Eastern Teaberry is a woody, evergreen groundcover. Its small, white, bell-shaped flowers bloom June-July, followed by small, red, edible berries that have a refreshing wintergreen flavor. Birds feed on the berries, which persist through the winter. The waxy, dark green leaves also smell like wintergreen when crushed. The leaves, which turn reddish in cold weather, are also a winter food source for wildlife. Both the leaves and berries can be used to make an herbal tea. Use Eastern Teaberry as groundcover or in woodland gardens, shade gardens, or naturalized areas.
Dwarf Witchalder or Dwarf Fothergillia is a deciduous shrub with dense, dark green foliage. Fragrant, bottle-brush-shaped, white flowers bloom April-May, before the leaves emerge. Their honey-like fragrance attracts native bees.
American Beech is a large deciduous tree with smooth, light-gray bark and prominently veined, toothed, dark green leaves. The leaves turn a bronze color in the fall and remain on the tree well into winter. American Beech is monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same tree). Its yellowish-green flowers bloom April-May. Female flowers are followed by edible, triangular-shaped nuts enclosed in a spiny husk. The nuts ripen in the fall and are an important food source for many species of birds and mammals. The tree canopy is a favored nesting and roosting site for birds and wildlife. American Beech is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Early Hairstreak (Erora laeta). This tree casts a dense shade, useful as a cooling technique for homes. Its shallow root system can make it difficult to grow plants underneath, so avoid planting it near flower beds and vegetable gardens. Give this tree ample space to grow. Use American Beech in large yards or parks.
Eastern Showy Aster has bright purple flowers with yellow centers, which bloom August-October. It grows well in dry, sandy soils and is tolerant of salt spray. It spreads by rhizomes (underground stems) to form loose colonies. Use in sunny borders, wildflower gardens, and seashore gardens. Good addition to cut-flower bouquets.
White Wood Aster has small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow to red centers; it blooms August-September. The flowers are a nectar source for butterflies. This plant tolerates dry, shady conditions. Plant in masses in shady borders or wildflower gardens, or as an understory planting in woodland gardens.
Mistflower has compact clusters of fuzzy-looking, bluish-purple flowers from midsummer until frost. This plant has special value for native bees, and attracts many species of butterflies. Mistflower spreads by rhizomes (underground stems), sometimes aggressively, and may need to be divided every few years. Cut back in summer to promote bushier growth. Use Mistflower in wildflower gardens, woodland gardens, and along edges of ponds and water gardens.
Trout Lily has two tulip-like leaves at the base of the plant and lily-shaped, yellow flowers, which bloom in early spring. The flowers bloom during the spring trout-fishing season, hence the common name. The plants go into dormancy by late spring. Trout Lily prefers moist, acidic, organic soils. Use it in shady garden areas, woodland gardens, rock gardens, and along ponds or other water features.