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Alnus serrulata

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.

Alnus incana

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.

Allium schoenoprasum

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 houstonianum

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.

Agastache foeniculum

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.

Aesculus flava

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.

Adiantum pedatum

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.

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 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 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.