA
prefers wet calcareousareas
Fall color:
May, red brown
Aug-Dec, reddish-brown, cone/cone-like
USFW
S BE
S, U
SFW
S BE
S
Tilia americana
Americanbasswood, linden
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
70-100'50-75'
yellow orbrown
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4.5-7.5
L S
woods, slopes Region:
States:
M
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
fragrant flowers; importantpollen source for honey bees
Fall color:
Jun-Jul, yellow
Sep-Oct, tan brown,winged
PLAN
TS D
EH,
PLAN
TS D
EH
Tsuga canadensis
eastern hemlock
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
75-100'35-50'
evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
4.2-5.7
L S
cool valleys Region:
States:
M P
DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
susceptible to wooly adelgidand red spider mite; also T.caroliniana for VA
Fall color:
May-Jun, tanbrown
Sep-Jan, lightbrown, cone/cone-like
USDA
NRC
S
Ulmus americana
American elm,white elm, softelm
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
75-100'75-100'
bright yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.5-8
C L S
river bottoms,swamps, disturbedfields, road sides,cutover forests
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
Dutch elm disease causeddecline; distinctive vaseshape; favorite nesting siteof Baltimore oriole
Fall color:
Mar-Apr, redbrown
May, tan brown,winged
USDA
NRC
S
Ulmus rubra
slippery elm, redelm, soft elm
Height:Spread:Flowers:
Fruit:
70'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
5.5-7
C L S
moist slopes andbottomlands, driersites on calcareoussoils
Region:
States:
P
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
Fall color:
Mar-May
winged
high wildlifevalue
high wildlifevalue
See also:
In the Shrubs section:Hamamelis virginianaMorella (Myrica) ceriferaRhododendron maximumRhus copallina, hirta (typhina)Viburnum prunifolium
USFW
S BE
S
USFW
S RM
CM N
RCS
Cornus floridaA diverse forest offers food and cover throughout all seasons.
Ilex opaca
64
VinesCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Aristolochiamacrophylla (A.durior)
pipevine,Dutchman's pipe
Spread:
Flowers:
yellow green
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
6.1-8.5
L
rich woods,streambanks
Region:
States:
M
VA
WV
occasionally escapes fromcultivation; host for pipevineswallowtail butterfly
Fall color:O
May-Jun,yellowish to purplish
green to brown, podFruit:RH
W
Bignonia capreolata
crossvine
Spread:
Flowers:
20-35'
semi-evergreen;reddish-purple
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
6.1-8.5
C L S
swampy forests,calcareous river banks,cliffs, dry open woods,bogs, fence rows, rockoutcrops
Region:
States:
C
MD
VA
spreads across ground andclimbs any structure it meets(control by cutting); semi-evergreen
Fall color:
May-Jun, orangewith red
Aug-Oct, brown, podFruit:
USFW
S BE
S
Campsis radicans
trumpet vine,trumpet creeper
Spread:
Flowers:
20-35'
yellow green
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
6.1-7.5
C L S
moist woods, fencerows, roadsidethickets, floodplainforests, rocky hillsides,open woods,streambanks, fields
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
PA VA
thick, twisted, aged woodyvines; leaves/flowers maycause dermatitis (skinirritation)
Fall color:
Jul-Sep, orange
Aug-Mar, brown, podFruit:
USFW
S BE
S
Celastrus scandens
Americanbittersweet
Spread:
Flowers:
6-20'
yellow
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
6.1-7.5
C L S
roadsides, forestedges, fence rows,pastures, hedges,bluffs, rocky slopes,dunes, sandy oakwoods
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
distinguished from nonnativeinvasive Oriental bittersweetby flowers/fruits in clustersat ends of twigs
Fall color:
May-Jun, greenish
Sep-Dec, orange andred, capsule
Fruit:
PLAN
TS T
GB,
UWI D
K
Clematis viorna
leather flower,vasevine
Spread:
Flowers:
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
rich wooded banks,thickets
Region:
States:
P
DC DE MD
VA
WV
feathery seeds
Fall color:
May-Aug, purple
Aug-Nov, dark brown,achene (dry, flat seed)
Fruit:
RHW
Clematis virginiana
virgin's bower
Spread:
Flowers:
6-12'
yellow, green orpurplish
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
6.1-8.5
C L S
fencerows, riverbanks,thickets, woods edge,roadside swales,swamps, overhangingcliffs
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
fragrant flowers; featheryseeds; young plants can betransplanted; yellow, greenor purplish fall color
Fall color:O
Jul-Sep, white
Aug-Nov, brown,achene (dry, flat seed)
Fruit:
USFW
S BE
S
Lonicerasempervirens
trumpet or coralhoneysuckle
Spread:
Flowers:
6-12'
semi-evergreen
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
6.1-7.5
C L S
thickets, fence rows,open woods, dry stonywoods, forest edges,cliffs
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
flowers intermittently untilfrost; flowers/fruits presenttogether; transplants well;may have aphids - hose off,snip new growth anddamaged buds; semi-evergreenFall color:
Apr-Oct, coral tored with yellow
Aug-Mar, red, berryFruit:
RHW
, US
FWS
BES
Mikania scandens
climbinghempvine
Spread:
Flowers:
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
5.7-7.5
C L
swamps, thickets Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY VA
vines herbaceous, not woody
Fall color:
Jun-Oct, pink orwhitish
blueFruit:
RHW
65
VinesCharacteristics Conditions Habitat Native to Wildlife Notes
Parthenocissusquinquefolia
Virginia creeper
Spread:
Flowers:
25-35'
purple to crimson
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M W
5.1-7.5
C L S
fence rows, forestedges, open woods,ravines, bluffs, cliffs
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlifevalue
bank stabilizer; control bytrimming; fruits eaten byvariety of wildlife; purple tocrimson fall color
Fall color:
Jun-Aug, greenishwhite
Sep-Feb, bluish black,berry
Fruit:
RHW
, US
FWS
BES
Passiflora incarnata
passionflower,Maypops
Spread:
Flowers:
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
D M
C L S
fields, rocky slopes,thin woods, roadsides,fencerows, thickets
Region:
States:
C
MD
VA
herbaceous vine; large fleshyberry edible; fragrant
Fall color:
Jun-Sep, purpleand white
Sep-Oct, yellow, fleshy
Fruit:
RHW
Smilax herbacea
smooth carrionflower
Spread:
Flowers:
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M
C L S
thickets, woods,floodplains
Region:
States:
M P C
DC DE MD
NY
WV
herbaceous, climbing vine,not prickly; flowermalodorous; male andfemale plants separate
Fall color:
Apr-Jun, greenish-yellow
Jul-Nov, blue-black,berry
Fruit:
RHW
, RH
W
Wisteria frutescens
Atlantic wisteria,Americanwisteria
Spread:
Flowers:
Light:
Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:
M W
4-7
C L S
forest and forestedswamp edges,streambanks, thickets
Region:
States:
C
DE
VA
Fall color:
Apr-Aug, lilac
brown, podFruit:
SMSU
, SM
SU
See also:
In the Herbaceous Plants section:Clitoria mariana
USFW
S BE
S
USFW
S BE
S
USFW
S BE
S
RHW
Characteristic pipe-shaped flower ofAristolochia macrophylla.
Bignonia capreolata in bloom adorns a porch.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia used as a groundcover.
Lonicera sempervirens may bloom year-round.
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Plants With a PurposeThis section includes lists of plant combinations that can be used to mimic the natural communities ofplants found in wetlands, meadows, forests, etc. They can be used to create, restore or enhanceexisting habitat for wildlife. Also included are plants that can be used in solving problems such asstabilizing soils, or for specific landscaping uses. No matter what the purpose, it is imperative thatspecies are chosen to suit planting site conditions and the physiographic location of the site. None ofthese lists are complete – there are additional suitable plants in this guide (and even more nativespecies not included in this publication) that would suit these purposes. This document is intended togive project planners guidance in choosing appropriate plants for various projects, and additionallearning is encouraged. For the most ecologically “correct” habitat restoration projects, consultationwith professionals is recommended, as there are other factors to consider that are not addressed here.
Plants For Coastal Dunes
Note: the shrubs and trees listed would occur onthe inner or secondary dunes and/or oninterdunal swales.
Grasses and Grasslike PlantsAmmophila breviligulataPanicum amarum (and var. amarulum)Spartina patensPanicum virgatum
Herbaceous PlantsBaptisia tinctoriaLiatris pilosa v. pilosa (graminifolia)Nuttallanthus canadensis (Linaria canadensis)Opuntia humifusa (compressa)Oenothera biennisSolidago sempervirensYucca filamentosa (flaccida)
ShrubsBaccharis halimifoliaMorella (Myrica) cerifera, pensylvanicaPrunus maritimaRhus copallinaRosa carolina
TreesAcer rubrumAmelanchier arboreaDiospyros virginianaJuniperus virginianaPinus rigidaPrunus pensylvanica, serotina
VinesCelastrus scandensParthenocissus quinquefolia
Plants For Saltwater or Brackish Water Marshes
Plants in this list can be used for marsh plantingsor to stabilize tidal fresh, brackish or saltwatershorelines based on salinity and wetnesstolerances. Check the salinity and moisturerequirements given in this publication for eachplant, so they will be planted in the appropriateconditions. Those species for use in salinitygreater than 15 ppt are marked (*).
Grasses and Grasslike PlantsAmmophila breviligulata *Distichlis spicata *Juncus canadensisJuncus roemerianus *Panicum amarum (and var. amarulum) *Panicum virgatumSchoenoplectus pungens v. pungens (Scirpus
pungens, americanus)Schoenoplectus (Scirpus) validusSpartina alterniflora *Spartina cynosuroidesSpartina patens *Spartina pectinata
Note: Although grasslike, Distichlis, Juncus,Schoenoplectus, and Spartina speciesinformation can be found in the HerbaceousEmergents section of the guide.
