Chart of New York City Area Native Plants for the Garden

• TREES

• SHRUBS

• WOODY VINES

• WILDFLOWERS

• FERNS

• GRASSES, SEDGES, & RUSHES

KEY
Sun: F = Full, P = Part, S = Shade
Moisture: D = Dry, A = Average, W = Wet
Other Comments: A = needs/tolerates acid soil (pH<6.5), Bi= attracts birds, Bu = attracts butterflies and/or their caterpillars,
C = colonial (vegetative reproduction), CUT = good as cut flowers, DY = flowers/fruits good for dried arrangements, D = dioecious (sexes on different plants) – install 1 male for every 4-5 females, E = evergreen,
F = fall color, G = groundcover, H = attracts hummingbirds,
T = attractive bark/trunk, W = high wildlife value
TREES	TREES	TREES	TREES	TREES	TREES	TREES
Common Name	Scientific Name	Sun	Moist.	Ht.	Comments	Other Species
Red Maple	Acer rubrum	F-P	D-W	40-75′	(F) crimson; early red flowers in spring; CUT
Striped Maple or Moosewood	Acer pensylvanicum	P-S	A	15-20′	T (light stripes); F (yellow); A	Acer spicatum
Sugar Maple	Acer saccharum	S	A	80′	F (orange); maple syrup
Paw Paw	Asimina triloba	P-S	A-W	40′	F(orange); C; unique fruit that resembles and tastes like banana
River Birch	Betula nigra	F	A-W	40-70′	F (yellow); Bi, T (peeling layers, salmon color); popular in hort trade
Gray Birch	Betula populifolia	F-P	A	30′	C; fast growing, short-lived; CUT; T(white w/ black markings); F(yellow)	Betula alleghaniensis, B. papyrifera,
Ironwood	Carpinus caroliniana	F-S	A-W	20-30′	T (muscular, smooth), F (red-orange); ornamental catkins with papery bracts, DY; Bu
Shagbark Hickory	Carya ovata	F-P	A	70-90′	F (yellow to golden brown); Bi; butterfly larval plant	Carya glabra, C. cordiformis, Juglans cinerea
Hackberry	Celtis occidentalis	F-P	D-W	50-75′	F (yellow); T (gray smooth to textured); Bi; butterfly larval plant
Eastern Redbud	Cercis canadensis	F	D	15-25′	Pink pea-like blooms in spring along twigs and branches, CUT; T (smooth, dark)	There are also white flowered forms.
Fringetree	Chionanthus virginicus	F-P	A	20′	D; Delicate fragrant white flowers, spring. Female plants have small, dark blue fruits like olives; CUT; Bi
Flowering Dogwood	Cornus florida	S	A	25-30′	White (or pink) flowers in spring; CUT; T(square plates); Bi, fruit imp for fall migrant birds	Cornus alternifolia, C. rugosa
Common Persimmon	Diospyros virginiana	F-P	A-W	30-50′	F(yellow, orange); T (black w/ square furrows); edible fruits; Bu
American Beech	Fagus grandifolia	S	A	50-75′	T (smooth, gray); Bi; tiered branches cast deep shade
White Ash	Fraxinus americana	F-P	A	60-80′	F(yellow, maroon, purple); Bu	Fraxinus pennsylvanica
American Holly	Ilex opaca	F-P	D-A	20-40′	Broad leaved E; D; Bi, T (smooth, gray); CUT
Eastern Red Cedar	Juniperus virginiana	F-P	D-A	30-40′	Good for screening; E; Bi; W
Sweet Gum	Liquidambar styraciflua	F-S	A-W	60-100′	F(orange, scarlet, purple); fruit persistent prickly balls
Tulip Poplar	Liriodendron tulipifera	F	A	40-100′	H; Bu; Showy, tri-colored flowers in May, CUT
Sweetbay Magnolia	Magnolia virginiana	P-S	A-W	20-30′	Large, creamy, lemon-scented flowers all summer, CUT; popular hort plant
Black Gum	Nyssa sylvatica	F-P	A	40-60′	Good architecture; F (orange, red, purple); Bi
Pitch Pine	Pinus rigida	F	D	80-100′	E; rapid growth; Bi; Tolerates drought	Pinus echinata, P. resinosa
Eastern White Pine	Pinus strobus	F-P	A	to 200′	Long, soft, flexible needles; long female cones; CUT; popular ornamental; Bi
American Sycamore	Platanus occidentalis	F-P	A-W	70-100′	T (white & green mottled); Street trees are different species – London plane trees
Large Tooth Aspen	Populus grandidentata	F	D-W	50-70′	Fast growing, F; leaves flutter in wind	Populus deltoides, P. tremuloides
White Oak	Quercus alba	F-P	D	60-100′	Brown, red, wine F; Bi; W	Quercus bicolor for wet areas
Scarlet Oak	Quercus coccinea	F-P	D	75′	Brilliant scarlet F; rapid growth; Bi; W	Quercus rubra, Q. velutina, Q. palustris for wet areas
Chestnut Oak	Quercus prinus	P	A	60-70′	Acorns; T (dark w/ deep furrows); Dry, thin soils; W
Post Oak	Quercus stellata	F	D	60′	Acorns; T (shaggy, blocky); Common in Pinelands; W	Quercus marilandica
Sassafras	Sassafras albidum	F-P	D-A	30-60′	Small, fragrant yellow flowers in spring; Fragrant leaves shaped like mittens; F(orange, pink, scarlet); attractive dark blue fruits in fall, Bi; CUT; W
