U.S.

Fish & Wildlife Service

Native Plants for

Wildlife Habitat and
Conservation Landscaping
Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Acknowledgments
Contributors: Printing was made possible through the generous funding from Adkins Arboretum;
Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management; Chesapeake
Bay Trust; Irvine Natural Science Center; Maryland Native Plant Society; National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation; The Nature Conservancy, Maryland-DC Chapter; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resource Conservation Service, Cape May Plant Materials Center; and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Chesapeake Bay Field Ofce.
Reviewers: species included in this guide were reviewed by the following authorities regarding native
range, appropriateness for use in individual states, and availability in the nursery trade:
Rodney Bartgis, The Nature Conservancy, West Virginia.
Ashton Berdine, The Nature Conservancy, West Virginia.
Chris Firestone, Bureau of Forestry, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Chris Frye, State Botanist, Wildlife and Heritage Service, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Mike Hollins, Sylva Native Nursery & Seed Co.
William A. McAvoy, Delaware Natural Heritage Program, Delaware Department of Natural Resources
and Environmental Control.
Mary Pat Rowan, Landscape Architect, Maryland Native Plant Society.
Rod Simmons, Maryland Native Plant Society.
Alison Sterling, Wildlife Resources Section, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.
Troy Weldy, Associate Botanist, New York Natural Heritage Program, New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation.
Graphic Design and Layout: Laurie Hewitt, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chesapeake Bay Field
Ofce.
Special thanks to: Volunteer Carole Jelich; Christopher F. Miller, Regional Plant Materials Specialist,
Natural Resource Conservation Service; and R. Harrison Weigand, Maryland Department of Natural
Resources, Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Division for assistance throughout this project.
Citation: Slattery, Britt E., Kathryn Reshetiloff, and Susan M. Zwicker. 2003. Native Plants for Wildlife
Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,
Chesapeake Bay Field Ofce, Annapolis, MD. 82 pp.
2003

Table of Contents
Introduction

Benets of Conservation Landscaping ................................................................................... 3

Why Use Native Plants ........................................................................................................... 4
Conservation Landscaping Elements ..................................................................................... 4
How to Choose Plants ............................................................................................................ 6
Where to Find Native Plants ................................................................................................... 6

How To Use This Guide

Plant Names and Types ......................................................................................................... 7

Characteristics ........................................................................................................................ 7
Growth Conditions .................................................................................................................. 8
Habitat .................................................................................................................................... 9
Native To (Where to Use) ....................................................................................................... 9
Wildlife Value ........................................................................................................................ 10
Notes .................................................................................................................................... 10

Plant Information Pages

Ferns .....................................................................................................................................11
Grasses & Grasslike Plants .................................................................................................. 14
Herbaceous Plants ............................................................................................................... 18
Herbaceous Emergents ........................................................................................................ 41
Shrubs .................................................................................................................................. 45
Trees..................................................................................................................................... 54
Vines ..................................................................................................................................... 64

Plants with a Purpose

Plants for Coastal Dunes ...................................................................................................... 66

Plants for Saltwater or Brackish Water Marshes .................................................................. 66
Plants for Freshwater Wetlands and Other Wet Sites .......................................................... 67
Plants Appropriate for Bogs or Bog Gardens ..................................................................... 68
Plants for Dry Meadows ....................................................................................................... 68
Plants for Wet Meadows ....................................................................................................... 69
Plants for Forest or Woodland Plantings .............................................................................. 69
Solutions for Slopes.............................................................................................................. 71
Evergreens ........................................................................................................................... 72
Plants to Use as Groundcovers ............................................................................................ 72
Plants for Spring and Fall Color ............................................................................................ 72
Deer Resistant Plants .......................................................................................................... 73

Photo Credits ...................................................................................................................... 74

References ........................................................................................................................... 75
Index ....................................................................................................................................... 79
1

To the Reader
The use of native plants in landscaping and of course habitat restoration is certainly not new.
In fact, their use has grown exponentially in recent years. Natural resources professionals in
turn have been ooded with requests for information on native plants to use in various types of
planting projects. Communities, schools, businesses, nonprot organizations, watershed groups,
local governments, state and federal agencies and many others are enhancing and restoring
habitat, solving ecological problems, reducing maintenance, or just beautifying surroundings,
all using locally native plants. Natural resources professionals, in turn, have been ooded with
requests for information on native plants to use in various types of planting projects. There are
many excellent resources available on native plants - some more technical than others, some
more comprehensive than others. The frustration voiced most frequently by users is the lack of
color photographs of the plants. After all, it is the striking visual quality of these plants that is their
best selling point.
This publication includes those pictures as well as user-friendly information on native species
appropriate for planting in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and adjacent coastal regions.
Although one guide cannot furnish the answers to every question, we have included as much
useful information as possible in a limited space. Although the large number of species of
plants included here may overwhelm some readers, this guide displays the great diversity of
plants available. We hope you will bypass the over-used, non-native and sometimes invasive
ornamental plants, and select the equally and often more attractive native plants. Pour through
this guide the same way you look through nursery catalogs. Use it to plan and design your next
planting, whether its a small corner of your front yard, a two-acre meadow seeding, or 100 acres
of wetland restoration.

Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and

Conservation Landscaping:
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Introduction
Conservation landscaping refers to landscaping with specic goals of reducing pollution and
improving the local environment. In the Chesapeake Bay watershed (the land that drains to the
Bay and its many tributaries), this style of landscaping is sometimes called BayScaping, or
benecial landscaping.
Conservation landscaping provides habitat for local and migratory animals, conserves native
plants and improves water quality. Landowners also benet as this type of landscaping reduces
the time and expense of mowing, watering, fertilizing and treating lawn and garden areas, and
offers greater visual interest than lawn. Benecial landscaping can also be used to address areas
with problems such as erosion, poor soils, steep slopes, or poor drainage.
One of the simplest ways to begin is by replacing lawn areas with locally native trees, shrubs and
perennial plants. The structure, leaves, owers, seeds, berries and other fruits of these plants
provide food and shelter for a variety of birds and other wildlife. The roots of these larger plants
are also deeper than that of typical lawn grass, and so they are better at holding soil and capturing
rainwater.

Benets of conservation landscaping

Americans manage approximately more than 30 million acres of lawn. We spend $750 million
per year on grass seed. In managing our yards and gardens, we tend to over-apply products,
using 100 million tons of fertilizer and more than 80 million pounds of pesticides annually. The
average homeowner spends 40 hours per year behind a power mower, using a quart of gas per
hour. Grass clippings consume 25 to 40% of landll space during a growing season. Per hour of
operation, small gas-powered engines used for yard care emit more hydrocarbon than a typical
auto (mowers 10 times as much, string trimmers 21 times, blowers 34 times). A yard with 10,000
square feet of turf requires 10,000 gallons of water per summer to stay green; 30% of water
consumed on the East Coast goes to watering lawns.
The practices described in this guide reduce the amount of intervention necessary to have
attractive and functional landscaping. Conventional lawn and garden care contributes to pollution
of our air and water and uses up non-renewable resources such as fuel and water. Many typical
landscapes receive high inputs of chemicals, fertilizers, water and time, and require a lot of
energy (human as well as gas-powered) to maintain. The effects of lawn and landscaping on the
environment can be reduced if properties are properly managed by using organic alternatives
applied correctly, decreasing the area requiring gas-powered tools, using native species that
can be sustained with little watering and care, and using a different approach to maintenance
practices.
With conservation landscaping, there is often less maintenance over the long term, while still
presenting a maintained appearance. Conservation landscapes, like any new landscape, will
require some upkeep, but these alternative measures are usually less costly and less harmful
to the environment. New plants need watering and monitoring during the rst season until they
become established. Disturbed soil is prone to invasion by weeds - requiring manual removal
(pulling) instead of chemical application. Over time, desired plants spread to ll gaps and
natural cycles help with pest control. Garden maintenance is reduced to only minimal seasonal
cleanup and occasional weeding or plant management. The savings realized by using little or
no chemicals, and less water and gas, can more than make up for initial costs of installing the
landscaping. Redening landscaping goals overall and gradually shifting to using native species
provide even greater rewards in terms of environmental quality, landscape sustainability, improved
aesthetics, cost savings, and bringing wildlife to the property.

Why use native plants?

Native plants naturally occur in the region in which they evolved. While non-native plants might
provide some of the above benets, native plants have many additional advantages. Because
native plants are adapted to local soils and climate conditions, they generally require less watering
and fertilizing than non-natives. Natives are often more resistant to insects and disease as well,
and so are less likely to need pesticides. Wildlife evolved with plants; therefore, they use native
plant communities for food, cover and rearing young. Using native plants helps preserve the
balance and beauty of natural ecosystems.
This guide provides information about native plants that can be used for landscaping projects as
well as large-scale habitat restoration. All of the plants presented are native to the designated
areas, however not all of the native species for that area have been included. Rather, plants have
been included because they have both ornamental and wildlife value, and are generally available
for sale. This guide covers the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed, including south central New
York; most of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia; the District of Columbia; Delaware, west of
Delaware Bay; and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.
The regions wildlife, plants, habitats and network of streams and rivers leading to the Bay are
tremendous resources. As the human population throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed
grows and land-use pressures intensify, it is increasingly important to protect our remaining
natural areas and wildlife, and restore and create habitat. By working together, these treasures
can be conserved for future generations. Individual projects are great, collective measures are
even better, yet every action helps no matter what size.

Conservation landscaping elements

We can incorporate elements of natural systems into the existing areas where we live, work,
learn, shop and play. Landscaping provides valuable opportunities to reduce the effects of the
built environment. These areas can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Use of native
species will make your garden or landscaping more environmentally benecial. By combining
plant selection with some of the other concepts below, you can achieve more environmental
benets.
Reduce disturbance. Carefully decide where new development will occur to avoid destruction of
existing habitat as much as possible. Take advantage of the sites existing natural features.
Reduce lawn or high maintenance areas. Replace turf or ornamental plantings by adding new
landscaping beds and/or enlarge existing ones with native plants.
Think big, but start small. Draw up a plan for your entire yard but choose one small area for
your rst effort. Trial and error with the rst project will help you learn without being overwhelmed.
Phase in the whole project over time.
Use native plants. Start by using natives to replace dead or dying non-native plants, or as a
substitute for invasive non-natives in existing gardens or landscaping. Plan to use native plants in
new landscaping projects.
Avoid invasive species. Non-native plants can be invasive. They have few or no naturally
occurring measures to control them, such as insects or competitors. Invasive plants can spread
rapidly and smother or out-compete native vegetation. Invasive, non-native plants are not effective
in providing quality habitat. A copy of the publication Plant Invaders of Mid Atlantic Natural Areas
can be downloaded from www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/index.htm.
Improve water quality. Native species planted on slopes, along water bodies and along drainage
ditches help prevent erosion and pollution by stabilizing the soil and slowing the ow of rainwater
runoff. To collect and lter runoff, depressions can be created and planted with native plants suited
to temporary wet conditions. These rain gardens will capture water and hold it temporarily for a
4

In certain conditions, some native plants can

also become aggressive spreaders, though
their spread is more limited by natural controls
than non-native aggressors. Plants that seed
readily (such as black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia
species), or that spread by lateral roots (such
as mint family plants Monarda or Physostegia
species) should be used sparingly or controlled
in gardens. Certain native species that are
difcult to control or show up uninvited should
not be planted, such as cattail (Typha species).

day or two and remove pollutants washing off of the surrounding land.
Enhance and create wildlife habitat. An animals habitat is the area where it nds food, water,
shelter, and breeding or nesting space, in a particular arrangement. If we want our gardens to
have the greatest ecological value for wildlife, we need to mimic natural plant groupings and
incorporate features that provide as many habitat features as possible.
Plants are one of the most important features of an animals habitat, because they often provide
most, or even all of the animals habitat needs. Animals in turn help plants to reproduce through
dispersal of pollen, fruits or seeds. Consequently, plants and animals are interdependent and
certain plants and animals are often found together. So, it is important that plants be selected,
grouped, and planted in a way that is ecologically appropriate.
Each plant prefers or tolerates a range of soil, sunlight, moisture, temperature and other
conditions, as well as a variety of other factors including disturbance by natural events, animals
or human activities. Plants sharing similar requirements are likely to be found together in plant
communities that make up different habitat types - particular groupings of plant communities
commonly recognized as wetlands, meadows, forests, etc. Some plants may tolerate a wider
range of conditions than others, and therefore can be found at more than one type of site, in
association with a different set of plants at each. By matching plants with similar soil, sunlight,
moisture and other requirements, and planting them to the existing site conditions, the planted
landscapes will do a good job of approximating a natural habitat.
Instead of isolated plantings, such as a tree in the middle of lawn, group trees, shrubs and
perennials to create layers of vegetation. A forest has, for example, a canopy layer (tallest trees),
understory layers (various heights of trees and shrubs beneath the canopy) and a ground layer or
forest oor. These layers provide the structure and variety needed for shelter, breeding or nesting
space for a diversity of wildlife.
To provide food and cover for wildife year-round, include a variety of plants that produce seeds,
nuts, berries or other fruits, or nectar; use evergreens as well as deciduous plants (those that
lose their leaves); and allow stems and seedheads of owers and grasses to remain standing
throughout fall and winter.
All animals need water year-round to survive. Even a small dish of water, changed daily to prevent
mosquito growth, will provide for some birds and butteries. Puddles, pools or a small pond can
be a home for amphibians and aquatic insects. A larger pond can provide for waterfowl, such
as ducks and geese, and wading birds such as herons. Running or circulating water will attract
wildlife, stay cleaner and prevent mosquitoes.
Rock walls or piles, stacked wood, or brush piles provide homes for insects, certain birds and
small mammals. Fallen logs and leaf litter provide moist places for salamanders, and the many
organisms that recycle such organic matter, contributing nutrients to the soil. Standing dead tree
trunks benet cavity-nesting wildlife such as woodpeckers.
Consider naturalistic planting, or habitat restoration. It may be feasible to create a more
natural landscape instead of a formal one. Naturalistic landscaping uses patterns found in nature,
and allows some nature-driven changes to occur. Plants multiply, and succession or gradual
replacement of species may take place, with less human intervention. A property located near
natural areas, such as forests, wetlands and meadows, is a good candidate for a habitat project.
Expand existing forest by planting trees and shrubs along the woods line, using native species
that grow in the area, and allow birds and wind to bring the understory plants over time. Wet sites,
areas with clay soils, or drainage ditches can be converted to wetlands. An open piece of ground
or lawn can be planted as a meadow or grassland. Schools, homes, small businesses, large
corporate sites, municipalities, military installations, recreational areas and other public lands can
all include habitat plantings.
5

How to choose plants

Finding ready information about what plants go together for habitat restoration, enhancement,
or creation projects is difcult. Often, the professional will examine a nearby natural area and try
to mimic the combination of plant species found there. That may not be possible for individuals
unfamiliar with natural areas. Fortunately, by following some simple guidelines, you will have
garden spaces that grow well on your site and mirror the plant communities found naturally in
your area. The plant lists found at the end of this guide will also help give you a start at planting
appropriate groupings.

Know your site and plant to the existing site conditions. Check the sun exposure, soil
moisture and soil type where you plan to plant, and choose plants that will grow and thrive
in those conditions. For a few dollars your state or local cooperative extension ofce can
analyze a small soil sample you send them (for contact information, see your government
listings in the phone book). The results will include soil type (sand, clay, loam, etc.), pH and
fertility status and recommendations for amending the soil to make it into average garden
soil. However, by selecting native species that thrive in the existing conditions, you wont
need to add soil, fertilizer, lime or compost. There are a wide variety of plants that will thrive
in most conditions, even the driest, poorest soil or very wet clay soil. If, however, the soil
test shows extreme pH - very acidic (pH of less than 5) or very basic (pH 8 or above), your
plant choices will be fairly limited. In that case, you might choose to follow the instructions for
making the soil more neutral. If the soil is hard, compacted ll dirt, you might want to improve
it by adding organic matter and work the ground so that it can more easily be planted. If you
alter the site, then select plants suited to the new conditions.
Choose plants native to your region of your state. Along with planting to the existing
site conditions, use locally native plants. Use the map on page 9 to identify which physiogeographic region the planting site lies in. If youre close to a border dividing two regions,
you may choose plants from either or both regions.
Choose a habitat type. Try to create or emulate a specic habitat, like woods, wetland
or meadow, and choose plants that are appropriate to both your site and the habitat. Look
through this guide and mark the plants with growth requirements that match conditions at the
planting site. This will help improve the success of your planting, the habitat value, and the
ecological functioning of the project. This publication will eventually be made available online,
in a format that can be electronically sorted by plant characteristics or growth conditions.

Where to nd native plants

Most nurseries carry some native plants, and some nurseries specialize and carry a greater
selection. As the demand for native plants has grown, so has the supply at nurseries. Some plants
will be more readily available than others. Here, weve focused on species most appropriate for
planting and available through the nursery trade. A limited number of species included here are
not commonly available but are able to be nursery grown. Take this guide along with you when
you visit nurseries and if you need help, ask for nursery staff familiar with native plants. If you see
a plant you like, check to see if its included in the guide for your state and physiographic region.
For those species that are more difcult to nd, the hope and intention is that this publication will
spark a demand, and hence a greater supply. If you have a favorite plant that you cant obtain, be
sure to ask your local nursery to consider adding it to their stock. A list of some of the many retail
and wholesale native plant nurseries in the Chesapeake Bay region is available from the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Chesapeake Bay Field Ofce at www.fws.gov/r5cbfo/bayscapes.htm.
For the greatest ecological value, select the true native species, especially if planting for wildlife
benet. There are cultivated varieties (cultivars) available for many native plants. These are
named using the scientic name (Latin genus and species, such as Rudbeckia fulgida) plus the
cultivar name, a third word in single quotation marks (such as Rudbeckia fulgida Goldsturm).
These varieties have been grown to provide plants with certain physical characteristics, perhaps
a different ower color, different foliage or a compact shape or size. Although these are suitable
for gardening use, use true species (not cultivars) if you are planning a habitat project to provide
6

food for wildlife. These plants are most suited to use by the native wildlife, and will increase your
chances of attracting them.
Native plants should never be removed from the wild unless an area is about to be developed.
Even then, it is difcult to transplant wild-collected plants and to duplicate their soil and other
growth requirements in a home garden. Plants that are grown from seed or cuttings by nurseries
have a much greater tolerance for garden conditions. Help to preserve natural areas by
purchasing plants that have been grown, not collected.
Ask nurseries about the source of the native species sold. Did they come from seed or cuttings
of plants found growing locally, or are they from another region? Ideally, the plants you use
should come from stock from the same region, say, within about a 200-mile radius in the same
physiographic province (coastal plain, Piedmont, or mountain). Differences exist from region to
region even in the same plant species, due to differences in climactic conditions between distant
locations. For example, a plant grown in Maine may ower at a different time than the same
species grown in Maryland. They may have slight physical differences. These characteristics
make a difference in designing gardens and they matter to wildlife seeking food sources. The
more consumers ask for locally grown plants or seed, the more likely it is that nurseries will carry
local stock.
Once you begin to explore and experiment with native plants, youll soon discover that many
of these plants go beyond just replacing worn out selections in your yard. Native plants will
eventually reduce your labor and maintenance costs while inviting wildlife to your yard helping to
create your own sense of place.

How to use this guide

Plant Names and Types
Plants are organized within each section alphabetically by scientic name. All scientic plant
names used are based on names accepted by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information
System. Plants are indexed at the back of the book by scientic as well as frequently used
common names. Scientic names are changed periodically as new information is gathered; for
those commonly recognized names that changed during development of this guide, the new
names are used here, with a cross reference noted in the index. For example: Aster divaricatus is
now Eurybia divaricata, so the plant is listed in the index under both Aster and Eurybia.
Plants are grouped by botanical categories: Ferns; Grasses & Grasslike Plants (includes grasses
and plants with long slender leaves that may appear similar to a grass); Herbaceous Plants
(includes owers and groundcovers); Herbaceous Emergents (plants that grow in moist to wet
soils, wetlands or in standing water with roots and part of their stems below water but with most of
the plant above the water); Shrubs; Trees; and Vines.
A note about groundcovers: English ivy, periwinkle, creeping lily turf and Japanese pachysandra
are some commonly used groundcovers, particularly for shade. However, these species are nonnatives that are invasive in the landscape, so they should be avoided. What native alternatives
can be used instead? A groundcover can be any plant that would physically cover or hide the
bare ground from view. For the purposes of environmentally benecial landscaping and habitat
enhancement, any plant in the herbaceouscategory would make a good groundcover. For those
gardeners and landscapers still seeking a low-growing, creeping, spreading, or clump-forming
plant for a groundcover, these plants are marked with a
symbol in the Notes column and a list
is included at the end of the guide.
Characteristics

Height and/or Spread The typical mature height or possible range of heights is given in
feet, to the nearest half (0.5) foot. Height may vary depending on conditions (e.g., amount
of moisture or sun). For trees and vines, spread is also given in feet. For trees, spread is the
measurement of the crown of the plant; for vines, spread is the length a vine will grow along
a surface.
7

Flowers: bloom period and ower color The typical months in which the plant blooms are
given. The exact time and duration of bloom may be shifted by days or weeks for different
areas and/or depending on seasonal weather conditions and climactic trends. The basic,
overall color of the ower is noted. The color of a owers center or throat may not be
included due to limited text space. For simplicity, some shades or tones of colors have been
grouped, e.g. lavender, pale purple, bluish purple, even fuchsia may have been listed simply
as purple; tan, brown, dark brown are all listed as brown; yellows and pinks may be similarly
condensed.
Fruit: fruiting period, color and type This information is provided for plants with more
conspicuous fruits or visually interesting seeds. Terms used include: Achene, a dry at seed
such as in clematis; Berry, which includes small single berries such as blueberry, larger
berries such as persimmon, aggregates such as blackberry and hips such as a rose hip;
Capsule, including various types and sizes of dry fruits with two or more compartments
containing seeds, such as iris, sweet pepperbush, hibiscus, or black-eyed Susan; Cone/
cone-like such as pines, hemlock, or alder; eshy pomes or drupes such as hawthorn, beach
plum, paw paw, passion ower, or cherry; Nut/nut-like, as in acorns (oaks) or hickory; Pod,
which may include pea-like legumes such as partridge pea or wild senna, follicles or other
long pod-like capsules such as milkweeds, delphinium, or trumpet creeper; and Winged,
such as the samaras of maples or elm.
Fall Color The color listed indicates the fall color of the leaves, or of the stems for certain
plants such as grasses. Some color shades have been grouped by the basic color, as for
ower color. Evergreens, species that retain their leaves throughout the winter (in all plant
categories), are designated with a symbol in the Notes column. Evergreens are popular for
various landscaping uses and valuable for year-round cover for wildlife.

