Ageratum is one of the few annuals that can tolerate some shade. This fast-growing, long-blooming annual adds a touch of blue to the yard. Its dense, rounded clusters of fuzzy-looking, blue flowers bloom from June until first frost. Varieties are also available with purple and white blooms, and tall varieties may be used for cut-flower arrangements. Use Ageratum as an edging plant, in beds, or in containers.
Blue Giant Hyssop is a long-blooming, perennial herb known for its bright lavender-blue flowers and fragrant leaves. Spikes of the tubular, lavender-blue flowers bloom July-September; the flower spikes are good fresh-cut or dried for floral arrangements. The flowers are a good nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Blue Giant Hyssop has special value to native bees and bumblebees. The leaves have a strong anise fragrance; they can be used to make herbal teas. Blue Giant Hyssop thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant. It is a good choice for the dry, sandy soil conditions of seashore gardens. Use Blue Giant Hyssop in borders, herb gardens, or containers.
Yellow Buckeye is a large, deciduous tree. Erect clusters of yellow flowers bloom April-May. The round buckeye nuts turn brownish-red; the word “buckeye” comes from the light-colored scar on the nut, which gives the appearance of a deer’s eye. The nuts are a food source for wildlife. This tree has orange fall foliage. Yellow Buckeye needs moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Use it as a shade or specimen tree. Avoid planting it near patios, sidewalks, or driveways, since the fruits, leaves, and twigs may cause tree litter.
Northern Maidenhair is a fine-textured deciduous fern. Pink fiddleheads emerge in spring, turning green as they mature. Northern Maidenhair is a good plant for moist, shady sites. This attractive fern combines well with other perennials in shade, woodland, or rock gardens, and makes an excellent edging plant along shady pathways.
Yarrow is a flowering perennial with fragrant, fine-textured leaves. Tiny flowers are clustered together in flat displays, layered on top of stems. Depending on the variety, flowers bloom in many colors, June-September. Yarrow is easily grown in average, well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant once established. This plant can spread through rhizomes and self-seeding, and should be divided as needed. Best used in wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas.
Red Maple is a medium-sized, cold-tolerant deciduous tree. It has attractive, bright red fall foliage. Clusters of red flowers, which bloom March-April, are followed by red maple fruits (double-winged samaras). Nectar from the flowers is a valuable food source for native bees and honeybees. This wildlife-friendly species is a host for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda) and Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia). The caterpillars provide an early spring food source for birds. Use as a specimen or shade tree in the yard, but not too close to sidewalks or driveways, since this tree has a shallow root system, which may cause buckling of pavement.
Boxelder is a medium-sized, fast-growing deciduous tree. Its compound leaves are different from most other maples. Non-showy, yellow-green flowers bloom March-April on separate male and female trees. The flowers are followed by typical maple fruits (double-winged samaras), which persist on the tree into the winter months. This tree is a host for Boxelder bugs. While they are not harmful to the tree, they may become a nuisance by entering nearby homes for overwintering. Boxelder is susceptible to breakage, occurring either at the crotch of the tree, or where the wood itself is weak, usually along limbs. Best used as a specimen or shade tree in areas of the yard where tree litter and potential breakage will not be a nuisance.
Glossy Abelia is a semi-deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub with graceful, arching branches. Fragrant, bell-shaped, white or pink flowers bloom May-September. The dark green leaves turn an attractive dark purple in the fall. Use this plant as a specimen or in mass plantings. It can also be used as a screen or hedge, and is effective for erosion control on steep slopes. Glossy Abelia is susceptible to stem damage during harsh winters, so consider planting it in protected locations.