Basswood	Tilia americana	P-S	A-W	60-80′	Heart-shaped leaves; honey from nectar; CUT; W
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SHRUBS	SHRUBS	SHRUBS	SHRUBS	SHRUBS	SHRUBS	SHRUBS
Common Name	Scientific Name	Sun	Moist.	Ht.	Comments	Other Species
Bottlebrush Buckeye	Aesculus parviflora	F-S	A	4-8′	C; Large leaves; White spire of flowers in summer; slow growing	Aesculus glabra
Smooth Alder	Alnus serrulata	F-S	W	15-20′	F(yellow, orange); Bi, DY; C	Alnus rugosa
Downy Serviceberry	Amelanchier arborea	F-P	D-A	15-25′	Yellow-orange-red F, white flowers April CUT; edible fruits, Bi	Amelanchier canadensis, A. laevis
Red Chokeberry	Aronia arbutifolia	F-P	W-A	5-10′	White flowers spring, CUT; dark green leaves; bright red fruit; F(scarlet, orange); C	Aronia melanocarpa
Groundsel Tree	Baccharis halimifolia	F-P	W	3-10′	White flower heads; plumed seeds in fall	Iva frutescens
New Jersey Tea	Ceanothus americanus	P-S	A	2-3′	Clusters of small white-flowers in summer; CUT; deep purple fruits in fall, Bi
Buttonbush	Cephalanthus occidentalis	F-P	A-W	3-8′	Emergent in shallow water; fragrant, globe-like blooms; Bu
Leatherleaf	Chamaedaphne calyculata	F-P	W	3′	A; E; C; Flowers white, spring; Bu
Sweet Pepperbush	Clethra alnifolia	F-P	A-W	2-4′	C; White fragrant blooms in summer, CUT; butterfly larval plant; popular hort plant
Sweet Fern	Comptonia peregrina	F	D	4′	A; prostrate, aromatic; C; D;
Red-osier Dogwood	Cornus sericea	F-P	A-W	3-10′	White flowers in spring, CUT; twigs, berries turn red in fall; Bi	Cornus amomum, C. racemosa for drier sites
American Hazelnut	Corylus americana	F-S	A	12-15′	Edible nuts; Bi; C	Corylus cornuta
Cockspur Hawthorn	Crataegus crus-galli	F	D-A	20-30′	White flowers in spring, CUT; red fruit in sum, Bi; red F	Crataegus uniflora, C. coccinea, C. mollis
Bush Honeysuckle	Diervilla lonicera	S	D	3′	C; fast growth; Yellow & red flowers in summer, H, CUT; NYC near the southern limit on East coast	Lonicera canadensis
Leatherwood	Dirca palustris	P	A	6′	Slow growing; Flowers pale yellow, April; F(soft yellow); attractive architecture in winter
Strawberry-bush	Euonymus americanus	S	A	7′	Striking red fruit capsule in fall, CUT
Black Huckleberry	Gaylussacia baccata	P-S	D-A	1-3′	Black fruits in summer, edible, Bi; C; A; Bu; W	Gaylussacia frondosa, G. dumosa
Witchhazel	Hamamelis virginiana	P-S	D-A	8-20′	Multi-stemmed shrub, vase shape with fan-like branches and smooth gray bark. Unusual yellow flowers in fall, CUT; Bi
False Heather	Hudsonia tomentosa	F	D	12″	A; prostrate, E; showy yellow flowers in summer; G	Hudsonia ericoides
Wild Hydrangea	Hydrangea arborescens	P	A	3-5′	A; C; fast growth; Large, dark green leaves; Showy pink & white flowers in summer, CUT; DY
Shrubby St. Johnswort	Hypericum prolificum	F	D-A	3′	Twiggy habit; Flowers buttercup yellow for 3-4 weeks. Easy to please shrub	Hypericum hypericoides, H. stans, H. densiflorum
Inkberry	Ilex glabra	P-S	A	4-8′	Broad leaved E; C; D; Bi. Nearly identical to the exotic Ilex crenata
Winterberry Holly	Ilex verticillata	F-P	D-A	6-15′	Large deciduous leaves; Clusters of bright red berries on female plants in winter, Bi; D; CUT; very popular horticultural plant	Ilex laevigata
Virginia Willow	Itea virginica	F-P	D-W	3-6′	White blooms early summer; F(red, orange, maroon)
Dwarf Juniper	Juniperus communis	F	D	6′	E, aromatic; Bi; G
Mountain Laurel	Kalmia latifolia	F-P	D-W	9′	Showy, fragrant white flower clusters; broad-leaved E; C; A; CUT	Kalmia angustifolia
Fetterbush	Leucothoe racemosa, syn. Eubotrys r.	F-P	A-W	3-13′	Small, white, bell-shaped flowers late spring; C; A; CUT
Spicebush	Lindera benzoin	P-S	A-W	8-15′	Yellow blooms in early spring; leaves fragrant; F(yellow); Bu (esp for Spicebush Swallowtail)
Maleberry	Lyonia ligustrina	F-P	A-W	6-12′	Small, white flowers in June; F; A; C; CUT	Lyonia mariana
Northern Bayberry	Myrica pensylvanica	F	D-A	5-8′	Semi-evergreen; transplants well; leaves & berries fragrant; Bu; DY; Bi	Myrica cerifera
Shrubby Cinquefoil	Potentilla fruticosa	F	A-W	3′	Showy yellow flowers mid-summer
