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Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Bearberry is a ground-hugging, wildlife-friendly evergreen shrub. Its green, leathery leaves darken to a reddish-purple color in the fall. Clusters of tiny, bell-shaped, pink to white flowers bloom on red stems, April-May. The nectar attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, and it has special value for native bees. The flowers are followed by berry-like fruits, which ripen to a bright red color in the fall. The berries persist into the winter and provide food for birds and other wildlife. Bearberry is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Rocky Mountain Clearwing (Hemaris senta), Hoary Elfin (Callophrys polios), Freija Fritillary (Boloria freija), Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus), and Elf (Microtia elva). Bearberry grows well in sandy or rocky soils. Use it as an edging plant or evergreen groundcover, in rock gardens, along rock walls, or on slopes for erosion control.

Anemone quinquefolia

Wood Anemone is a delicate, early-spring perennial. It features a whorl of deeply-cut, dark green leaves and a solitary white flower that blooms atop a 4 to 8-inch stalk, April-May. The graceful movement of the slender flower stalks in the wind led to its other common name, Wind Flower. Wood Anemone is a spring ephemeral — the plants die back in mid-summer. This plant forms colonies and makes a good spring groundcover for shady areas. It will re-seed itself; seedlings flower after 3-4 years of growth. It prefers moist to wet soil conditions. Use Wood Anemone in masses in woodland gardens or along shady edges of ponds or streams.

Andropogon virginicus

Broomsedge Bluestem is a wildlife-friendly, upright perennial bunchgrass. This grass turns a golden brown in the fall and maintains good color through the winter. Birds utilize plant parts for nesting materials, and the seeds as a winter food source. Broomsedge Bluestem provides nesting materials and structure for native bees. It is a host for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon). It grows well in moist to wet soils, but also tolerates both poor soil and drought. Use Broomsedge Bluestem in masses in meadows or along edges of ponds or other water features. It can also be used for erosion control on sites with disturbed soil.

Acer saccharum

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.

Acer pensylvanicum

Striped Maple is a shrubby deciduous tree. Small, greenish-yellow flowers bloom April-May. The leaves turn bright yellow in the fall. The distinctive, striped bark provides ornamental interest, particularly in winter. One of its common names, Whistlewood, originates from the traditional practice of carving whistles from its branches. Use in woodland gardens or shady areas of the yard.

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.