Archives

Salix nigra

Black Willow is a fast-growing, flowering tree. Yellow-green flowers bloom April-May, providing a nectar source for native bees, honeybees, bumblebees, and beneficial predatory insects, which prey on garden pest insects. It is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Viceroy (Limenitis archippus), Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis), Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), and Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica). Black Willow has attractive, deeply furrowed bark. Use it as specimen tree in moist areas around your yard, or along streambanks for erosion control.

Saccharum brevibarbe var. contortum

Shortbeard Plumegrass is a tall, clumping grass. Whitish-yellow flower plumes bloom July-October. Fall color is an attractive bronze. This southern United States native can be used in foundations or borders, or as a specimen plant in your yard.

Rudbeckia hirta

Blackeyed Susan features daisy-like flowers with bright yellow-orange rays and brown center disks. The long bloom time lasts from June-September. This plant provides a nectar source for bees, and birds eat the ripe seeds. Blackeyed Susan is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia) and Gorgone Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone). It does not tolerate prolonged, wet weather. Use Blackeyed Susan in your borders, beds, meadows, and naturalized areas. It also makes an excellent fresh-cut flower for bouquets.

Rudbeckia fulgida

Orange Coneflower features daisy-like flowers with bright yellow-orange rays and brown-purple center disks. The long bloom time lasts from June-October. This plant provides a nectar source for bees, and birds feed on the dried seeds. Use Orange Coneflower in naturalized gardens, rain gardens, in masses in the perennial border of your yard, and as fresh-cut flowers.

Rosa virginiana

Virginia Rose features pink flowers which bloom June-August. This plant provides a nectar source and nesting material for native bees and honeybees. Virginia Rose is valued by beneficial predatory insects, which prey on garden pest insects. The fruit, called “hips,” contain vitamin C. Fall foliage is purple, to orange-red, to crimson and yellow. The red fruit and canes can be attractive in winter. Use Virginia Rose in the back of borders, along foundations, and in natural areas of your yard.

Rhus glabra

Smooth Sumac features yellowish-green flowers which bloom June-July. it is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Both male and female plants are needed to produce fruit. Female flowers lead to large clusters of red berries which ripen in August; the berries are an attractive food source for birds. Nectar offers food for butterflies and bees. Smooth Sumac is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars) including Hairstreak (Hypaurotis spp.). Fall foliage is yellow to orange-red-purple. Use Smooth Sumac for mass plantings in dry, nutrient-poor soil areas. It will spread to form colonies.

Rhus copallinum

Winged Sumac features yellowish-green flowers blooming July-August. It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Both male and female plants are needed to produce fruit. Flowers provide nectar for native bees. Fertilized female flowers lead to large clusters of edible, sour, red berries which ripen in August. The berries provide a valuable food source for birds. Fall foliage is a rich red, crimson, and scarlet. Winged Sumac provides habitat for birds, bees, and wildlife. Use Winged Sumac in dry rocky places, coastal gardens, along stream banks, in naturalistic plantings, and in large areas of your yard. It will spread to form colonies.

Rhododendron catawbiense

Catawba Rhododendron is a broadleaf evergreen shrub. Large clusters of lilac to purple to rose flowers bloom April-June, providing a valued food source for bumblebees. Use Catawba Rhododendron in shrub borders, foundation plantings, and natural areas around your yard. As with many Azaleas and Rhododendrons, all parts of this plant are poisonous.

Quercus rubra

Red Oak is a medium-sized, deciduous tree. It is monoecious; insignificant separate male and female catkins appear in spring. The acorns mature in early fall and provide food for birds and wildlife. Fall foliage is russet-red to bright-red, but occasionally yellow-brown. It prefers fertile, dry, sandy soil. Red Oak provides nesting space, cover, and shelter for wildlife. Oaks are host to numerous beneficial insects, which in turn provide food for birds. Red Oak is a host plant to butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus). Use it as a specimen in your yard, a street tree, or lawn tree.

Quercus muehlenbergii

Chinkapin Oak is a medium-sized, deciduous tree of the white oak group. It is monoecious; greenish-yellow flowers bloom on separate male and female catkins in April as leaves emerge. It has narrow, oblong, toothed leaves. Fall leaf color is variable, usually yellow-brown. It may take 30 years for this tree to mature to bear acorns, which provide food for birds and wildlife. Oaks are host to numerous beneficial insects, which in turn provide food for birds. Chinkapin Oak is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus). It provides nesting space, cover, and shelter for wildlife. Chinkapin Oak is a low-maintenance, long-lived tree. This attractive tree is worth saving if it is already growing in your yard. Use it as a shade tree in large yards and parks, or in natural areas.