Beach Plum	Prunus maritima	F	D-A	10′	White fragrant flowers in spring, CUT; purple edible fruit, Bi; T (black, good architecture); Bu	Prunus americana
White Laurel	Rhododendron maximum	P-S	A-W	6-10′	Light pink, fragrant, showy flowers in May; H; C; A; CUT
Pinkster Azalea	Rhododendron periclymenoides	F-P	A	6-10′	Fragrant white flowers in late spring, H; dark green leaves, open habit; A; CUT	Rhododendron atlanticum
Swamp Azalea	Rhododendron viscosum	P	A-W	5-8′	F(red & gold); attractive red fruit cluster persists in winter, DY, Bi; CUT	Ledum groenlandicum, Rhododendron canadense
Staghorn Sumac	Rhus typhina, syn. R. hirta	F	D	9-15′	C; D; F(red-orange); Female plants bear showy red fruit clusters showy in late summer that persist through winter, Bi; DY	Rhus aromatica, R. copallinum, R. glabra
Dogberry	Ribes cynosbati	F-P	A-D	5′	Stems often prickly, growth rate moderate to fast; F(yellow to purple); fruit fleshy, pale red, prickly, late summer, Bi	Ribes hirtellum (thornless), R. rotundifolium
Climbing Prairie Rose	Rosa setigera	F	A	13′	Climbing, thorny; white & pink, fragrant flowers in June; deep green compound leaves; red hips (winter), Bi; F; CUT
Prairie Rose	Rosa carolina	F	A	4-6′	Pink, fragrant flowers in June; deep green compound leaves; thorns; red hips (winter), Bi; F; CUT	Rosa palustris, Rosa virginiana, R. blanda
Common Blackberry	Rubus allegheniensis	F-P	D-A	6′	Thorny; growth rate fast, C; white flowers summer; edible black fleshy fruit in late summer; Bi	Rubus occidentalis, R. flagellaris, R. hispidus
Flowering Raspberry	Rubus odoratus	P	A	6′	Thornless; C; fast growth rate; Maple-shaped light gray-green leaves. Flowers purple, showy, summer; CUT
Pussy Willow	Salix discolor	F	A-W	6-15′	A lovely sign of spring – the silvery catkins on the male plants; D; Bu; CUT; DY	Salix humilis
Elderberry	Sambucus canadensis	F-P	A-W	5-10′	Divided leaves; white flowers in early summer; C; growth rate fast. Fruit fleshy, black, late summer; Bi
Meadowsweet	Spiraea alba	F	A-W	5′	C; A; Flowers pink, showy, summer, CUT; Bu. Tough, resilient, fast growing	Spiraea alba var. latifolia
Bladdernut	Staphylea trifolia	P	A	15′	3-parted leaves; ornamental papery “bladder” contains seeds in the fall, DY
Canada Yew	Taxus canadensis	P-S	D-A	6′	E; slow growth; Red, fleshy fruit, Bi; Long Island is southern limit on the east coast.
Highbush Blueberry	Vaccinium corymbosum	F-P	A	6-12′	F(red); edible fruit, Bi; A; CUT; W
Cranberry	Vaccinium macrocarpon	F	W	6″	Trailing, E, edible fruit, Bi; A	Vaccinium oxycoccos
Early Lowbush Blueberry	Vaccinium pallidum	F-P	D-A	24″	Small white bell-shaped flowers in late spring; edible fruits in summer; F, A; CUT	Vaccinium angustifolium, V. stamineum
Maple-leaf Viburnum	Viburnum acerifolium	F-P	D-A	6′	Pie-shaped clusters of creamy-white flowers; F; CUT; dark blue fruits in fall, Bi	Viburnum dentatum
Hobblebush	Viburnum alnifolium	P-S	A	6′	C; Showy, flat clusters of creamy-white flowers; F; CUT; purple fruits in fall, Bi. Southern limit is Sussex Co, NJ & Westchester Co, NY
Possumhaw	Viburnum nudum	P-S	W	5-20′	Clusters of small white-flowers in summer; CUT; dark blue fruits in fall, Bi	Viburnum lentago
Black Haw	Viburnum prunifolium	F-P	A-W	8-15′	Creamy-white flowers in spring; dark blue fruits in fall, Bi
Prickly Ash	Zanthoxylum americanum	P-S	A	25′	D; Stems prickly, aromatic; tolerates calcareous soils; W
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WOODY VINES	WOODY VINES	WOODY	VINES		WOODY VINES	WOODY VINES
Common Name	Scientific Name	Sun	Moist.	Ht.	Comments	Other Species
Bearberry	Arctostaphylos uva-ursi	F	D	6″	C; E; G Fast-creeping mat; F (bronzy red); small white flowers in late spring; red fruit late summer that persists into winter; Bu; One of our finest groundcovers and most adaptable species
Dutchman’s Pipe	Aristolochia macrophylla	F-S	A	6-30′	Well-behaved woody vine grown for large, shady foliage; Bu; Must be supported
Trumpet Creeper	Campsis radicans	F-P	D-A	20-40′	Shiny dark green, divided leaves; Orange flowers; H; fast growth; can be aggressive
American Bittersweet	Celastrus scandens	P	A	20′	DY, CUT, Fast growing climber; Yellow & orange capsules in fall, persist in winter, Bi. (Asian bittersweet, a very destructive invasive vine, is C. orbiculatus).