Growth Conditions

Light The amount of sunlight a plant requires is dened as: Full Sun , the site is in direct
sunlight for at least six hours a day during the growing season; Partial shade , the site
receives approximately three to six hours of direct sunlight; and Shade
, the site receives
less than three hours of direct sunlight or ltered light.
Moisture The amount of soil moisture a plant requires is dened as: Dry (D), areas where
water does not remain after a rain (areas may be in full sun or in a windy location, on a steep
slope, or have sandy soil); Moist (M), areas where the soil is damp, and may be occasionally
saturated; and Wet (W), areas where the soil is saturated for much of the growing season,
except in droughts. Many of the plants designated for wet areas tolerate specic ranges of
water depths (see Flood Depth). Plants with the Dry designation can be considered drought
tolerant.
Soil pH and Type Many of the native plants listed will tolerate a range of soil types. Soil
types are listed here as Organic (O), containing a high amount of organic material such as
decayed leaves and bark; Clay or ne-textured (C) soils with a high clay content and some
silt - very ne soil particles; Loamy or medium-textured (L) soils that contain a mix of mostly
silt and sand but may contain some clay; and Sandy or coarse-textured (S) soils with larger
particles. Soil information has necessarily been simplied for this guide, and lumped into
these main categories, which will sufce for the novice. Soils in actuality are often a mixture
or gradations of types, categorized by the percentages they contain of clay, silt or sand, for
example clay loam (a certain mix of clay and sand); sandy clay; silt loam; or silty clay loam.
For best results, select plants suited to existing site conditions rather than amending the soil.
However, be aware that plant selection may be limited if your site has very sandy soil, heavy
clay, compacted soil, or extreme soil pH (above 8 or below 5.5). In these cases, seek advice
from a nurseryman, horticulturist, botanist, Cooperative Extension agent, or other expert.
Flood Depth Some plants tolerate prolonged standing water, and occur in specic
water depths or range of depths. In the Herbaceous Emergents section, the depth of
water tolerated is indicated (in inches). Other types of wetland plants that can tolerate
only intermittent ooding appear in other sections of the guide, and their ood tolerance

information is included in the Notes column. For more complete information on planning and
planting wetlands, see the references listed at the end of this guide.

Salt Tolerance Some plants that tolerate prolonged standing water can tolerate saltwater
or brackish (partly salty) water. For plants in the Herbaceous Emergents section, the salinity
range in which each of these plants will grow is given in parts (of salt) per thousand parts (of
water) or ppt, from 0 ppt (fresh water) to the maximum salinity tolerated. For plants in other
sections of the guide, the maximum salinity is given in the Notes column. Full seawater is
approximately 32 ppt. If salinity is not given, then the plant grows in fresh water only or in
drier conditions.

Habitat
For each plant in this guide, we include a description of habitats in which that plant may be found.
Several habitat types may be mentioned as each plant is rarely found in one and only one habitat
type. There are dozens of forest types, several types of wetlands including forested wetlands
and even wet meadows. The habitats described include those that provide the conditions most
preferred by each plant species. To help with planning projects, sample lists of plants to use
in certain habitat types, or certain site conditions, are given in the back of this guide. More
technically detailed information on plant communities can be found in resources listed in the
references section.
Native To (Where To Use) - States and Physiographic Regions
From the sandy dunes of the coast to the rocky slopes of the mountains, the rich variety of
habitats found throughout the region is strongly linked to its geology, topography and climate. For
this guide, the states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been divided into three regions or
provinces: (1) the coastal plain (C), an area with fairly at topography and more southern climate;
(2) the Piedmont plateau (P), with its rolling hills; and (3) the mountain zone (M), a more northern
climate (see map). For simplicity, the mountain category combines all of the more specic higheraltitude provinces (Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley, Allegheny or Appalachian Plateau). Some native
plants are common throughout these provinces, while others are adapted to the unique conditions
found only in one or two.
Based on the existing literature and expert input, the physiographic regions
and states in which each plant species naturally occurs is noted.
However, plants do not follow the political boundaries that dene
our states, so matching ecological boundaries with political ones
is difcult. Certain plants may occur in different regions in
different states. For example, the range of a species could
extend throughout all of Pennsylvania, but be limited to
the mountain and Piedmont regions of Maryland. An
effort has been made to be as accurate as possible,
while erring on the side of inclusion to cover the widest
range of possibilities throughout the Chesapeake Bay
watershed as a whole. This same approach has been
used for other characteristics, such as height and
bloom period, which may vary slightly from region
to region.
Note: Some species native to a state but
not commonly found may be ofcially
designated and legally protected as rare,
threatened, or endangered (RTE). This
may be because the plant is at the
edge of its natural range there, or
its population has declined due to
loss of habitat caused by various
natural events and/or human
activities in that region.
Species that are listed in
a state as RTE should
9

generally not be planted there, because importing species from elsewhere could potentially lead
to damaging alteration of the gene pool of the remaining population. This guide lists only those
states in which a plant is common and recommended for planting. As a general rule of thumb, if a
plant you like is not designated in this guide for your state or your region of the state, we strongly
encourage you to forego planting that and select another plant suited to your site.

Songbird

Wildlife Value
The notation high wildlife value is based mainly on the value of the fruits, seeds and/or nectar
used as food for wildlife, and the relative number of species using the plant for food. But
remember that animals use leaves, twigs, roots and shoots for food or nesting material, and
every plant has value as cover and/or nesting sites. In that respect, although weve marked those
of higher wildlife (food) value, every plant in this guide has value to wildlife, as well as other
environmental values.

Waterfowl

The types of wildlife noted here are those desirable species that are likely to use the plants
for food, including pollinators which are critical to plant reproduction, for gardens, natural areas
and agricultural crops. The information here is fairly general. The songbird icon indicates use of
a plant by small usually migratory birds, but may include upland game birds. The waterfowl icon
may include shorebirds and wading birds along with ducks and geese. The hummingbird icon has
been indicated separately because many people are interested specically in attracting them.
The buttery icon may refer to the adults or to the larval stage that uses the plant as a host. The
benecial insect icon, besides butteries, includes ladybugs, bees (essential pollinators) and
other insects that serve as a pest control or other desirable role. The small mammal icon is noted
for plants used by any of a variety of small animals, such as raccoons, opossums, foxes, etc.,
depending upon location and surrounding habitat.

Small mammal

Absent but not forgotten: Certain wildlife species are not represented, due in part to a lack of
available information for every plant related to all types of animals. However, these are all likely
to inhabit or occasionally visit a native plant garden or habitat planting, and their importance in
the web of life should not be underestimated. Many insects have not been represented here,
though they certainly use a wide variety of plants throughout their life cycles and are an integral
part of the ecosystems were trying to protect, conserve and enhance. Reptiles and amphibians,
particularly salamanders, frogs and turtles, inhabit our yards as well as natural areas. They use
plants for food and cover, and especially need water sources such as lakes, ponds, streams,
puddles or even a small dish of water (aerated or changed daily to prevent mosquito breeding).
Bats provide a valuable service as insect pest controllers and pollinators.
Notes
This catchall includes pertinent information that bears emphasizing or is not reected in the other
categories. It may include additional notes or clarication about the plants characteristics, growth,
and spread; tips or suggestions on cultivation; cultivars; or general use of the plant.
By providing these characteristics for each plant species we hope to provide you with a variety
of choices to meet the conditions of your property as well as your personal preferences. Whether
you are replacing a few individual plants, designing a new bed or planning for an entirely new
look, this guide can help narrow the choices to plants most likely to thrive in your environment and
create the landscape you desire.

10

Hummingbird
Buttery
Benecial insect

Providing the basic habitat structures

described earlier and planting a diversity of
plants (and therefore food sources) will bring
a surprising and benecial array of life to your
property.

Characteristics

Adiantum
pedatum

Conditions

Height: 1-2

Light:

Fruit:

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-6.5

northern
maidenhair fern
UWI MC

Light:

Fruit:May-Sep

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-7
L

Region:M

States: DC

Wildlife

C
MD

Notes

Ferns

grows in clumps; delicate

texture; herbal uses

WV

banks, open woods

and thickets,
slopes, rocky
ledges, swamps

Region:M

States: DC

MD

NY

VA

easily transplanted; only

moderate care needed;
evergreen

WV

RHW

Soil type: C

Native to

NY PA VA
S O

Height: 0.5-1.5

ebony spleenwort

moist woods, rocky

shaded habitats

Soil type:

Asplenium
platyneuron

Habitat

Athyrium
lix-femina

Height: 1-3

Light:

Fruit:

Moisture:

woods, banks,
wooded hillsides,
sandy bogs

UWI KJS

Height: 1-2

Light:

Fruit:

Moisture:

rich, woods

States: DC DE

Region:M

NY

5.6-6.9

VA

WV

RHW

Soil type:

varieties occur throughout

region; in MD, VA can also
use subspecies asplenioides
(southern lady fern)

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

rattlesnake fern

WV

Soil type:

Botrychium
virginianum

NY

Soil pH:

northern lady fern

Region:M

Dennstaedtia
punctilobula

Height: 1-3

Light:

Fruit:Jul-Oct

Moisture:

Soil pH:

hay-scented fern

Height: 1-2.5

Light:

Fruit:Jun-Aug

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5-6

Soil type:

UWI RWF

toothed or
spinulose woodfern

Dryopteris cristata

Light:

Fruit:Jun-Sep

Moisture:

Soil pH:

3.5-6.5

Soil type: C

Dryopteris
intermedia

Height: 2.5

Light:

Fruit:

Moisture:

low woods, thickets,

swamps, rich
woods, rocky slopes

UWI EJJ

States: DC

MD

NY

VA

can spread over large areas

of open understory or pasture

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

forms colonies; semievergreen

shallow emergent
marshes, shrub
swamps, wooded
swamps, open
shrubby wetlands

Region:M

rich, moist to dry

woods

Region:M

small rosette fronds

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

States: DC DE

clump-former; not common on

coastal plain; hybridizes with
eight species

NY PA VA

Soil pH:
Soil type:

WV

NY PA VA
O

Height: 1.5-2.5

UWI RWF

crested wood or
shield fern, narrow
swamp fern

Region:M

WV

Soil type:

UWI RWF

Dryopteris
carthusiana
(D. spinulosa)

evergreen woodfern

open woods and

elds

WV

11

Ferns

Characteristics

Dryopteris
marginalis

Height: 1-3

Light:

Fruit:Jun-Oct

Moisture:

moist woods,
clearings

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Fruit:Jun-Oct

Moisture:

UWI KJS

Soil type: C

Osmunda
claytoniana

fresh tidal and

nontidal marshes,
meadows, swamps,
woods

States: DC DE MD

NY PA VA

Soil type: C

WV

Height: 1-4

Light:

Fruit:

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4-6

Soil type: C

UWI EJJ

Light:

Fruit:Apr-Jun

Moisture:

UWI EJJ

4-6
L

Light:

Fruit:Jun-Oct

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-7

Soil type:

USFWS BES

Moisture:

Soil type: C

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Region:M

tolerates drought; fertile

fronds reddish brown, wooly

grows in clumps

States: DC DE MD

fresh tidal and

nontidal marshes
and swamps,
woods, irregularly,
seasonally, or
permanently
saturated (up to
100% of growing
season)

Region:M

woods, thickets,
rocky slopes

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

States: DC DE MD

tolerates full sun if moist;

tolerates drought; tolerates
irregular, seasonal or
permanent saturation; only
tolerates ooding for a few
days

grows in clumps; easily grown

in rock gardens and shaded
places; impartial to soil type

NY PA VA
WV

dry pine woods,

swamps, marshes,
elds, waste places

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

forms large colonies; host for

several ant types

NY PA VA
L

WV

Height: 1-2.5

Light:

Fruit:Jun-Sep

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4-7

NY

WV

Soil type: C

PA VA

woods, marshes,
swamps, bogs,
streamsides

elds, forest and

swamp edges

Height: 0.5-2

Fruit:

Soil type: C

Light:

spreads in wet areas; fertile

fronds dark brown, erect

WV

Soil pH:

Height: 1.5-6

clump-former; attractive;
easily transplanted

NY PA VA

CM NRCS
USFWS BES

4.5-7

bracken fern

New York fern

Soil pH:

Height: 1.5-6

Notes

WV

Soil pH:

Thelypteris
noveboracensis

Region:M

Moisture:

Christmas fern

Pteridium

States: DC DE MD

Fruit:Apr-May

royal fern

Polystichum
acrostichoides

Light:

interrupted fern

Osmunda regalis

Height: 2-5

RHW, UWI TK

Osmunda
cinnamomea

Region:M

Wildlife

WV

Soil pH:

sensitive fern

Native to

NY PA VA

Soil type: C

UWI RWF

Onoclea sensibilis

12

Habitat

Soil pH:

marginal or
evergreen shield
fern, evergreen
wood fern

cinnamon fern

Conditions

W
S

forested wetlands,
dry to damp woods,
thickets

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
VA

tolerates drought; easily

transplanted; forms large
colonies; spreads easily

Characteristics

Thelypteris
palustris

Conditions

Height: 2-3

Light:

Fruit:Jun-Oct

Moisture:

Habitat

Soil pH:

marsh fern
UWI RWF

Soil type: C

netted chain fern

Height: 0.5-2

Light:

Fruit:Jul-Oct

Moisture:

Woodwardia
virginica

Region:M

Wildlife

Notes

Ferns

spreads

States: DC DE MD
NY

VA

WV

bogs, swamps,
woods

Region:

spreads by creeping rhizome

States: DC DE MD
VA

Soil pH:

PLANTS RM91

Woodwardia
areolata

swamps, bogs,
elds, thickets,
fresh marshes,
wooded streambank

Native to

Soil type:

Height: 3-6

Light:

Fruit:Jul-Sep

Moisture:

swampy places,
woods

Region:

spreads by creeping rhizome

States: DC DE MD
NY

Soil pH:

Virginia chain fern

VA

RS MNPS

PLANTS

Soil type:

Osmunda regalis

Osmunda cinnamomea

USFWS BES

RHW

RHW

Polystichum acrostichoides

New fern ddleheads emerging.

13

Grasses & Grasslike Plants

Agrostis
perennans

Ammophila
breviligulata

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Oct

Moisture:

Andropogon
gerardii

5.5-7.5

Soil type: C

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Sep

Moisture:

Moisture:

States: DC DE

Region:

States:

prefers well-drained, sandy

sites; spreads rapidly by
rhizomes

dry or wet open

woods, prairies,
swales, shores; dry
open areas

Region:M

clump forming; attractive,

with winter interest

States: DC DE
NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Soil type: C

Notes

VA

6-7.5

Soil pH:

Region:M

Wildlife

Native to

PA VA

Soil type:

Flowers: Jun-Sep

dry or moist thickets,

open woods

maritime beaches,
dunes, grasslands,
shrublands
5.8-7.8

Light:

Habitat

WV

Soil pH:

Height: 2-6.5

big bluestem

Soil pH:

Height: 1.5-3.5

UWI RRK

dunegrass,
American
beachgrass

Conditions

Height: 1-3

PLANTS RM95

autumn bentgrass

Characteristics

Andropogon
glomeratus
(A. virginicus
var. abbreviatus)

Height: 1.5-5

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Oct, reddish

brown

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5-6.3

bushy bluestem
PLANTS

Soil type: C

Andropogon
virginicus

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Nov, reddish

brown

Moisture:

bluejoint reedgrass

Carex crinita
var. crinita

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Aug

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-8

Soil type: C

Region:M

NY

wildlife food and cover;

tolerates drought; grows in
tufts; reddish-tan fall color

VA

WV

meadows, bogs,
thickets

Region:M
States: DC DE
NY

VA

WV

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Aug

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4-7.5

swales, thickets, low

woods

Region:M

States: DC DE
NY

VA

WV

RHW

Soil type: C

States: DC DE MD

Height: 1-5

long hair sedge

wet meadows,
transition areas

Height: 1.5-5

PLANTS 1995

Calamagrostis
canadensis

VA

4.9-7
L

tolerates drought; grows in

tufts; reddish fall color

WV

Soil pH:
Soil type: C

PLANTS JS

broomsedge

Height: 1-3

fresh marshes, coastal Region:M P C

areas
States: DC DE

blue wood
sedge

14

NYNHP, NYNHP

Carex glaucodea

Height: 0.5-2

Light:

Flowers: May-Jul, brown to

reddish

Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:

moist to dry woods

and elds

Region:

States: DC DE MD
VA

clump-forming; alternative
to Liriope

Characteristics
Carex lurida

Conditions

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Oct

Moisture:

swales, swamps,
woods

Grasses & Grasslike Plants

Native to
Region:M

Wildlife

wetland plant; interesting

seeds

States: DC DE

Soil pH:

4.9-6.8

NY PA VA

Soil type: C

WV

Notes

RHW

sallow sedge, lurid

sedge

Habitat

Pennsylvania
sedge

CM NRCS, CM NRCS

Carex
pensylvanica

Height: 0.5-1.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jul, reddish

to white

Moisture:

tussock sedge

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: May-Aug, reddish

to purple brown

Moisture:

CM NRCS

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Aug

Moisture:

shallow emergent
marshes, shrub
swamps, oodplain
forests, hardwood
swamps

Height: 2-5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Sep, green

then tan

Moisture:

Light:

Flowers: May-Jul

Moisture:

grows in clumps; tolerates

saturation and ooding to
6 inches

States:
NY

VA

WV

UWI RWF

Height: 2-5

Light:

Flowers: May-Oct

Moisture:

USDA JE

Light:

Flowers: May-Oct

Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:

States: DC DE MD

open woods, pastures, Region:M P C

meadows
States: DC DE
NY PA VA

WV

moist woods,
roadsides

M
4-6.5
L

States: DC DE
WV

rocky or sandy woods

D

Region:M

NY PA VA

4-7.5

Soil type: C

Height: 1-2.5

Region:M

WV

Soil pH:

PLANTS 1997

VA

Soil type:

deer-tongue

Dichanthelium
commutatum

Region:M

5-7

Soil pH:

Height: 0.5-2

streambanks, alluvial
woods

Soil pH:

Dichanthelium
clandestinum

grows in clumps; partly

persists in winter; tolerates
ooding to 6 inches

fresh tidal and nontidal Region:M P C

marshes, shrub
States: DC DE MD
swamps, forested
wetlands, swales,
NY
VA
elds
WV

high wildlife
value

poverty oatgrass,
poverty grass

variable panicgrass

Soil type: C

Danthonia spicata

6.8-8.9

Soil type: C

UWI RWF
USFWS BES, USFWS BES

wild oats, river

oats, sea oats,
spanglegrass

WV

3.5-7
L

Soil pH:

fox sedge

alternative to lawn; plant

densely; ne textured leaves
less than 6 inches

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

Height: 0.5-3.5

NY PA VA

Soil type: C

Carex vulpinoidea

Chasmanthium
latifolium

Region:

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Carex stricta

open, dry, sandy or

rocky woods, wooded
slopes

Region:M

States: DC DE
NY PA VA
WV

15

Grasses & Grasslike Plants

Elymus
canadensis

Characteristics

Conditions

Height: 2-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Oct

Moisture:

Height: 2-4

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Aug

Moisture:

Native to
Region:M
States: DC

Wildlife

Notes

C
MD
VA

WV

alluvial woods
M

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

Soil pH:

bottlebrush grass

5-7.9

Soil type: C

CM NRCS

Elymus hystrix
(Hystrix patula)

dry, sandy, gravely, or

rocky soil

Soil pH:

Canada wild rye

Habitat

WV

RHW

Soil type:

Elymus riparius

Height: 0.5-5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Sep

Moisture:

UWI EJJ

riverbank wild-rye

Elymus
virginicus

Soil pH:

4.5-7.2

Soil type: C

Height: 1-5.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Oct

Moisture:

CM NRCS

Flowers: May-Jul

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5-8

RS MNPS
USFWS BES

PA VA

rich thickets, shores,

meadows

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
PA VA

dry woods, roadsides,

waste areas

Region:M
States: DC DE MD

M
5.1-8.8

NY PA VA

Soil type: C

WV

Flowers: Aug-Oct

Moisture:

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct

Moisture:

Soil type: C

sandy coastal shores

and dunes

4.5-8
L

States: DC DE MD

Region:

VA

5-7.5
L

fresh tidal and nontidal Region:M P C

marshes, meadows,
ditches, muddy shores States: DC DE

Soil type:

Height: 3-6

can be used as turf grass;

grows best in part shade

VA

Soil pH:

Light:

tolerates a wide range of

conditions; forms clumps

WV

Flowers: Jun-Oct

Height: 1-3

good for streambank

conditions

WV

Moisture:

Soil pH:

switchgrass

DE

Light:

CM NRCS

Panicum virgatum

States:

Soil pH:

bitter or coastal
panic grass,
beachgrass

Height: 5

PLANTS 1995

Panicum amarum

Light:

Soil type: C

Leersia oryzoides

rice cutgrass

Height: 0.5-3

red fescue

Region:

5-7

Soil type: C

Festuca rubra

Soil pH:

Virginia wild rye

16

rich thickets,
streamsides, alluvial
ats, meadows

Region:M P C
fresh and brackish
tidal and nontidal
States: DC DE MD
marshes, wet
meadows, open
NY PA VA
woods, prairies, dunes
WV

good for sediment

stabilization, erosion control;
tolerates drought; tolerates
ooding to 6 inches

prostrate form, produces

little viable seed, use
transplants; Panicum
amarum var. amarulum
(coastal panicgrass), taller
form, can be seeded.

food for sparrow species;

grows in clumps; controls
erosion

Characteristics

Schizachyrium
scoparium
(Andropogon
scoparius)
little bluestem

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Oct

Moisture:

Soil pH:

3.5-7
L

Soil type:

USFWS BES, USFWS BES

giant plumegrass,
sugar cane

Height: 1.5-4

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Oct

Moisture:

Grasses & Grasslike Plants

Habitat

Height: 3.5-10

USDA NRCS

Saccharum giganteum
(Erianthus giganteus)

Conditions

swamps, low woods,

swales

Native to
Region:

Height: 2.5-8

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Sep

Moisture:

open woods,
pinelands, clearings

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

dry slopes, prairies,

borders of woods

Region:M

tall clump grass with

beautiful seed head;
nutritious for livestock

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

States: DC DE MD

4.8-8

Soil type: C

tolerates poor soil; clump

grass; winter interest and
wildlife cover; excellent
forage grass

WV

Soil pH:

Indiangrass

VA

Soil type:

Notes

States: DC DE

Soil pH:

Sorghastrum
nutans

Wildlife

Height: 2-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Oct

Moisture:

UWI EJJ

redtop, purpletop

Tripsacum
dactyloides

dry elds, roadsides,

openings, forest

Soil pH:

4.5-6.5

Soil type: C

Light:
Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.7-7.5

Soil type: C

CM NRCS

VA
WV

Flowers: Jun-Oct

See also:

States: DC DE

Height: 6-10

gama grass

Region:M

swales, elds, forest

edges, shores

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

excellent forage grass; often

grows wild near corn elds;
can hybridize with corn

VA
WV

Andropogon virginicus
provides a transition between
the road and woods.

In the Herbaceous Plants section:

Allium cernuum
Liatris pilosa v. pilosa (graminifolia), scariosa, spicata, squarrosa
Sisyrinchium angustifolium (graminoides), atlanticum

In the Herbaceous Emergents section:

Distichlis spicata
Dulichium arundinaceum
Iris prismatica, versicolor, virginica
Juncus canadensis, effusus
Schoenoplectus pungens v. pungens (Scirpus pungens, americanus), validus (Scirpus validus)
Scirpus atrovirens, cyperinus
Sparganium americanum
Spartina alterniora, cynosuroides, patens, pectinata
Zizania aquatica

CM NRCS

Tridens avus

USFWS BES

USFWS

USFWS BES

Schizachyrium
scoparium in a garden
with Liatris spicata and
Asclepias tuberosa.

Schizachyrium scoparium in fall.

Characteristic swirls of Carex stricta.