Herbaceous PlantsAgalinus purpureaLimonium carolinianumSolidago sempervirens *
Herbaceous EmergentsHibiscus moscheutos (palustris)Iris prismatica, versicolor, virginicaKosteletzkya virginicaPeltandra virginicaPontederia cordata
ShrubsBaccharis halimifolia *Iva frutescens *Morella (Myrica) cerifera *, pensylvanica *
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Plants for Freshwater Wetlands and Other Wet Sites
The following plants may be used to create orenhance freshwater marshes or swamps or tostabilize and enhance streambanks, riverbanks orpond edges.
Remember to match the plants’ growthrequirements with the site conditions. Wetnesstolerated by these plants is provided in this guidein terms of frequency and duration of soilsaturation or inundation (flooding), and depth ofstanding water.
FernsAthyrium filix-feminaDryopteris carthusiana (spinulosa), cristata,intermedia
Onoclea sensibilisOsmunda cinnamomea, regalisPteridium aquilinumThelypteris noveboracensis, palustrisWoodwardia areolata, virginica
Grasses and Grasslike PlantsAgrostis perennansAndropogon gerardii, glomeratus, virginicusCalamagrostis canadensisCarex crinita var. crinita, lurida, stricta,vulpinoidea
Dichanthelium clandestinumElymus ripariusFestuca rubraLeersia oryzoidesPanicum virgatumSaccharum giganteum (Erianthus giganteus)Tripsacum dactyloides
Herbaceous PlantsArisaema triphyllumAsclepias incarnataCaltha palustrisChelone glabraConoclinium (Eupatorium) coelestinumDoellingeria umbellata var. umbellata (Asterumbellatus)
Eupatorium dubium, perfoliatumGentiana clausaHelianthus angustifoliusHeracleum maximum (lanatum)Impatiens capensis (biflora)Lobelia cardinalis, siphiliticaMertensia virginicaMimulus ringensMonarda didymaPackera aurea (Senecio aureus)Phlox maculataRudbeckia laciniata
Saxifraga pensylvanicaScutellaria integrifoliaSisyrinchium atlanticumSpiranthes cernuaStachys tenuifolia (hispida)Symphyotrichum (Aster) novae-angliae, novi-
belgiiSymplocarpus foetidusThalictrum pubescens (polygamum)Veratrum virideVerbena hastataVernonia noveboracensisVeronicastrum virginicum (Veronica virginica)Viola conspersa, cucullata, striata
Herbaceous EmergentsDulichium arundinaceumHibiscus moscheutos (palustris)Iris prismatica, versicolor, virginicaJuncus effususJusticia americanaNuphar lutea (advena)Nymphaea odorataOrontium aquaticumPeltandra virginicaPontederia cordataSagittaria latifoliaSaururus cernuusSchoenoplectus (Scirpus) validusScirpus atrovirens, cyperinusSparganium americanumSpartina pectinataZizania aquatica
ShrubsAlnus serrulataCephalanthus occidentalisClethra alnifoliaCornus amomumGaylussacia baccata, frondosaHypericum densiflorumIlex verticillataItea virginicaKalmia angustifolia, latifoliaLeucothoe racemosaLindera benzoinLyonia ligustrinaMorella (Myrica ) caroliniensis (heterophylla),
cerifera, pensylvanicaPhotinia (Aronia) melanocarpa, pyrifolia
(arbutifolia)Physocarpus opulifoliusRhododendron maximum, periclymenoides,
viscosumRosa palustrisRubus allegheniensis
Salix humilisSambucus nigra ssp. canadensis (S. canadensis)Spiraea alba v. latifolia (latifolia), tomentosaVaccinium corymbosum, macrocarponViburnum dentatum (recognitum), nudum, nudumv. cassinoides (cassinoides), prunifolium
TreesAcer negundo, rubrum, saccharinumAmelanchier canadensisBetula alleghaniensis, nigraCarpinus carolinianaCarya cordiformis, glabraCeltis occidentalisChamaecyparis thyoidesCrataegus viridisFraxinus pennsylvanicaLiquidambar styracifluaMagnolia virginianaNyssa sylvaticaPinus serotina, strobus, taedaPlatanus occidentalisPopulus deltoides, heterophyllaQuercus bicolor, michauxii (montana), nigra,palustris, phellos
Salix nigra, sericeaTaxodium distichumThuja occidentalisTsuga canadensisUlmus americana
VinesBignonia capreolataMikania scandensParthenocissus quinquefoliaWisteria frutescens
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Plants Appropriate for Bogs or Bog Gardens
FernsAthyrium filix-feminaOnoclea sensibilisOsmunda cinnamomeaThelypteris noveboracensis , palustrisWoodwardia areolata
Grasses and Grasslike PlantsCalamagrostis canadensisCarex strictaLeersia oryzoides
Herbaceous PlantsArisaema triphyllumCaltha palustrisChelone glabraDoellingeria umbellata var. umbellate (Aster
umbellatus)Eupatorium dubium, perfoliatumGentiana clausaSaxifraga pensylvanicaScutellaria integrifoliaSpiranthes cernuaSymplocarpus foetidusVeratrum virideViola cucullata
Herbaceous EmergentsDulichium arundinaceumJuncus effususOrontium aquaticumSagittaria latifoliaScirpus atrovirens, cyperinusSparganium americanum
ShrubsClethra alnifoliaGaultheria procumbensHypericum densiflorumKalmia angustifoliaMorella caroliniensis (Myrica heterophylla)Photinia (Aronia) melanocarpa, pyrifolia
(arbutifolia)Rhododendron viscosumSalix humilisSpiraea alba, alba v. latifolia (latifolia)Spiraea tomentosaVaccinium corymbosum, macrocarponViburnum dentatum (recognitum), nudum, nudum
v. cassinoides (cassinoides)
TreesAcer rubrumChamaecyparis thyoidesNyssa sylvatica
VinesBignonia capreolata
Plants for Dry Meadows
Grasses and Grasslike PlantsAndropogon gerardiiDanthonia spicataElymus canadensis, riparius, virginicusSchizachyrium scoparium (Andropogon scoparius)Sorghastrum nutansTridens flavus
Herbaceous PlantsAgeratina altissima v. altissima (Eupatorium
rugosum)Antennaria neglectaAsclepias syriaca, tuberosaChamaecrista (Cassia) fasciculataConoclinum (Eupatorium) coelestinumCoreopsis tripteris, verticillataDesmodium paniculatumDodecatheon meadiaErigeron pulchellusEupatorium hyssopifolium, purpureumHeliopsis helianthoidesIonactis (Aster) linariifolius
Lespedeza capitataLiatris spicata, squarrosaLupinus perennisMonarda bradburiana (fistulosa), punctataNuttallanthus (Linaria)canadensisOenothera biennis, fruticosa, perennisPenstemon digitalisPycnanthemum incanumRudbeckia fulgida, hirta, trilobaSolidago canadensis, canadensis v. scabra
(altissima), juncea, nemoralis, speciosaSymphyotrichum (Aster) cordifolius, ericoides var.
ericoides, laeve var. laeve (laevis), novae-angliae
ShrubsNote: Listed are a few of the shorter shrubs thatmay appear in or at the edges of meadows.Using shrubs in a planting that is to remain as ameadow is not recommended, as they provideperching spots for birds, whose droppings willseed in unwanted plants, including trees. If themeadow is to be allowed to succeed eventuallyto forest, then adding shrubs is one prescribedmethod.
Ceanothus americanusComptonia peregrinaRhus glabraRosa carolinaRubus allegheniensis
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Plants for Wet Meadows
FernsOnoclea sensibilisOsmunda cinnamomeaThelypteris palustris
Grasses and Grasslike PlantsAndropogon gerardii, virginicusCalamagrostis canadensisCarex glaucodea, strictaElymus ripariusLeersia oryzoidesPanicum virgatumTripsacum dactyloides
Herbaceous PlantsAgalinis purpureaAsclepias incarnataCaltha palustrisDoellingeria umbellata var. umbellata (Asterumbellatus)
Gentiana clausa
Eupatorium fistulosum, maculatum, perfoliatumHelenium autumnaleImpatiens capensis (I. biflora)Lilium canadense, superbumLobelia cardinalis, siphiliticaMimulus ringensPackera aurea (Senecio aureus)Phlox maculataRudbeckia laciniataSabatia angularisScutellaria integrifoliaSilphium perfoliatumSisyrinchium atlanticumSolidago rugosaSpiranthes cernuaStachys tenuifolia (hispida)Symphyotrichum (Aster) novi-belgiiThalictrum pubescens (polygamum)Verbena hastataViola conspersaViola striata
Herbaceous EmergentsIris prismatica, versicolor, virginicaJuncus effususScirpus atrovirens, cyperinusSpartina pectinata
ShrubsNote: Listed are a few of the shorter shrubs thatmay appear in or at the edges of meadows.Using shrubs in a planting that is to remain as ameadow is not recommended, as they provideperching spots for birds, whose droppings willseed in unwanted plants, including trees. If themeadow is to be allowed to succeed eventuallyto forest, then adding shrubs is one prescribedmethod.
Cephalanthus occidentalisIlex verticillataRhododendron viscosumRosa palustrisSpiraea tomentosa
Plants for Forest or Woodland Plantings
Forests contain a diversity of plant types arrangedin vertical layers, from the tallest (canopy oroverstory) trees, through the understory of shortertrees and shrubs, to the forest floor or groundlayer of low shrubs and herbaceous plants. Foresttypes are classified by the dominant trees present(e.g., oak-hickory-pine forest). Plant speciesoccurring together in these different forest typesare a function of the climate, altitude, geologyand physiographic location, soil type, moisture,sunlight, and other conditions. So manycombinations of plants occur in these differentforests that space limitations prevent listing themall. Instead, the following represent plants foundin a few of the more common forest types in theChesapeake Bay watershed. These lists providethe basis for a viable forest or woodland project.Common ferns, grasses and herbaceous plantsfor the ground layer are listed separately, as theymay occur in many of the forest types in variouscombinations. Remember to match the plants’growth requirements with the site conditions.
For new projects at open sites, it may take yearsfor young trees to provide adequate shade.Consult other restoration resources and/orprofessionals for alternative methods ofdeveloping the ground layer, and for morecomprehensive forest community information.