Purple Clematis	Clematis occidentalis	F-P	A-W	6′	Semi-woody climber; C; fast growth; Large, drooping, satiny leaves (may irritate skin); Flowers violet, showy, spring, CUT; ornamental seed heads in fall, DY	Clematis virginiana (virgins bower) similar to the Asian C. terniflora. Flowers white, profuse. Too aggressive for most gardens.
Trumpet Honeysuckle	Lonicera sempervirens	F-P	A	15-25′	Red/yellow trumpet-shaped flowers, H; red berries, Bi; one of the longest flowering native plants	Lonicera dioca
Moonseed	Menispermum canadense	F-P	D-A	12′	A; C; G; Dark blue berries, poisonous to humans; W
Partridgeberry	Mitchella repens	P-S	D-A	8″	Creeping carpets; E; G; Small white flowers in summer; scarlet red berries all winter
Virginia Creeper	Parthenocissus quinquefolia	F-P	A	30-50′	Excellent red F; blue berries in fall; Bi; fast growth, can be aggressive; G
Catbrier	Smilax glauca	P-F	D-A	10-20′	Thorny vine with small fragrant flowers; Bi	Smilax rotundifolia, S. herbacea
Fox Grape	Vitis labrusca	P	A	35′	C; fast growth; Shreddy, reddish-brown bark; Edible, dark purple fruits in fall; Bi	Vitis aestivalis, Vitis riparia
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WILDFLOWERS	WILDFLOWERS		WILDFLOWERS		WILDFLOWERS	WILDFLOWERS
Common Name	Scientific Name	Sun	Moist.	Ht.	Comments	Other Species
Doll’s Eyes	Actaea alba, A. pachypoda	P-S	A	32″	Showy white berries on bright purple stems in summer. Plant poisonous	Actaea rubra
Ramps, Wild Leek	Allium tricoccum	P-S	A	12″	Broad, strappy leaves preceed flowers; tuber edible; spring ephemeral	Allium canadense
Yellow Giant Hyssop	Agastache nepetoides	F-P	D-A	3-8″	Light yellow flowers in late summer, Bu; fast growth; DY	Agastache scrophulariifolia, Teucrium canadense
Blue Star	Amsonia tabernaemontana	F-P	A-W	2′	Light blue flowers in May above broad green leaves; DY; F(yellow, orange); easy garden plant
Rue Anemone	Anemonella thalictroides	P-S	A	6″	Upright white blooms aloft delicate foliage; spring ephemeral; C	Anemone quinquefolia, A. canadensis
Field Pussytoes	Antennaria neglecta	F-P	D-A	6″	Semi-evergreen mat of gray-green leaves, G; small white flowers like cotton swabs in spring; larval food plant of American Lady butterfly, Bu	Antennaria plantaginifolia
Wild Columbine	Aquilegia canadensis	F-P	D-A	1-2.5′	Unique red and yellow flowers, H; Finely textured foliage; popular garden plant
Jack-in-the-Pulpit	Arisaema triphyllum	P-S	A	12+”	Unusual flowers in Mar-May; red berries late summer-fall
Wild Ginger	Asarum canadensis	P-S	A	6″	Large, heart-shaped leaves; G
Swamp Milkweed	Asclepias incarnata	F	A-W	12-36″	Pink flowers summer, CUT; Bu; larval food plant of Monarch butterflies, Bu; DY	Asclepias purpurascens
Butterfly Weed	Asclepias tuberosa	F	D-A	2-3′	Brilliant orange flowers, CUT; Bu, larval food plant of Monarch butterflies, Bu; DY
Blue Wood Aster	Aster cordifolius, syn. Symphyotrichum cordifolium	P-S	D-A	1-3′	Blue-lavender flowers in fall, Bu; fast growth	Aster divaricatus, syn. Eurybia divaricata
New England Aster	Aster novae-angliae, syn. Symphyotrichum n-a.	F	A	3-7′	Bright lavender flowers with yellow centers late summer; Bu; CUT	Aster novi-belgii, syn. Symphyotrichum n-b.
