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.
Wild Chives is an edible perennial herb with attractive flowers. It is grown for its flavorful, onion-like leaves, which can be used in salads or cooked dishes. Round clusters of purple or lilac flowers bloom April-May; the flowers are also edible and can be used to garnish soups and salads. The flower heads can be dried for use in floral arrangements. Wild Chives is not just for the herb or vegetable garden! Use it as an edging plant in flower beds or borders, or as an accent around larger perennials. Plants can be dug-up in the fall and grown indoors in a container window garden.
Ageratum is one of the few annuals that can tolerate some shade. This fast-growing, long-blooming annual adds a touch of blue to the yard. Its dense, rounded clusters of fuzzy-looking, blue flowers bloom from June until first frost. Varieties are also available with purple and white blooms, and tall varieties may be used for cut-flower arrangements. Use Ageratum as an edging plant, in beds, or in containers.
Blue Giant Hyssop is a long-blooming, perennial herb known for its bright lavender-blue flowers and fragrant leaves. Spikes of the tubular, lavender-blue flowers bloom July-September; the flower spikes are good fresh-cut or dried for floral arrangements. The flowers are a good nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Blue Giant Hyssop has special value to native bees and bumblebees. The leaves have a strong anise fragrance; they can be used to make herbal teas. Blue Giant Hyssop thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant. It is a good choice for the dry, sandy soil conditions of seashore gardens. Use Blue Giant Hyssop in borders, herb gardens, or containers.
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.
Northern Maidenhair is a fine-textured deciduous fern. Pink fiddleheads emerge in spring, turning green as they mature. Northern Maidenhair is a good plant for moist, shady sites. This attractive fern combines well with other perennials in shade, woodland, or rock gardens, and makes an excellent edging plant along shady pathways.