Forest Types, Basic Structure
Oak-Mixed Forest (Coastal Plain)Canopy trees for well-drained sitesCarya cordiformis, tomentosaQuercus alba, falcata, marilandica, phellos,prinus, stellata, velutina
Pinus species, occasional intermixed withthe above
Canopy trees for moist sitesAcer rubrumFagus grandifoliaQuercus bicolor, michauxii, nigra, palustris,phellos
Liquidambar styracifluaLiriodendron tulipiferaNyssa sylvatica
Understory treesAsimina trilobaCercis canadensisCornus floridaIlex opacaMagnolia virginiana
Understory shrubsComptonia peregrinaGaylussacia frondosaIlex glabraKalmia angustifolia, latifoliaMorella (Myrica) cerifera, pensylvanicaVaccinium pallidum (vacillans), stamineumViburnum dentatum (recognitum), prunifolium
Pine Forest (Coastal Plain)Overstory trees
Pinus taeda, virginiana, rigida (occasional)
Understory treesIlex opacaSassafras albidum
Understory shrubsClethra alnifoliaMorella (Myrica) cerifera, pensylvanicaRhus copallina
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Hemlock-White Pine Forest (Mountain)Dominant overstory treesAcer saccharumBetula alleghaniensis (lutea)Fagus grandifoliaPinus strobusTilia americanaTsuga canadensis
also Picea rubens (red spruce, not includedin this guide, but native in the Baywatershed in mountain region)
Other treesAcer rubrumBetula lentaLiriodendron tulipiferaQuercus rubra, velutina
ShrubsHamamelis virginianaRhododendron maximumViburnum acerifolium
Mixed Mesophytic Forest (Mountain)These forests are relicts of ancient mesic (moist)broadleaf deciduous forests. They can be verydiverse.
Dominant overstory treesAcer saccharumBetula lentaCarya ovataCarpinus carolinianaFagus grandifoliaFraxinus americanaJuglans nigraLiriodendron tulipiferaMagnolia acuminataPrunus serotinaQuercus rubraTilia americana
Understory trees and shrubsCercis canadensisHamamelis virginianaHydrangea arborescensLindera benzoinRhododendron maximumStaphylea trifolia
Woodland Floor or Ground Layer Plants
Oak-Hickory Forest (Piedmont and Mountain,occasional on Coastal Plain)
Dominant overstory treesCarya cordiformis, ovataQuercus alba, prinus, rubra, velutina
Other treesAmelanchier arborea, canadensisCarya alba, glabra, tomentosaCeltis occidentalisCercis canadensisCornus floridaCrataegus viridisFraxinus AmericanaJuglans nigraPrunus serotinaQuercus coccinea, falcata, lyrata, marilandica,muhlenbergii, stellata
Sassafras albidumTilia americanaUlmus Americana
Additional trees for more moist sitesAcer rubrumLiquidambar styracifluaLiriodendron tulipiferaUlmus americana
ShrubsKalmia latifoliaVaccinium angustifolium, corymbosum,pallidum (vacillans), stamineum
Viburnum acerifolium
Red Oak - Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont)Dominant overstory treesAcer rubrumCarya ovata, tomentosaBetula alleghaniensis (lutea), lentaFraxinus americanaFagus grandifoliaLiriodendron tulipiferaQuercus alba, rubra, velutinaPinus strobus*Tsuga canadensis*
* These would be in the Hemlock-White Pine-RedOak-Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont andMountain regions).
Understory trees and shrubsAmelanchier speciesCarpinus carolinianaHamamelis virginianaLindera benzoinViburnum acerifolium, dentatum (recognitum)
These plants can also be used for gardens in oradjacent to wooded areas. Refer to specifichabitat and growing conditions to match plants inappropriate groupings.
FernsAll species included in this guide occur inwoodlands.
Grasses and Grasslike PlantsAgrostis perennansAndropogon gerardiiCarex crinita var. crinita, glaucodea, lurida,pensylvanica, vulpinoidea
Chasmanthium latifoliumDanthonia spicataDichanthelium clandestinum, commutatumElymus hystrix (Hystrix patula)Festuca rubraPanicum virgatumSaccharum giganteum (Erianthus giganteus)Schizachyrium scoparium (Andropogon scoparius)Sorghastrum nutansTridens flavusTripsacum dactyloides
Herbaceous PlantsActaea pachypodaAgeratina altissima v. altissima (Eupatoriumrugosum)
Aquilegia canadensisAralia nudicaulis, racemosaArisaema triphyllumAruncus dioicusAsarum canadenseCampanulastrum americanum (Campanulaamericana)
Cardamine concatenata (Dentaria laciniata)Caulophyllum thalictroidesChelone glabraChimaphila maculataChrysogonum virginianumCimicifuga racemosaClaytonia virginicaDelphinium tricorneDicentra canadensis, cucullaria, eximiaErythronium americanumEurybia divaricata (Aster divaricatus)Geranium maculatumHelenium autumnaleHelianthus divaricatusHeliopsis helianthoidesHepatica nobilis var. acuta (acutiloba), var. obtusa(americana)
Heracleum maximum (lanatum)Heuchera americana, villosa
(continued)
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Hydrophyllum virginianumImpatiens capensis (biflora)Ionactis (Aster) linariifoliusJeffersonia diphyllaLiatris scariosaLilium canadense, philadelphicumMaianthemum canadense, racemosum(Smilacina racemosa)
Medeola virginianaMelanthium virginicumMertensia virginicaMitchella repensMitella diphyllaMonarda didymaOsmorhiza longistylisOxalis violacea
Packera aurea (Senecio aureus)Penstemon laevigatusPhlox carolina, divaricata, stoloniferaPodophyllum peltatumPolemonium reptansPolygonatum biflorum, pubescensSanguinaria canadensisSaxifraga pensylvanica, virginiensisScutellaria integrifoliaSedum ternatumSilene caroliniana, stellata, virginicaSolidago caesia, flexicaulis, rugosaStachys tenuifolia (hispida)Stellaria puberaThalictrum dioicum, pubescens (polygamum),
thalictroides (Anemonella t.)Tiarella cordifoliaTradescantia virginianaTrillium erectum, grandiflorum, sessile, undulatumUvularia grandiflora, perfoliata, sessilifoliaVeratrum virideViola conspersa, hastata, pubescens(pennsylvanica), sororia (papilionacea), striata
Zizia aurea
VinesAny of the vines included in this guide may befound in woodlands, occupying various vegetativelayers, from the ground up.
Solutions for Slopes
Slopes of any kind are prone to erosion from rain, runoff; wave action, stream or river currents, and foot or lawnmower traffic. Plants with deep, spreadingroot systems help prevent erosion by holding soil in place. Some plants that are particularly well suited to and recommended for holding or stabilizing soilson a dry upland slope or hillsides such as a sloping yard or road embankment are listed below.
However, any plant suited to the site’s sun, soil, and moisture conditions that could be planted on a flat surface could be planted on a slope, as long as theslope is accessible. Plants that naturally occur on slopes or hillsides can be found by searching the “habitat” notes provided with each plant in this guide.
For plants to use on a tidal shoreline, see the list of saltmarsh or freshwater marsh plants. For plants to use on a stream, pond or riverbank, see the list offreshwater marsh plants.
Grasses & Grasslike PlantsAmmophila breviligulataAndropogon gerardiiDichanthelium clandestinumElymus canadensisPanicum virgatumPanicum amarumSchizachyrium scoparium
Herbaceous PlantsAny of the herbaceous plants that thrive in asunny, dry site tend to be deep-rooted and wouldprovide good slope stabilization. See the drymeadow plants list on for additional choices.
Baptisia tinctoriaLespedeza capitataChamaecrista (Cassia) fasciculata
ShrubsComptonia peregrinaCeanothus americanusClethra alnifoliaCornus racemosaGaylussacia baccata, frondosa
Celtis occidentalisChionanthus virginicusCornus alternifolia, floridaCrataegus crus-galliFraxinus americanaJuglans nigraLiquidambar styracifluaLiriodendron tulipiferaMagnolia acuminataMorus rubraNyssa sylvaticaOstrya virginianaPinus rigida, taedaQuercus coccineaQuercus marilandica, michauxii, muehlenbergii,prinus, rubra, velutina
Sorbus (Pyrus) americanaUlmus rubra
VinesCampsis radicansCelastrus scandensPassiflora incarnataParthenocissus quinquefolia
Plants That Provide Stabilization on Dry, Sunny Slopes or Hillsides
Hypericum densiflorumKalmia latifoliaMorella pensylvanicaPhysocarpus opulifoliusRhus aromaticaRhus copallinaRhus glabraRosa carolinaRubus allegheniensisVaccinium angustifoliumViburnum acerifolium
TreesThe following are some of the tree species thatmay occur on slopes. However, for stabilizationpurposes, practitioners recommend plantingherbaceous plants and shrubs, as trees willappear in time through succession.