Smooth Blue Aster	Aster laevis, syn. Symphyotrichum laeve	F	D	3′	Showy blue flowers in late summer; Bu; lovely blue-green foliage; CUT	Aster spectabilis, syn. Eurybia s.; A. concolor, syn. Symphyotrichum
False Indigo	Baptisia australis	F-P	D-A	3-6′	Blue spikes of pea-shaped flowers in spring, Bu; 3-parted leaves; slow growth; DY	Baptisia tinctoria
False Aster	Boltonia asteroides	F	D-W	4′	Our native daisy! Tall plant with white or pink flowers in fall
Marsh Marigold	Caltha palustris	F	W	1-2′	Bright yellow flowers; spring ephemeral (N.B. very similar to exotic invasive lesser celandine {Ranunculus ficaria})	Senecio aureus
Harebell	Campanula rotundifolia	P	D-A	8-14″	Blue bell-shaped blooms throughout growing season; CUT
Cutleaf Toothwort	Cardamine concatenata	P	A-W	8-16″	Terminal clusters of four-petaled white or pinkish flowers; Bu; spring ephemeral	Cardamine diphylla
Blue Cohosh	Caulophyllum thalictroides	P-S	A	1-2′	Blue-green toothed leaves; blue berries in cluster; late spring flws; poisonous
White Turtlehead	Chelone glabra	F-P	A	1-3′	Narrow, long leaves; white flowers bloom late summer, CUT; Bu	Chelone lyonii
Green-and-Gold	Chrysogonum virginianum	F-P	A	6-12″	Yellow blooms early spring through summer; dark green broad leaves; C; Bu; G
Maryland Golden Aster	Chrysopsis mariana	F	D	2-3′	Bright yellow clusters of daisy-like flowers in summer, Bu; slow growth	Chrysopsis falcata, syn. Pityopsis falcata
Black Cohosh	Cimicifuga racemosa	P-S	A	3-5′	Attractive, divided leaves; Long slender candle-like clusters of white flowers in summer, Bu
Spring Beauty	Claytonia virginica	F-S	A	3-5′	Pink-white flowers spring; linear, strapy leaves; spring ephemeral	Claytonia caroliniana
Bluebead Lily	Clintonia umbellulata	P-S	A	12″	A; yellow flw spg; does well under conifers	Clintonia borealis
Canada Horsebalm	Collinsonia canadensis	P-S	A	3-4′	C; Large leaves smell of citronella; small flowers pale yellow and sweet smelling in late summer
Tickseed	Coreopsis lanceolata	F-P	D-A	12-36″	Gold flws on tall stems in early summer; Common in wildflwr seed mixes	Coreopsis rosea, C. tripteris
Bunchberry	Cornus canadensis	P-S	A	6″	A; G; Sweet, white dogwood flowers late summer above a whorl of leaves
Pink corydalis	Corydalis sempervirens	F-P	D-A	24″	Wintergreen annual or biennial; pink& yellow flws, tolerates calcareous soils. Good for rock gardens	Corydalis aurea
Hoary Tick Trefoil	Desmodium canescens	F-P	D-A	4.5′	White flws mid-summer; Bu	Desmodium glutinosum, D. rotundifolium, D. viridiflorum
Dutchman’s Breeches	Dicentra cucullaria	S	A	1′	White-yellow flowers resemble pantaloons in spring, attractive lacy leaves; C; spring ephemeral	Dicentra canadensis
Fringed Bleeding Heart	Dicentra eximia	F-P	A	12-18″	Attractive foliage and pink and white flowers growing in mounds
Purple Coneflower	Echinacea purpurea	F	D-A	3′	Large, daisy-like flowers with reflexed rose-purple petals, Bu; Bi (goldfinches eat seeds); CUT; DY	Echinacea pallida
Fireweed	Epilobium angustifolium	F	D-A	4-6′	Fast growth; showy, magenta flws; C; CUT; DY	An excellent substitute for the noxious weed, Lythrum salicaria, purple loosestrife.
Yellow Trout Lily	Erythronium americanum	P-S	A	3-6″	Large, six-petalled yellow flowers	Erythronium albidum
Mistflower	Eupatorium coelestinum, syn. Conoclinium c.	F-P	A	1-3′	Dense clusters of starry, periwinkle flowers late summer, Bu; CUT	Pluchea purpurascens
Hollow Joe-Pye Weed	Eupatorium fistulosum	F	A	3-10′	Pinkish-purple clusters above lance-like whorled leaves, Bu (swallowtails); CUT	Eupatorium dubium, E. maculatum, E. purpureum
White Snakeroot	Eupatorium rugosum, syn. Ageratina altissima	F-P	D-A	2-4′	Flat-top clusters of small white starry flowers in fall, C; Bu; fast growth.	Eupatorium perfoliatum, E. hyssopifolium
Queen of the Prairie	Filipendula rubra	F-P	A-W	3-7′	Airy tufts of pink flws in summer; CUT; Endangered in the wild in our region
Fringed Gentian	Gentianopsis crinita	F-P	A-W	3′	Biennial; Spectacular blue-violet flowers in fall, CUT	Gentiana andrewsii, G. clausa
Wild Geranium	Geranium maculatum	F-S	A	1-2′	1″ lavender-purple flowers in spring and summer; divided foliage; G	Geranium carolinianum
Sweet Everlasting	Gnaphalium obtusifolium, syn. Pseudognaphalium o.	F	D	3′	Aromatic leaves; small, scaly white flowers in late summer, DY; Bu	Anaphalis margaritacea
Swamp Sunflower	Helianthus angustifolius	F	A-W	6′	Yellow flowers in late summer, Bu, CUT; DY	Helianthus decapetalus, Bidens laevis
Round-lobed Hepatica	Hepatica americana	P-S	A	6″	Delicate blue-lavender flowers in March-April. Beautiful semi-evergreen, mottled leaves unfurl after petals have dropped. Spring ephemeral	Hepatica acutiloba
Cow Parsnip	Heracleum lanatum	F-P	A-W	10′	Flat, white floral panicle; wooly leaves; Bu; DY	Osmorhiza claytonii, O. longistylis
