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Cornus alternifolia

Alternateleaf Dogwood is a small, deciduous tree, sometimes planted as a shrub. Its horizontal branches give it a layered appearance. Clusters of fragrant, white flowers bloom May-June, followed by blue-black fruits, which ripen in late summer. The fruits provide food for birds and other wildlife. The leaves turn red-purple in the fall. Alternateleaf Dogwood is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Spring Azure (Celastrina “ladon”). Water during periods of drought and mulch to keep the roots moist. Use as a specimen tree for small yards, or plant in masses in shrub borders or woodland gardens.

Chionanthus virginicus

White Fringetree is a small, deciduous tree with a spreading, rounded crown. It is usually dioecious (separate male and female trees); a male tree must be in the area to pollinate females for fruit production. Drooping clusters of slightly fragrant, showy, white flowers bloom May-June on both male and female trees; the male flowers tend to be showier than the female ones. The female flowers are followed by round fruits, which ripen to a dark bluish-black in late summer. The fruits provide food for birds and other wildlife. The wide, dark green leaves turn yellow in the fall. White Fringetree is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Rustic sphinx (Manduca rustica). Use it as speciman tree in small yards, or grow in groups as a border, tall hedge, or screen. It makes a good urban tree due to its high tolerance of air pollution.

Chimaphila maculata

Spotted Wintergreen is a low-growing evergreen perennial. The thick, dark green, waxy leaf has a white stripe down the center and serrated edges. Small, fragrant, waxy, white, or pale pink flowers bloom on erect, red stalks, June-August. The flowers attract insect pollinators. The flowers turn upward after fertilization and develop into attractive, dried seed capsules. The leaves have a darker, purplish color in the winter. Use Spotted Wintergreen in woodland gardens, shady naturalized areas, or as a groundcover. It is a good plant to keep if already growing in your yard.

Chamaedaphne calyculata

Leatherleaf is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to wet soils. It has leathery, green leaves and small, bell-shaped, white flowers, which bloom April-May. This shrub is used by birds and other wildlife for nesting and cover. It grows well in boggy locations. Use Leatherleaf in moist borders, woodland gardens, rain gardens, or along edges of ponds or other water features.

Chamaecyparis thyoides

Atlantic White Cedar is a medium to large, aromatic evergreen tree with a tall, narrow form and straight trunk. The scaled, blue-green leaves have a flat, fan-like structure. The wood is decay-resistant and has traditionally been used to make boats, shingles, and other building materials. This tree prefers acidic, organically-rich sandy soils. It naturally grows in low, wet areas, including freshwater swamps, river banks, and wet woodlands. Atlantic White Cedar is often used for bog and wetland restorations. Use it in rain gardens and other moist areas of the yard, or as a specimen tree.

Cercis canadensis

Eastern Redbud is a New Jersey native tree. It is covered with dense clusters lavender-pink flowers that bloom directly from branches before the leaves emerge. The flowers are a nectar source for native pollinators.

Acer spicatum

Mountain Maple is a small, multi-trunked, understory tree that thrives at high elevations. Small, yellowish-green flowers bloom in clusters on upright stems in early summer. Its leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. Use as a specimen tree or in shady areas. Good choice for preventing erosion on steep slopes and stream banks. Mountain Maple may be difficult to find commercially. Tell your local garden center or nursery about your interest in this tree.

Acer saccharinum

Silver Maple is a fast-growing, large deciduous tree. It gets its name from the silvery color on the undersides of its leaves. The leaves are also relatively small, in comparison to those of other maples. Greenish-yellow flowers bloom in March, followed by maple fruits (double-winged samaras). Silver Maple is a preferred nesting site for Baltimore Orioles. This tree has weak-wooded branches susceptible to breakage from high winds or heavy snow. Best used as a specimen or shade tree in areas of the yard where potential breakage will not be a nuisance. Silver Maple is often used in areas where other hardwoods will not grow, since it tolerates poor soils and wet conditions.

Acer nigrum

Black Maple is a medium-tall deciduous tree with a rounded crown. Impressive fall foliage offers brilliant yellow and orange colors. The leaf and stem structure of this maple species are differentiated from other species by their wider, drooping leaves, waxy coating on twigs, and longer leaf stalks. Small, yellow-green male and female flower clusters bloom separately on the same tree March-April. Flowers are followed by maple fruits (double-winged samaras). This wildlife-friendly tree provides nectar for bees and flower buds and seeds for birds. Use as a shade tree or street tree. Black Maple may be difficult to find commercially. Tell your local garden center or nursery about your interest in this tree.