Allegheny Serviceberry is a wildlife-friendly, large deciduous shrub. Drooping clusters of white flowers bloom before leaves appear, March-April. The flowers are followed by edible, berry-like fruits, which turn purple when ripe. The berries are often used in jams or baked goods. The flowers provide nectar for bees and have special value for native bees. The berries are consumed by a variety of birds and mammals. The leaves turn a beautiful orange-red in the fall. The ornamental bark of mature plants is smooth and gray with longitudinal stripes. This species is very similar to Common Serviceberry; it is distinguished by its smooth, not hairy, leaves and sweeter, juicier berries. Use Allegheny Serviceberry as a specimen, or plant it in masses in shrub borders, wildlife gardens, or along edges of water features.
Canadian Serviceberry is a wildlife-friendly, large deciduous shrub. Drooping clusters of slightly fragrant, white flowers bloom before leaves appear, March-April. Its other common name, Shadblow Serviceberry, refers to the fact that the flowers bloom around the same time shad fish return upriver in early spring.
Common Serviceberry is a wildlife-friendly, large deciduous shrub. Drooping clusters of slightly fragrant, white flowers bloom before the leaves appear, March-April. Its other common name, Shadbush, refers to the fact that the flowers bloom around the same time shad fish return upriver in early spring.
Hazel Alder is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub with a tendency to form thickets. It is monoecious (separate male and female flowers appear on the same plant). The greenish male catkins and reddish female catkins bloom March-April. The female catkins are followed by woody, cone-like structures containing the seeds; the “cones” turn a maroon color in fall and persist into winter. A variety of bird species eat the seeds. Fall foliage is yellow-orange. It prefers moist to wet soils, and is flood-tolerant. It grows naturally along stream banks and swampy areas. Alder is a nitrogen-fixing species, adding nutrients to the soil. For these reasons, Hazel Alder is planted as a pioneer species for revegetating disturbed areas along streams or ponds. It can also be used in mass plantings for erosion control or to restore wetlands.
Gray Alder is a small, flood-tolerant, deciduous tree. It is monoecious (separate male and female flowers bloom on the same plant). Both flowers are purple-red catkins; the female flower is followed by a woody, cone-like structure containing the seeds. Birds, such as redpolls, siskins, chickadees, and goldfinches, feed on the seeds. This tree grows fast, but is short-lived, usually not lasting beyond 40 years. It prefers moist to wet soils and is flood-tolerant. Alder is a nitrogen-fixing species, adding nutrients to the soil. For these reasons, Gray Alder is planted as a pioneer species for revegetating disturbed areas along streams or ponds. It can also be massed for a windbreak or used for erosion control.
Yellow Buckeye is a large, deciduous tree. Erect clusters of yellow flowers bloom April-May. The round buckeye nuts turn brownish-red; the word “buckeye” comes from the light-colored scar on the nut, which gives the appearance of a deer’s eye. The nuts are a food source for wildlife. This tree has orange fall foliage. Yellow Buckeye needs moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Use it as a shade or specimen tree. Avoid planting it near patios, sidewalks, or driveways, since the fruits, leaves, and twigs may cause tree litter.
Yarrow is a flowering perennial with fragrant, fine-textured leaves. Tiny flowers are clustered together in flat displays, layered on top of stems. Depending on the variety, flowers bloom in many colors, June-September. Yarrow is easily grown in average, well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant once established. This plant can spread through rhizomes and self-seeding, and should be divided as needed. Best used in wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas.
Sugar Maple is a slow-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree that can tolerate shade. Non-descript, greenish flowers bloom in April, followed by maple fruits (double-winged samaras). The impressive fall foliage offers brilliant yellow and orange colors. This species is the main source of sap for the production of maple syrup. Use as a specimen tree or shade tree in the yard. It is intolerant of road salt and soil compaction, so avoid planting in areas with those challenging conditions.