Alumroot	Heuchera americana	F-P	A	1-3′	Grn-purp bell-shaped flwrs on leafless stalk (spr-sum), G
Rose Mallow	Hibiscus moscheutos	F	A	4-7′	Large, white or pink flowers in summer; CUT; DY	Kosteletzkya virginica
Azure Bluet, Quaker Ladies	Houstonia caerulea	F-P	D-W	4″	G; tiny blue flws in spring; common in lawns	Houstonia longifolia, H. purpurea
Broad-Leaved Waterleaf	Hydrophyllum canadense	P-S	A-W	20″	Purple-white flws summer	Hydrophyllum virginianum
Yellow Star Grass	Hypoxis hirsuta	F-P	D-A	6″	Grass-like leaves; 6-petaled yellow flowers in early summer
Crested Dwarf Iris	Iris cristata	P-S	A	16″	Sword-shaped, blue-green leaves with showy violet-blue flowers in April; CUT; G	Iris verna
Blue Flag Iris	Iris versicolor	F-P	W	2-3′	Sword-shaped, blue-green leaves with showy violet-blue flowers in early summer; CUT; DY	Iris prismatica
Round-headed Bushclover	Lespedeza capitata	F-P	D-A	4′	DY, Bu; Creamy white, pea-like flowers with a magenta spot at base in dense, rounded heads in late summer	Lespedeza intermedia, L. procumbens, L. repens
Rough Blazing Star	Liatris aspera	F-P	D-A	3-5′	Spikes of pink-purple flowers late summer; CUT; Bu; Bi (seeds); DY	Liatris pycnostachya var. pycnostachya, L. spicata
Turk’s Cap Lily	Lilium superbum	F	A	6-10′	Whorls of lance-shaped leaves, purple-mottled stems; in summer up to 40 showy red-orange blossoms; H; CUT; DY
Wood Lily	Lilium philadelphicum	F-P	D-A	32″	Bright orange showy flws, CUT	Lilium canadense
Sea Lavender	Limonium carolinianum	F	A-W	12″	Delicate, blue-lavender flowers bloom in summer, CUT; DY; Rosette of fleshy leaves
Cardinal flower	Lobelia cardinalis	F-P	W	3-5′	Terminal clusters of bright red flowers 1.5″ long in fall
Great Blue Lobelia	Lobelia siphilitica	F-P	A-W	1-3′	Elongated cluster of pale-dark blue flwrs late sum-fall	Lobelia spicata
Seedbox	Ludwigia alternifolia	F-P	A-W	3′	Large, 4-petaled flws; DY
Wild Blue Lupine, Sundial Lupine	Lupinus perennis	F-P	D	12-30″	Spire of blue-violet, pea-shaped flowers, Bu; Attractive, dissected leaves; CUT
Canada Mayflower	Maianthemum canadense	P-S	A	8″	Small, oval leaves grow slowly, G; small spire of white flowers in spring, red berries in summer
Indian Cucumber Root	Medeola virginiana	S	A	18″	Long leaves in 2 whorls around the stem; small greenish flowers, purple berries; late spring
Virginia Bluebells	Mertensia virginica	P-S	A-W	1-2′	Nodding, pale blue flowers; CUT; spring ephemeral
Scarlet Bee Balm (Oswego Tea)	Monarda didyma	F-P	A	1-3′	Minty fragrant foliage; bright red, tubular flowers; Bu; CUT
Wild Bergamot	Monarda fistulosa	F-P	A	1-3′	Minty fragrant foliage; violet, tubular flowers; Bu; CUT	Monarda media
Horsemint	Monarda punctata	F-P	A	1-3′	Minty fragrant foliage; pink-beige-purple-brown spotted, tubular flowers; Bu; CUT
Evening Primrose	Oenothera biennis	F-P	D-A	2-6′	Lemon colored flowers open at twilight; very hardy; fast growth; CUT; DY	Oenothera fruticosa, O. perennis
Prickly Pear Cactus	Opuntia humifusa	F-P	D-A	6-18″	Beautiful yellow flowers; edible fruits & paddles; G; Our only native cactus
Violet Wood Sorrel	Oxalis violacea	P-S	A	16″	Showy violet flws; interesting foliage; great for rock gardens
Allegheny Spurge	Pachysandra procumbens	P-S	A	9-12″	Attractive foliage, two-toned leaves, G; Native to PA and south, the one sold at nurseries is from Japan and can be invasive
Tall White Beardtongue	Penstemon digitalis	F-P	A	30-50″	Long blooming white flowers in summer	Penstemon hirsutus, P. pallidus
Summer Phlox	Phlox paniculata	F-P	A-W	24-48″	Attractive fall flowers attract butterflies	Phlox divaricata
Creeping Phlox	Phlox stolonifera	P-S	A	6″	White, pink, violet flws; G	Phlox subulata
Clammy Ground Cherry	Physalis heterophylla	F-P	D-A	3′	C; smallish flws resemble tomato; fleshy fruits; DY	Physalis longifolia, P. pubescens
Mayapple	Podophyllum peltatum	P-S	A	12-18″	Tall, umbrella-like leaves; solitary white bloom in spring; C; G
Jacob’s Ladder	Polemonium reptans	P-S	A	1′	Terminal clusters of light blue bell-shaped flws; easily naturalizes
Solomon’s Seal	Polygonatum biflorum	P-S	A	2-3′	Tall, arching stems; small bell-shaped white flowers late spring; red berries in summer. Common garden plant	Polygonatum pubescens, Smilacina racemosa, Streptopus amplexifolius, S. roseus
Virginia Jumpseed	Polygonum virginianum	F-S	D-A	3-4′	Large foliage, insignificant white flowers; good as textural interest in garden
Pickerel-Weed	Pontederia cordata	F-P	W	3′	Lustrous foliage, spike of blue flws summer; W; C
Old Field Cinquefoil	Potentilla simplex	F-P	D-A	24″	Semi-evergreen, divided leaves; G; small yellow flowers early summer	Potentilla anserina, P. canadensis
Hoary Mountainmint	Pycnanthemum incanum	F-P	D-A	3′	Very small, white-lavender flowers, Bu; fragrant thyme/mint leaves; DY	Pycnanthemum muticum, P. virginianum