Acer rubrum, saccharum, spicatumAmelanchier arboreaBetula lentaCarya alba (tomentosa), cordiformis, glabra, ovataCastanea pumila
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Evergreens
FernsAsplenium platyneuronDryopteris carthusiana (spinulosa), cristata,
intermedia, marginalisPolystichum acrostichoides
Herbaceous PlantsAsarum canadenseGoodyera pubescensHeuchera americanaMitchella repensPhlox carolina, stolonifera, subulataSedum ternatum
Silene carolinianaSolidago sempervirensYucca filamentosa (flaccida)
ShrubsGaultheria procumbensIlex glabraKalmia angustifolia, latifoliaMorella (Myrica) caroliniensis (heterophylla),
ceriferaRhododendron maximumVaccinium macrocarpon
TreesChamaecyparis thyoidesIlex opacaJuniperus virginianaMagnolia virginianaPinus any species in this guideThuja occidentalisTsuga canadensis
VinesBignonia capreolataLonicera sempervirens
Plants to use as Groundcovers
FernsAny species in this guide
Grasses and Grasslike PlantsCarex glaucodea, pensylvanicaDanthonia spicataFestuca rubra
Herbaceous PlantsAquilegia canadensisAsarum canadenseChimaphila maculataChrysogonum virginianumChrysopsis mariana
Coreopsis verticillataErigeron pulchellusEurybia divaricata (Aster divaricatus)Geranium maculatumHepatica nobilis var. acuta (acutiloba), nobilis var.
obtusa (americana)Heuchera americana, villosaHylotelephium (Sedum) telephioidesMaianthemum canadenseMitchella repensOpuntia humifusa (compressa)Oxalis violaceaPhlox carolina, stolonifera, subulataPodophyllum peltatumPolemonium reptans
Sedum ternatumSilene carolinianaTiarella cordifoliaUvularia sessilifoliaViola conspersa, cucullata, hastata, pedata
ShrubsGaultheria procumbensVaccinium angustifolium, macrocarponVaccinium pallidum (vacillans)
VinesBignonia capreolataCampsis radicansCelastrus scandensParthenocissus quinquefolia
Plants for Spring and Fall Color
A search through this guide will reveal literally hundreds of plants of all types that will flower or fruit inspring or fall, providing a wide variety of choices to color a native landscaping project and to offer adiversity of food for wildlife. Remember to consider trees, shrubs and vines when choosing plants fortheir flower color; and to include fruit color in the palette. The fall color of many plants, particularlygrasses, trees, shrubs and vines adds interest to the landscape. A landscape planned for seasonalcolor, throughout all seasons of the year, can also provide year-round food, cover and nesting structurefor wildlife.
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Deer Resistant Plants
Gardeners challenged by browsing deer often look for a definitive list of plants that deer will leavealone. Unfortunately, deer are not quite that predictable. In areas where high populations of deer haveover-browsed the woodland understory, they are likely to eat any plant they can find to survive.Gardeners and habitat restorationists are strongly encouraged to use other appropriate barriers toexclude deer, in consultation with a local wildlife agency. Plants marked with an asterisk (*) may bebrowsed occasionally.
The list below was compiled from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve and Deer Proofing Your Yard(Hart), see references.
Grasses and Grasslike PlantsAndropogon gerardiiPanicum virgatum
Herbaceous PlantsActaea pachypodaAllium cernuumAquilegia canadensisArisaema triphyllumAruncus dioicusAsarum canadense *Asclepias tuberoseBaptisia australisCampanulastrum americanum (Campanulaamericana)
Coreopsis tripterisDicentra eximiaGeranium maculatumHelenium autumnaleHibiscus moscheutos (H. palustris)Jeffersonia diphyllaLobelia cardinalis *, siphilitica *Lupinus perennisMonarda didymaPhlox divaricata, stoloniferaPodophyllum peltatum *Polemonium reptansRudbeckia fulgida, hirtaSolidago speciesSymphyotrichum (Aster) novae-angliaeVeronicastrum virginicum (Veronica virginica)
Herbaceous EmergentsIris prismatica, versicolor, virginica
ShrubsAralia spinosaClethra alnifoliaCornus amomumHamamelis virginianaHypericum densiflorumIlex glabra, laevigata, verticillataKalmia latifoliaLeucothoe racemosaLindera benzoinMorella (Myrica) cerifera, pensylvanicaRibes rotundifoliumSpiraea alba, alba v. latifolia (latifolia), tomentosaViburnum acerifolium, dentatum (recognitum),
prunifolium
TreesAcer negundo, rubrumAmelanchier canadensisBetula nigraCarpinus carolinianaCercis canadensisCornus alternifoliaCornus florida *Diospyros virginianaFagus grandifoliaFraxinus americana, pennsylvanicaIlex opacaJuniperus virginianaMagnolia acuminata, virginianaNyssa sylvaticaPinus — any species in this guideQuercus — any species in this guideSambucus racemosa v. racemosa (S. pubens)
VinesCelastrus scandensClematis virginiana *Lonicera sempervirensWisteria frutescens *
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Photographic Credits
All photographs in this publication were used with permission of the photographers. Most images arecopyrighted by the photographers and/or the sources listed below, and may not be used for commercialpurposes without prior written permission of the copyright holders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serviceis grateful for the generosity and cooperation of these photographers.
Each photograph is marked with an abbreviated form for the corresponding photographer, due to spacelimitations. Those abbreviations are listed here in alphabetical order, followed by the full creditinformation.
The Bugwood Network and Forestry Images ImageArchive and Database Systems, The University of Georgia-Warnell School of Forest Resources and College ofAgricultural and Environmental Sciences-Department ofEntomology. www.bugwood.org
BUG DJM David J. MoorheadBUG RFW Robert F. Wittwer
BZ Bob Zuberbuhler,www.westernpawildflowers.com
CAB Carole Ann Barth, Heal Earth Gardens, SilverSpring, Maryland.
CM NRCS Christopher F. Miller, Regional Plant MaterialsSpecialist, U.S. Department ofAgriculture, Natural Resources ConservationService, Somerset, New Jersey.
Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library. www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/galfolks.htm, or
www.texasflora.orgDFT DL David Lemke, Texas State University-San
Marcos, Department of Biology Herbarium.
DFT HW Hugh Wilson, TAMU Herbarium, Texas A&MUniversity.
GM ARS George McLellan, Species Study Group of theMiddle Atlantic Chapter, AmericanRhododendron Society. www.tjhsst.edu/~dhyatt/azaleas/atlanticum.html
MOBOT Missouri Botanical Garden. www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/service.shtml.Digital images in this database werecontributed by Martha Hill, Glenn Kopp andAlan Stentz.
MP Dan Tanaglia, Missouriplants.www.missouriplants.com
NYNHP Stephen M. Young, New York Natural HeritageProgram. www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/heritage
OSU Scott Biggs, Ohio State University.http://PlantFacts.osu.edu
PLANTS USDA-NRCS. 2003. The PLANTS Database,www.plants.usda.gov. National Plant DataCenter. Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.PLANTS Database images that were used inthis guide were contributed by the following:
PLANTS 1995 U.S. Department of Agriculture NaturalResources Conservation Service. 1995Midwestern Wetlands Flora.
PLANTS 1997 U.S. Department of Agriculture NaturalResources Conservation Service. 1997Northeastern Wetlands Flora.
PLANTS DEH Herman, D.E. et.al. 1996 North Dakota TreeHandbook. USDA NRCS. ND State SoilConservation Committee. NDSU Extensionand Western Area PowerAdministration. Bismark, ND.
PLANTS DL Douglas Ladd. U.S. Department ofAgriculture Soil Conservation Service. 1989Midwest Wetland Flora: Field OfficeIllustrated Guide to Plant Species. MidwestNational Technical Center, Lincoln, NE.
PLANTS GAM Gary A. MonroePLANTS GFR George F. RussellPLANTS JA Jennifer AndersonPLANTS JS Jim StaszPLANTS JSP J.S. PetersonPLANTS LA Larry AllainPLANTS RM89 Robert H. Mohlenbrock. U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1989Midwest Wetland Flora: Field OfficeIllustrated Guide to Plant Species. MidwestNational Technical Center, Lincoln, NE.
PLANTS RM91 Robert H. Mohlenbrock. U.S. Department ofAgriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1991Southern Wetland Flora: Field Office Guideto Plant Species. South National TechnicalCenter, Fort Worth, TX.
PLANTS RM95 Robert H. Mohlenbrock. U.S. Department ofAgriculture,Natural Resources ConservationService. 1995 Northeast Wetland Flora:Field Guide to Plant Species. NortheastTechnical Center, Chester, PA.
PLANTS TGB Thomas G. BarnesPLANTS WSJ William S. Justice
RHW R. Harrison Wiegand, Maryland Department ofNatural Resources, Wildlife and HeritageService. www.dnr.state.md.us
RS MNPS Rod Simmons, Maryland Native Plant Society.www.mdflora.org
SMSU Paul Redfearn, Ozarks Regional Herbarium,Southwest Missouri State University.www.biology.smsu.edu/Herbarium
UCONN Mark Brand, UConn Plant Database, Universityof Connecticut. www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/about.html
USDA NRCS U.S. Department of Agriculture, NaturalResources Conservation Service,National Plant Materials Center, Beltsville,MD. http://plant-matrials.nrcs.usda.gov/mdpmc
USDA JE John EnglertUSDA JK Jennifer KujawskiUSDA MG Martin van der Grinten
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceChesapeake Bay Field Office, Annapolis,MD 21401. http://chesapeakebay.fws.gov
USFWS BES Britt SlatteryUSFWS RL Randy LoftusUSFWS RM Rich MasonUSFWS RS Rich Starr
University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin State Herbarium,Madison, WI 53706-1381. www.botany.wisc.edu/herbarium
UWI AH Andrew Hipp, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
UWI DK Darrin Kimbler, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
UWI DWW Dennis W. Woodland, Andrews University.UWI EJJ Emmet J. Judziewicz University of Wisconsin-
Stevens Point and Madison.UWI JK John Kohout, donated to Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources.UWI JRS James R. Sime, Middleton, Wisconsin.UWI JS Janice Stiefel, Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin.UWI KJS Kenneth J. Sytsma, University of Wisconsin-
Madison.UWI KK Kitty Kohout, donated to Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources.UWI MC Michael Clayton, University of Wisconsin-
Madison.UWI MRB Merel R. Black, University of Wisconsin-
Madison.UWI RRK Robert R. Kowal, University of Wisconsin-
Madison.UWI RWF Robert W. Freckmann, University of Wisconsin-
Stevens Point.UWI TK Tim Kessenich, Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources.
VT Virginia Tech (Virginia Polytechnic Institute andState University), College of Natural Resources,Forest Biology and Dendrology EducationalSites. www.cnr.vt.edu/dendro/wwwmain.html
75
References
Bormann, F. Herbert, Diana Balmori, and Gordon T. Gebelle. Redesigning the AmericanLawn. Yale University Press, Hartford, CT. 1993.
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. Deer Tolerant/Resistant Native Plants (information sheet).New Hope, PA. 2002.
Brown, Russel G. and Melvin L. Brown. Herbaceous Plants of Maryland. Port City Press,Baltimore, MD. 1984.
Brown, Russel G. and Melvin L. Brown. Woody Plants of Maryland. Port City Press, Baltimore, MD.1972.
