Saucer Magnolia is a small to medium, deciduous hybrid tree (M. denudata x M. liliiflora). Its fragrant, pink-white-purplish flowers bloom in March, offering early spring color to your garden. Plant it in a protected area of your yard, as it does not handle frost well — the flowers may become brown and mushy. It can also be planted as a multi-stemmed shrub. You can use Saucer Magnolia as a specimen tree or wild hedge for your yard or neighborhood park.
Southern Magnolia is a flowering, broadleaf, semi-evergreen (deciduous in colder climates) tree with a full, pyramidal shape. Its fragrant, large, creamy-white flowers bloom April-June, offering a stunning display. Southern Magnolia must be protected from winter winds, and is sensitive to frost. Plant it as a specimen, or as a shade tree in your yard or neighborhood park; select an appropriate place to ensure optimum growth. It is intolerant of urban conditions.
Cucumber-tree is a medium-large, flowering deciduous tree, offering a full, rounded form. Upon maturity, small, slightly fragrant, tulip-like greenish-yellow flowers bloom April-May, usually towards the crown of the tree. Flowers are followed by cucumber-like, showy red fruits in late summer. The seeds are a food source for birds and small mammals. Use Cucumber-tree as an ornamental shade tree in your yard or neighborhood park.
Sundial Lupine features blue, pea-like flowers on elongated stems that bloom April-July. Attractive, dark green, compound-palmate leaves orient themselves to the sun. This wildlife-friendly perennial is a valuable nectar and pollen source for hummingbirds and native bees. Its dried seeds are enjoyed by birds. Sundial Lupine is a host plant to butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus), Elf (Microtia elva), Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae), and Persius Duskywing (Erynnis persius). Sundial Lupine is the only known host for larvae of the Karner Blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa sub. samuelis), which is nearly extinct over much of its range. Plant Sundial Lupine in perennial borders, meadows, edges of woodlands, and in sandy, naturalized areas of your yard that offer full sun. They are susceptible to powdery mildew.
Trumpet Honeysuckle is a twining, wildlife-friendly deciduous vine, which will attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to your garden! Its red-pink-orange, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom May-June and offer hummingbirds and nectar-loving pollinators an energy-rich food source. The berries are an attractive food source for many species of birds, including finches and robins. The foliage is host to butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon) and Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis). Wait until after flowering to prune. Trumpet Honeysuckle can be trained on your trellis, arbor, pergola, or along a fence around your yard.
Cardinal Flower is one of the most attractive native wildflowers in New Jersey. The showy, scarlet-red flowers are a hummingbird magnet, blooming July through September and offering a late summer nectar source. Cardinal Flower requires moist-wet, humus-rich soil to ensure optimum growth. It prefers partly shady areas, but it can tolerate full shade. Enhance your yard’s perennial border, butterfly garden, rain garden, or moist woodland edge with this gorgeous native!
Tuliptree is a large, fast-growing, flowering, wildlife-friendly deciduous tree. Yellow-and-orange bicolor flowers blooming May-June are valued by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Flowers lead to ornamental, cone-shaped fruits bearing numerous winged seeds. Large, tulip-shaped leaves give this tree its common name. It is favored by wildlife for nest sites, cover, and food. Tuliptree is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Tuliptree Silkmoth (Callosamia angulifera) and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). Use it as a specimen tree or shade tree for your large yard or landscape.