Meadow Beauty	Rhexia virginica	F-P	A-W	3′	Unusual 4-petaled rose flws summer	Rhexia mariana
Brown-eyed Susan	Rudbeckia fulgida	F-P	A	5′	Gold & chocolate flowers in fall, CUT; DY; Bu	R. hirta, R. laciniata
Bloodroot	Sanguinaria canadensis	S	A	6-10″	Showy white flowers in April; unique leaves; spring ephemeral
Common Pitcher Plant	Sarracenia purpurea	F-P	W	12″	A; unusual leaves collect insects for food; purple flws in spg; found in bogs
Early Saxifrage	Saxifraga virginiensis	F-P	D-A	4″	Small, white flws in spring; good for rock gardens; Bu
Downy Skullcap	Scutellaria incana	F-P	D-A	2-3′	Showy blue flowers in late summer; Bu; lovely blue-green foliage; CUT	Scutelaria integrifolia
Fire Pink	Silene virginica	F-P	D-A	20″	Scarlet flws in summer; H; good for rock gardens	Silene caroliniana, S. stellata
Stout Blue-eyed Grass	Sisyrinchium angustifolium	F-P	A-W	20″	Thin, grassy foliage; iris-blue flowers in early summer	Sisyrinchium atlanticum, S. mucronatum
Bluestem Goldenrod	Solidago caesia	F-S	D-A	1-3′	Stems are studded with clusters of tiny yellow flowers; Bu	Solidago bicolor, S. flexicaulis
Sweet Goldenrod	Solidago odora	P	D	1-2′	Anise-scented leaves; showy yellow floral cluster in fall, Bu; CUT; DY	Solidago juncea, S. nemoralis
Seaside Goldenrod	Solidago sempervirens	F	A	1-8′	Fleshy leaves, rather large yellow flowers early fall; CUT; DY; Bu	Solidago rugosa
Celandine Poppy	Stylophorum diphyllum	S	A	18″	Bright green leaves with toothed margins; showy lemon-yellow flowers in spring; spring ephemeral
Amrican Bur-reed	Sparganium americanum	F-P	W	3′	C; grasslike; flws bur-shaped; W	Sparganium eurycarpum
Skunk Cabbage	Symplocarpus foetidus	F-P	A-W	2′	C; unusual flws in Feb/Mar; large, showy leaves
Virginia Spiderwort	Tradescantia virginiana	F-P	A	18-36″	Grass-like leaves & 3-petaled violet-blue flowers
Foamflower	Tiarella cordifolia	P-S	A	6-12″	E; G; feathery flowers spring	Mitella diphylla
Wake Robin	Trillium erectum	S	A	16″	Flowers dark red, large and showy, April-June. Spreads slowly. Our hardiest trillium.	Trillium grandiflorum, T. undulatum, T. cernuum
Bellwort	Uvularia perfoliata	P-S	A	12″	Yellow, bell shaped flowers in late spring; C	Uvularia grandiflora, U. sessilifolia, Disporum lanuginosum
False Hellebore	Veratrum viride	P-S	A-W	4-6′	Grn-yellow flws spg; showy, pleated foliage
Blue Vervain	Verbena hastata	F-P	A-W	5′	Elongated leaves; flowers blue in terminal spikes in summer; Bu	Verbena stricta
New York Ironweed	Vernonia noveboracensis	F-P	W	4-6′	Deep reddish purple flowers clustered in flat panicles in late summer; Bu
CulverÕs Root	Veronicastrum virginicum	F	A-W	6′	Spikes of light blue to white flowers, June-Sept, Bu, CUT; easy garden plant	Cimicifuga racemosa
Birdfoot Violet	Viola pedata	F-P	D-A	6″	Flowers lilac-violet with conspicuous orange centers in spring, Bu; divided foliage. Good for rock gardens	Viola brittoniana
Yellow Forest Violet	Viola pubescens	P-S	A	8″	Showy yellow flowers early spring, Bu	Viola blanda, V. rotundifolia
Canada Violet	Viola canadensis	P-S	D-A	8″	White-lavender flowers early spring, Bu, G; Fast growth	Viola rostrata, V. palmata
Barren Strawberry	Waldsteinia fragarioides	F-P	A	8″	Creamy yellow flowers; Bu; G
Golden Alexanders	Zizia aurea	F-P	D-A	32″	Showy yellow flowers summer, Bu	Zizia aptera
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FERNS	FERNS	FERNS		FERNS	FERNS	FERNS
Common Name	Scientific Name	Sun	Moist.	Ht.	Comments	Other Species
Maidenhair Fern	Adiantum pedatum	P-S	A	18-36″	A delicate spiral of airy leaflets on black, wiry stems. Spreads slowly; one of our most beautiful native ferns
Lady Fern	Athyrium filix-femina	S	A-W	18-24″	Delicate & lacy arching fronds, red stems at maturity; slowly creeping; C, G
Hay-Scented Fern	Dennstaedtia punctilobula	F-P	A	32″	C; G; aggressive spreader, not clump forming, leaves sweet smelling
Toothed Wood Fern	Dryopteris carthusiana	P-S	A-W	24″	E; grayish-green deeply cut leathery fronds; forms clumps; C; G	Dryopteris cristata, D. clintoniana, D. goldiana
Marginal Wood Fern	Dryopteris marginalis	P-S	A-W	18-24″	Lacy cut blue-green fronds; forms clumps; C; G	Dryopteris intermedia
Ostrich Fern	Matteuccia struthiopteris	P-S	A-W	4-6′	Large, vase-shaped clusters, persistent reproductive fronds; C; DY
Sensitive Fern	Onoclea sensibilis	F-P	W	12-24″	Showy reproductive fronds, a cluster of small black beads. Does well in full sun, but keep moist, itÕs sensitive to drought; aggressive spreader; C; G; DY
Interrupted Fern	Osmunda claytoniana	S	A-W	3-4′	Fertile leaflets interrupt the fronds; light green circular clusters of leaves	Osmunda cinnamomea
Royal Fern	Osmunda regalis	P	A-W	2-5′	Bi-pinnate blade; pinnae resemble locust tree leaves; clump forming
Common Polypody Fern	Polypodium virginianum	P-S	A-W	12″	E; C; Easily grows on thin layers of organic soil.