Burrell, C. Colston. A Gardener’s Encyclopedia of Wildflowers: An Organic Guide to Choosing andGrowing over 150 Beautiful Wildflowers. Rodale Press, Inc., Emmaus, PA. 1997.
Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. Fifth Edition. Stipes Publishing LLC, Champaign,IL. 1998.
Elias, Thomas S. The Complete Trees of North America. Gramercy Publishing Company, NewYork, NY. 1987.
Fenyvesi, Charles. His Whole World Is Grass. U.S. News and World Report. Washington, D.C.1996.
Flora of North America Editorial Committee. Flora of North America North of Mexico. Volume 2:Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. Oxford University Press, New York, NY. 1993.
Fernald, Merritt L. Gray’s Manual of Botany. Eighth Edition. D. Van Nostrand Company, NewYork, NY. 1970.
Fike, Jean. Terrestrial and Palustrine Plant Communities of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Bureau ofForestry, Harrisburg, PA, The Nature Conservancy, Middletown, PA and Western PennsylvaniaConservancy, Pittsburgh, PA. 1999.
Gleason, Henry A. and Arthur Cronquist. Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States andAdjacent Canada. Willard Grant Press, Boston, MA 1963.
Harlow, William M., Ellwood S. Harrar, James W. Hardin, and Fred M. White. Textbook of DendrologyEighth Edition. McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York, NY. 1996.
Hart, Rhonda Massingham. Deer-Proofing Your Yard & Garden. Storey Books, Pownal, VT. 1997.
Hightshoe, Gary L. Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Urban and Rural America. Van NostrandReinhold, New York, NY. 1988.
Johnson, Lorraine. 100 Easy-To-Grow Native Plants For American Gardens in Temperate Zones. FireflyBooks Ltd., Buffalo, NY. 1999.
Jones, Samuel B. Jr. and Arlen E. Luchsinger. Plant Systematics. Second Edition. McGraw-Hill BookCompany, New York, NY. 1986.
Kricher, John C. The Peterson Field Guide Series. A Field Guide to Eastern Forests: North America.Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA. 1988.
Little, Elbert L. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Eastern Region. Alfred A.Knopf, Inc., New York, NY. 1980.
76
Luttenberg, Danielle, Deborah Lev and Michael Feller. Native Species Planting Guide for NewYork City and Vicinity. City of New York Parks and Recreation, New York, NY. 1993.
Magee, Dennis W. Freshwater Wetlands: A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast.University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst, MA. 1981.
Martin, Alexander C. and A. L. Nelson. American Wildlife and Plants: A Guide to Wildlife Food.Dover Publications, Minneola, NY. 1985.
Newcomb, Lawrence. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. Little, Brown and Company, Boston, MA. 1977.
Niering, William A. The Audubon Society Nature Guides: Wetlands. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York,NY. 1985.
Phillips, Ellen and C. Colston Burrell. Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials. Rodale Press, Inc.,Emmaus, PA. 1993.
Redington, Charles B., Ph.D. Plants in Wetlands. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, IA. 1994.
Reed, Clyde F. The Ferns and Fern Allies of Maryland and Delaware including District of Columbia. TheScience Press, Lancaster, PA. 1953.
Rhoads, Ann F. and Timothy A. Block. The Plants of Pennsylvania: An Illustrated Manual. University ofPennsylvania Press, Philadelphia, PA. 2000.
Still, Steven M. Manual of Herbaceous Ornamental Plants. Fourth Edition. Stipes Publishing Company,Champaign, IL. 1994.
Swearingen, J., K. Reshetiloff, B. Slattery, and S. Zwicker. 2002.Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic NaturalAreas. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 82 pp.
Terry, D.L. and Bill J. Kirby. Commercial Fertilizers 2003: A Summary of Fertilizer Use in theUnited States. Association of American Plant Food Control Officials and the FertilizerInstitute, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. 2004.
Thurnhorst, Gwendolyn A. Wetland Planting Guide for the Northeastern United States.Environmental Concern, Inc., St. Michaels, MD. 1993.
Tiner, Ralph W. A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States.University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst, MA. 1987.
Tiner, Ralph W. Field Guide to Nontidal Wetland Identification. Maryland Department of NaturalResources, Annapolis, MD and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Newton Corner, MA. 1988.
Tyning, Thomas F. A Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles. Stokes Nature Guides. Little, Brown andCompany, Boston, MA. 1990.
U.S. Environmental Protection Program. Background Report on Fertilizer Use, Contaminantsand Regulation. Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Washington, D.C. 1999.
U.S. Environmental Protection Program. Consumer Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste.Office of Solid Waste, Washington, D.C. 2002. Retrieved from: http//www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/reduce/catbook/index.htm.
U.S. Environmental Protection Program. Nonroad Engine and Vehicle Emission StudyReport. National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory, Office of Transportation and AirQuality, Ann Arbor MI. 1991. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/otaq/equip-ld.htm.
Water and Ecosystems Team. Roadside Use of Native Plants. Federal Highway Administration.Washington D.C. 1999.
77
Internet References
American Forests (www.americanforest.org/resources/bigtrees/register.php).
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (www.bhwp.org).
Brooklyn Botanic Garden (www.bbg.org).
Connecticut Botanical Society (www.ct-botanical-society.org).
Harvard University Herbaria (www.huh.harvard.edu).
Horticopia (www.horticopia.com).
Horticopia Plant Information (www.hortpix.com).
Kentucky Native Plant Society (www.knps.org).
Missouri Botanical Garden (www.mobot.org).
NatureServe (www.natureserve.org).
Nearctica (www.nearctica.com/nathist/nathist.htm).
Ohio State University (ohioline.osu.edu).
Plant America (www.plantamerica.com).
Plant File (www.plantfile.com).
Plants For a Future (www.pfaf.org).
Saw Mill River Audubon, Pruyn Sanctuary Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden 2001 Plant List(www.sawmillriveraudubon.org/downloads/GardenList.doc).
South Carolina Forestry Commission (www.state.sc.us/forest/tidtsim.htm).
Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series (www.sustland.umn.edu).
Toadshade (www.toadshade.com).
USDA Silvics of North America (www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/table_of_contents.htm)Burns, Russell M., and Barbara H. Honkala, tech. coords. Silvics of North America: 1. Conifers; 2.Hardwoods. Agriculture Handbook 654. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington,DC. 1990.
USDA, NRCS. 2001 The PLANTS Database, version 3.1 (plants.usda.gov/plants). National Plant DataCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
University of Minnesota, Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series(www.sustland.umn.edu).
University of Wisconsin Botanical Garden (www.botany.wisc.edu/Garden).
Washington State Department of Ecology(www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/native/brasenia.html).
The Xerces Society (www.xerces.org).
78
Catalogs
Adkins Arboretum. Fall 2001 Native Plant Sale: Plant Sale List. Ridgely, MD(www.adkinsarboretum.org).
Bluemount Nuseries, Inc. Catalog 2001. Monkton, MD (www.bluemount.com).
Carroll Gardens. America’s Selection of Rare and Unusual Plants 1997. Westminster, MD(www.carrollgardens.com).
Environmental Concern. 2001 Nursery Catalog. St. Michaels, MD (www.wetland.org).
Environmental Concern, Inc. 1996 Nursey Catalog. St. Michaels, MD. 1996 (www.wetland.org).
Ernst Conservation Seeds. Wholesale Price List – Spring/Summer 2003. Meadville, PA(www.ersntseed.com).
Ernst Conservation Seeds. Wholesale 2002 Catalog and Information Guide. Meadville, PA(www.ersntseed.com).
Ernst Conservation Seeds. 1999 Information Guide. Meadville, PA (www.ersntseed.com).
Lower Marlboro Nursery. Spring 1999. Dunkirk, MD (www.lowermarlboronursery.com).
Maryland Natives Nursery, Inc. 2002 Catalog. Baltimore, MD(www.marylandnativesnursery.com).
North Creek Nurseries, Inc. 2001 Wholesale Catalog. Landenberg, PA(www.northcreeknurseries.com).
North Creek Nurseries, Inc. 1999 Wholesale Starters. Landenberg, PA(www.northcreeknurseries.com).
Octoraro Native Plant Nursery. 2002 Wholesale Nursery Catalog. Kirkwood, PA(www.octoraro.com).
Talmage Farm. Native Plants Naturally 2000 Wholesale Catalog. Riverhead, NY(www.talmagefarm.com).
Virginia Natives. 2001 Catalog. Hume, VA. (www.vnps.org).
Wild Earth Native Plant Nursery. 1999 Catalog. Freehold, NJ.
