Carolina Silverbell is a large shrub or medium tree with a rounded crown. Drooping clusters of showy, white, bell-shaped flowers bloom in early spring. The flowers are followed by four-winged fruits, which turn tan in the fall. This plant prefers moist, well-drained, organic soils, and grows well with Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Use it in the shrub border or woodland garden, as an accent tree near decks or patios, or as a specimen tree for the lawn.
Kentucky Coffeetree is a deciduous tree that has large, compound leaves and brown bark with distinctive scale-like ridges. It is dioecious (separate male and female trees), with greenish-white flowers blooming in the late spring. The female trees bear reddish-brown seed pods that persist into winter. Use Kentucky Coffeetree in large yards or parks. Its tolerance for drought and air pollution makes it a good urban tree.
Thornless Honeylocust is a large, fast-growing, urban-tolerant deciduous tree. Its small leaflets and open crown cast a light shade that permits shade-tolerant grasses and perennials to grow underneath, making it a good choice for filtered shade. The seed pods are a food source for birds and other wildlife. Protect the bark of young trees, since white-tailed deer and rabbits may eat the soft bark in winter. Use Thornless Honeylocust as a street tree, on slopes for erosion control, or for windbreaks.
Gingko is a deciduous tree with unique, fan-shaped leaves. It is dioecious (separate male and female trees), but only male trees should be planted, since the fruit of female trees is messy and malodorous. Its yellow fall leaves can persist for weeks, then suddenly drop within a day. This cold-hardy tree is usually deep-rooted and resistant to wind and snow damage. It tolerates salt and poor soil and air quality, making it a good choice for urban conditions. Use Gingko as a lawn tree or street tree.
Spotted Geranium is a native perennial geranium with deeply lobed, palm-shaped leaves. Loose clusters of showy pink to lilac flowers bloom April-May. Its other common name, Crane’s Bill, comes from the beak-like shape of the seed structure, which catapults seeds when dried. Use it in shady borders, open woodland gardens, or wildflower gardens. It can be massed to create an attractive groundcover.
Gazania is an annual with trailing stems and daisy-like flowers, which bloom from summer into fall. Its bright yellow-orange flowers close at night and may not fully open on cloudy days. It tolerates hot, dry conditions and prefers sandy soil. Remove the spent flowers to encourage more blooming. Excellent in hanging baskets as well as in beds and borders.
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.