Christmas Fern	Polystichum acrostichoides	P-S	A	12-36″	E; Easy to cultivate. Attractive year-round, low maintenance, long-lived, clump forming
Bracken Fern	Pteridium aquilinum	F-P	D-A	2-3′	Fronds divided into 3 segments, held aloft on a wiry stem; not clumped; aggressive spreader; C
New York Fern	Thelypteris noveboracensis	P	A	18″	C; G; aggressive spreader, not clump forming.
Broad Beech-Fern	Thelypteris hexagonoptera (=Phegopteris h.)	P	A	24″	C, S; Fronds nearly triangular in outline. Spreads slowly; can form large patches in shade	Thelypteris phegopteris
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GRASSES	SEDGES	&	RUSHES		GRAMINOIDS	GRAMINOIDS
Common Name	Scientific Name	Sun	Moist.	Ht.	Comments	Other Species
Sideoats Grama	Bouteloua curtipendula	F	D-A	30″	One sided oat-like spikes; narrow, bluish-gray leaves in dense clump. F(golden brown, orange). Bi; CUT; DY
Blue Wood Sedge	Carex flaccosperma	P-S	A	12″	Broad, waxy gray-green leaves; Blooms and fruits May-June; BU	Carex plantaginea
Pennsylvania Sedge	Carex pensylvanica	P	A	20″	Thin, long, draping clumps of leaves; Bu, C, G	Carex swanii, C. umbellata
Tussock Sedge	Carex stricta	F-P	A-W	2-3′	Densely tufted, forming permanent, low tussocks. Blooms and fruits May-Aug. Butterfly larval plant
River Oats	Chasmanthium latifolium	F-P	A	48″	F (copper); DY; CUT
Common Hairgrass	Deschampsia flexuosa	P-S	D-A	36″	Leaves shorter than wiry, delicate flowering stems; DY
Three-way Sedge	Dulichium arundinaceum	F-P	W	1-2′	Will thrive in up to 2″ standing water; resembles short bamboo; C; BU
Virginia Wild Rye	Elymus virginicus	P-S	D-A	3′	Distinguished by relatively stiff, erect spikes in summer	Elymus canadensis
Bottlebrush Grass	Elymus hystrix (Hystrix patula)	F-P	A	3-5′	Stems in small tufts. Blooms and fruits summer; DY
Purple Love Grass	Eragrostis spectabilis	F	A	18-24″	Fluffy clouds of bronze-red inflorescences in fall; CUT; DY	Eragrostis capillaris
Canada Rush	Juncus canadensis	F-P	A-W	3′	Rapid growth; green foliage & flower
Smooth Rush	Juncus effusus	F-P	A-W	3′	Bright green cylindrical sheath-like stems; brownish inflorescence peeks out
Common Wood Rush	Luzula multiflora	F-P	A	4-6″	Leaves reddish in bloom. Flowers dense early spring. Late spring fruits, dispersed by ants	Luzula acuminata
Wire-stem Muhly	Muhlenbergia frondosa	F-P	A	40″	Leaves dull blue-green; G; blooms fall	Muhlenbergia schreberi
Switch Panic Grass	Panicum virgatum	F-P	D-W	4-6′	Leaves bluish green, F(gold); grows in clumps
Little Bluestem	Schizachyrium scoparium	F-P	D-A	2-4′	F(copper, orange) in fall; CUT; DY; Bu	Andropogon virginicus, A. gerardii
Wool Grass	Scirpus cyperinus	F	W	3-5′	Clumping grass-like perennial; long, slender leaves; wooly brown seed heads in fall; CUT	Juncus canadensis
Yellow Indian Grass	Sorghastrum nutans	F-P	D-A	3-6′	Foliage green-blue; F(gold/orange/bronze); inflorescence gold-brown; CUT; DY
Tall Dropseed	Sporobolus asper	F-P	D-A	4′	Stems tufted. Blooms and fruits Aug.-Oct. Inflorescence purplish, cylindrical	Sporobolus neglectus, S. vaginiflorus
Eastern Gama Grass	Tripsacum dactyloides	F-P	A-W	9′	C; Showy purple & orange flowers in summer, CUT; Host to larva of a rare moth (Amphipoea erepta)
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