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Prunus virginiana

Chokecherry is a small, wildlife-friendly, deciduous tree. It features white flowers, which bloom April-May, providing an early nectar source for butterflies and bees. Flowers are followed by edible fruit. The astringent berry changes from red to purple as it ripens. The berries can be used for jams, jellies, pies, sauces, and wine. The fruits are a valued food source for birds. Fall foliage is golden-yellow to orange. Chokecherry is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including California Hairstreak (Satyrium californica), Sequoia Sphinx (Sphinx sequoiae), Small-eyed Sphinx (Paonias myops), and Columbia Silkmoth (Hyalophora columbia). Use Chokecherry as a specimen in your yard and along foundations, plant in a mass and prune as a shrub border, or use in natural areas to attract wildlife to your yard.

Prunus serotina

Black Cherry is a medium-large, wildlife-friendly, flowering shade tree. White flowers bloom in May, followed by small, edible berries. The fruit changes from red to black as it ripens in August-September. It is used for making wine and jelly. Fall foliage is yellow-red. Black Cherry offers much value for birds, butterflies, bees, and wildlife. It is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), New England Buckmoth (Hemileuca lucina), Viceroy (Limenitis archippus), Columbia Silkmoth (Hyalophora columbia), Cherry Gall Azure (Celastrina serotina), Promethea Moth (Callosamia promethea), Small-eyed Sphinx Moth (Paonias myops), Wild Cherry Sphinx Moth (Sphinx drupiferarum), Banded Tussock Moth (Halysidota tessellaris), and Spotted Apatelodes (Apatelodes torrefacta). Use Black Cherry as a specimen tree or shade tree in your yard.

Prunus maritima

Beach Plum is a rounded, dense, suckering shrub. Clusters of white flowers bloom April-May, before the leaves emerge, providing an early nectar source for native bees and pollinators. Edible fruits ripen to a dark purple in September and are valued by wildlife as a food source. The berries are used to make jellies and jams. Plant Beach Plum in shrub borders, wild hedges, foundation plantings, or as an ornamental specimen plant in your yard.

Populus tremuloides

Quaking Aspen is a medium-sized deciduous tree. It is dioecious; inconspicuous flowers bloom in April on separate male or female trees. It features beautiful, white bark, and deep-green “quaking” leaves, which tremble in the wind. Fall foliage is a rich golden-yellow. Quaking Aspen prefers cooler climates, and is intolerant of heat and humidity. Quaking Aspen provides birds with nesting material and food. It is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Great Ash Sphinx (Sphinx chersis), Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), and Viceroy (Limenitis archippus). Plant Quaking Aspen as a specimen tree or in woodlands and natural areas of your yard.

Pinus virginiana

Virginia Pine is a wildlife-friendly, small to medium, short-needled evergreen conifer. It prefers sandy soils, but does well in heavy clay, where it is difficult to grow other pines. The cones contain sharp-tipped scales, which house seeds eaten by birds and wildlife. Virginia Pine is a host plant for butterfly larvae (caterpillars) of the Eastern Pine Elfin (Callophrys niphon). Plant Virginia Pine along woodland edges or borders in your yard for added winter interest.

Picea pungens

Colorado Blue Spruce is a medium to large, evergreen conifer. It is valued for its stiff, blue-green needles and pyramidal shape. Colorado Blue Spruce displays attractive light-brown cones. Use it as a specimen tree in your yard, or plant in groups to use as a border or screen. Colorado Blue Spruce is commonly used as a holiday tree.

Phlox subulata

Moss Phlox is a vigorous, spreading, mat-forming evergreen perennial. It features red-purple to violet-purple to pink to white flowers, which bloom March-May to create an early spring carpet of color. Use Moss Phlox for edging, cascading walls, and as a groundcover in select areas of your yard.

Phlox drummondii

Phlox features fragrant, pink flowers May-July; the flowers decline in the summer heat. It prefers consistently moist soil, but can tolerate short periods of dryness. Many cultivars offer a variety of colors to choose from. Phlox will re-seed itself and spread. It offers a valued nectar source for butterflies. Use Phlox as edging for your borders and beds, in your rock garden, and in containers. Plant in masses to offer maximum appeal in your yard.

Phlox divaricata

Wild Blue Phlox offers slightly fragrant, loose clusters of blue-violet flowers April-May. This wildlife-friendly flower offers nectar to visiting pollinators, including butterflies and bees. It is susceptible to powdery mildew; maintain good air circulation between plants to prevent this fungal disease. Use Wild Blue Phlox in mixed borders, wildflower gardens, shade gardens, and for woodland groundcover around your yard.

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Russian Sage is a woody perennial with a spreading form. Small, abundant, tubular, light-blue flowers bloom on erect stems, July-October. Aromatic, gray-green leaves offer texture to your summer garden. Cut the plants back to the ground in early spring before new growth begins for best flowering. Use Russian Sage massed in borders or as an accent plant in your yard. Its tolerance to drought and salt spray makes it a good choice for seashore gardens.