79
Latin nameAcer negundo ................................................ 54Acer rubrum ................................................... 54Acer saccharinum ......................................... 54Acer saccharum ............................................. 54Acer spicatum ............................................... 54Actaea pachypoda ........................................ 18Adiantum pedatum ........................................ 11Agalinis purpurea .......................................... 18Ageratina altissima v. altissima .................. 18Agrostis perennans ....................................... 14Allium cernuum ............................................. 18Alnus serrulata .............................................. 45Amelanchier arborea .................................... 54Amelanchier canadensis .............................. 54Ammophila breviligulata .............................. 14Andropogon gerardii ..................................... 14Andropogon glomeratus ............................... 14Andropogon scoparius (see Schizachyrium)Andropogon virginicus .................................. 14Anemone canadensis .................................... 18Anemone virginiana ...................................... 18Anemonella thalictroides (see Thalictrum
thalictroides)Antennaria neglecta ..................................... 18Aquilegia canadensis ................................... 18Aralia nudicaulis ........................................... 19Aralia racemosa ............................................ 19Aralia spinosa ............................................... 45Arisaema triphyllum ..................................... 19Aristolochia durior (see A. macrophylla)Aristolochia macrophylla ............................. 64Aronia (see Photinia)Aruncus dioicus ............................................. 19Asarum canadense ....................................... 19Asclepias incarnata ...................................... 19Asclepias syriaca .......................................... 19Asclepias tuberosa ....................................... 19Asimina triloba .............................................. 54Asplenium platyneuron ................................. 11Aster (see Doellingeria, Eurybia, Ionactis,
Symphyotrichum)Athyrium filix-femina .................................... 11Baccharis halimifolia .................................... 45Baptisia australis .......................................... 20Baptisia tinctoria ........................................... 20Betula alleghaniensis ................................... 55Betula lenta ................................................... 55Betula nigra ................................................... 55Bidens cernua ................................................ 20Bignonia capreolata ...................................... 64Boltonia asteroides ....................................... 20Botrychium virginianum ................................ 11Calamagrostis canadensis ........................... 14Callicarpa americana .................................... 45Caltha palustris ............................................. 20Campanula americana (see Campanulastrum
americanum)Campanulastrum americanum ..................... 20Campsis radicans .......................................... 64Cardamine concatenata ................................ 20Carex crinita var. crinita ............................... 14Carex glaucodea ............................................ 14Carex lurida ................................................... 15Carex pensylvanica ....................................... 15Carex stricta .................................................. 15Carex vulpinoidea ......................................... 15Carpinus caroliniana ..................................... 55Carya alba ...................................................... 55Carya cordiformis .......................................... 55Carya glabra .................................................. 55Carya ovata .................................................... 55Cassia fasciculata (see Chamaecrista
fasciculate)Cassia marilandica (see Senna)Castanea pumila ........................................... 56Caulophyllum thalictroides .......................... 20Ceanothus americanus ................................. 45
Celastrus scandens ....................................... 64Celtis occidentalis ........................................ 56Cephalanthus occidentalis ........................... 45Cercis canadensis ......................................... 56Chamaecrista fasciculata ............................. 21Chamaecyparis thyoides .............................. 56Chamerion angustifolium
spp angustifolium .................................... 21Chasmanthium latifolium ............................. 15Chelone glabra .............................................. 21Chimaphila maculata .................................... 21Chionanthus virginicus ................................. 56Chrysogonum virginianum ............................ 21Chrysopsis mariana ...................................... 21Cimicifuga racemosa .................................... 21Claytonia virginica ........................................ 21Clematis viorna ............................................. 64Clematis virginiana ....................................... 64Clethra alnifolia ............................................ 45Clitoria mariana ............................................ 22Comptonia peregrina .................................... 45Conoclinium coelestinum ............................. 22Coreopsis tripteris ........................................ 22Coreopsis verticillata .................................... 22Cornus alternifolia ........................................ 56Cornus amomum ........................................... 46Cornus florida ................................................ 56Cornus racemosa .......................................... 46Corylus americana ........................................ 46Crataegus crus-galli ...................................... 56Crataegus viridis ........................................... 57Danthonia spicata ......................................... 15Delphinium tricorne ...................................... 22Dennstaedtia punctilobula ........................... 11Dentaria laciniata (see Cardamine
concatenata)Desmodium paniculatum .............................. 22Dicentra canadensis ..................................... 22Dicentra cucullaria ........................................ 22Dicentra eximia ............................................. 23Dichanthelium clandestinum ....................... 15Dichanthelium commutatum ........................ 15Diospyros virginiana ..................................... 57Distichlis spicata .......................................... 41Dodecatheon meadia .................................... 23Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellata ...... 23Dryopteris carthusiana ................................. 11Dryopteris cristata ........................................ 11Dryopteris intermedia ................................... 11Dryopteris marginalis ................................... 12Dulichium arundinaceum .............................. 41Elymus canadensis ........................................ 16Elymus hystrix ............................................... 16Elymus riparius .............................................. 16Elymus virginicus .......................................... 16Epilobium angustifolium
(see Chamerion)Erianthus giganteus (see Saccharum
giganteum)Erigeron pulchellus ....................................... 23Erythronium americanum ............................. 23Eupatorium coelestinum
(see Conoclinium coelestinum)Eupatorium dubium ....................................... 23Eupatorium fistulosum .................................. 23Eupatorium hyssopifolium ............................ 23Eupatorium maculatum ................................. 24Eupatorium perfoliatum ................................ 24Eupatorium purpureum ................................. 24Eupatorium rugosum
(see Ageratina altissima v. altissima)Eurybia divaricata ......................................... 24Fagus grandifolia .......................................... 57Festuca rubra ................................................. 16Fraxinus americana ....................................... 57Fraxinus pennsylvanica ................................ 57Gaultheria procumbens ................................ 46Gaylussacia baccata ..................................... 46Gaylussacia frondosa ................................... 46Gentiana clausa ............................................ 24
Geranium maculatum .................................... 24Gillenia trifoliata (see Porteranthus
trifoliatus)Goodyera pubescens ..................................... 24Hamamelis virginiana ................................... 46Helenium autumnale ..................................... 24Helianthus angustifolius .............................. 25Helianthus decapetalus ................................ 25Helianthus divaricatus .................................. 25Heliopsis helianthoides ................................ 25Hepatica acutiloba
(see H. nobilis var. acuta)Hepatica americana
(see H. nobilis var. obtusaHepatica nobilis var. acuta ........................... 25Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa ........................ 25Heracleum maximum .................................... 25Heuchera americana ..................................... 25Heuchera villosa ........................................... 26Hibiscus moscheutos .................................... 41Houstonia caerulea ....................................... 26Hydrangea arborescens ................................ 46Hydrophyllum virginianum ............................ 26Hylotelephium telephioides ......................... 26Hypericum densiflorum ................................ 47Hystrix patula (see Elymus hystrix)Ilex glabra ...................................................... 47Ilex laevigata ................................................. 47Ilex opaca ....................................................... 57Ilex verticillata .............................................. 47Impatiens capensis ....................................... 26Ionactis linariifolius ...................................... 26Iris prismatica ................................................ 41Iris versicolor ................................................. 41Iris virginica ................................................... 41Itea virginica .................................................. 47Iva frutescens ................................................ 47Jeffersonia diphylla ...................................... 26Juglans nigra ................................................. 57Juncus canadensis ........................................ 41Juncus effuses .............................................. 41Juncus roemerianus ...................................... 42Juniperus virginiana ..................................... 57Justicia americana ........................................ 42Kalmia angustifolia ....................................... 47Kalmia latifolia .............................................. 47Kosteletzkya virginica ................................... 42Leersia oryzoides .......................................... 16Lespedeza capitata ....................................... 26Leucothoe racemosa ..................................... 48Liatris pilosa v. pilosa ................................... 27Liatris scariosa .............................................. 27Liatris spicata ................................................ 27Liatris squarrosa ........................................... 27Lilium canadense .......................................... 27Lilium philadelphicum ................................... 27Lilium superbum ............................................ 27Limonium carolinianum ................................ 27Linaria canadensis (see Nuttallanthus
canadensis)Lindera benzoin ............................................. 48Liquidambar styraciflua ................................ 58Liriodendron tulipifera .................................. 58Lobelia cardinalis .......................................... 28Lobelia siphilitica .......................................... 28Lonicera sempervirens ................................. 64Lupinus perennis ........................................... 28Lyonia ligustrina ............................................ 48Lyonia mariana .............................................. 48Magnolia acuminata ..................................... 58Magnolia virginiana ...................................... 58Maianthemum canadense ............................ 28Maianthemum racemosum
ssp.racemosum ........................................ 28Malus coronaria ............................................ 58Medeola virginiana ....................................... 28Melanthium virginicum ................................. 28Mertensia virginica ....................................... 28Mikania scandens ......................................... 64Mimulus ringens ........................................... 29
Mitchella repens ........................................... 29Mitella diphylla ............................................. 29Monarda bradburiana ................................... 29Monarda didyma ........................................... 29Monarda fistulos (see M. bradburiana)Monarda punctata ........................................ 29Morella caroliniensis .................................... 48Morella cerifera ............................................ 48Morella pensylvanica ................................... 48Morus rubra ................................................... 58Myrica (see Morella)Nuphar lutea .................................................. 42Nuttallanthus canadensis ............................ 29Nymphaea odorata ........................................ 42Nyssa sylvatica ............................................. 58Oenothera biennis ......................................... 29Oenothera fruticosa ...................................... 30Oenothera perennis ...................................... 30Onoclea sensibilis ......................................... 12Opuntia humifusa .......................................... 30Orontium aquaticum ..................................... 42Osmorhiza longistylis .................................... 30Osmunda cinnamomea ................................. 12Osmunda claytoniana ................................... 12Osmunda regalis ........................................... 12Ostrya virginiana ........................................... 58Oxalis violacea .............................................. 30Packera aurea ................................................ 30Panicum amarum ........................................... 16Panicum virgatum ......................................... 16Parthenocissus quinquefolila ....................... 65Passiflora incarnata ...................................... 65Peltandra virginica ........................................ 42Penstemon digitalis ...................................... 30Penstemon laevigatus .................................. 30Phlox carolina ................................................ 31Phlox divaricata ............................................. 31Phlox maculate .............................................. 31Phlox paniculata ............................................ 31Phlox stolonifera ........................................... 31Phlox subulata ............................................... 31Photinia melanocarpa ................................... 48Photinia pyrifolia ........................................... 49Physocarpus opulifolius ................................ 49Physostegia virginiana ................................. 31Pinus echinata ............................................... 59Pinus rigida .................................................... 59Pinus serotina ................................................ 59Pinus strobes ................................................. 59Pinus taeda .................................................... 59Pinus virginiana ............................................. 59Platanus occidentalis .................................... 59Podophyllum peltatum .................................. 31Polemonium reptans ..................................... 32Polygonatum biflorum ................................... 32Polygonatum pubescens ............................... 32Polystichum acrostichoides ......................... 12Pontederia cordata ........................................ 42Populus deltoides .......................................... 59Populus heterophylla .................................... 60Porteranthus trifoliatus ................................ 32Prunus americana ......................................... 60Prunus maritima ............................................ 49Prunus pensylvanica ..................................... 60Prunus serotina ............................................. 60Prunus virginiana .......................................... 60Pteridium aquilinum ...................................... 12Pycnanthemum incanum ............................... 32Pycnanthemum tenuifolium .......................... 32Pyrus americana (see Sorbus americana)Pyrus coronaria (see Malus coronaria)Quercus alba .................................................. 60Quercus bicolor ............................................. 60Quercus coccinea .......................................... 60Quercus falcata ............................................. 61Quercus ilicifolia ........................................... 61Quercus marilandica ..................................... 61Quercus michauxii ......................................... 61Quercus montana (see Quercus michauxii and
prinus)
Index
80
Quercus muehlenbergii ................................. 61Quercus nigra ................................................ 61Quercus palustris .......................................... 61Quercus phellos ............................................. 61Quercus prinus .............................................. 62Quercus rubra ................................................ 62Quercus stellata ............................................ 62Quercus velutina ........................................... 62Rhexia virginica ............................................. 32Rhododendron atlanticum ............................ 49Rhododendron calendulaceum ..................... 49Rhododendron canescens ............................ 49Rhododendron maximum .............................. 49Rhododendron periclymenoides .................. 49Rhododendron prinophyllum ........................ 50Rhododendron viscosum .............................. 50Rhus aromatica ............................................. 50Rhus copallina ............................................... 50Rhus glabra .................................................... 50Rhus hirta (typhina) ....................................... 50Ribes rotundifolium ...................................... 50Rosa carolina ................................................. 50Rosa palustris ................................................ 51Rubus allegheniensis .................................... 51Rubus odoratus ............................................. 51Rudbeckia fulgida ......................................... 32Rudbeckia hirta ............................................. 33Rudbeckia laciniata ...................................... 33Rudbeckia triloba .......................................... 33Ruellia caroliniensis ..................................... 33Sabatia angularis .......................................... 33Saccharum giganteum .................................. 17Sagittaria latifolia ......................................... 43Salix humilis .................................................. 51Salix nigra ...................................................... 62Salix sericea .................................................. 62Salvia lyrata .................................................. 33Sambucus canadensis (see Sambucus nigra
ssp. canadensis)Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis ................ 51Sambucus pubens (see Sambucus racemosa
v. racemosa)Sambucus racemosa v. racemosa ............... 51Sanguinaria canadensis ............................... 33Sassafras albidum ........................................ 62Saururus cernuus .......................................... 43Saxifraga pensylvanica ................................ 33Saxifraga virginiensis ................................... 34Schizachyrium scoparium ............................. 17Schoenoplectus pungens v. pungens .......... 43Schoenoplectus validus ................................ 43Scirpus atrovirens ......................................... 43Scirpus cyperinus .......................................... 43Scirpus pungens (see Schoenoplectus
pungens v. pungens)Scirpus validus
(see Schoenoplectus validus)Scutellaria integrifolia .................................. 34Sedum telephoides (see Hylotelephium
telephoides)Sedum ternatum ............................................ 34Senecio aureus (see Packera aurea)Senna marilandica ........................................ 34Silene caroliniana ......................................... 34Silene stellata ............................................... 34Silene virginica ............................................. 34Silphium perfoliatum .................................... 34Sisyrinchium angustifolium .......................... 34Sisyrinchium atlanticum ............................... 34Sisyrinchium graminoides (see Sisyrinchium
angustifolium)Smilacina racemosa (see Maianthemum
racemosum ssp. racemosum)Smilax herbacea ............................................ 65Solidago altissima (see S. canadensis v.
scabra)Solidago caesia ............................................. 35Solidago canadensis ..................................... 35Solidago canadensis v. scabra ..................... 35Solidago flexicaulis ...................................... 35
Solidago juncea ............................................. 35Solidago nemoralis ....................................... 35Solidago odora .............................................. 36Solidago rugosa ............................................ 36Solidago sempervirens ................................. 36Solidago speciosa ......................................... 36Sorbus americana ......................................... 62Sorghastrum nutans ..................................... 17Sparganium americanum .............................. 43Spartina alterniflora ..................................... 43Spartina cynosuroides .................................. 44Spartina patens ............................................. 44Spartina pectinata ........................................ 44Spiraea alba .................................................. 51Spiraea alba v. latifolia ................................ 51Spiraea latifolia
(see Spirea alba v. latifolia)Spiraea tomentosa ........................................ 52Spiranthes cernua ......................................... 36Stachys tenuifolia (hispida) ......................... 36Staphylea trifolia .......................................... 52Stellaria pubera ............................................. 36Symphyotrichum cordifolium ....................... 36Symphyotrichum ericoides var. ericoides ... 37Symphyotrichum laeve var. laeve ................ 37Symphyotrichum novae-angliae .................. 37Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
var. novi-belgii ......................................... 37Symplocarpus foetidus ................................. 37Taxodium distichum ...................................... 63Thalictrum dioicum ....................................... 39Thalictrum pubescens ................................... 37Thalictrum thalictroides ............................... 37Thelypteris noveboracensis ......................... 12Thelypteris palustris ..................................... 13Thuja occidentalis ......................................... 63Tiarella cordifolia .......................................... 38Tilia americana .............................................. 63Tradescantia virginiana ................................ 38Tridens flavus ................................................ 17Trillium erectum ............................................ 38Trillium grandiflorum .................................... 38Trillium sessile .............................................. 38Trillium undulatum ........................................ 38Tripsacum dactyloides .................................. 17Tsuga canadensis .......................................... 63Ulmus americana .......................................... 63Ulmus rubra ................................................... 63Uvularia grandiflora ...................................... 38Uvularia perfoliata ........................................ 38Uvularia sessilifolia ...................................... 39Vaccinium angustifolium .............................. 52Vaccinium corymbosum ................................ 52Vaccinium macrocarpon ............................... 52Vaccinium pallidum (vacillans) .................... 52Vaccinium stamineum ................................... 52Veratrum viride .............................................. 39Verbena hastata ............................................ 39Verbesina alternifolia ................................... 39Vernonia noveboracensis ............................. 39Vernonia virginicum
(see Veronicastrum)Veronicastrum virginicum ............................. 39Viburnum acerifolium ................................... 52Viburnum cassinoides (SeeViburnum nudum
v. cassinoides)Viburnum dentatum ...................................... 53Viburnum nudum ........................................... 53Viburnum nudum v. cassinoides .................. 53Viburnum prunifolium ................................... 53Viburnum recognitum
(see Viburnum dentatum)Viola conspersa ............................................. 39Viola cucullata ............................................... 39Viola hastate ................................................. 40Viola papilionacea (see Viola sororia)Viola pedata .................................................. 40Viola pennsylvanica
(see Viola pubescens var. pubescensViola pubescens var. pubescens .................. 40
Viola sororia .................................................. 40Viola striata ................................................... 40Wisteria frutescens ...................................... 65Woodwardia areolata ................................... 13Woodwardia virginica ................................... 13Yucca filamentosa (flaccida) ........................ 40Zizania aquatica ............................................ 44Zizia aurea ..................................................... 40
Common Name
Adam’s needle ............................................... 40alder, smooth ................................................. 45alumroot ......................................................... 25anemone,
round-leaved ............................................ 18rue ............................................................. 37
arrow arum .................................................... 42arrowwood,
maple-leaved ........................................... 52southern ................................................... 53
ash,American mountain ................................. 62green ......................................................... 57white ......................................................... 57
aster,flat-top white ........................................... 23golden ....................................................... 21heart-leaved ............................................. 36heath ......................................................... 37New England ............................................ 37New York .................................................. 37smooth blue ............................................. 37stiff-leaf ................................................... 26white wood .............................................. 24
autumn bentgrass ......................................... 14azalea,
dwarf ........................................................ 49flame ......................................................... 49pinxterbloom ............................................ 49rose ........................................................... 50swamp ...................................................... 50sweet ........................................................ 49
basswood, American .................................... 63bayberry,
northern .................................................... 48southern ................................................... 48
beardtongue .................................................. 30smooth ...................................................... 30
beautyberry, American ................................. 45beebalm ......................................................... 29
spotted ..................................................... 29beech, American ........................................... 57beggar-ticks, nodding ................................... 20bellflower, American .................................... 20bellwort,
large-flowered ......................................... 38perfoliate .................................................. 38
bergamot, wild .............................................. 29birch,
river ........................................................... 55sweet ........................................................ 55yellow ....................................................... 55
bittersweet, American .................................. 64blackberry, Allegheny ................................... 51black-eyed Susan .......................................... 33bladdernut, American ................................... 52blazing star .................................................... 27
eastern ..................................................... 27grass-leaf ................................................. 27plains ........................................................ 27
bleeding heart, wild ...................................... 23bloodroot ........................................................ 33bluebells, Virginia ......................................... 28blue cohosh ................................................... 20blue flag, ........................................................ 41
slender ...................................................... 41Virginia ..................................................... 41
blue vervain ................................................... 39blueberry,
early lowbush .......................................... 52highbush ................................................... 52lowbush .................................................... 52
bluestem,big ............................................................. 14bushy ........................................................ 14little .......................................................... 17
bluet ............................................................... 26boltonia, star ................................................. 20boneset, common .......................................... 24Bowman’s root ............................................... 32bulrush,
black ......................................................... 43great ......................................................... 43woolgrass ................................................. 43
bunchflower, Virginia .................................... 28bur-reed, American ....................................... 43butterfly pea, Maryland ................................ 22butterflyweed ................................................ 19buttonbush ..................................................... 45cactus, prickly-pear, eastern ........................ 30Canada mayflower ........................................ 28cardinal flower .............................................. 28cedar,
Atlantic white .......................................... 56eastern red ............................................... 57northern white ......................................... 63
cherry,black ......................................................... 60choke ........................................................ 60pin ............................................................. 60
chickweed, star ............................................. 36chinquapin ..................................................... 56chokeberry,
black ......................................................... 48red ............................................................. 49
climbing hempvine ........................................ 64clover, round-head bush ............................... 26columbine, eastern ....................................... 18coneflower,
early .......................................................... 32tall ............................................................. 33three-lobed ............................................... 33
cordgrass,big ............................................................. 44freshwater ................................................ 44salt marsh ................................................ 43
coreopsis,tall ............................................................. 22threadleaf ................................................. 22
cottonwood,eastern ..................................................... 59swamp ...................................................... 60
cow parsnip ................................................... 25crabapple, sweet .......................................... 58cranberry ........................................................ 52creeper, Virginia ............................................ 65crossvine ........................................................ 64Culver’s root ................................................... 39cup plant ........................................................ 34cutgrass, rice ................................................. 16cypress, bald ................................................. 63dangleberry .................................................... 46deerberry ........................................................ 52deer-tongue ................................................... 15Devil’s walking stick ..................................... 45dogwood,
alternate-leaf ........................................... 56flowering .................................................. 56red-panicled ............................................. 46silky ........................................................... 46
doll’s eyes ...................................................... 18duck potato .................................................... 43dunegrass ...................................................... 14Dutchman’s breeches .................................... 22dwarf larkspur ............................................... 22elder,
box ............................................................ 54
81
marsh ........................................................ 47elderberry,
common .................................................... 51red ............................................................. 51
elm,American .................................................. 63slippery ..................................................... 63
false foxglove, purple ................................... 18fern,
bracken ..................................................... 12Christmas ................................................. 12cinnamon .................................................. 12crested wood ........................................... 11evergreen wood ....................................... 11hay-scented ............................................. 11interrupted ............................................... 12marginal shield ........................................ 12marsh ........................................................ 13netted chain ............................................. 13New York .................................................. 12northern lady ............................................ 11northern maidenhair ................................ 11rattlesnake ............................................... 11royal .......................................................... 12sensitive ................................................... 12sweet ........................................................ 45toothed ..................................................... 11Virginia chain ........................................... 13
fescue, red ..................................................... 16fetterbush ...................................................... 48field pussytoes .............................................. 18fire pink .......................................................... 34fireweed ......................................................... 21foamflower .................................................... 38fringetree, white ........................................... 56gentian, closed .............................................. 24geranium, wild .............................................. 24ginger, wild .................................................... 19goat’s-beard ................................................... 19golden club .................................................... 42golden ragwort .............................................. 30golden-alexanders ........................................ 40goldenrod,
bluestem ................................................... 35broad leaf ................................................. 35Canada ...................................................... 35early .......................................................... 35gray ........................................................... 35seaside ..................................................... 36showy ....................................................... 36sweet ........................................................ 36tall ............................................................. 35wrinkle-leaf .............................................. 36
gooseberry, Appalachian .............................. 50grass,
bitter or coastal panic ............................. 16blue-eyed .................................................. 34bottlebrush ............................................... 16coastal blue-eyed .................................... 34gama ......................................................... 17poverty ...................................................... 15salt ............................................................ 41
green-and-gold .............................................. 21gum,
black ......................................................... 58sweet ........................................................ 58
hackberry, common ....................................... 56haw, black ...................................................... 53hawthorn,
cockspur ................................................... 56green ......................................................... 57
hazelnut, American ....................................... 46hedge nettle .................................................. 36hellebore, green false ................................... 39hemlock, eastern ........................................... 63hepatica,
round-lobed .............................................. 25sharp-lobed .............................................. 25
heuchera, hairy .............................................. 26hickory,
bitternut ................................................... 55mockernut ................................................ 55pignut ........................................................ 55shagbark ................................................... 55
high-tide bush ............................................... 45holly,
American .................................................. 57inkberry ..................................................... 47winterberry .............................................. 47winterberry, smooth ................................ 47
honeysuckle, trumpet ................................... 64hornbeam,
American .................................................. 55eastern hop .............................................. 58
huckleberry, black ......................................... 46hydrangea, wild ............................................. 46hyssop-leaved thoroughwort ....................... 23Indian cucumber ............................................ 28Indiangrass .................................................... 17indigo,
wild blue ................................................... 20wild yellow ............................................... 20
iris (see blue flag)ironweed, New York ..................................... 39Jack-in-the-pulpit .......................................... 19Jacob’s ladder ............................................... 32jewelweed ..................................................... 26Joe-Pye weed, ............................................... 23
green-stemmed ........................................ 24spotted ..................................................... 24trumpet weed .......................................... 23
ladies’ tresses, nodding ............................... 36laurel,
great ......................................................... 49mountain .................................................. 47sheep ........................................................ 47
leather flower ................................................ 64lily,
Canada ...................................................... 27fragrant water .......................................... 42straw ......................................................... 39trout .......................................................... 23Turk’s cap .................................................. 27wood ......................................................... 27
lizard’s tail ..................................................... 43lobelia, great blue ......................................... 28lupine ............................................................. 28lyre-leaf sage ................................................ 33magnolia,
cucumber .................................................. 58sweetbay .................................................. 58
male-berry ..................................................... 48mallow,
rose ........................................................... 41seashore ................................................... 42
maple,mountain .................................................. 54red ............................................................. 54silver ......................................................... 54sugar ......................................................... 54
marigold, marsh ............................................ 20Mayapple ....................................................... 31meadow-beauty, Virginia ............................. 32meadow rue,
early .......................................................... 37tall ............................................................. 37
meadow-sweet,broad-leaved ............................................ 51narrow-leaved .......................................... 51
milkweed,common .................................................... 19swamp ...................................................... 19
mint,hoary mountain ........................................ 32narrow-leaved mountain ......................... 32
mistflower ..................................................... 22miterwort, twoleaf ........................................ 29monkeyflower ................................................ 29mulberry, red ................................................. 58needlerush, black .......................................... 42
New Jersey tea ............................................. 45ninebark ......................................................... 49oak,
bear ........................................................... 61black, ........................................................ 62blackjack .................................................. 61chestnut .................................................... 62Chinquapin ............................................... 61northern red ............................................. 62pin ............................................................. 61post ........................................................... 62scarlet ....................................................... 60southern red ............................................. 61swamp chestnut ...................................... 61swamp white ........................................... 60water ........................................................ 61white ......................................................... 60willow ....................................................... 61
oats, wild ....................................................... 15obedient plant ............................................... 31onion, nodding ............................................... 18panicgrass, variable ...................................... 15partridge pea ................................................. 21partridgeberry ................................................ 29passionflower ................................................ 65paw-paw ........................................................ 54persimmon, common ..................................... 57petunia, Carolina wild .................................. 33phlox,
creeping .................................................... 31meadow .................................................... 31moss ......................................................... 31summer ..................................................... 31thick-leaved ............................................. 31woodland .................................................. 31
pickerelweed ................................................. 42pine,
loblolly ...................................................... 59pitch .......................................................... 59pond .......................................................... 59shortleaf ................................................... 59Virginia ..................................................... 59white ......................................................... 59
pipevine ......................................................... 64plantain,
downy rattlesnake ................................... 24robin’s ....................................................... 23
plum,American wild .......................................... 60beach ........................................................ 49
plumegrass, giant ......................................... 17poplar, tulip .................................................... 58primrose, common evening .......................... 29raspberry, purple flowering .......................... 51redbud, eastern ............................................. 56redtop ............................................................. 17reedgrass, bluejoint ...................................... 14rice, wild ........................................................ 44rose,
pasture ..................................................... 50swamp ...................................................... 51
rose pink ........................................................ 33rush,
Canada ...................................................... 41soft ............................................................ 41
rye,Canada wild ............................................. 16riverbank wild .......................................... 16Virginia wild ............................................. 16
salt meadow hay ........................................... 44sarsaparilla, wild .......................................... 19sassafras ........................................................ 62saxifrage,
early .......................................................... 34eastern swamp ........................................ 33
sea lavender .................................................. 27sedge,
blue wood ................................................. 14broom ........................................................ 14
fox ............................................................. 15long hair ................................................... 14Pennsylvania ............................................ 15sallow ....................................................... 15three-sided ............................................... 41tussock ..................................................... 15
senna, Maryland wild ................................... 34serviceberry, .................................................. 54
downy ....................................................... 54shooting star ................................................. 23skullcap, rough .............................................. 34skunk cabbage ............................................... 37smooth carrion flower .................................. 65snakeroot,
black, ........................................................ 21white ......................................................... 18
sneezeweed, yellow ..................................... 24Solomon’s seal, ............................................. 32
dwarf ........................................................ 32false .......................................................... 28
spatterdock .................................................... 42spicebush ....................................................... 48spiderwort, Virginia ...................................... 38spikenard ....................................................... 19spleenwort, ebony ........................................ 11spring beauty ................................................. 21squirrel corn .................................................. 22St. John’s wort, dense .................................. 47stagger-bush .................................................. 48starry campion ............................................... 34steeplebush ................................................... 52stonecrop,
Allegheny ................................................. 26mountain .................................................. 34
sumac,fragrant ..................................................... 50shining ...................................................... 50staghorn ................................................... 33sweet ........................................................ 50
sundrops, ....................................................... 30narrow-leaved .......................................... 30
sunflower,oxeye ........................................................ 25swamp ...................................................... 25ten-petaled ............................................... 25woodland .................................................. 25
sweet cicely ................................................... 30sweet pepperbush ........................................ 45switchgrass ................................................... 16sycamore, American ..................................... 59tassel-white ................................................... 47thimbleweed .................................................. 18three-square, common .................................. 43tick-trefoil, panicled ..................................... 22toadflax, blue ................................................ 29toadshade ...................................................... 38toothwort ....................................................... 20trillium,
painted ..................................................... 38purple ........................................................ 38white ......................................................... 38
trumpet vine .................................................. 64turtlehead, white .......................................... 21twinleaf .......................................................... 26violet,
American dog ........................................... 39bird’s foot ................................................. 40common blue ............................................ 40halberdleaf yellow .................................. 40marsh blue ............................................... 39striped cream ........................................... 40yellow ....................................................... 40
virgin’s bower ................................................ 64walnut, black ................................................. 57waterleaf, Virginia ........................................ 26wax myrtle ..................................................... 48wild pink ........................................................ 34willow,
American water ....................................... 42black ......................................................... 62
82
prairie ....................................................... 51silky ........................................................... 62
wingstem, yellow ironweed ......................... 39wintergreen, .................................................. 46
striped ...................................................... 21wisteria, Atlantic .......................................... 65witch hazel .................................................... 46witherod, ........................................................ 53
naked ........................................................ 53wood sorrel, violet ........................................ 30