17

Herbaceous Plants

Characteristics

Conditions

Actaea pachypoda

Height: 1-3

dolls eyes

Flowers: Apr-Jun, whitish Moisture:

Habitat

rich open woods,

thickets

Light:
M

Native to

Region:

Soil type:

Agalinis purpurea

Height: 1-4

Light:

purple false
foxglove

Flowers: Jul-Sep, rosepurple, white

Moisture:

DE

Notes

interesting berries;
infrequent in Piedmont and
mountain regions

NY PA VA
C

WV

moist elds, rocky

shores, serpentine
barrens

Region:

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

WV

Height: 1-5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, white

Moisture:

VA

Ageratina
altissima
var. altissima
(Eupatorium
rugosum)

UWI KJS, USFWS BES

RHW

RHW, RHW

Fruit: Jul-Oct, white or

red, berry

States:

Soil pH:

Wildlife

Region:M

Soil type:

Allium cernuum

Height: 0.5-2.5

Light:

nodding onion

Flowers: Jun-Aug, pink,

rose, white

Moisture:

WV

ledges, gravels,
rocky or wooded
slopes

Region:M
States: DC

MD

Height: 0.5-3

Light:

Flowers: May-Jul, white

Moisture:

VA
L

WV

RHW

Soil type:

tough plant; cultivars

available; prefers basic
soils

NY PA VA

Soil pH:

Fruit: capsule

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:
Fruit: capsule

white snakeroot

rich woods,
thickets, clearings,
meadows

Anemone
canadensis
round-leaved
or Canadian
anemone,
thimbleweed

damp thickets,
meadows, gravelly
shores

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Height: 1-2.5

Light:

Flowers: May-Aug,
whitish

Moisture:

Fruit:

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-1.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jul, white

Moisture:

States: DC
NY

VA

RHW

Fruit:

Region:

Anemone
virginiana

Soil pH:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

WV

RHW

thimbleweed, tall
anemone

dry rocky open

woods, slopes,
thickets

Antennaria
neglecta
eld pussytoes
UWI JRS

18

RHW, USFWS BES

Fruit:

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-3

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jul, redyellow

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

M
5.5-7.5

Soil pH:

Aquilegia
canadensis
eastern or wild
columbine

upland meadows,
pastures, open
woods

M
L

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

Soil pH:

Region:M

rich rocky woods,

slopes, cliffs,
ledges, pastures,
roadside banks

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

commonly cultivated;
spreads by seed

Characteristics

Conditions

Height: 0.5-1.5

Light:

wild sarsaparilla

Flowers: May-Jul, white

or green

Moisture:

Fruit: May-Jul, purpleblack, berry

Soil type:

Aralia racemosa

Height: 1.5-6.5

Light:

spikenard

Flowers: Jun-Aug,
greenish-white

Moisture:

RHW

Aralia nudicaulis

dry to moist woods

D

Light:

Flowers: Mar-Jun,
striped, purple or
green

Moisture:

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Soil pH:

4.8-7

Soil type:

RHW, RHW

Height: 1-3

Light:

goats-beard

Flowers: May-Jul, white

Moisture:

rich woods,
thickets, wooded
slopes and edges

Region:M

Asarum
canadense

Height: 0.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-May,
brownish-purple

Moisture:

wild ginger

Fruit: brown, capsule

Soil type:

Height: 4-6

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun, pink

to reddish

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5-8

Fruit: Aug-Nov, pod

Soil type:

Asclepias syriaca

Height: 3.5-6.5

Light:

common milkweed

Flowers: May-Aug, pale

purple

Moisture:

Fruit: Aug-Nov, pod

Soil type:

Height: 1-3

Light:

Flowers: May-Jul,
orange

Moisture:
Soil pH:

4.8-6.8

Fruit: Aug-Nov, pod

Soil type:

USFWS BES

USFWS BES

Soil type:

USFWS RL
RHW, RHW

butteryweed,
buttery milkweed,
buttery ower

USFWS RL, USFWS BES

Asclepias
tuberosa

not common in coastal plain

States: DC DE MD
WV

woods, bogs
swamps

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

red berry clusters appear

late summer to fall; unusual
ower; spreads rapidly
from seed

wooded roadsides,
rich woods, ravines

Region:M
States: DC
VA

Fruit: pod

swamp milkweed

aromatic; single-leaved;
lacks an above-ground
stem; not common in
coastal plain

WV

Soil pH:

Asclepias
incarnata

Notes

PA VA

Arisaema
triphyllum

Height: 3.5-6.5

Wildlife

NY PA VA

Soil type:

USFWS BES, RHW

Region:M

Soil pH:

Aruncus dioicus

Herbaceous Plants

Native to

States: DC DE MD

5-7.2

Soil pH:

Fruit: dark purple, berry

Fruit: berry

Habitat

WV

rich woods
M

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

ower inconspicuous;
attractive leaves; will
spread; semi-evergreen

NY PA VA
C

WV

fresh tidal and

nontidal marshes,
meadows, shrub
swamps, woods,
shores, ditches

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

can tolerate drought;

interesting seed pod

NY PA VA
WV

thickets, roadsides,
elds

Soil pH:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

interesting seed pods;

fragrant ower

NY PA VA
L

WV

dry elds,
roadsides, shale
barrens

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

taproot does not transplant

well but seedlings do;
attractive seed pod

NY PA VA
S

WV

19

Herbaceous Plants

wild blue indigo,

false blue indigo

USFWS BES, USFWS BES

Baptisia australis

Characteristics

Conditions

Height: 3-5

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun, blue,

purple

Moisture:

Habitat

open woods,
alluvial thickets,
streambanks,
oodplains

Soil pH:

Fruit:

Soil type:

Baptisia tinctoria

Height: 1-3

Light:

yellow wild indigo

Flowers: May-Sep,
yellow

Moisture:

Bidens cernua

Height: 0.5-3

Light:

nodding beggarticks, nodding bur

marigold

Flowers: Aug-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

States: DC

MD

tolerates poor soils; owers

very showy; shrublike form

VA

Region:M

tolerates poor soils

States: DC DE MD

5.8-7
L

Notes

WV

open woods,
clearings

Wildlife

PA VA
WV

RHW

Soil type:

Region:M

Soil pH:

Fruit:

Native to

Height: 0.5-2.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Sep, white

Moisture:

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Soil type:

Region:M

5.1-7

Soil pH:
Fruit:

tidal marsh,
sloughs, springs,
pools, shore

Boltonia
asteroides
star boltonia, white
dolls daisy

Caltha palustris

Height: 1-2

Light:

marsh marigold

Flowers: Apr-Jun, bright

yellow

Moisture:

USFWS BES

Soil type:

Region:

States: DC DE

5.3-7

Soil pH:
Fruit:

gravelly shores,
sandy thickets

VA
S

W
4.9-6.8

Soil pH:

Fruit:

Soil type:

Campanulastrum
americanum
(Campanula
americana)

Height: 1.5-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Aug, light

blue

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.5-7.5

American or tall
bellower

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Cardamine
concatenata
(Dentaria
laciniata)

Height: 1-1.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, white,

purplish

Moisture:

toothwort

Fruit:

Soil type:

Height: 1-2.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, greenyellow, green-purple

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-7

Fruit: dark blue, berry

Soil type:

forested wetlands,
shrub swamps,
streambanks,
seeps, meadows

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY

VA

WV

RHW

WV

Region:M

States: DC

MD

NY

VA

WV

RHW

rich moist
woods, rocky
wooded slopes,
streambanks

rich woods,
wooded bottoms,
calcareous rocky
banks

Soil pH:

States: DC DE MD
NY

VA

WV

RHW

Region:M

Caulophyllum
thalictroides

RHW

blue cohosh

20

rich woods

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

clump-forming; needs
some periods of drier
soil; tolerates ooding to
6 inches

Characteristics

Conditions

Chamaecrista
fasciculata
(Cassia
fasciculata)

Height: 0.5-3

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Sep, yellow

Moisture:

partridge pea,
prairie senna

Fruit: pod

Soil type:

Height: 3-10

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Sep,
magenta, pink, rarely
white
Fruit: capsule

Moisture:

Chelone glabra

Height: 1.5-6.5

Light:

white turtlehead,
turtlehead

Flowers: Jul-Oct, white

Moisture:

Habitat

upland meadows,
elds, streambanks

Herbaceous Plants

Native to

Region:M

Wildlife

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

Notes

pods coil after split open;

spreads

PA VA
WV

RHW

recent clearings,
Region:M
burned woodlands,
damp ravines, open States: DC DE MD
sandy areas
PA VA

Soil pH:
Soil type:

WV

woods,
streambanks,
swamps, thickets

Region:M

Soil type:

Height: 0.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Aug, white

Moisture:

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:
Fruit: capsule

strong grower; herbal

uses; host for Baltimore
checkerspot buttery

NY PA VA
C

WV

RHW

reweed

RHW, PLANTS GAM

Chamerion
angustifolium
spp. angustifolium
(Epilobium
angustifolium)

Chimaphila
maculata
striped wintergreen,
striped princes pine

acidic woods,
frequently under
pines

Region:M
States: DC

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

Flowers: Mar-Jun, yellow

Moisture:

owers fragrant

MD

NY PA VA
C

WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

Chrysogonum
virginianum

Region:M

States: DC

Chrysopsis
mariana
golden aster,
Maryland golden
aster

Fruit:

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-2.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

VA
L

woods, openings,
roadsides,
serpentine barrens

Region:

Cimicifuga
racemosa

Height: 2.5-8.5

Light:

black snakeroot,
black cohosh, fairy
candles

Flowers: Jun-Sep, white

Moisture:

States: DC DE MD
VA

RHW

Soil type:

will bloom longer if kept

moist

WV

Soil pH:
Fruit:

C
MD

Soil pH:
USFWS BES

green-and-gold,
golden knees

open woods on
limestone, rocky
open woods

rich woods, wooded Region:M P C

slopes, ravines,
thickets
States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Claytonia virginica

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

narrowleaf spring
beauty, spring
beauty

Flowers: Mar-May, white

with pink

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

NY PA VA
C

WV

RHW

Fruit: pod

Soil pH:

rich woods,
thickets, clearings

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

RHW

21

Herbaceous Plants

Characteristics

Conditions

Clitoria mariana

Height: 6

Light:

Maryland buttery
pea

Flowers: Jun-Sep, pale

blue or pinkish

Moisture:

Habitat

open areas

Native to

Region:M

Conoclinium
coelestinum
(Eupatorium
coelestinum)

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, blue,

violet or purple

Moisture:

mistower, wild
ageratum

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Coreopsis tripteris

Height: 3.5-10

Light:

tall coreopsis, tall

tickseed

Flowers: May-Sep,
yellow

Moisture:

vine-like

VA
WV

RHW

Soil type:

Notes

States: DC DE

Soil pH:

Fruit: pod

Wildlife

Region:

old elds,
meadows; dry
sandy woods
and clearings,
damp thickets,
streambanks

Region:M

thickets, old elds,

forest edges,
roadsides

Soil pH:

States: DC DE
VA
WV

RHW

Height: 0.5-3.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

VA
L

WV

RHW

Soil type:

ower has anise scent

States: DC

Soil pH:

Fruit: capsule

Coreopsis
verticillata
threadleaf
coreopsis

dry open woods,

Region:
P
clearings, roadsides
States: DC

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Delphinium
tricorne

Height: 0.5-3

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun,
blue, violet, white,
variegated
Fruit: pod

Moisture:

dwarf larkspur

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Sep,
purplish or green

Moisture:

VA
WV

rich woods,
calcareous slopes,
thickets, river bluffs

Region:M

States: DC

Soil pH:

VA
WV

Soil type:

RHW

USFWS BES

Fruit: capsule

MD

Desmodium
paniculatum
panicled or narrowleaf tick-trefoil

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Dicentra
canadensis

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

Flowers: Apr-May,
greenish-white, rose
tinge
Fruit: capsule

Moisture:

squirrel corn

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, white

to cream

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Region:M

not found near coast

States: DC DE MD

6-7

NY

WV

VA

RHW

Fruit: pod

clearings, edges of
moist or dry woods

rich woods
M

owers hyacinth scented

States: DC

Soil pH:

MD

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Soil type:

Region:M

Dicentra
cucullaria

RHW

Dutchmans
breeches

22

rich woods
M

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
L

WV

leaves basal; dormant in

summer

Characteristics

Conditions

Dicentra eximia

Height: 1.5-2

Light:

wild bleeding heart

Flowers: Apr-Sep,
pink/white

Moisture:

Habitat

rocky woods and

cliffs, rich woods

Region:M
States: DC

Height: 0.5-2

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, white

with yellow, lilac

Moisture:

Notes

sometimes cultivated
MD
VA

WV

RHW

Soil type:

Wildlife

Soil pH:

Fruit: capsule

Herbaceous Plants

Native to

Dodecatheon
meadia
shooting star

Region:M
States: DC

MD

Soil pH:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Doellingeria
umbellata
var. umbellata
(Aster umbellatus)

Height: 1-7.5

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Oct, white

Moisture:

at-top white aster,

parasol whitetop

Fruit:

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-1.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Sep, blue,

pink, white

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

Flowers: Mar-Jun, yellow

Moisture:

RHW, RHW

open woods,
meadows, slopes,
prairies

VA
L

WV

open areas, woods

M

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Erigeron
pulchellus

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
L

WV

RHW

robins plantain

open woods,
meadows, wooded
slopes, roadsides

Erythronium
americanum

woods, rich slopes,

bottomlands,
meadows

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:
Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 2-5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, purple,

rarely white

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1.5-10

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, pinkpurple

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1-4.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, white

Moisture:

NY PA VA
L

WV

RHW

trout lily, yellow

trout lily, dogtooth
violet

Eupatorium
dubium

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

VA
S

RHW

Joe-Pye weed

swamps, bogs,
marshes, swales

Eupatorium
stulosum

Region:M

herbal uses

States: DC DE MD

4.5-7

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Joe-Pye weed,
trumpet weed

oodplains,
meadows, thickets,
roadsides

Eupatorium
hyssopifolium

Soil pH:
Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Region:

States: DC DE MD
VA

RHW

hyssop-leaved
thoroughwort,
hyssop-leaved
eupatorium

dry elds,
roadsides, railroad
right of ways,
woods, elds, salt
meadows

23

Herbaceous Plants
Eupatorium
maculatum

Conditions

Habitat

Native to

Notes

oodplains,
Region:M P
swamps, alluvial
thickets, grasslands States: DC

Height: 2-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Sep, purple

to pale lavender

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.5-7

NY

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

WV

Height: 1-5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, white

Moisture:

Wildlife

CAB

spotted Joe-Pye
weed

Characteristics

Eupatorium
perfoliatum

Soil pH:

common boneset

Soil type:

Height: 2-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, pink,

purple, cream

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-3

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, white

Moisture:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

oodplains,
swamps, bogs,
streambanks,
meadows

Eupatorium
purpureum

Soil pH:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

occurs in drier, shadier

habitats than other joepye-weeds; injured or dried
plant has vanilla scent

WV

RHW

green-stemmed
Joe-Pye weed

open woods, elds,

oodplains

white wood aster

RHW, USFWS BES

Eurybia divaricata
(Aster divaricatus)

dry woods,
clearings

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

Fruit:

Soil type:

WV

Gentiana clausa

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

closed gentian,
bottle gentian

Flowers: Aug-Oct, blue

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.8-7.2

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1-2

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jul,
lavender or pink

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-1.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Aug,
whitish

Moisture:

USFWS BES

Soil pH:

Geranium
maculatum

Region:M

States: DC

C
MD

PA VA
WV

woods, roadsides,
elds

Soil pH:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

adaptable plant; long bloom

time; spreader; herbal uses;
explosive seed capsule

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

wild geranium,
wood geranium

moist open woods,

streambanks,
meadows

downy rattlesnake
plantain

USFWS BES

Goodyera
pubescens

yellow or common
sneezeweed

24

USFWS BES

Helenium
autumnale

dry to moist woods

D

Region:M

NY

Fruit:

Soil type:

WV

Height: 1.5-6

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Nov, yellow

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4-7.5

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:
C

woods, swamps,
riverbanks, alluvial
thickets, meadows,
marshes, ditches
S

Region:M

VA

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

very handsome throughout

winter

tolerates wet areas; showy

owers; herbal uses

Characteristics

Helianthus
angustifolius

Height: 1.5-5.5

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4-7

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1.5-5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

Habitat

swamps, moist,
sandy areas

Herbaceous Plants

Native to

Region:

Wildlife

Notes

States: DC DE MD
VA

RHW

swamp sunower

Conditions

Helianthus
decapetalus

elds, bottomlands,
stream banks,
roadsides

Region:M

Soil type:

Height: 1.5-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Sep, yellow

Moisture:

NY PA VA
WV

BZ

Fruit: capsule

States: DC DE

Soil pH:

ten-petaled or thinleaved sunower

Helianthus
divaricatus
woodland
sunower, rough
sunower

dry open woods,

wooded slopes,
shale barrens,
roadsides

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Height: 1-5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Sep, pale

yellow

Moisture:

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

Region:M

Heliopsis
helianthoides

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-2

Light:

M
5.6-6.8

Soil pH:

Region:

long bloom time

States: DC DE MD
PA VA
WV

Hepatica nobilis
var. acuta
(H. acutiloba)
sharp-lobed
hepatica

UWI KJS, UWI KJS, UWI JRS

RHW

oxeye sunower,
oxeye

elds, open
woods, oodplains,
thickets,
streambanks

Flowers: Mar-Jun, bluish, Moisture:

white, pink
Soil pH:

Hepatica nobilis
var. obtusa
(H. americana)

may bloom throughout year

(rarely)

Region:M
States:
NY PA VA

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-2

Light:

Flowers: Mar-Jun, white

to lavender

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 3.5-10

Light:

Flowers: May-Aug, white

to pink

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.4-7.3

Fruit:

Soil type:

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, green,

white, pink, purple

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

dry or rocky woods,

dry upland slopes

Soil pH:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

WV

RHW

round-lobed
hepatica, liverleaf

rich upland woods,

rocky slopes

Heracleum
maximum
(H. lanatum)

can cause a dermatitis

(skin) reaction

WV

RHW

cow parsnip

rich woods, wooded Region:M P C

roadside banks,
marshy ats,
States: DC DE MD
streambanks,
NY PA VA
ditches

Heuchera
americana

Soil pH:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

long bloom time; many

cultivars and hybrids; semievergreen

NY PA VA
L

WV

MOBOT

alumroot

rich woods, rocky

slopes, shale cliffs

25

Herbaceous Plants

Characteristics

Conditions

Height: 1-2.5

Light:

hairy heuchera,
hairy alumroot

Flowers: Jun-Oct, white

to greenish to pinkish

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, blue,

lilac, white

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1-2.5

Light:

Flowers: May-Aug,
lavender, white

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Hylotelephium
telephioides
(Sedum
telephioides)

Height: 0.5-1.5

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Sep, pale

pink

Moisture:

Allegheny
stonecrop

Fruit: pod

Height: 1.5-5

Light:

Flowers: May-Oct,
orange, yellow, white

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.4-7.4

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-2

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Oct, blue,

yellow eye

Moisture:

PLANTS JSP

Heuchera villosa

Houstonia
caerulea

damp rocks, rich

wooded slopes

Native to

Wildlife

Notes

Region:M
States: DC

MD

Soil pH:

VA

meadows, elds,
and thickets, open
woods, forest
edges

Soil pH:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
VA
WV

RHW

bluet, innocence,
Quaker-ladies

Habitat

Hydrophyllum
virginianum

Soil pH:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

WV

RHW

Virginia waterleaf

woods, thickets,
streambanks

dry rocky places

Region:M
MD

Soil pH:

NY

VA

Soil type:

WV

RHW

States: DC

naturally occurs in bare

rock outcrops, but does
well in garden; rare in PA,
threatened in NY

jewelweed, touchme-not

USFWS BES

Impatiens
capensis
(I. biora)

stiff-leaf aster,
axleaf whitetop
aster

Fruit:

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

Flowers: Apr-May, white

Moisture:

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

Soil pH:

Region:M

grasslands,
successional
shrublands, oakhickory forest, dry
rocky woods and
edges

Region:M

rich woods

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY

VA

WV

RHW

Ionactis
linariifolius
(Aster linariifolius)

moist meadows,
swamps,
streambanks, open
woods

Jeffersonia
diphylla

States: DC

WV

P
MD

Soil pH:
Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 2-6

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Sep,
yellowish white

Moisture:

Fruit:

Soil type:

VA

RHW

twinleaf

Lespedeza
capitata

UWI KJS

round-head bush
clover

26

elds, thin woods

Region:M

States: DC DE

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
L

WV

ripe seed pod explodes with

contact; remedy for poison
ivy itching

Characteristics

Liatris pilosa
var. pilosa
(L. graminifolia)

Conditions

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Oct, purple

Moisture:

Habitat

Soil pH:
Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Sep,
lavender to rosepurple

Moisture:

open woods,
forest edge, salt
marsh edges, dune
hollows

Region:

dry upland woods

Region:M

Wildlife

Notes

States: DC DE MD
VA

RHW

grass-leaf
blazingstar

Herbaceous Plants

Native to

Liatris scariosa

RHW

eastern or northern
blazing star, tall
gayfeather

Fruit: capsule

VA
L

Soil type:

Height: 1-6.5

Light:

gayfeather,
blazingstar, spiked
blazing star

Flowers: Jul-Aug, rosepurple or white

Moisture:

Soil type:

Liatris squarrosa

Height: 0.5-2.5

Light:

plains blazing star

Flowers: Jul-Sep, rose

Moisture:

WV

moist meadows,
open areas

Region:

States: DC DE

5.6-7.5

Soil pH:

Fruit: capsule

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

Liatris spicata

USFWS RL

VA
WV

dry open elds and

banks

Region:

States: DC DE

Soil pH:

VA

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Lilium canadense

Height: 1.5-6.5

Light:

Canada lily

Flowers: Jun-Aug,
yellow, orange, red

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Aug,
yellow, red-orange

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Lilium superbum

Height: 4-8

Light:

Turks cap lily

Flowers: Jul-Aug, yelloworange, orange-red

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-2

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct,
lavender

Moisture:

Soil pH:

6-8.5

Fruit:

Soil type:

RHW

elds, thickets,
woods

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Lilium
philadelphicum

Region:M

States: DC DE

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
L

WV

RS MNPS

RHW

wood lily

open woods, forest

edges, thickets

Limonium
carolinianum

PLANTS LA

sea lavender

meadows,
streamsides

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

leaves in whorl around

stem; takes several years
to bloom

NY PA VA
L

WV

irregularly ooded
high salt marshes

Region:

States:

tolerates salinity to 30 ppt

DE MD
NY

VA

27

Herbaceous Plants

Characteristics

Conditions

Lobelia cardinalis

Height: 2-4

Light:

cardinal ower

Flowers: Jul-Oct, red

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.8-7.8

Soil type:

Lobelia siphilitica

Height: 1-5

Light:

great blue lobelia

Flowers: Aug-Oct, blue,

violet

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Lupinus perennis

Height: 1-2

Light:

lupine, sundial
lupine

Flowers: Apr-Jul, blue,

rarely pink or white

Moisture:

Native to

fresh tidal and

nontidal marshes,
wooded swamps,
seeps, banks of
ponds, rivers,
streams

Region:M

woodlands,
meadows, swamps

Region:M

Wildlife

States: DC DE MD

Notes

long bloom time; biennial,

must reseed

NY PA VA
WV

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

long bloom time; white

cultivars available

NY PA VA
C

WV

open woods,
elds, roadsides,
streambanks

Region:M

prefers acidic soil

States: DC DE

Soil pH:

NY

Fruit: pod

Soil type:

WV

Height: 0.5

Light:

Flowers: May-Jul, white

Moisture:

VA

RHW

RHW, USFWS BES

RHW

Fruit:

Habitat

Maianthemum
canadense

RHW
PLANTS JA, PLANTS WSJ

false Solomons
seal

Region:M

Fruit: pale red speckled,

berry

Soil type:

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: May-Jul, white

Moisture:

Medeola
virginiana

RHW, RHW

Indian cucumber

Melanthium
virginicum

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun,
yellowish

Moisture:

Fruit: dark purple or

black, berry

Soil type:

Height: 2.5-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Aug,
greenish

Moisture:

fragrant owers

WV

dry to moist woods,

clearings, bluffs

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

owers in plume-like
clumps at tip of stem;
herbal uses

NY PA VA
C

WV

woods
M

Region:M

rhizome is edible

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
L

WV

woods, seepages,
clearings

Region:

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

VA

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1-2.5

Light:

Flowers: Mar-Jun, pink

turning blue

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-8

Fruit: Mar-May,
nut/nut-like

Soil type:

WV

RHW

Virginia
bunchower

Soil type:

NY PA VA

Soil pH:
Fruit: red, berry

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

Canada mayower

Maianthemum
racemosum
ssp. racemosum
(Smilacina
racemosa )

woods

Mertensia
virginica

RHW

Virginia bluebells

28

rich wooded slopes, Region:M P C

oodplains
States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

dormant in summer; ower

color blue, pink, or white
according to soil acidity

Characteristics

Conditions

Mimulus ringens

Height: 1-3

Light:

monkeyower,
Allegheny
monkeyower

Flowers: Jun-Oct, blue

Moisture:

Habitat

open swamps,
meadows, shores

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Mitchella repens

Height: 0.5

Light:

partridgeberry

Flowers: May-Jul, white

Moisture:

Region:M

Wildlife

Notes

interesting owers

States: DC DE
NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

Herbaceous Plants

Native to

dry acidic woods

D

USFWS, RHW

Soil type:

Mitella diphylla

Height: 0.5-1.5

Light:

twoleaf miterwort,
bishops cap

Flowers: Apr-Jun, white

Moisture:

Height: 1.5-5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Sep, pink

to purple

Moisture:

Fruit: nut/nut-like

Soil type:

Monarda didyma

Height: 2-5

Light:

beebalm, Oswego
tea

Flowers: Jul-Sep, red

Moisture:

RHW, RHW

Soil type:

Monarda
bradburiana
(M. stulosa)

RS MNPS

wild bergamot,
horsemint

Height: 0.5-3.5

Light:

horsemint, spotted
bee-balm

Flowers: Jun-Oct, yellow

and purple

Moisture:

Fruit: nut/nut-like

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-2.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Sep, light

blue

Moisture:

NY PA VA
C

WV

elds, thickets,
roadsides, forest
edges

M
6-8

States: DC DE MD

confused with bee-balm (M.

didyma); aromatic; herbal
uses

NY PA VA
WV

Region:M

creek banks,
oodplains, woods

Region:M
States: DC

MD

showy owers; aromatic;

herbal uses

NY PA VA
WV

open sandy elds

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY
L

VA

RHW

USFWS BES

Monarda punctata

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:
Soil type:

two owers form one fruit;

berry edible; slow creeper,
forms mats under trees

WV

rich, woods

Soil pH:

Fruit: nut/nut-like

NY PA VA

Soil pH:
Fruit: capsule

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:
Fruit:July-Dec, scarlet,
berry

Region:M

blue, old-eld, or
Canada toadax

PLANTS WSJ

Nuttallanthus
canadensis
(Linaria canadensis)

Soil pH:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Oenothera biennis

Height: 1.5-6.5

Light:

common evening
primrose

Flowers: Jun-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

MD

delicate owers; prefers

well-drained soil

VA

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

owers open in evening;

biennial

NY PA VA
S

WV

RHW

Soil type:

cultivated elds,
waste ground,
roadsides
5-7

WV

Soil pH:
Fruit: capsule

maritime grasslands Region:M P

and shrublands,
successional
States:
shrubland, woods,
NY
elds

29

Herbaceous Plants
Oenothera
fruticosa

Conditions

Height: 1-3

Light:

Flowers: May-Sep,
yellow

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-3

Light:

Flowers: May-Aug,
yellow

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Jul, yellow

Moisture:

Habitat

elds, meadows,
roadsides

M
4.5-7

Soil pH:
C

Native to

Region:M

Wildlife

Notes

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

RHW

narrow-leaved
sundrops

Characteristics

Oenothera
perennis

UWI RWF

sundrops

Opuntia humifusa
(O. compressa)

elds, pastures,
roadsides, shaly
slopes

Soil pH:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

WV

sandy coastal
dunes, shaly soils

Region:M

RHW

Osmorhiza
longistylis

Fruit: purplish to deep

red, eshy

Soil type:

Height: 1.5-4

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun, white

to green

Moisture:

VA
L

WV

rich woods, wooded Region:M P C

slopes, thickets
States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY

Fruit:

Soil type:

WV

Oxalis violacea

Height: 0.5

Light:

violet wood sorrel

Flowers: Apr-Jul, violet

Moisture:

all plant parts have anise

scent

VA

RHW

sweet cicely, anise

root

fruit edible, used for jelly

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

eastern prickly-pear
cactus

similar to evening primrose

(O. biennis); long bloom
time; spreader

woods
D

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Height: 0.5-2.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Aug, yellow

Moisture:

PA
WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

Packera aurea
(Senecio aureus)

moist elds,
woods, oodplains,
roadsides

Soil pH:
Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 2-5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Aug, white

or faintly purple

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: May-Jul,
purplish

Moisture:

States: DC DE MD

wetland plant; long bloom

time; aggressive spreader

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

golden ragwort,
golden groundsel

Region:M

beardtongue, tall
white or foxglove
beardtongue

USFWS BES, RHW

Penstemon
digitalis

Penstemon
laevigatus

UWI MRB

smooth or eastern
beardtongue

30

Fruit: capsule

open woods,
meadows

M
5.5-7

Soil pH:
C

States: DC DE MD
WV

Region:M
States: DC

Soil pH:
Soil type:

NY PA VA

rich woods, elds

M

Region:M

MD
VA

WV

tolerates poor drainage;

variety of cultivars

Characteristics

Phlox carolina

PLANTS WSJ

thick-leaved phlox

Phlox divaricata

Habitat

open woods

Height: 1-2.5

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun, pink

to purple, rarely white

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, blue,

lavender, white

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.5-7.2

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1-3

Light:

Flowers: May-Sep, rose,

pink, purple, rarely
white

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.9-6.8

Herbaceous Plants

Native to

Wildlife

Notes

Region:M
States: DC

Soil pH:

VA
L

rich woods

Region:M

States: DC

MD

NY PA VA

aromatic; showy ower;

dormant in summer (leaves
disappear); frequently
cultivated; evergreen

WV

RHW

woodland or wild
blue phlox, wild
sweet William

Conditions

Phlox maculata

PLANTS WSJ

phlox, meadow
phlox, wild sweet
William

Phlox paniculata

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, pink,

red-purple, white

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Phlox stolonifera

Height: 0.5-1.5

Light:

creeping phlox

Flowers: Apr-Jun, blue,

red-purple, violet

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, rose,

pink, white

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1.5-5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Sep, pink

to purple

Moisture:

Fruit: nut/nut-like

Soil type:

Height: 1-2

Light:

Flowers: Apr-May, white

Moisture:

moss phlox, mosspink

Physostegia
virginiana
obedient plant,
false dragonhead

USFWS BES, USFWS BES

Phlox subulata

USFWS BES, USFWS BES, RHW

RHW, USFWS BES

summer phlox,
garden phlox

RHW, USFWS BES

Height: 1.5-6.5

Podophyllum
peltatum
Mayapple

States:

DE

rich, open woods,

roadsides,
streambanks,
thickets

Region:M

States: DC

aromatic; showy owers;

a frequent escapee from
cultivation

aromatic; showy owers

frequently escapes from
cultivation

PA VA
WV

rich woods
M

Region:M
States: DC

MD

Soil pH:

VA
L

WV

rock crevices,
ledges

D
5.7-7.5

Soil pH:
C

nice rock garden plant

States: DC

MD

NY

VA

WV

moist open areas,

streambanks,
shorelines

Region:M

Region:M

States: DC

Soil pH:

MD
PA VA

owers showy; spreads

rapidly by underground
stems; best in full sun; can
escape cultivation

WV

rich woods, open

elds

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

ripe fruit edible; woodland

groundcover; mottled
foliage

NY PA VA
L

WV

RHW

Soil type:

WV

Soil pH:

Region:M

PA VA

Soil pH:
Fruit: yellow, berry

meadows,
streambanks,
thickets

31

Herbaceous Plants
Polemonium
reptans
Jacobs ladder,
Greek valerian

Characteristics

Conditions

Height: 0.5-1.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Aug, blue

Moisture:

Habitat

Native to

rich or rocky woods, Region:M P

wooded oodplains
States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Height: 0.5-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, white

or green

Moisture:

Fruit: blue to black, berry

Soil type:

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun,
yellowish-green

Moisture:

Fruit: blue to black, berry

Soil type:

Height: 1.5-4

Light:

Flowers: May-Jul, white

Moisture:

Notes

attractive owers; slow

spreader; herbal uses

PA VA
L

WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

Wildlife

Polygonatum
biorum

Region:M

owers dangle along stalk

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Solomons seal,
dwarf Solomons
seal

woods

Polygonatum
pubescens

UWI KJS

Solomons seal,
downy Solomons
seal

Porteranthus
trifoliatus
(Gillenia trifoliata)

dry to moist woods

D

States:

DE

Soil pH:

Soil type:

Pycnanthemum
incanum

Height: 3

Light:

hoary mountain
mint

Flowers: Jul-Sep, white

to lavender, purple
spots
Fruit: nut/nut-like

Moisture:

Height: 1.5-2.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Sep, purple

to white

Moisture:

Fruit: nut/nut-like

Soil type:

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Sep, dark

pink

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Rudbeckia fulgida

Height: 1.5-3.5

Light:

early, eastern, or
orange coneower

Flowers: Jul-Oct, yelloworange, black eye

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

herbal uses; edible

open upland
woods, clearings,
rocky slopes,
roadsides

M
C

WV

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
PA VA

established plants drought

tolerant; spreads to form
tight clumps; seldom needs
dividing; yellow fall color

WV

RHW

Fruit: pod

NY PA VA

Soil pH:

Bowmans root

Region:M

upland woods,
elds, thickets,
barrens

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
C

WV

RHW

Soil type:

narrow-leaved
mountain mint

PLANTS RM89

Pycnanthemum
tenuifolium

Rhexia virginica

Region:M

States: DC DE

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
WV

open areas
W

Region:M

also R. mariana for MD

States: DC DE

Soil pH:

VA
WV

USFWS RL

RHW

Virginia meadowbeauty

streambanks,
oodplains, moist
elds

32

Soil pH:

moist elds,
meadows

Region:

cultivars have nice foliage

States: DC DE MD
VA

Characteristics

Conditions

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

black-eyed Susan

Flowers: Jun-Oct, yellow,

black eye

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1.5-10

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Sep, yellow

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-7

USDA MG

Rudbeckia hirta

Rudbeckia
laciniata
tall, greenheaded, or cutleaf
coneower

Rudbeckia triloba

Height: 1.5-4.5

Light:

three-lobed
coneower

Flowers: Jun-Oct, yellow

or orange

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-3

Light:

Flowers: May-Aug,
lavender-blue

Moisture:

Region:M

Notes

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

Wildlife

oodplains,
streambanks, elds

Region:M

herbal uses

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

PLANTS WSJ

RHW

Soil type:

elds, meadows,
roadsides

Herbaceous Plants

Native to

6-7

Soil pH:

Fruit: capsule

Habitat

Ruellia
caroliniensis
Carolina wild
petunia

elds, open woods,

rocky slopes

Region:M

States: DC

Soil pH:

MD

NY PA VA
L

WV

woods, roadsides,
thickets, waste
places

Region:

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Sabatia angularis

Height: 1-3

Light:

rose pink, common

marsh-pink

Flowers: Jul-Oct, pink

or white

Moisture:

VA
C

WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

actually in the nightshade

family, ower fragile; a
highly variable species

moist open woods,

elds, marshes,
meadows; uplands,
shores

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Salvia lyrata

Height: 1-2

Light:

lyre-leaf sage

Flowers: Apr-Jun, violet

Moisture:

States: DC DE MD
VA
WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

Region:M

moist pastures,
upland woods,
thickets, waste
areas

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Height: 0.5

Light:

Flowers: Mar-May, white

Moisture:

States: DC DE
VA
WV

RHW

Fruit: nut/nut-like

Region:M

Sanguinaria
canadensis
bloodroot

rich woods, open

roadsides

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Height: 1-3

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, white

to green

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

States: DC DE MD

showy owers, but blooms

eetingly; herbal uses

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

Region:M

Saxifraga
pensylvanica

Soil pH:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

RHW

eastern swamp
saxifrage

wet woods, bogs,

swamps

33

Herbaceous Plants
Saxifraga
virginiensis

Conditions

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

Flowers: Mar-May, white

Moisture:

Habitat

rock crevices, dry

slopes, woods

Native to

Region:M

Wildlife

Notes

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY PA VA

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

WV

Height: 1-2.5

Light:

Flowers: May-Jul, blue,

pink, white

Moisture:

RHW

early saxifrage

Characteristics

Scutellaria
integrifolia
rough or hyssop
skullcap, helmet
ower

swamps, bogs,
moist woods, elds

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

VA

Soil type:

Sedum ternatum

Height: 0.5

Light:

mountain
stonecrop, wild
stonecrop

Flowers: Apr-Jun,
greenish-white

Moisture:
Soil pH:

NY PA VA

Fruit: pod

Soil type:

WV

Height: 3-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Aug, yellow

Moisture:

WV

damp rocks, rocky

banks, cliffs, woods

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

creeping stems; used in

rock gardens

Senna marilandica
(Cassia
marilandica)
Maryland or
southern wild senna

USFWS BES, USFWS BES

RHW

RHW

Fruit: blackish,
nut/nutlike

Soil type:

Silene caroliniana

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

wild pink

Flowers: Apr-Jun, white

to pink

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Silene stellata

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

starry campion,
widows frill

Flowers: Jun-Sep, white

Moisture:

Region:M

Soil pH:

States: DC DE MD

4-7

Soil pH:
Fruit: pod

dry roadsides,
thickets, open
woods

pods important food for

upland gamebirds

VA
WV

dry open woods,

rocky slopes,
roadside banks,
shale barrens

Region:M

wooded slopes,
roadside banks,
barrens

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

semi-evergreen; native to
limestone areas

VA

RHW

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

WV

Silene virginica

Height: 1-3

Light:

re pink

Flowers: Apr-Jul, dark

pink to red

Moisture:

RHW

Soil pH:

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Height: 3-8

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

Region:M

States: DC DE
VA
WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

upland woods,
wooded slopes,
streambanks,
clearings

Silphium
perfoliatum
cup plant

Region:M

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

States: DC

Soil pH:
PLANTS DL

34

oodplains, elds,
moist meadows,
woods

VA
L

WV

drought-tolerant;
naturalizes in woods

Characteristics

Sisyrinchium
angustifolium
(S. graminoides)

Conditions

Height: 0.5-1.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, blueviolet

Moisture:

Fruit: brown, capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-2.5

Light:

Flowers: May-Jul, blueviolet

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Solidago caesia

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

bluestem
goldenrod, wreath
goldenrod

Flowers: Aug-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

CM NRCS

blue-eyed grass

Sisyrinchium
atlanticum

Wildlife

grassy areas, damp Region:M P C

woods
States: DC DE MD

M
5-7

NY

WV

Herbaceous Plants

Native to

Notes

grasslike leaves; also S.

montanum in NY

VA

marshes, meadows, Region:

P C
low woods
States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

leaves grasslike,
more slender than S.
angustifolium

VA

UWI JS

coastal or eastern
blue-eyed grass

Soil pH:

Habitat

Solidago
canadensis
var. scabra
(S. altissima)

Height: 3.5-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Nov, yellow

Moisture:

tall or late
goldenrod

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

stems bluish or purplish

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Soil type:

Region:M

5.5-7

Soil pH:
Fruit: capsule

rich deciduous
woods

woods, elds,
riverbanks,
roadsides

Region:M

UWI, RRK

NY PA VA

UWI MRB

Solidago
exicaulis
broad leaf or zig
zag goldenrod

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1-3.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

WV

elds, roadsides
D

M
4.8-7.5

Soil pH:

Canada goldenrod

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

Solidago
canadensis

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Solidago juncea

Height: 1-4

Light:

early goldenrod

Flowers: Jun-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

States:

DE

VA

WV

moist woods, rocky

wooded slopes

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

RHW

5.3-7

NY

Soil pH:

Region:M

elds, meadows,
rocky slopes,
roadsides

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Height: 0.5-3

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Nov, yellow

Moisture:

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

Region:M

Solidago
nemoralis
gray, dwarf, oldeld, or one-sided
goldenrod

Soil pH:

6.5-7.5

Soil type:

Region:M

tolerates poor soils

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

elds, open woods,

roadsides

35

Herbaceous Plants

Characteristics

Conditions

Solidago odora

Height: 1.5-5

Light:

sweet goldenrod

Flowers: Jul-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

Habitat

dry open woods,

barrens

Native to

Region:M

NY

Soil type:

Solidago rugosa

Height: 1-6.5

Light:

wrinkle-leaf or
rough-stemmed
goldenrod

Flowers: Aug-Nov,

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5-7.5

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Nov, yellow

Moisture:

VA

WV

RHW

Notes

States: DC DE

Soil pH:
Fruit: capsule

Wildlife

elds, woods,
oodplains,
roadsides, waste
places

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

tough plant; aggressive;

strongly colonial

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Solidago
sempervirens
seaside goldenrod

coastal areas,
dunes

M
5.5-7.5

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Solidago speciosa

Height: 2-6.5

Light:

showy or slender
goldenrod

Flowers: Jul-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

States: DC DE MD

coastal plant, may occur

where road salts are used

VA
S

RHW

Soil pH:

Region:

dry to moist open

woods and elds

Region:M
States: DC

MD

NY

VA

PLANTS TGB

Soil pH:
Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Spiranthes cernua

Height: 0.5-2

Light:

nodding ladies
tresses

Flowers: Jul-Nov, white

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-6.5

Soil type:

Height: 1.5-3.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Aug, white

to pink

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.7-7.4

Fruit: nut/nut-like

Soil type:

Stellaria pubera

Height: 0.5-1.5

Light:

star chickweed,
great chickweed

Flowers: Mar-Jun, white

Moisture:

USFWS BES

Fruit:

Stachys tenuifolia
(S. hispida)

meadows, open
woods, roadsides,
bogs

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

wooded
bottomlands,
streambanks,
meadows, elds

Region:

States: DC DE MD
VA
WV

RHW

hedge nettle

woods, shaded
rocky areas

Region:M

States: DC

MD

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Height: 1-5

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Oct, blueviolet to rose

Moisture:

Fruit:

Soil type:

VA
WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

Symphyotrichum
cordifolium
(Aster cordifolius)

RHW

heart-leaved aster

36

upland meadows,
woods

Soil pH:

Region:M

States: DC
NY PA VA

WV

orchid owers; herbal uses

Characteristics

Symphyotrichum
ericoides
var. ericoides
(Aster ericoides)

Conditions

Height: 0.5-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Nov, white,

rarely blue, violet,
rose
Fruit:

Moisture:

Height: 1-5

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Oct, pale

blue, violet, white

Moisture:

Fruit:

Soil type:

Symphyotrichum
novae-angliae
(Aster
novae-angliae)

Height: 1-6

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Oct, violet

capsule

Moisture:

New England aster

Fruit:

Soil type:

Symphyotrichum
novi-belgii
var. novi-belgii
(Aster novi-belgii)

Height: 1-4.5

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Oct, blueviolet

Moisture:

New York aster

Fruit:

Soil type:

Height: 1-3

Light:

Flowers: Feb-May, green

to purple-brown

Moisture:

dry elds, forest

edges, woods,
thickets

Herbaceous Plants

Native to

Region:M

Wildlife

Notes

forms dense mounds

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY
L

Soil type:

WV

RHW

heath, white heath,

or dense-owered
aster; frostweed

Habitat

Symphyotrichum
laeve var. laeve
(Aster laevis)

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
C

WV

MOBOT

smooth blue aster

open areas, forest

edges

open woods,
seasonal wetlands,
shores, meadows

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

showy, frequently
cultivated; tolerates drier
soils and seasonal ooding

NY PA VA
WV

USFWS

thickets, meadows,
shores

Soil pH:

Region:

States: DC DE MD
NY

VA

RHW

skunk cabbage

RHW, USFWS BES

Symplocarpus
foetidus

Thalictrum
dioicum

Fruit:

Soil type:

Height: 1-2.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-May, green

to purple

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Height: 1.5-9

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Aug, white

Moisture:

States: DC DE MD
NY

ower inconspicuous,
emerges before leaves; sap
has skunk-like odor

VA

WV

rich rocky woods,

ravines, alluvial
terraces

Region:M

Soil pH:

Region:M

States: DC

C
MD

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

early meadow rue

W
4-7

Soil pH:

fresh tidal and

nontidal marshes
and shrub swamps,
forested wetlands,
seeps

Thalictrum
pubescens
(T. polygamum)

Soil pH:
Fruit:

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, white

Moisture:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

foliage similar to
columbines; clump-forming;
delicate owers; species
very variable

WV

RHW

tall meadow rue

rich woods, low

thickets, swamps,
meadows,
streambanks

Thalictrum
thalictroides
(Anemonella
thalictroides)

Soil pH:
Fruit:

Soil type:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

foliage similar to
columbines

NY PA VA
C

WV

RHW

rue anemone,
windower

wooded banks and

thickets

37

Herbaceous Plants

Characteristics

Conditions

Tiarella cordifolia

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

foamower, false
miterwort

Flowers: Apr-Jul, white

Moisture:

Habitat

rich woods, moist

rocky wooded
slopes

USFWS BES

Soil pH:

Tradescantia
virginiana
Virginia spiderwort,
widows tears

Soil type:

Height: 1-3

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jul, deep

blue-purple

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4-8

Trillium erectum

Height: 1-1.5

Light:

purple or red
trillium, wakerobin

Flowers: Apr-Jun, purple

or greenish to white

Moisture:

Fruit: dark red, berry

Soil type:

Height: 0.5-1.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, white

then pink

Moisture:

Fruit: black, berry

Soil type:

Trillium sessile

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

toadshade

Moisture:
Flowers: Apr-May,
maroon, purple, green Soil pH:

States: DC

C
MD

Notes

attractive, long-blooming;
creeping, clump-forming;
many cultivars

WV

wooded slopes,
shale outcrops,
elds, roadsides

Region:M

owers showy

States: DC DE MD
VA
WV

RHW

Soil type:

Region:M

Wildlife

NY PA VA

Fruit: capsule

Fruit: capsule

Native to

woods
M

Region:M
States: DC

Soil pH:

owers ill-scented

P
MD

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Trillium
grandiorum

Region:M

States: DC

Soil pH:

C
MD

showy owers; common,

often in large colonies

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

white or largeowered trillium

woods

Soil type:

Trillium undulatum

Height: 1-1.5

Light:

painted trillium

Flowers: May-Jun, white

with purple

Moisture:

Fruit: bright red, berry

Soil type:

Height: 2.5

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun,
orange-yellow

Moisture:

Region:M

States: DC

WV

P
MD
VA

RHW

Fruit: berry

woods, oodplains

woods
M

Region:M

States: DC

Soil pH:

MD

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Uvularia
grandiora
large-owered
bellwort

woods
M

rhizome can be cooked and

eaten; young shoots can be
substituted for asparagus

Region:M
States: DC

Soil pH:

NY

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

WV

Uvularia perfoliata

Height: 0.5-2

Light:

perfoliate bellwort,
mealy bellwort

Flowers: Apr-Jul, yellow

Moisture:

RHW

VA

Soil pH:

RHW

Fruit: capsule

38

woods

Soil type:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

WV

rhizome can be cooked and

eaten; young shoots maybe
substituted for asparagus

Characteristics

Uvularia
sessilifolia

Conditions

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun,
yellow

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Veratrum viride

Height: 2-5

Light:

green false
hellebore, white
hellebore

Flowers: May-Jul,
yellow-green

Moisture:

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

Verbena hastata

Height: 1.5-5

Light:

blue vervain,
simplers joy

Flowers: Jun-Oct, blue

to purple

Moisture:

Fruit: nut/nut-like

Soil type:

Height: 3.5-8

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Oct, yellow

Moisture:

dry to moist
woodlands

Herbaceous Plants

Native to

Region:M

Wildlife

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
L

Notes

rhizomes may be cooked

and eaten; young shoots
may be substituted for
asparagus

WV

RHW

straw lily

Habitat

swamps, woods
M

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY PA VA
L

WV

RHW

leaf edges will brown if soil

dries and plant is in windy
area; does best in cooler
temps; slugs like the foliage

meadows, swamps, Region:M P C

oodplains, ditches,
roadsides
States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

bright owers; herbal uses

NY PA VA
L

WV

RHW

Verbesina
alternifolia
wingstem, yellow
ironweed

wooded slopes,
open woodlands,
riverbanks,
shaded lowlands,
roadsides, elds

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Height: 3.5-8

Light:

Flowers: Aug-Oct, purple

Moisture:

threatened in NY

States: DC DE MD
NY

VA

WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

Region:M

Vernonia
noveboracensis
New York ironweed

streambanks, elds, Region:M P C

freshwater marshes
States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Veronicastrum
virginicum
(Veronica
virginica)

Height: 3-6.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Sep, white,

pink

Moisture:

Culvers root

NY PA VA
WV

RHW

Fruit: capsule

brilliant owers; tall upright

form adds structure to
garden; spreads

rich woods,
meadows, thickets,
swamps

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY

Fruit: capsule

Soil type:

WV

Viola conspersa

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

American dog violet

Flowers: Apr-Jul, pale

blue, violet

Moisture:
Soil pH:

NY PA VA

Fruit: green, capsule

Soil type:

WV

Viola cucullata

Height: 0-0.5

Light:

marsh blue violet,

blue marsh violet

Flowers: Apr-Jul, pale

purple

Moisture:

UWI RWF

RHW

VA

bogs, meadows,
swamps

Region:M

States:

Region:M

States: DC DE

Soil pH:
Soil type:

delicate plant and ower;

edible

stemless; self-sows; can

become a nuisance

PA VA
C

WV

RHW

Fruit: green, capsule

woods, elds,
swamps

39

Herbaceous Plants

Characteristics

Conditions

Viola hastata

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

halberdleaf yellow
violet

Flowers: Apr-May, yellow

w/ violet

Moisture:

Habitat

rich deciduous
woods

Native to

Wildlife

Notes

Region:M
States: DC

MD

Soil pH:

VA

Fruit: green, capsule

Soil type:

Viola pedata

Height: 0-0.5

Light:

birds foot violet

Flowers: Mar-Jun, pale

blue or w/ purpleblack tips
Fruit: green, capsule

Moisture:

Height: 0.5-1.5

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun,
yellow, purple veins

Moisture:

Soil pH:

6-7

Fruit: green, capsule

Soil type:

Height: 0.5

Light:

Flowers: Mar-Jun, dark

blue, violet

Moisture:

Soil pH:

6-7.8

Fruit: green with purple,

capsule

Soil type:

Viola striata

Height: 0.5-1

Light:

striped cream
violet, striped violet

Flowers: Apr-Jun, ivory

w/ purple

Moisture:

Fruit: green, capsule

Soil type:

Height: 2-2.5

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Sep, white

Moisture:

RHW

WV

sandy or rocky
barrens, dry
forested slopes

Region:M

stemless

States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

VA
L

RHW

Soil type:

WV

Viola pubescens
var. pubescens
(V. pennsylvanica)

Region:M

States: DC DE
NY PA VA
WV

RHW

yellow violet, downy

violet

moist or dry woods,

swamps

Viola sororia
(V. papilionacea)

NY PA VA
WV

delicate plant and ower;

edible; spreader; stemless

alluvial woods,
swamps, elds

Soil pH:

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

MP

RHW

common blue violet

dry to moist woods, Region:M P C

swamps, thickets
States: DC DE MD

Yucca lamentosa
(Y. accida)

coastal sand dunes, Region:

C
outcroppings on
thin rocky soils
States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

5.5-7.5

Fruit:

Soil type:

Zizia aurea

Height: 1-2.5

Light:

golden-alexanders

Flowers: Apr-Jun, yellow Moisture:

VA
S

RHW

Adams needle

wooded
bottomlands,
streambanks,
moist meadows,
oodplains

Soil pH:

RHW

Fruit:

See also:
In the Vines section:
Smilax herbacea
In the Herbaceous Emergents section:
Iris prismatica, versicolor, virginica

40

Soil type:

Region:M

States: DC DE
NY PA VA
WV

ower stalk can rise 5-15

feet above foliage

Characteristics
Height: 0.5-1.5

Distichlis spicata

Flowers: Aug-Oct
saltgrass

Fruit:pod
UWI EJJ

Flowers: Jul-Oct

three-sided sedge

Fruit: brown, nut/nut-like

UWI AH

Height: 3-6

CM NRCS

Flowers: Jul-Sep, cream,

pink

Iris prismatica

Fruit: Sep-Mar, brown,

capsule

Soil pH:

6.4-10.5

Soil type: C

Wildlife

Notes

Region:
tidal salt marshes,
C
from Mean High tide
States: DC DE MD
above to spring tide
level; high salinity; wet
VA
depressions

often intermixed with

Spartina patens, forms
dense mats

Light:
W

Moisture:

fresh tidal and nontidal Region:M P C

marshes, bogs,
swamps, pond edges States: DC DE

grows best where water

rarely draws down

Soil pH:

4.7-7.5

Soil type: C

NY PA VA

WV

Flowers: May-Jun, blue

slender blueag

RHW

Fruit: green to brown,

capsule

Iris versicolor

Flowers: May-Jun, blue

RHW

Fruit: green to brown,

capsule

Iris virginica

Flowers: May-Jul, blue

RHW

Fruit: green to brown,

capsule

Juncus
canadensis

Soil pH:

4-7.5

Soil type: C

fresh to brackish tidal

marshes, occasionally
nontidal marshes

Region:

States: DC DE MD
VA

common along coast;

persists in winter; split seed
capsules; use H. laevis in
Piedmont

WV

Flood Depth: 0-6

Light:
M

Moisture:

Soil pH:
Soil type:

fresh to moderately
brackish tidal
marshes, meadows,
shores, swamps,
forested wetlands

Region:

fresh to moderately
brackish tidal
marshes, meadows,
shores, swamps,
forested wetlands

Region:M

fresh to moderately
brackish tidal
marshes, meadows,
shores, swamps,
forested wetlands

Region:

States: DC DE

leaves 1/4-inch wide,

narrower than Iris versicolor

VA

Flood Depth: 0-6

Light:
M

Moisture:

Soil pH:
Soil type:

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

Flood Depth: 0-6

Light:
W

Moisture:
Soil pH:

4.8-7.3

Soil type: C

States: DC
VA
WV

Flood Depth: 0-6

Salinity: 0-0.5 ppt

Height: 1-4
Flowers: Jul-Oct, greenish
brown

Canada rush

Salinity 0-0.5 ppt

Height: 1-2

Virginia blue ag

Moisture:

Salinity: 0-0.5 ppt

Height: 3

blue ag

Light:

Salinity: 0-15 ppt

Height: 1-3

Fruit: brown, capsule

Light:
Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-5.9

Soil type: C

UWI AH

Flood Depth:

Region:
fresh to slightly
P C
brackish tidal and
States: DC DE MD
nontidal marshes,
swamps, ponds and
NY PA
pond borders, shores,
wet meadows, shallow
WV
water

Salinity: 0-0.5 ppt

Height: 1-4

CM NRCS, USFWS BES

Moisture:

Flood Depth: 0-12

Hibiscus
moscheutos
(H. palustris)

soft rush

Light:

Herbaceous Emergents

Native to

Salinity: 0-50 ppt

Height: 1-3.5

Juncus effusus

Habitat

Flood Depth:

Dulichium
arundinaceum

rose mallow,
eastern rosemallow

Conditions

Light:
M

Moisture:

Flowers: Jun-Sep, greenish

brown
Soil pH:
Fruit: brown, capsule

Soil type: C

5.5-7
L

Flood Depth: 0-12

fresh tidal and nontidal Region:M P C

marshes, shrub
States: DC DE MD
swamps, meadows,
ditches
NY PA VA

often grows in clumps

WV

41

Herbaceous Emergents
Juncus
roemerianus

Characteristics
Height: 1-4
Flowers: May-Oct, yellowgreen

PLANTS LA

black needlerush,
needlegrass rush,
needlegrass rush

Justicia
americana

Fruit: July-Nov, brown,

capsule

Flowers: Jun-Oct, white

with purple

Soil pH:

3.5-7

Soil type: C

Native to

Region:
brackish and salt
marshes, above Mean
States:
High tide to spring
tide level

Light:
W

Moisture:
L

Height: 1.5-4.5

Light:

RHW

spatterdock, yellow
water lily, cow-lily,
American lotus

Fruit: green, berry

RHW

Nymphaea
odorata

Height: 1-4

fragrant water lily,

American water lily,
white water lily

Fruit: green, berry

RHW

Flowers: Jun-Sep, white

WV

Flood Depth:

Moisture:

has underground stems and

forms colonies

Soil pH:
Soil type:

irregularly ooded salt Region:

C
and brackish marshes,
above Mean High tide States: DC DE MD
to spring tide level
VA

common near the coast;

looks similar to Hibiscus

Light:
W

Moisture:

fresh tidal and nontidal Region:M P C

marshes, swamps,
States: DC DE MD
ponds

large leaves oating but

rooted; fruit berry-like,
many seeded, somewhat
attened, leathery

Soil pH:
Soil type: C

NY

Light:
W

Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type: C

VA

WV

tidal and nontidal fresh Region:

P C
waters, shallow lakes,
States: DC DE MD
ponds
NY

VA

large leaves oating but

rooted; fruit berry-like,
many seeded, somewhat
attened, leathery

Flood Depth: 12-48

Height: 1.5-2
Flowers: Apr-Jun, yellow
Fruit: green, berry

Light:
W

Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type: C

edges of regularly
ooded tidal fresh
marshes, inland
shores, pond borders,
on mud or in shallow
water

Region:

RHW

Flowers: Apr-Jul, green

to white
Fruit: green or black

Light:
W

Moisture:

fresh to moderately
brackish tidal and
nontidal marshes,
swamps, shallow
waters of lakes and
ponds

Region:

Soil pH:

5.2-9.5

Soil type: C

Flood Depth: 0-12

fresh to moderately
brackish, tidal and
nontidal marshes,
shallow water of
ponds or lakes

Region:

States: DC DE MD

fruit is a thick eshy spike

covered with small dark
green berry-like structures

VA
WV

Flood Depth:

Height: 2

RHW, RHW

VA

Region:M P
muddy edges of
shallow freshwater
MD
streams, lakes, ponds; States: DC
shores
PA VA

Flood Depth:12-36

arrow arum

DE MD

Salinity: 0-10 ppt

Flowers: May-Oct, yellow

Peltandra
virginica

some nitrogen xing value

Flood Depth:

Height: 1-1.5

golden club

Notes

Flood Depth:

Soil type: C

Fruit: brown, capsule

Orontium
aquaticum

Wildlife
C

5.4-7.6

Nuphar lutea
(N. advena)

States: DC DE MD
NY

globular head of berries

enclosed in green leathery
case, curved downward

VA

WV

Salinity: 0-2 ppt

Pontederia
cordata

Height: 3.5
Flowers: Jun-Nov, purple

pickerelweed

Fruit:
UWI MC

42

Soil pH:

Flowers: Jul-Sep, pink

seashore mallow

Moisture:

Fruit: achene (dry, at

seed)
RHW

Kosteletzkya
virginica

Habitat

Salinity: 0-25 ppt

Height: 1-3

American
water-willow

Conditions
Light:

Light:
W

Moisture:
6-8

Soil pH:
Soil type: C

Flood Depth: 0-18

Salinity: 0-3 ppt

States: DC DE MD
NY

VA

spreads vigorously; a
small bladder-like structure
crested with toothed ridges
holds one seed

Characteristics
Sagittaria latifolia

Height: 0.5-4
Flowers: Jul-Sep, white
Fruit: green, achene (dry,
at seed)
RHW

duck potato,
arrowhead,
broadleaf
arrowhead

Saururus cernuus

Conditions
Light:
W

Moisture:
Soil pH:

4.7-8.6

Soil type: C

Fruit: capsule

Light:
W

RHW

Flowers: Jun-Sep, brown

Fruit: Jun-Sep, brown,
achene (dry, at seed)

Flowers: Jun-Sep, brown

Fruit: Jun-Sep, brown,
achene (dry, at seed)

VA

WV

Light:
W

Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type: C

fresh and brackish

tidal and nontidal
marshes, shores,
shallow water

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
VA

Flood Depth: 0-6

high wildlife
value

Light:
W

Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type: C

Height: 3-6

PLANTS JA

Flowers: Jun-Aug, brown

fresh to brackish tidal

and nontidal marshes,
pond edges, quiet
waters, emergent
marshes

Region:M

States:

MD
NY PA VA
high wildlife
value

Scirpus cyperinus

Fruit: Jun-Aug, brown,

achene (dry, at seed)

Flowers: Aug-Sep, brown

Fruit: Aug-Sep, brown,
achene (dry, at seed)

USDA JK

W
4-8

Soil type: C

Flood Depth:

shallow emergent
marshes, shrub
swamps, oodplain
forests, wooded
swamp, bogs, wet
meadows, swales,
ditches

Region:M

States:

Light:
M

Moisture:
Soil pH:

4.8-7.2

Soil type: C

Flood Depth:

MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlife
value

Height: 5
Flowers: May-Aug,
greenish

high wildlife
value

Spartina
alterniora

Fruit: green to brown,

achene (dry, at seed)

Soil type: C

Height: 2-7

Light:

Fruit:
USFWS

Moisture:
4.9-7.3

Flowers: Jul-Sep

salt marsh or
smooth cordgrass

Light:
Soil pH:

RHW

American bur-reed

fresh nontidal
marshes, shallow
waters, muddy shores

Region:M

Soil pH:

5.4-7
L

good for sediment

stabilization

NY PA VA

Moisture:

States: DC DE
WV

Flood Depth: 0-6

Soil type: C

grows in large clumps, often

extensive colonies

fresh tidal and nontidal Region:M P C

marshes, swamps,
States: DC DE MD
forested wetlands,
meadows, ditches,
NY PA VA
ponds, bogs
WV

Salinity:

Sparganium
americanum

grows in clumps or sodforming

Salinity:
Height: 4-5

woolgrass,
woolgrass bulrush

Light:
Moisture:

spreads rapidly

Flood Depth: 0-12

Soil pH:

spike above ower is up to 5

inches tall

Salinity: 0-5 ppt

Scirpus atrovirens

black or green
bulrush, dark green
bulrush

Salinity: 0-15 ppt

Height: 6-10

PLANTS 1995

great bulrush, soft

stem bulrush

Soil type: C

fragrant ower; often forms

extensive colonies

fresh tidal and nontidal Region:

C
marshes, swamps,
States: DC DE MD
shallow water

Flood Depth: 0-12

Height: 4

Schoenoplectus
validus
(Scirpus validus)

Notes

WV

Flowers: Jun-Sep, greenish

white
Soil pH:

CM NRCS

common threesquare

Wildlife

fresh tidal and nontidal Region:

P C
marshes, swamps;
States: DC DE MD
borders of lakes,
streams and ponds
NY PA VA

Flood Depth: 0-24

Moisture:

Schoenoplectus
pungens
var. pungens
(Scirpus pungens,
Scirpus americanus)

Herbaceous Emergents

Native to

Salinity:
Height: 1.5-4.5

lizards tail

Habitat

salt and brackish tidal

marshes (mid-tide
up to Mean High tide
level)

Region:

States: DC DE MD
VA

good for shore stabilization;

important in seaside
habitats; short form (<1.5 ft)
found in irregularly ooded
high marsh, tall form in
regularly ooded low marsh

Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-35 ppt
43

Herbaceous Emergents
Spartina
cynosuroides

Characteristics
Height: 3.5-10
Flowers: Aug-Oct

big cordgrass
PLANTS LA

Fruit:

Conditions

Habitat

Light:
Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.8-7.5

Soil type: C

Native to

fresh and brackish

tidal marshes, near
Mean High tide and
above to spring tide
level

Region:

coastal salt and

brackish tidal
marshes; irregularly
ooded high marsh at
or above Mean High
tide line

Region:

brackish and fresh

tidal and nontidal
marshes, shores,
wet meadows; upper
half of intertidal zone
and above to spring
tide level

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

Notes
soil stabilizer; not drought
tolerant

NY PA VA

Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-10 ppt

Spartina patens

Light:

Height: 1-3
Flowers: Jul-Sep

salt meadow hay

CM NRCS

Fruit: achene (dry, at

seed)

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.3-7.5

Soil type: C

States: DC DE MD

forms large mats; good for

shore erosion control

VA

Flood Depth:
Salinity: 0-35 ppt

Spartina pectinata

Light:

Height: 4
Flowers: Jul-Sep

freshwater cordgrass,
prairie cordgrass
CM NRCS

Fruit: achene (dry, at

seed)

Moisture:

Soil pH:

6-8.5

Soil type:

Flood Depth: 0-6

States: DC DE MD

shore stabilizer; low drought

tolerance

NY PA VA
WV

Salinity: 0-3 ppt

Zizania aquatica

Light:

Height: 6-10
Flowers: Jun-Sep

wild rice

RHW

Fruit: achene (dry, at

seed)

Moisture:
Soil pH:

6.4-7.4

Soil type: C

fresh tidal and nontidal Region:

C
marshes, streamsides,
States: DC DE MD
shallow waters
NY

Flood Depth: 0-36

Salinity:

See also:
Wetland plants (Spartina
alterniora, here)
stabilize the shoreline
without obstructing the
homeowners view.

In the Ferns section:

Dryopteris cristata
Onoclea sensibilis
Osmunda cinnamomea, regalis
Thelypteris palustris
Woodwardia areolata, virginica
In the Grasses & Grasslike Plants section:
Andropogon glomeratus (virginicus var abbreviatus), virginicus
Calamagrostis canadensis
Carex crinita var. crinita, lurida, stricta, vulpinoidea
Elymus virginicus
Leersia oryzoides
Panicum amarum, virgatum

USFWS

In the Herbaceous Plants section:

Asclepias incarnata
Bidens cernua
Caltha palustris
Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellata (Aster umbellatus)
Lobelia cardinalis
Sabatia angularis
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (Aster novae-angliae)
Symplocarpus foetidus
Verbena hastata
Vernonia noveboracensis

USFWS RM

USFWS BES

Wetlands of any
size provide
valuable habitat
for wildlife.

44

Wildlife

VA

annual; edible

Alnus serrulata

USFWS BES, PLANTS WSJ

Characteristics

smooth alder, hazel

alder

Conditions

Height: 12-20

Light:

Flowers: Mar-Apr, purple

Moisture:

Fruit: Aug-Feb, brown,

cone/cone-like

Soil pH:

5.5-7.5

Fall color: yellow, red

Soil type: C

Height: 20-30

Light:

Devils walking stick

Flowers: Jul-Aug, white

Moisture:

Fruit: Aug-Sep, black,

berry

Soil pH:

RHW

Fall color: yellow

USFWS BES

high-tide bush,
groundsel tree, sea
myrtle

Callicarpa
americana

moist woods,
stream banks,
roadsides

Soil type: C

Moisture:

Fruit: Oct-Nov, silvery

white, achene

Soil pH:

7-8.5

Soil type: C

USFWS BES

Fruit: Sep-Oct, black

Soil pH:

RHW
RHW

Light:

sweet pepperbush,
summersweet

Flowers: Jul-Aug, white/

pink
Fruit: Sep-Feb, brown,
capsule

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-6.5

USFWS

Height: 6-12

USFWS BES

Fall color: brown

meadows, elds,
glades, open
woods, borders,
rocky areas,
openings

Soil type: C

4-7

Soil type:

W
S

volunteers in disturbed
places; shallow, lateral
roots; tolerates ooding to
6 inches; tolerates salinity
to 15 ppt

States: DC DE MD

owers from new growth;

if overgrown prune to
6-18 inches tall; will regain
height in one season

tough; tolerates moist soil if

well drained; xes nitrogen;
tolerates dryness

NY PA VA
WV

Soil pH:

Region:M

Clethra alnifolia

Moisture:

DE MD

VA

fresh tidal and

nontidal marshes,
shrub swamps,
M W
forested wetlands;
6.1-8.5
stream, lake and
L
S O pond edges

Flowers: Jul-Aug, creamy Moisture:

white
Fruit: Sep-Jan, green to Soil pH:
brown
Soil type: C
Fall color: yellow-green

Flowers: Apr-May,
yellow-green
Fruit: Aug-Oct, green to
brown, cone/cone-like

States:

States: DC

4.3-6.5

Light:

Light:

Soil type: C

Height: 3

Region:

Region:

Moisture:

sweetfern

fresh to salt
marshes, ditches,
shores, dunes

Light:

Flowers: May-Sep, white

Comptonia
peregrina

States: DC DE MD
VA

Light:

Fall color: yellow

seeds are poisonous if

chewed; low maintenance;
spreads from new shoots;
thorny, clublike stem

VA

Height: 3

buttonbush

WV

Ceanothus
americanus

Height: 6-12

Region:M

high wildlife
value

Moisture: D M
Flowers: Jun-Aug,
lavender-pink
4.8-7
Fruit: Sep-Mar, lavender, Soil pH:
berry
L
S
Soil type: C
Fall color:

Cephalanthus
occidentalis

NY PA VA

Flowers: Aug-Sep, white

Fall color: yellow to tan

Shrubs

Notes

forms thickets along

watercourses; nitrogen
xing; tolerates ooding to
3 inches

States: DC DE MD

5.5-7.1

American
beautyberry, French
mulberry

New Jersey tea

Wildlife

WV

Light:

Height: 6

Region:M

Height: 6-12

Fall color: purple

fresh tidal and

nontidal marshes,
shrub swamps,
forested wetlands

Native to

high wildlife
value

Aralia spinosa

Baccharis
halimifolia

Habitat

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

tidal and nontidal

forested wetlands,
shrub swamps,
bogs, woods,
coastal river
oodplains,
lakeshores

Region:

hillsides, cliffs,
woods openings,
sand ats and
barrens, elds,
dunes

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY

needs sun to ower; owers

fragrant; interesting fruit;
tolerates drought; leaves
may persist into winter;
tolerates ooding to 36
inches

very fragrant; tolerates

some ooding by partly
salty water

VA

States: DC DE MD

fragrant; xes nitrogen,

leaves may persist into
winter

NY PA VA
WV

45

Shrubs

Characteristics

Conditions

Habitat

Cornus amomum

Height: 6-12

Light:

silky dogwood, red

willow, silky cornel

Flowers: May-Jun, white

Moisture:

Fruit: Aug, blue, berry

Soil pH:

6.1-7.5

RHW

Fall color: orange, red or

purple

Soil type: C

Light:

red-panicled or gray
dogwood

Flowers: May-Jun, white

Moisture:

Fruit: Aug-Sep, white,

red stems, berry

Soil pH:

UWI KJS, UWI KJS

Height: 6-12

American hazelnut
or lbert

UCONN, UCONN, UCONN

Corylus
americana

wintergreen,
checkerberry

RHW, RHW

Gaultheria
procumbens

Gaylussacia
baccata

RHW

black huckleberry

Gaylussacia
frondosa

Moisture:

CM NRCS
RHW

Hydrangea
arborescens

RHW

wild or smooth
hydrangea

VA

WV

Soil type:

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun, white

to pink
Fruit: Jul-Sep, black,
berry

Moisture:

6.1-7.5

Soil pH:

forms large thickets; edible

nut; male catkins brown,
female red

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

dense, mat-like form; forms

colonies; edible fruits,
leaves; wintergreen taste
and scent

Region:M

very common; fruits edible

but many-seeded

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

4.5-6.5

Soil type: C

Region:M

WV

woods, thickets

WV

high wildlife
value
woods and thickets Region:M

Light:
M

berries borne on long,

drooping stems

States: DC DE MD
NY

4.5-6.5

VA

Soil type:

high wildlife
value
woods or brushy
elds, moist or dry

Light:

Soil pH:
Soil type: C

D
L

Flowers: Jun-Aug, white

Moisture:

Fruit: Oct-Jan, brown,

capsule

Soil pH:

6.1-8.5

Soil type:

rich upland or
oodplain woods,
streambanks

States: DC DE MD

noted for fall/winter bloom;

medicinal uses, leaves may
persist into winter

WV

Light:

Region:M

NY PA VA

5.5-6.5

Height: 3-6

Fall color: yellow

NY

4-6.5

Height: 1.5-3

Fall color: yellow

States:

Soil pH:

Moisture:

Fruit: Oct-Nov, tan

brown, capsule

tolerates a variety of
conditions; berries are food
for many songbirds and
small mammals

clearings, steep
Region:M P C
rocky open slopes,
sandy oak woods, States: DC DE MD
hummocks in bogs
NY PA VA

Flowers: Sep-Dec, yellow Moisture:

witch hazel

Region:M

Flowers: May-Aug, white

to pink
Fruit: Jul-Apr, red, berry

Height: 15-30

open wooded
oodplains,
forested wetlands,
shrub swamps,
rocky woods or
ledges, fencerows

Soil type: C

Moisture:
Flowers: Apr-Jun,
greenish to purple
Fruit: Jul-Oct, blue, berry Soil pH:

Hamamelis
virginiana

WV

6.1-8.5

Soil pH:

Light:

Fall color: reddish-purple

NY PA VA

dry woodlands,
forest edges,
hillsides, fence
rows, ravines,
oodplain woods,
brushy pastures

Height: 0.5

Height: 2-4

dangleberry

46

Flowers: Mar-Apr, brown

or red
Fruit: Aug-Sep, light
brown, nut/nut-like

Fall color: reddish-purple

high wildlife
value
Light:

Fall color: evergreen

Notes

States: DC DE MD

Soil type: C

Height: 10-15

Fall color: yellow orange

Region:M

Wildlife

high wildlife
value

Cornus racemosa

Fall color: purple

forested wetlands,
oodplains, shrub
wetlands, stream
and pond banks,
clearings

Native to

Region:M
States: DC

P
MD
PA VA

WV

eaves poisonous to
humans; does best on
loamy soils

Characteristics

Hypericum
densiorum

Height: 1.5-6

RHW
USFWS BES, USFWS BES

inkberry

Fall color: yellow green

Height: 6-10

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun,
greenish white
Fruit: Sep-Mar, black,
berry

Moisture:

Fruit: Oct-Apr, brown,

capsule

Ilex glabra

Habitat

low boggy
places, seepage
Moisture: D M W
slopes, pond
and lake edges,
Soil pH:
5.5-7
wet meadows,
L
S O streambanks,
Soil type: C
ditches, moist
pinelands

Flowers: Jul-Sep, yellow

dense St. Johns

wort

Conditions

Fall color: evergreen

Light:

forested wetlands,
shrub swamps,
sandy woods

Soil pH:

4.5-6

Soil type: C

smooth winterberry

Flowers: May-Jul, white

to cream
Fruit: Sep-Feb, red,
scarlet, berry

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-6.5

RHW, RHW

Light:

Soil type: C

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-6.5

USFWS BES

Flowers: Jun-Jul,
greenish white
Fruit: Aug-Feb, red,

Soil type: C

tassel-white,
Virginia sweetspire

Flowers: Jun-Jul, white

Moisture:

Fruit: Aug-Mar, brown,

capsule

Soil pH:

5.1-7.5

USFWS BES

Soil type: C

Iva frutescens

Height: 2-10

Light:

marsh elder, high

tide bush

Flowers: Aug-Oct,
greenish white
Fruit: not conspicuous,
capsule

Moisture:

CM NRCS

VA

Region:

berries provide winter bird

food; prefers soil with a
calcareous layer

fresh tidal swamps, Region:M P C

shrub swamps,
forested wetlands States: DC DE MD

berries provide winter bird

food, poisonous to humans;
berries on female plants,
need male plant to pollinate

WV

5-5.7

Soil type: C

Light:

Flowers: May-Jul, white,

pink, purple, red
Fruit: Sep-Mar, brown,
capsule

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-6

Soil type: C

Light:

mountain laurel

Flowers: May-Jul, white

to pink/purple
Fruit: May-Jun, brown,
capsule

Moisture:

tidal brackish and

salt marshes

Region:

States: DC DE MD
VA

States:

DE MD
VA

Soil pH:

4.5-6

Soil type: C

pastures, barrens,
slow wooded
streams, swamp
borders, bogs,
thickets

Region:

fruit capsules on stalk; plant

will sucker, form thickets;
tolerates ooding to 6
inches

similar to Baccharis
halimifolia but with opposite
leaves; tolerates salinity
to 15 ppt

Height: 2-3

Height: 12-20

forested wetlands,
shrub swamps,
streambanks,
shallow water

Soil pH:

Kalmia latifolia

USFWS BES

DE

high wildlife
value
Light:

PLANTS LA, RHW

States:

NY PA VA

Height: 6-10

Fall color: evergreen

berries persist through

winter; male and female
owers on separate
plants; tolerates some salt
ooding; short cultivars
(4-5) available

Itea virginica

Fall color: evergreen

Region:

high wildlife
value

winterberry,
winterberry holly,
black alder

sheep laurel,
lambkill

VA

VA

Light:

Kalmia
angustifolia

States: DC DE MD

States: DC DE MD

Height: 6-12

Fall color:

Shrubs

Notes

blooms small but form

dense at-topped clusters;
can spread aggressively

wooded swamps

Ilex verticillata

Fall color: red to purple

Wildlife

high wildlife
value

Height: 10-12

Fall color:yellow to brown

Region:M

NY

Ilex laevigata

Fall color: yellow

Native to

States: DC DE MD

foliage poisonous to hoofed

browsers (not eaten by
deer)

NY PA VA

woods, ridge tops, Region:M P C

elds, swamps,
mountain meadows States: DC DE MD
and slopes
NY PA VA

W
S

Region:

foliage poisonous to hoofed

browsers; PA state ower

WV

47

Shrubs

Characteristics

Lindera benzoin
spicebush

Height: 13

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun, white,

pinkish
Fruit: brown, capsule

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-6

Soil type: C

Fall color:

Height: 6.5-16

CM NRCS, RHW, CM NRCS

fetterbush,
sweetbells

RHW, PLANTS WSJ

Leucothoe
racemosa

Conditions

Fall color: yellow

Soil type:

Moisture:

Fruit: Sep-Mar, brown,

capsule

Soil pH:

4-6

Soil type: C

RHW

Flowers: May-Jul, white

Height: 0.5-6.5

Light:

stagger-bush

Flowers: May-Jun, white,

pale pink
Fruit: Sep-Feb, brown,
capsule

Moisture:

RHW, CM NRCS

Lyonia mariana

wax myrtle,
southern
bayberry

PLANTS
USFWS BES, PLANTS

Morella cerifera
(Myrica cerifera)

northern
bayberry,
candleberry

CM NRCS

Morella
pensylvanica
(Myrica
pensylvanica)

Photinia
melanocarpa
(Aronia
melanocarpa)

48

Moisture:

all parts edible and

aromatic; herbal uses

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

Moisture:

Soil type: C

Flowers: Mar-Apr,
yellowish-green
Fruit: Sep-Apr, bluish
white, berry

Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type: C

berry-like capsules persist

through winter

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

swamps, moist or
dry woods

Region:

interesting woody capsules

persist through winter

States: DC DE MD
VA

5.1-6.5
L

Region:

glossy dark green leaves,

leaves larger than M.
cerifera, plants fuller

States:

DE

tidal and nontidal Region:

fresh and brackish
marshes, swamps, States:
sandy dune swales,
upland woods

fragrant; loses leaves north

and west of Ches. Bay, MD
north; may reach 30 feet;
can be pruned as hedge;
nitrogen xer; tolerates
salinity to 10 ppt

C
DE MD
VA

dry or moist
thickets, woods,
bogs

VA

5.5-7

Light:

Region:M

Soil pH:

Height: 5-10

open areas,
swamps, woods

Soil type: C

Flowers: Mar-Jun,
yellowish-green
Fruit: Sep-Apr, bluish
white, berry

Fall color: crimson red

Region:M

4.5-7

Light:

Flowers: Apr-May, white

or pink-tinged
Fruit: Sep-Nov, black,
berry

zig-zag twigs, reddish or

greenish; tends to sucker,
forming thickets

States: DC DE MD

4-6

Soil pH:

Height: 6-15

Height: 3-6

USFWS BES

black chokeberry

Flowers: Apr-Jun,
yellowish-green
Fruit: Sep-Apr, bluish
white, berry

Fall color:

woods, wooded
slopes, dunes,
oodplain forests

Soil type:

Light:

Fall color: evergreen in

southern areas

Notes

NY PA VA

Soil pH:

Height: 8-12

Fall color: evergreen

Wildlife

high wildlife
value

male-berry

southern or swamp
bayberry

Region:M

Light:

Morella
caroliniensis
(Myrica
heterophylla)

Native to

4.5-6.5

Height: 6-12

Fall color: red

Soil pH:

Lyonia ligustrina

Fall color: orange to red

swamps, woods,
thickets

Light:

Flowers: Mar-May, yellow Moisture:

Fruit: Sep-Oct, scarlet,
berry

Habitat

tidal and nontidal Region:

C
fresh and brackish
marshes, swamps, States: DC DE MD
sand ats, dunes
NY
VA

fragrant leaves; tends to

sucker and form large
colonies; waxy berries
persist through winter;
tolerates salinity to 20 ppt

S
high wildlife
value

bogs, swamps,
springs, dunes,
Moisture: D M W
cliffs, elds,
clearings, wet or
Soil pH:
5.1-6.5
dry thickets, creek
L
S O banks, balds, rock
Soil type: C
outcroppings
Light:

Region:M

States:

DE MD

NY PA VA
WV

can be pruned as hedge

Characteristics

Photinia pyrifolia
(Aronia arbutifolia)

Physocarpus
opulifolius

USFWS BES

ninebark

Light:

Height: 5-12

Light:

Flowers: May-Jul, white,

pink
Fruit: Jul-Mar, orange to
red, capsule

Moisture:

Soil pH:

6.1-8.5

Fall color:yellow to purple

Soil type: C

Height: 1-8

Light:

beach plum

Flowers: Apr-May, white

Moisture:

Fruit: Aug, blue-purple,

eshy

Soil pH:

CM NRCS

Prunus maritima

dwarf or coast
azalea

GM ARS, USFWS BES

Rhododendron
atlanticum

Rhododendron
calendulaceum

RHW

ame azalea

sweet azalea

PLANTS, PLANTS

Rhododendron
canescens

Rhododendron
maximum

Fall color:

Rhododendron
periclymenoides

RHW

pinxterbloom, pink
azalea, pinxter
ower

Soil type:

WV

thickets, along
Region:M P
streams in sand or
gravel bars, rocky States: DC
slopes
NY PA VA

papery bark continually

molts in thin strips; very
drought tolerant; adaptable

Region:

edible fruit, prized for jams

and jellies; salt tolerant

States:

DE MD

high wildlife
value

Soil pH:

4.2-5.7

coastal, sandy soils Region:

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun,
yellow, orange, red
Fruit: Aug-Feb, brown,
capsule

Moisture:

States:

5.1-6

Soil type: C

open oak
Region:M
woods, dry rocky
woodlands, damp States:
slopes, mountain
streambanks, heath
balds
WV

Height: 3-10

Light:

Flowers: Apr-May, white

or pink
Fruit: brown, capsule

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.2-5.7

woods

Flowers: May-Aug, white, Moisture:

pink
Soil pH:
Fruit: Sep-Nov, tan to
red, capsule
Soil type:
Fall color: evergreen

Moisture:
Soil pH:
Soil type:

VA

Region:

States: DC DE MD

Light:

Flowers: Apr-May, pink,

purple, white
Fruit: Aug-Mar, brown,
capsule

owers very fragrant;

colonial, arising from
spreading underground
stems;

Soil type:

Light:

DE MD
VA

Soil pH:

Height: 3-10

Soil type:

Height: 5-9

Fall color: dull yellow

tolerates infrequent ooding

by water with some salt;
can be pruned as hedge

Moisture:

Fall color:

Shrubs

Notes

5.8-7.7

Flowers: Apr-May, white,

purple-tinged
Fruit: brown, capsule

Fall color: yellow green

forested wetlands, Region:M P C

shrub bogs, upland
forests, elds,
States: DC DE MD
dunes
NY PA VA

ocean dunes,
roadsides,
hedgerows

Wildlife

WV

Light:

Fall color:

Native to

Height: 1-2.5

Height: 15-20
RHW, USFWS BES

great laurel,
rosebay
rhododendron

Habitat

Flowers: Mar-May, white, Moisture: D M W

purple-tinged
Soil pH:
5.1-6.5
Fruit: Sep-Dec, red,
berry
L
S
Soil type: C
Fall color: orange to red

USFWS BES, VT

red chokeberry

Height: 1.5-13

Conditions

4.5-6

M
4.5-5.5
L

Region:M
States: DC

P
MD

needs space; may form

dense thicket

NY PA VA
WV

mountain slopes,
woods, sheltered
coves, ravines,
streamsides

woods, low swampy Region:M P C

areas, limestone
cliffs
States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

will tolerate thin soils over

bedrock; open, airy quality;
susceptible to disease and
insects

WV

49

Shrubs

Characteristics

rose, roseshell,
mountain or early
azalea

PLANTS

Rhododendron
prinophyllum

Height: 2-8

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun, pink

Moisture:

Fruit: May-Sep

Soil pH:

Fall color:

Rhododendron
viscosum

Height: 6.5-10

RHW

swamp azalea

Conditions

fragrant sumac

Flowers: Mar-May,
greenish yellow
Fruit: Jul-Mar, dark wine
red, berry

Moisture:

RHW, RHW

Light:

RHW, CM NRCS

Moisture:
Flowers: Jul-Sep,
greenish yellow
Fruit: Oct-Nov, red, berry Soil pH:

CM NRCS

Moisture:
Flowers: Jun-Jul,
greenish
Fruit: Aug-Oct, red, berry Soil pH:

RHW
USFWS BES

Flowers: Jun-Jul, yellowgreen

Fruit: Jul-Feb, red, berry

Moisture:

thickets, elds,
open woods,
roadsides,
fencerows

VA

Region:M

forms large colonies; winter

food for wildlife

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

5.3-7.5
L

dry or moist
open areas,
shale barrens,
elds, dry open
slopes, roadsides,
fencerows

elds, roadsides,
forest edges

Soil pH:

Region:M

fuzzy berry clusters; male

and female may be on
separate plants; extremely
drought resistant

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

Region:M

spreads by lateral roots

to form colonies; female
plants produce seed; winter
food for wildlife

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

4.5-7.2

Soil type: C

WV

high wildlife
value

Height: 3-6

Light:

Flowers: May-Jul,
greenish purple
Fruit: Jul-Aug, purple or
greenish, berry

Moisture:

rocky upland woods Region:M

D

Soil pH:

6.1-8.5

Soil type: C

Height: 0.5-3

pasture rose

Moisture:
Flowers: May-Jun, pale
pink
Fruit: Aug-Mar, red, berry Soil pH:

RHW, RS MNPS

MD

high wildlife
value

Rosa carolina

50

5.3-7.5

Soil type:

Light:

Fall color: yellowish to

orange

Light:

Height: 35-50

Fall color: red

fuzzy edible berry clusters;

aromatic leaves; shorter
cultivars available; male
and female separate plants

high wildlife
value

sweet or smooth
sumac

Appalachian or
eastern gooseberry

Soil type: C

Height: 2-20

Ribes
rotundifolium

6.1-8.5

Light:

Rhus glabra

Fall color: orange-red

limestone cliffs,
Region:M P
open upland woods,
rocky bluffs, oak
States: DC
barrens, foredunes,
NY
barren rock
WV

attractive spreading, loosebranched habit; demands

acid soil; susceptible to
disease and insects

high wildlife
value

shining, winged,
ameleaf, or dwarf
sumac

staghorn sumac

WV

wet oodplain
Region:M P C
woods,
streambanks,
M W
States: DC DE MD
swamp edges,
NY
VA
4-6
hillside bogs, ditch
banks,
clearings
L
S O

Soil type:

Height: 20-35

Rhus hirta
(R. typhina)

Notes

may reach 15 feet tall, but

rarely; owers have clovelike scent

States:
O

Soil pH:

Rhus copallina

Fall color: red

Wildlife

PA VA

Light:

Height: 6

Fall color: rich red

Soil type:

Rhus aromatica

Native to

rocky or rich woods Region:M

Flowers: May-Aug, white, Moisture:

pink
Soil pH:
Fruit: Aug-Mar, brown,
capsule
Soil type: C
Fall color: yellow, orange,
to purple

Fall color: red

Habitat

Soil type: C

6.1-8.5
L

States: DC

MD

NY

VA

WV

Light:

do not use near apple

orchards; may spread
cedar apple rust

dry elds, open

woods; rocky
banks, shale
barrens

Region:M

edible fruit is a berry-like

hip; thorns

States: DC DE MD
NY

VA

WV
high wildlife
value

Characteristics

Conditions

Height: 8

Light:

swamp rose

Flowers: Jun-Aug, pink

Moisture:

Fruit: Jul-Mar, red, berry

Soil pH:

4-7

Soil type: C

PLANTS WSJ

Rosa palustris

Fall color:

Allegheny
blackberry

USFWS BES, RHW

Rubus
allegheniensis

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun, white

Moisture:

Fruit: Jul-Sep, black,

berry

Soil pH:

4.5-7.5

Soil type: C

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.1-6

Soil type: C

PLANTS WSJ

Flowers: Jun-Sep, rose

purple
Fruit: Jul-Sep, dull red,
berry

PLANTS 1997

Flowers: Apr-May,
greenish yellow
Fruit: May-Jun, brown,
capsule
Fall color: dull yellow

RS MNPS, USFWS

Sambucus nigra
ssp. canadensis
(S. canadensis)
common elderberry,
American elder

red elderberry,
scarlet elder

RHW, RHW

Sambucus
racemosa
var. racemosa
(S. pubens)

Spiraea alba
var. latifolia
(Spiraea latifolia)
broad-leaved
meadow-sweet
RHW

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

feels sticky; fruit edible;

spreads by suckers

WV

Fruit: Aug-Sep, purple to

black, berry

Soil pH:

fresh tidal and

nontidal marshes,
swamps, wet
meadows, moist
woods, elds

6.1-7.5

Soil type: C

Region:M

typically spreads up to
twice its height; owers are
catkins

States: DC DE
PA VA
WV

Region:M

berries eaten by 48 species

of birds

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

high wildlife
value

Height: 6-12

Light:

Flowers: May, white

Moisture:

Fruit: Jun-Jul, red, berry

Soil pH:
Soil type:

rich woods, dry

Region:M
rocky woods,
along creeks, rock States:
crevices, sheltered
PA VA
coves, ravines
WV

6.1-8.5
L

important summer wildlife

food; one of earliest
blooming shrubs; fragrant

high wildlife
value

Height: 3-6

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Sep, white

or pinkish
Fruit: Sep-Mar, brown,
capsule

Moisture:

bogs, woods,
barrens, swamps

Region:M
States: DC DE MD

Soil pH:

NY

Soil type:

WV

Spiraea alba

Height: 3-6

Light:

narrow-leaved
meadow-sweet

Flowers: Jun-Sep, white

Moisture:

Fruit: Sep-Mar, brown to

red brown, capsule

Soil pH:

6.6-7.5

RHW

prickly; juicy edible fruit

used by people and wildlife

high wildlife
value

Moisture:

Fall color: yellow

Region:M

NY PA VA

dry thickets,
openings, boggy
Moisture: D M W
swales; mountain
ridges, barrens,
Soil pH:
6.1-7.5
meadows,
L
S O roadsides
Soil type: C

Flowers: Jun-Jul, white

Fall color: yellow

NY PA VA

forest edges, rocky Region:M P

ledges, rocky
wooded slopes
States: DC DE MD

Light:

Light:

Fall color: yellow green

States: DC DE MD

high wildlife
value

Height: 6-12

Fall color: yellow green

edible fruit is a berry-like

hip; thorns; tolerates
ooding to 3 inches

high wildlife
value

purple owering
raspberry, fragrant
thimbleberry

prairie willow

Shrubs

Notes

WV

Light:

Height: 6-12

roadsides, fence
rows, elds,
thickets, open
woods, clearings

Height: 3-6

Salix humilis

Region:M

Wildlife

WV

Rubus odoratus

Fall color: pale yellow

fresh tidal and

nontidal marshes,
forested wetlands,
shrub swamps,
streambanks

Native to

high wildlife
value

Height: 3-9

Fall color: orange, red,

to purple

Habitat

Soil type: C

bogs, swamps,
meadows

VA

Region:M
States: DC DE MD
NY

similar to S. alba but twigs

more purplish or red

bark may be shaggy,

orange-brown

VA

WV

51

Shrubs

Characteristics

Spiraea
tomentosa

RHW

steeplebush,
hardback spirea

Conditions

Height: 3-6

Light:

Flowers: Jul-Sep, pink

to purple
Fruit: Sep-Mar, brown,
capsule

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.1-6

Soil type: C

Fall color: yellow green

Height: 3-15

Light:

American
bladdernut

Flowers: May, greenish

white
Fruit: Aug-Dec, redbrown, capsule

Moisture:

Soil pH:

6.1-8

Soil type:

RHW

Vaccinium
angustifolium
lowbush blueberry

BES

highbush blueberry

Flowers: May-Jun, white

or pink-tinged
Fruit: Jul-Aug, blue to
black, berry

Moisture:

4-6

Soil type: C

Flowers: Apr-Jun, white

or pink-tinged
Fruit: Jul-Aug, blue to
black, berry

Moisture:

RHW

Vaccinium
pallidum
(V. vacillans)

RHW

early lowbush
blueberry

Vaccinium
stamineum

RHW

deerberry

Viburnum
acerifolium

RHW, RHW

maple-leaved
arrowwood

Fall color: dark green to

purple to red

Soil pH:
Soil type:

fruit is 3-lobed, papery,

balloon-like capsule;
branches green-white
striped

States: DC

MD
PA VA

WV

edible berries often

harvested, makes a nice
ground layer

MD

NY PA VA
WV

edible berries commonly

cultivated

sphagnum bogs,
Region:M
C
cool swampy areas
States: DC DE MD

W
L

Moisture:

WV

dry woods and

barrens

low mat form, can spread

indenitely; edible
cranberries

NY PA

4-6

Soil type:

Flowers: Apr-May, white,

reddish
Fruit: Jul-Aug, blue,
berry

Region:M

sweet berries

States: DC DE MD
PA VA

Soil pH:
S

Soil type:

WV
high wildlife
value

Height: 6-12

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Jun, white

or purple
Fruit: Sep-Oct, bluish
black, berry

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4-6.5

Soil type: C

dry woods,
Region:M P C
openings, barrens;
uplands, oodplain States: DC DE MD
forests, clearings,
NY PA VA
thickets, rock
outcroppings
WV

berries edible but sour

high wildlife
value

Height: 3-6

Light:

Flowers: Jun, creamywhite, pink

Fruit: Aug-Dec, blue to
black, berry

Moisture:

Fall color: orange, red,

purple

Region:M

dry woods, barrens, Region:M P

rock outcroppings
States: DC

Light:

Light:

Fall color: red

rich woods,
oodplain woods,
ravines, shores of
lakes and ponds,
rocky wooded
streambanks,
shaded dunes

high wildlife
value

Height: 1.5-2

Fall color:

cultivars available with

white or red owers

forested wetlands, Region:M P C

shrub swamps,
bogs, dry to wet
States: DC DE MD
D M W
woods, thickets,
NY PA VA
4-6.5
streambanks, rock
outcroppings
WV
L
S O

Moisture:
Flowers: Jun-Jul, white
to pink
Fruit: Sep-Nov, red, berry Soil pH:

cranberry

Notes

high wildlife
value
Light:

Height: 0.5-1

Wildlife

WV

Soil pH:

Height: 6-12

Fall color: yellow to red

Vaccinium
macrocarpon

52

Light:

Fall color: red

USFWS BES, USFWS BES

Vaccinium
corymbosum

Height: 1-2

Native to

meadows, elds,
Region:M P C
bogs, swamps, lake
edges, marshes,
States: DC DE MD
dunes, swales
NY
VA

W
S

Staphylea trifolia

Fall color: yellow

Habitat

Soil pH:

5.1-6

Soil type: C

oodplain forests, Region:M P C

dry wooded slopes,
woods,rocky
States: DC DE MD
slopes, rock
NY PA VA
outcrops, wooded
ravines
WV

dry, edible berries

high wildlife
value

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun, white

Moisture:

Fruit: Sep-Nov, blue to

black, berry

Soil pH:

Fall color: reddish-purple

USFWS BES

Viburnum nudum
var. cassinoides
(V. cassinoides)
witherod

Height: 10-15

Soil type:

swamps, wet
woods, bogs,
oodplain forests,
D M W
streambanks, low,
5.1-6.5
wet acid-sand
L
S O habitats

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun,
creamy white
Fruit: Aug-Sep, pink to
blue-black, berry

Moisture:

Soil pH:

naked witherod,
possum-haw
viburnum

Flowers: Jun-Jul, white

to cream
Fruit: Sep-Oct, red to
blue, then black, berry

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.1-6

Soil type:

Light:

Flowers: Apr-May, white

Moisture:

Fruit: Jul-Nov, pink to

bluish-black, berry

Soil pH:

RHW
RHW

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

Region:M

States:

handsome stature; multiple

fruit colors at once

C
MD

wet woods, rich

Region:M P C
upland woods,
swamps, margins of States: DC DE MD
vernal ponds, heath
VA
bogs

edible fruit but very acidic;

shallow brous roots,
transplants well

Soil type: C

woods, thickets,
elds, roadsides

Region:M

fruits edible, used for

preserves

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

4.8-7.5

WV

high wildlife
value
Rosa palustris

Itea virginica

CM NRCS

CM NRCS

In the Trees section:

Castanea pumila
Cornus alternifolia
Juniperus virginiana
Magnolia virginiana
Malus (Pyrus) coronaria
Quercus ilicifolia
Salix sericea

Vaccinium corymbosum in fall.

stems very straight, nice

structure in winter

PA

Rhus copallina

See also:

Notes

high wildlife
value

Height: 12-24

Fall color: reddish purple

Shrubs

Wildlife

Light:

black haw

swamps, bogs,
moist woods,
barrens

Soil type:

Height: 6.5-20

Viburnum
prunifolium

Region:M

5.1-6.5

Viburnum nudum

Fall color: red to purple

Native to

high wildlife
value

Height: 6-12

Fall color: orange-red to

purple

Habitat

USFWS BES

southern
arrowwood

Conditions

Kalmia angustifolia

RHW

USFWS BES

Kalmia latifolia

RHW

Viburnum
dentatum
(V. recognitum)

USFWS BES, RS MNPS

Characteristics

53

Trees

Characteristics

Acer negundo

Height: 30-60
Light:
Spread: 30-60
Flowers: Apr-May, yellow- Moisture:
green
Fruit: Jul-Sep, tan brown, Soil pH:
winged
Soil type:
Fall color: yellow, red

USFWS BES, RHW

box elder, ash leaf

maple, Manitoba
maple

Acer rubrum

Height: 40-100
Light:
Spread: 30-75
Moisture:
Flowers: Mar-Apr,
(inconspicuous)
Fruit: Apr-Jun, red-brown Soil pH:
or yellow, winged
Soil type:
Fall color:red, orange,
yellow

USFWS BES, RHW

red, scarlet,
swamp, or soft
maple

Acer saccharinum

Height: 50-100
Spread: 75-100
Flowers: Feb-Mar,
greenish yellow
Fruit: Apr-May, tan
brown, winged

PLANTS DEH

silver, white, river,

or soft maple

Fall color: yellow

Acer saccharum

USDA JE

Acer spicatum

Height: 20-35
Spread: 20-35
Flowers: May-Jun,
yellow green
Fruit: Jul-Sep, red or
yellow, winged
RHW

mountain maple

Amelanchier
arborea

RHW

downy serviceberry,
shadbush

CM NRCS

Amelanchier
canadensis

54

Fall color: orange to red

PLANTS JSP, USFWS BES

M
L

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.2-7.1

Soil type:

Notes
brittle wood; thicket-forming

NY PA VA
WV

swamps, uplands,
rocky hillsides,
dunes

Region:M

earliest spring bloomer;

adaptable

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

oodplains,
Region:M P
streamsides, river
bottoms, pond and States: DC DE MD
lake edges
NY PA VA
WV

upland woods,
mountain coves
and slopes

Region:M

fall color; maple syrup;

state tree of New York and
West Virginia

States: DC DE
NY PA VA

4-7.3
L

Wildlife

States: DC DE MD

WV

high wildlife
value
cool rich woods,
Region:M
moist rocky slopes
MD
and ats, along
States:
small streams
NY PA VA

Light:
Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.5-7

Soil type:

short-lived, strong acid

preference

WV
high wildlife
value

Fruit:red to dark purple,

eshy

Soil pH:

5.5-7.5

Soil type:

Moisture:

Height: 35-50
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: Apr-May, white

Light:

Fruit:Jun-Jul, red to
purple, eshy

Soil pH:

Moisture:

Soil type:

Region:M
States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

swamps, low
ground, woods,
thickets

Region:M

Moisture:

Fruit:Aug-Sep, yellow,
berry

Soil pH:

5.2-7.2
L

States: DC DE MD
NY

5.6-7.5
C

Light:

Soil type:

wooded river
banks, swamps,
rocky slopes

Height: 20-35
Spread: 20-35
Flowers: Apr-Jun, purple

Fall color: yellow/ copperred

Region:M

Light:

Light:

Fall color: yellow, red

along rivers,
streams, ponds,
and seasonally
ooded areas

Native to

5.4-7.1
C

Height: 15-25
Spread:
Flowers: Mar-May, white

Fall color: orange to red

Asimina triloba
paw-paw

Habitat

5.2-7

Height: 60-100
Light:
Spread: 50-75
Flowers: Apr-May, yellow- Moisture:
green
Fruit:Sep-Oct, green, tan Soil pH:
at maturity, winged
Soil type:
Fall color: yellow, orange,
red

sugar maple

serviceberry,
shadbush,
shadblow

Conditions

VA

river valleys,
bottomlands,
understory of
woods
S

Region:

States: DC DE MD
PA VA
WV

used by 58 wildlife species;

35 bird species; important
early summer food; berries
edible to people

Characteristics
Betula
alleghaniensis

Height: 60-80
Light:
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: Apr-May, yellow Moisture:
green
Soil pH:
Fruit: Jul-Oct, green to
tan, cone/cone-like
Soil type:
Fall color: golden yellow

PLANTS RM

yellow birch

Betula lenta

Height: 50-75
Light:
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: Apr-May, yellow Moisture:
green
Fruit: Aug-Nov, green to Soil pH:
tan, cone/cone-like
Soil type:
Fall color: golden yellow

USFWS BES, RHW

sweet birch, black

birch, cherry birch

Betula nigra

Height: 50-75
Light:
Spread: 35-50
Moisture:
Flowers: Apr-May, dark
brown
Fruit: Jun-Aug, tan brown, Soil pH:
cone/cone-like
Soil type:
Fall color: yellow

USFWS BES, USFWS BES

river birch, red

birch, black birch

Carpinus
caroliniana

Height: 13-40
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: Apr-May, red or
reddish-green
Fruit: Jun-Oct, nut/nutlike

USFWS BES

American
hornbeam,
musclewood,
ironwood

Conditions

Fall color: orange, red

Carya alba
(C. tomentosa)

USDA NRCS

mockernut hickory

Carya cordiformis

PLANTS

bitternut or swamp
hickory, pignut

Carya glabra

CM NRCS

pignut, sweet
pignut, or smooth
bark hickory

Carya ovata

USDA NRCS

shagbark,
scalybark, or
shellbark hickory

steep rocky
land and lower

M
L

fall color; attractive winter

texture and color; prefers
cool, moist conditions,
common on calcareous

Region:M

States:

DE MD

excellent fall color; prefers

moist sites, tolerates dry;
colonizes open or disturbed
areas

NY PA VA
WV

along streams,
rivers, ponds and
swamps

Region:M

attractive peeling bark;

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

4-6

WV

high wildlife
value

river margins,
bottomlands,
swamps

6.5-7.4

Soil type:

Moisture:

Soil pH:

6.5-7.4
C

M
6.5-7.4

Soil type:

Soil pH:

4-6.7

Soil type:

States: DC DE MD

slow growing and short

lived

Region:M

good fall color

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

rich bottomlands,
swamps,
frequently
ooded areas,
dry hillsides

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

dry woods on
Region:M P C
hillsides and ridges
States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

dry upland slopes,

lowlands, valleys

Light:
Moisture:

WV

ridges, dry hills,

hillsides

Light:

Soil pH:

Region:M

NY PA VA
S

Soil pH:

Moisture:

Trees

Notes

high wildlife
value

4-7.4

Soil type:

Wildlife

rich uplands,
Region:M
low swamps,
MD
streamsides,
States:
elevated oodplain
NY PA VA
terraces and knobs
WV

4.8-6.8

Soil type:

Moisture:

Native to

high wildlife
value

Soil pH:

Light:

Height: 70-100
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: May-Jun,
yellow-green
Fruit: Sep-Oct, dark
or reddish brown,
nut/nut-like
Fall color: brown

Height: 60-100
Spread: 60-100
Flowers: Apr-May,
yellow-green
Fruit: Aug-Oct, yellowish
green, nut/nut-like

Fall color: yellow

4.6-8

Moisture:

Light:

Height: 60-100
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: Apr-May,
yellow-green
Fruit: Sep-Oct, dark
brown, nut/nut-like

Light:

Height: 60-100
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: May-Jun, light
green
Fruit: Sep-Oct, light
reddish brown, nut/nutlike
Fall color: yellow

Fall color: yellow

Habitat

Region:M

attractive peeling bark

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

WV

55

Trees

Characteristics

Castanea pumila

Height: 12-20
Light:
Spread: 12-20
Flowers: Jun, pale yellow Moisture:

chinquapin,
eastern or Allegany
chinkapin

Fruit: Sep-Oct, dark

brown, nut/nut-like

RHW

Fall color: yellow or

purple

Celtis occidentalis

UWI KK

common hackberry,
sugarberry,
nettletree

USFWS BES, USFWS BES

Cercis canadensis

Atlantic white cedar

PLANTS 1997, PLANTS GFR

eastern redbud

Chamaecyparis
thyoides

USFWS RS, RHW

Chionanthus
virginicus
white fringetree

Conditions

CM NRCS

alternate-leaf or
pagoda dogwood

Cornus orida

RHW, USFWS RM

owering dogwood

Height: 75
Spread:
Flowers: Mar-Apr,
greenish brown
Fruit: bluish, cone/conelike
Fall color: evergreen

Moisture:

M
C

Fruit: Sep-Oct, bluish

black, berry

4.5-6.5

Soil type:

Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.8-7.5

Soil type:

sweet, edible fruit

States: DC DE MD
VA
WV

Region:M

buttery larval host;

drought tolerant; tolerates
occasional ooding;
saplings can sprout in
deep shade, common on
limestone soils
high wildlife
value
xes nitrogen

States: DC DE MD
WV

freshwater
swamps, woods

Region:

C
DE MD

States:

VA
S

moist
Region:M P C
streambanks,
ridges, hillsides in States: DC DE MD
sandy to deep-rich
VA
soils
WV

dry woods, forest Region:M

edges, rocky slopes
States:

Light:
Moisture:

Notes

PA VA

used by 64 wildlife species;

43 bird species; keep root
zone moist and acidic;
tolerates full sun; young
stems often purple

DE MD

NY PA VA
WV
high wildlife
value

Height: 20-50
Spread: 20-50
Flowers: Apr-May, white

Light:

Fruit: Sep-Dec, red to

orange, berry

Soil pH:

5-7

Soil type:

Fall color: scarlet red

4.5-5.5

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Region:M

Wildlife

drainage basins,
Region:M P C
oodplains,
wooded slopes,
States: DC DE MD
high rocky
NY PA VA
limestone bluffs
bordering streams,
WV
windbreaks

river bottoms and

streambanks

Soil pH:

Fall color: maroon

rocky slopes,
steep rocky
land, rocky
streambanks,
sandy ridges,
swamp edges,
open woods

Native to

4.5-7.5

Light:

Height: 15-25
Spread: 15-35
Flowers: May-Jun,
creamy white
Fruit: Jul-Aug, bluish
black, berry

Light:

Moisture:

woods, woodland
edges and
openings,
mountain slopes,
coves

Region:M

fall migrant birds eat

berries; tolerates sun, best
in moist, well-drained,
acidic soil with organic
matter, VA state tree

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlife
value

Height: 20-35
Spread: 20-35
Flowers: May-Jun, white

cockspur hawthorn

Fruit: Aug-Jan, dull red or Soil pH:

green, eshy
Soil type:
Fall color: orange to red

USDA JE

6-7.8

Soil type:

Crataegus
crus-galli

56

Height: 20-35
Spread: 20-35
Flowers: May-Jun, white

Fall color: yellow

Cornus alternifolia

4.5-7.5

Soil type:

Height: 20-35
Light:
Spread: 20-35
Flowers: Apr-May, pink to Moisture:
lavender
Fruit: Jul-Dec, black, pod Soil pH:
Fall color: golden yellow

Soil pH:

Height: 40-100
Light:
Spread: 40-100
Flowers: Apr-May, yellow Moisture:
green, brown tint
Soil pH:
Fruit: Sep-Dec, purple
brown, berry
Soil type:
Fall color: yellow

Habitat

thickets, open
Region:M P C
areas, especially in
dry or rocky places, States: DC DE MD
low rich slopes
NY PA VA

Light:
Moisture:

M
4.5-7.2

WV

Characteristics
Crataegus viridis

Height: 20-35
Spread:
Flowers: Apr, white

southern thorn,
green hawthorn

PLANTS

Height: 50-75
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: Jun, greenish
yellow to cream
Fruit: Sep-Nov, orange
purple, berry

common
persimmon

Fall color:yellow or purple

Fagus grandifolia
CM NRCS, CM NRCS

American beech

Height: 50-100
Spread: 50-75
Flowers: Apr-May,
yellow-green
Fruit: Sep-Nov, orangegreen, nut/nut-like
Fall color: yellow/ tan;
retains leaves till spring

Fraxinus
americana

Moisture:

Moisture:

Soil type:

UWI KJS

UWI KK
USFWS BES

Juglans nigra

PLANTS DEH

black walnut,
American walnut

eastern red cedar

RHW, CM NRCS

Juniperus
virginiana

Height: 70-90
Spread: 75-100
Flowers: May-Jun,
yellow-green
Fruit: Aug-Sep, yellowgreen, nut/nut-like
Fall color: yellow

Height: 50-75
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: Mar-Apr, red
purple
Fruit: Jul-Mar, pale
green to dark blue,
cone/cone-like
Fall color: evergreen

Trees

Notes

C
DE MD

States:

open, disturbed
areas, deciduous
woods

Region:M

VA

edible fruits

States: DC DE MD
PA VA

5-7
C

Wildlife

WV

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.1-6.5

Soil type:

rich uplands and

lowlands

Region:M

edible nuts; attractive bark;

leaves may persist into
winter

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

high wildlife
value

Fruit: Aug-Dec, tan brown, Soil pH:

winged
Soil type:
Fall color: yellow to
orange

Fall color: evergreen

Region:

NY

Light:

green ash, red ash,

swamp ash

American holly

Native to

high wildlife
value

Height: 50-75
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: Apr-May, purple

Height: 15-50
Spread: 18-40
Flowers: May-Jun, white
or cream
Fruit: red, eshy

lowlands and
valleys

6-7.3

Soil pH:

Fraxinus
pennsylvanica

Ilex opaca

Light:

Height: 50-100
Light:
Spread: 50-75
Flowers: Apr-May, deep Moisture:
purple
Fruit: Aug-Feb, tan brown, Soil pH:
winged
Soil type:
Fall color: yellow, maroon

white ash

Habitat

Light:

Fruit: bright red to orange, Soil pH:

eshy
Soil type:
Fall color: purple, scarlet

PLANTS 1997, PLANTS 1997

Diospyros
virginiana

Conditions

upland slopes,
valleys, coves,
bottomlands

M
L

5-8
C

Light:
Moisture:

Soil pH:

4-7.5

Soil type:

Soil pH:

5.5-8

Soil type:

Soil type:

sandy woods

Region:M

woods, slopes,
streamsides

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

tolerates drought; tolerates

infrequent ooding and
some salt; male and female
owers on separate plants

WV

birds eat berries; state tree

of Delaware

States: DC DE MD

may stunt growth of nearby

planst

WV

broad range of
habitats

M
L

Region:M

NY PA VA

Region:M

States: DC DE MD

berries consumed by over

50 species of birds; berries
have culinary use

NY PA VA

5-8
C

Region:M

VA

Light:
D

tidal and nontidal

freshwater
forested wetlands;
seasonally to
regularly ooded
or saturated

Moisture:

Soil pH:

fast growth; fall color

States: DC DE MD

States: DC DE MD

Light:

Moisture:

WV

Light:
Moisture:

NY PA VA

5-7.5
C

Region:M

WV

57

Trees

Characteristics

Liquidambar
styraciua

Height: 60-100
Spread: 50-75
Flowers: Apr-May,
yellow-green
Fruit: Jul-Jan, brown,
capsule

CM NRCS

sweet gum, red

gum, sap gum

Fall color: yellow, red

Liriodendron
tulipifera

Height: 70-100
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: Jun, greenish
yellow
Fruit: Aug-Nov, brown,
winged

tulip tree, tulip

poplar, yellow
poplar
RHW

Fall color: yellow

Height: 70-100
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: May-Jun,
greenish-yellow
Fruit: Sep-Nov, brown
cone w/ scarlet seed,
pod
Fall color: ashy brown

DFT DL, DFT HW, DFT HW

Magnolia
acuminata

cucumber magnolia

Magnolia
virginiana

Fall color: semi-evergreen

Malus coronaria
(Pyrus coronaria)

Height: 10-30
Spread: 20-30
Flowers: Apr-May, pink
to white
Fruit: Sep-Oct, greenish,
eshy

PLANTS WSJ

sweet crabapple,
American crabapple

Fall color:

Morus rubra

Height: 35-60
Spread: 35-60
Flowers: May-Jun,
greenish
Fruit: Jun-Jul, red, berry
UWI KK

red mulberry, moral

black gum,
sourgum, black or
swamp tupelo

CM NRCS, RHW

Nyssa sylvatica

eastern hophornbeam,
ironwood

58

PLANTS WSJ

Ostrya virginiana

Fall color: yellow

Habitat

Light:
Moisture:

Soil type:

4.5-7

Soil pH:
C

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-6.5

Soil type:

upland woods,
slopes, ravines,
oodplains,
streambanks

Native to
Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY

slopes, ravines,
valleys,
streamsides

Region:M

M
5.2-7

NY

WV

Soil type:

5-6.5
C

MD

States:

forested wetlands, Region:

P C
seeps, stream and
pond edges, sandy States: DC DE MD
woods
VA

semi-evergreen; fragrant
owers; tolerates
occasional ooding, some
salt

forest edges, rocky Region:M P C

streams, elds
States: DC DE MD

owers fragrant;
susceptible to insects and
diseases; plant at least 500
feet from cedars; attracts
bees and wasps; fruit sour;

PA VA

Soil pH:
Soil type:

VA

Light:
Moisture:

fast growth

WV

Soil pH:

VA

NY PA VA
S

Moisture:

Notes

bottomland woods, Region:M P C

mountain coves,
lower slopes
States: DC DE MD

Light:

Soil type:

Wildlife

Light:

Height: 12-30
Light:
Spread: 12-30
Flowers: May-Jul, white Moisture:
to cream
Fruit: Sep-Oct, red, berry Soil pH:

RHW, USFWS BES

sweetbay magnolia

Conditions

WV

high wildlife
value
oodplains, river
valleys, hillsides

Light:
Moisture:

Soil pH:

5-7

Soil type:

Height: 30-75
Light:
Spread: 20-50
Moisture:
Flowers: Apr-Jun,
greenish white
Fruit: Sep-Oct, blue-black, Soil pH:
eshy
Soil type:
Fall color: red

fruit sweet

States: DC DE MD
WV

W
S

forested seasonal Region:M P C

wetlands, swamp
borders, upland
States: DC DE MD
woods, dry slopes;
NY PA VA
seasonally ooded
or saturated
WV

outstanding fall color

high wildlife
value

Height: 25-50
Spread: 20-35
Flowers: May, red-brown

Light:
Moisture:

Fruit: Jun-Oct, green

turning brown, nut/nutlike
Fall color: yellow

Soil pH:

4.2-7.6

Soil type:

PA VA

4.5-6
L

Region:M

slopes and ridges

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
S

WV

leaves may persist into

winter

Characteristics
Pinus echinata

BUG RFW

shortleaf pine,
shortstraw pine,
southern yellow
pine

Height: 100
Spread:
Flowers:

Light:

Fruit: reddish brown,

cone/cone-like

Soil pH:

Fall color: evergreen

Pinus rigida

Conditions

Moisture:

Soil type:

Height: 50-75
Light:
Spread: 50-75
Flowers: May, red- purple Moisture:

pitch pine

CM NRCS

Fruit: light brown, cone/

cone-like
Fall color:evergreen

Pinus serotina
pond pine, marsh
pine, pocosin pine

dry mountain
ridges, elds,
oodplains

Native to
Region:M

3.5-5.1

Soil type:

USDA NRCS

white pine, Eastern

white pine

Pinus taeda

USFWS BES

loblolly, old eld, or

North Carolina pine

VA

slopes and
ridges of
mountains, river
valleys, and
swamps

Region:M

Pinus virginiana

USDA NRCS

Virginia pine, scrub

pine, Jersey pine

Moisture:

Fruit: yellowish brown,

cone/cone-like

Soil pH:

4.8-6.8

Soil type:

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

swamps, pocosins, Region:

bays, pond
margins, atwoods States:

Light:

Height: 70-90
Spread:
Flowers:

Light:

Fruit: yellowish, cone/

cone-like

Soil pH:

Moisture:

DE
PA VA

American
sycamore,
American planetree

Populus deltoides

UWI JK

eastern or southern
cottonwood,
Carolina poplar

variety of
habitats; does
best on moist,
well drained,
sandy loam soils
of ridges

Soil pH:

4-6.5

Soil type:

Region:M

Moisture:

Soil type:

States: DC

MD

NY PA VA
WV

oodplains elds,
slopes

Region:

DE MD

States:

VA

4.5-7
C

many birds feed on the

seeds; provides winter
cover

S
high wildlife
value

Height: 50-80
Spread:
Flowers:

Light:

Fruit: reddish brown,

cone/cone-like

Soil pH:

Moisture:

Soil type:

well drained sites;

often a pioneer
species

Region:M

many birds feed on the

seeds; provides winter
cover

States: DC DE MD
PA VA

4.5-7.5
WV

high wildlife
value

river bottoms, lake Region:M P C

shores
States: DC DE MD

WV

Light:
Moisture:

Fruit: May-Jul, yellowgreen, capsule

Soil pH:

5.2-7.3

NY

WV

Soil type:

along waterways

leafs out late spring; showy

bark; leaves may persist
into winter

NY PA VA

4.9-6.5

Height: 75-100
Spread: 50-100
Flowers: Mar-Apr, red

Fall color: yellow

many birds feed on the

seeds; provides winter
cover

high wildlife
value

Height: 75-100
Light:
Spread: 75-100
Flowers: Apr-Jun, yellow- Moisture:
green
Soil pH:
Fruit: Aug-Dec, brown,
achene (dry, at seed)
Soil type:
Fall color: yellow

PLANTS LA, USDA NRCS

Platanus
occidentalis

many birds feed on the

seeds; provides winter
cover

high wildlife
value

Height: 75-100
Spread: 50-75
Flowers: May-Jul, red to
purplish
Fruit: Aug-Oct, green to
light brown, cone/conelike
Fall color: evergreen

Fall color: evergreen

many birds feed on the

seeds; provides winter
cover; old trees are re
resistant due to thick bark

high wildlife
value

Light:

Fall color: evergreen

best used for naturalizing

VT

Pinus strobus

Trees

Notes

WV

Soil pH:

Wildlife

States: DC DE MD

4.6-6
C

Height: 50-60
Spread:
Flowers:

Fall color: evergreen

Habitat

W
S

Region:

best used for naturalizing;

grows fast but short lived

States: DC DE MD
VA

high wildlife
value
59

Trees

Characteristics

swamp cottonwood,
swamp poplar,
black cottonwood,
downy poplar

VT, PLANTS 1997

Populus
heterophylla

Height: 80
Spread:
Flowers: Mar

Light:

Fruit: Apr-May, , capsule

Soil pH:

Fall color: yellow

Prunus americana

Height: 20-35
Spread: 20-35
Flowers: Apr-May, white

American wild plum

Conditions

Moisture:

Soil type:

Moisture:

RHW

pin cherry, re
cherry

Fruit: Jul-Sep, bright red, Soil pH:

eshy
Soil type:
Fall color: yellow

RHW

Height: 20-35
Spread: 20-35
Flowers: May, white

CM NRCS, RHW

black or wild cherry,

black chokecherry

RHW

choke cherry

Quercus alba

CM NRCS
PLANTS RM89, OSU

CM NRCS

woods, pastures,
fencerows,
streamsides

Region:M

NY PA VA
WV

high wildlife
value
woods

MD

States:

NY PA VA

4.3-6.6
C

Region:M

WV

high wildlife
value

NY

WV

Moisture:

Fruit: Aug-Sep, red,

black, or yellow, eshy

Soil pH:

5.2-8.4

Fall color: scarlet

Region:M

birds eat fruit

States: DC DE
VA
high wildlife
value

Light:

Height: 40-75
Spread: 50-75
Flowers: May-Jun,
yellow-green
Fruit: Sep-Oct, reddish
brown, nut/nut-like

forests, fence
rows, elds, forest
edges

Height: 25-50
Spread: 20-35
Flowers: May-Jun, white

Fall color: dark red-purple

edible fruit, used for making

pies and jellies

States: DC DE MD

5-7

5-7.5

Moisture:

Notes

VA

Soil type:

Fall color: red/brown

scarlet oak, red

oak, black oak

DE MD

Soil pH:

Height: 60-100
Spread: 50-75
Flowers: May, yellowgreen
Fruit: Sep-Oct, tan
brown, nut/nut-like

Quercus coccinea

States:

Fruit: Aug-Sep, black,

eshy

Fall color: red

Quercus bicolor

Light:

Height: 75-100
Spread: 75-100
Flowers: Mar-May,
yellow-green
Fruit: Sep-Oct, brown,
nut/nut-like

white oak, stave

oak

Region:

Height: 40-75
Spread: 20-35
Flowers: May-Jun, white

Fall color: yellow/ red

Prunus virginiana

60

Wildlife

Light:
Moisture:

swamps and
bottomlands

Native to

4.6-5.9
C

Light:

Prunus
pensylvanica

swamp white oak,

swamp oak

Fruit: Aug-Sep, orange to Soil pH:

red, eshy
Soil type:
Fall color: pale yellow

Prunus serotina

Habitat

Soil type:

open moist sites;

pioneer species
after res

4.5-6.8

Soil type:

WV

dry to moist
woods

Soil pH:

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

Light:
Moisture:

fast growing, short lived;

fruit sometimes used for
making jelly

Region:M

Region:M

acorns food for wildlife;

majestic; MD state tree;
leaves may persist into
winter

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

high wildlife
value

Light:
Moisture:

W
C

Region:M

acorns food for wildlife

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

4.3-6.5

Soil pH:
Soil type:

bottomlands,
swamp and
stream edges

WV

high wildlife
value
dry uplands and
slopes

Light:
Moisture:

Soil pH:

4.5-6.9

Soil type:

Region:M

acorns food for wildlife

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

WV
high wildlife
value

Characteristics
Quercus falcata

DFT HW

southern or swamp
red oak, Spanish
oak

Light:

Fruit: Oct, orange

brown, nut/nut-like

Soil pH:

CM NRCS

Quercus
marilandica

CM NRCS

Quercus
michauxii
(Q. montana)
PLANTS 1995

Height: 35-50
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: May-Jun,
yellow-green
Fruit: Sep-Oct, light
brown, nut/nut-like
UWI KJS

Quercus nigra

Fall color: yellow-brown

Height: 50-80
Spread:
Flowers: Apr-May

PLANTS LA

water oak

PLANTS RM91

pin oak, swamp

oak, Spanish oak

Quercus phellos

USFWS BES

willow oak, pin oak,

peach oak

Moisture:

Fall color: red

Native to
Region:

VA
S

barrens, balds,
woods, dunes,
elds

Region:M

leaves may persist into

winter

States:
PA VA

4-7.5
L

Trees

Notes

acorns food for wildlife

4.8-7
C

Wildlife

States: DC DE MD

WV

high wildlife
value
woods, ridges,
slopes, sandy
atwoods

Region:

acorns food for wildlife,

leaves may persist into
winter

States: DC DE MD
VA

4.6-5.6
WV

high wildlife
value

4.5-6.5

bottomlands,
ravine slopes,
atwoods over
limestone

Region:M

States:

DE MD
NY

acorns food for wildlife

VA

WV

high wildlife
value
rich, woods,
Region:M P
uplands, outcrops,
dry bluffs, slopes
States: DC

Light:
D

Soil pH:
Soil type:

M
6.5-8

NY

WV

C
MD
VA
high wildlife
value

Light:
Moisture:

Fruit: Oct, black, nut/nut- Soil pH:

like
Soil type:
Fall color: green persists
late

Height: 50-80
Spread: 50-75
Flowers: Apr-May,
yellow-green
Fruit: Sep-Oct, light
brown, nut/nut-like

Habitat
uplands

Height: 50-80
Light:
Spread: 75-100
Moisture:
Flowers: May, yellowgreen
Fruit: Sep-Oct, tan brown, Soil pH:
nut/nut-like
Soil type:
Fall color: red/ brown

Quercus
muehlenbergii

Quercus palustris

Soil type:

Height: 35-50
Light:
Spread: 35-50
Moisture:
Flowers: Apr-Jun,
yellow-green
Fruit: Sep-Oct, tan brown, Soil pH:
nut/nut-like
Soil type:
Fall color: yellow/brown

blackjack oak,
Jack oak

Chinquapin or
chinkapin oak,
yellow oak,
chestnut oak

Moisture:

Height: 12-20
Light:
Spread: 12-20
Moisture:
Flowers: May-Jun,
yellow-green or reddish
Soil pH:
Fruit: Sep-Jan, light
brown, nut/nut-like
Soil type:
Fall color: yellow, scarlet
red to purplish

bear oak, scrub oak

swamp chestnut
oak, basket oak,
cow oak

Height: 70-80
Spread:
Flowers: Apr-May

Fall color: brown

Quercus ilicifolia

Conditions

Region:

Moisture:

States: DC DE MD
VA

bottomlands or
upland ats

Region:M

popular shade tree; fall

color; acorns food for
wildlife; leaves may persist
into winter

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

4.5-6.5

Soil pH:

acorns food for wildlife

4.8-5.8

Light:

Soil type:

upland woods,
bottomlands,
hammocks, elds

WV

high wildlife
value

Height: 80-100
Spread:
Flowers: Feb-May

Light:
Moisture:

Fruit: light yellow or

greenish brown,
nut/nut-like

Soil pH:

4.5-5.5

Soil type:

bottomlands, low
atwoods, upland
elds

Region:

acorns food for wildlife

States: DC DE MD
VA
WV

Fall color: red

61

Trees

Characteristics

Quercus prinus
(Q. montana)

PLANTS 1997

chestnut oak, rock

oak

Height: 40-80
Spread:
Flowers: May-Jun,
yellowish
Fruit: Sep-Oct,
brown, nut/nut-like
Fall color: yellow/orange

Quercus rubra

UWI KJS

northern red oak

CM NRCS

post oak, iron oak

BUG DJM
CM NRCS

CM NRCS

silky willow

USFWS BES, RHW

RHW, RHW

Region:M

Wildlife

Moisture:

D
C

NY PA VA
WV

slopes, coves, and Region:M P C

drier ridges
States: DC DE MD

acorns food for wildlife;

hardy and long-lived; fall
color

NY PA VA
WV
high wildlife
value
upland dry
ridges to moist
atwoods

Light:
Moisture:

Soil type:

Region:M

acorns food

States: DC DE MD
VA

4.8-7

Soil pH:

WV

high wildlife
value
dry upland ridges
and slopes,
atwoods

Light:
Moisture:

Region:M

acorns food for wildlife;

leaves may persist into
winter

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

4.5-6

Soil pH:
Soil type:

WV

high wildlife
value
Light:
Moisture:

Soil pH:

6-8

Soil type:

Light:
Moisture:

Fruit:

Soil pH:

5.2-7

Soil type:

W
S

fresh tidal
marshes and
swamps, forested
wetlands,
oodplains,
wet meadows;
seasonally to
regularly ooded
or saturated

marshes, ditches,
low woods

Region:M

streambank stabilizer;
spreads by suckers;
preferred food of ruffed
grouse and pine grosbeak;
tolerates ooding; tolerates
salinity to 0.5 ppt

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlife
value
Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

high wildlife
value

Height: 35-50
Light:
Spread: 35-50
Moisture:
Flowers: Apr, yellowgreen
Fruit: Sep-Oct, dark blue, Soil pH:
eshy
Soil type:
Fall color: yellow, orange,
purple

moist, open woods Region:M

D

WV

high wildlife
value

Light:
Moisture:

Fruit: Aug-Dec, orange,

eshy

Soil pH:

5.3-6.8

Soil type:

edible and medicinal uses;

provides spring and fall
color

NY PA VA

4.5-7.2
L

States: DC DE MD

Height: 30-40
Spread:
Flowers:May-Jul, white

Fall color: orange, purple

acorns food for wildlife;

fall color

States: DC DE MD

Height: 12
Spread:
Flowers: Jun-Jul

Fall color: yellow

Notes

high wildlife
value

Soil type:

Fall color: yellow green

Salix sericea

62

4.5-7

Soil type:

Fruit: scales reddishbrown, nut/nut-like

Height: 35-50
Spread: 20-35
Flowers: Mar-Apr, yellow
green
Fruit: Apr-May, green
yellow, cone/cone-like

black willow,
swamp willow

American mountain
ash

Soil pH:

4.3-6.5

Fall color: red/brown

Salix nigra

Sorbus americana
(Pyrus americana)

Soil pH:

Height: 75-100
Spread: 75-100
Flowers: Apr-May,
yellow-green
Fruit: Sep-Oct, light redbrown, nut/nut-like

black oak, yellow

bark oak, quercitron
oak

sassafras

Moisture:

Native to

Fall color: brown

Quercus velutina

Sassafras albidum

rocky ridges and

slopes

Light:

Height: 35-50
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: Apr-Jun, yellowgreen
Fruit: Sep-Oct, light
brown to almost black,
nut/nut-like

Habitat

Light:

Height: 90
Spread:
Flowers: Apr-May

Fall color: red or yellow

Quercus stellata

Conditions

areas from
borders of
swamps to
rocky hillsides;
openings,
uplands along
forest edges,
roadsides

slow-growing, short-lived;
not drought or heat tolerant;
plant at least 500 feet from
cedars

Region:M
MD

States:

VA
WV
high wildlife
value

Characteristics

Fall color: purple to brown

USFWS BES, USFWS BES

Thuja occidentalis
arborvitae, northern
white cedar

American
basswood, linden

Moisture:

W
4.5-6

Soil pH:
Soil type:

Moisture:

Fruit: Aug-Dec, reddishbrown, cone/cone-like

Soil pH:

5.2-7

Soil type:

Height: 75-100
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: May-Jun, tan
brown
Fruit: Sep-Jan, light
brown, cone/cone-like

USDA NRCS

eastern hemlock

Fall color: evergreen

Ulmus americana

USDA NRCS

American elm,
white elm, soft elm

Ulmus rubra

UWI DWW

slippery elm, red

elm, soft elm

Height: 75-100
Spread: 75-100
Flowers: Mar-Apr, red
brown
Fruit: May, tan brown,
winged
Fall color: bright yellow

Soil pH:
Soil type:

VA

fragrant owers; important

pollen source for honey

Region:M
States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV

cool valleys
M

prefers wet calcareous

areas

NY

Light:

4.2-5.7

VA

Moisture:

DE MD

Region:M

4.5-7.5
L

Trees

Notes

deciduous conifer

States:

woods, slopes

Moisture:

Wildlife

Light:

Region:M

States:

DE MD

susceptible to wooly
adelgid and red spider mite;
also T. caroliniana for VA

NY PA VA
WV

high wildlife
value
Light:
Moisture:

Soil pH:

5.5-8

Soil type:

river bottoms,
Region:M P C
swamps, disturbed
elds, road sides, States: DC DE MD
cutover forests
NY PA VA

Dutch elm disease caused

decline; distinctive vase
shape; favorite nesting site
of Baltimore oriole

WV

high wildlife
value

Height: 70
Spread:
Flowers: Mar-May

Light:

Fruit: winged

Soil pH:

Moisture:

Soil type:

Fall color: yellow

Native to

rivers, lake and

Region:
pond margins,
swamps, coastal
States:
marshes, pocosins,
river bottoms

calcareous areas

Fruit: Sep-Oct, tan brown, Soil pH:

winged
Soil type:
Fall color: yellow or
brown

Tsuga canadensis

Light:

Height: 70-100
Spread: 50-75
Flowers: Jun-Jul, yellow

PLANTS DEH, PLANTS DEH

Tilia americana

Light:

Height: 50-75
Spread: 35-50
Flowers: May, red brown

Fall color: evergreen

Habitat

moist slopes and

Region:
P
bottomlands, drier
sites on calcareous States: DC DE MD
soils
NY PA VA

M
5.5-7

WV

high wildlife
value
Ilex opaca

See also:

A diverse forest offers food and cover throughout all seasons.

USFWS RM

USFWS BES

In the Shrubs section:

Hamamelis virginiana
Morella (Myrica) cerifera
Rhododendron maximum
Cornus orida
Rhus copallina, hirta (typhina)
Viburnum prunifolium

CM NRCS

bald cypress,
cypress, swamp
cypress

Height: 50-100
Spread: 20-35
Flowers: Mar-Apr, deep
purple
Fruit: Oct-Dec, brown,
cone/cone-like

USFWS BES, USFWS BES

Taxodium
distichum

Conditions

63

Vines

Characteristics

Aristolochia
macrophylla
(A. durior)
pipevine,
Dutchmans pipe
RHW

crossvine

6.1-8.5

Soil type:

Fall color: yellow green

Spread: 20-35

Light:

Flowers: May-Jun, orange

with red

Moisture:

USFWS BES

Soil type: C

Flowers: Jul-Sep, orange

Moisture:

6.1-7.5

Soil type: C

PLANTS TGB, UWI DK

RHW

Clematis
virginiana
virgins bower
USFWS BES
RHW, USFWS BES

Lonicera
sempervirens

climbing hempvine

swampy forests,
calcareous river
banks, cliffs, dry open
woods, bogs, fence
rows, rock outcrops

Region:

States:

MD

moist woods, fence

rows, roadside
thickets, oodplain
forests, rocky
hillsides, open woods,
streambanks, elds

Region:M

roadsides, forest
edges, fence rows,
pastures, hedges,
bluffs, rocky slopes,
dunes, sandy oak
woods

Region:M

rich wooded banks,

thickets

Region:

VA

Flowers: Jul-Sep, white

Moisture:

6.1-8.5

Soil type: C

Light:

Flowers: Apr-Oct, coral to

red with yellow

Moisture:

S O

Soil pH:

6.1-7.5

Soil type: C

Spread:

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Oct, pink or

whitish

Moisture:

States: DC DE MD
PA VA

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA

thick, twisted, aged woody

vines; leaves/owers may
cause dermatitis (skin
irritation)

distinguished from nonnative

invasive Oriental bittersweet
by owers/fruits in clusters
at ends of twigs

WV

feathery seeds

States: DC DE MD
WV

Soil pH:

Spread: 6-12

spreads across ground and

climbs any structure it meets
(control by cutting); semievergreen

VA

Soil type:

Light:

Fall color:

States:

Soil pH:

Spread: 6-12

Fruit: blue
RHW

Moisture:

Fall color: semi-evergreen

Mikania scandens

Soil type: C

Flowers: May-Aug, purple

Fruit: Aug-Mar, red, berry

M
6.1-7.5

Light:

Fruit: Aug-Nov, brown,

achene (dry, at seed)
Fall color:yellow, green or
purplish

Soil pH:

Spread:

occasionally escapes from

cultivation; host for pipevine
swallowtail buttery

Region:M

VA

Light:
D

Notes

WV

Wildlife

Soil pH:

Flowers: May-Jun, greenish Moisture:

Fruit: Aug-Nov, dark

brown, achene (dry, at
seed)
Fall color:

Native to

6.1-8.5

Light:

Fruit:Sep-Dec, orange and

red, capsule
Fall color: yellow

rich woods,
streambanks

Soil pH:

Spread: 20-35

Spread: 6-20

leather ower,
vasevine

64

Soil pH:

Fall color: yellow green

Clematis viorna

trumpet or coral
honeysuckle

Moisture:

Fruit: Aug-Mar, brown, pod

Celastrus
scandens
American
bittersweet

Flowers: May-Jun,
yellowish to purplish

Fall color: semi-evergreen;

reddish-purple

USFWS BES

trumpet vine,
trumpet creeper

Light:

Fruit: Aug-Oct, brown, pod

Campsis radicans

Habitat

Spread:

Fruit: green to brown, pod

Bignonia
capreolata

Conditions

fencerows, riverbanks, Region:M P C

thickets, woods edge,
States: DC DE MD
roadside swales,
swamps, overhanging
NY PA VA
cliffs
WV

fragrant owers; feathery

seeds; young plants can be
transplanted; yellow, green
or purplish fall color

Region:M P C
thickets, fence rows,
open woods, dry stony
States: DC DE MD
woods, forest edges,
cliffs
NY
VA

owers intermittently until

frost; owers/fruits present
together; transplants well;
may have aphids - hose
off, snip new growth and
damaged buds; semievergreen

swamps, thickets
M

Soil pH:

5.7-7.5

Soil type: C

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY

VA

vines herbaceous, not

woody

Characteristics
Parthenocissus
quinquefolia

Spread: 25-35

Passiora
incarnata
passionower,
Maypops

Light:

Spread:

Light:

Flowers: Jun-Sep, purple

and white

Moisture:

RHW

Fruit:Sep-Oct, yellow,
eshy
Fall color:

Soil type: C

smooth carrion
ower

Flowers: Apr-Jun, greenish- Moisture:

yellow
Soil pH:
Fruit:Jul-Nov, blue-black,
Soil type: C
berry
Fall color:

RHW, RHW

Spread:

Wisteria
frutescens
Atlantic wisteria,
American wisteria

bank stabilizer; control by

trimming; fruits eaten by
variety of wildlife; purple to
crimson fall color

States: DC DE MD
NY PA VA
WV
high wildlife
value

thickets, woods,
oodplains

C
MD

Region:M

States: DC DE MD
NY

herbaceous vine; large

eshy berry edible; fragrant

Flowers: Apr-Aug, lilac

Moisture:

Soil pH:

4-7
L

herbaceous, climbing
vine, not prickly; ower
malodorous; male and
female plants separate

WV

Light:

Soil type: C

Vines

Notes

Spread:

Fall color:

Wildlife

VA

Light:

Fruit: brown, pod

SMSU, SMSU

Region:M

Region:
elds, rocky slopes,
thin woods, roadsides,
States:
fencerows, thickets

fence rows, forest

edges, open woods,
ravines, bluffs, cliffs

Native to

Soil pH:

Smilax herbacea

See also:

Habitat

Flowers: Jun-Aug, greenish Moisture: D M W

white
5.1-7.5
Soil pH:
Fruit:Sep-Feb, bluish black,
C
L
S
Soil type:
berry
Fall color:purple to
crimson

RHW, USFWS BES

Virginia creeper

Conditions

forest and forested

swamp edges,
streambanks, thickets

Region:
States:

C
DE
VA

Lonicera sempervirens may bloom year-round.

Characteristic pipe-shaped ower of

Aristolochia macrophylla.

RHW

In the Herbaceous Plants section:

Clitoria mariana

Bignonia capreolata in bloom adorns a porch.

USFWS BES

USFWS BES

USFWS BES

Parthenocissus quinquefolia used as a groundcover.

65

Plants With a Purpose

This section includes lists of plant combinations that can be used to mimic the natural
communities of plants found in wetlands, meadows, forests, etc. They can be used to create,
restore or enhance existing habitat for wildlife. Also included are plants that can be used in solving
problems such as stabilizing soils, or for specic landscaping uses. No matter what the purpose,
it is imperative that species are chosen to suit planting site conditions and the physiographic
location of the site. None of these lists are complete there are additional suitable plants in
this guide (and even more native species not included in this publication) that would suit these
purposes. This document is intended to give project planners guidance in choosing appropriate
plants for various projects, and additional learning is encouraged. For the most ecologically
correct habitat restoration projects, consultation with professionals is recommended, as there
are other factors to consider that are not addressed here.

Plants For Coastal Dunes

Note: the shrubs and trees listed would occur
on the inner or secondary dunes and/or on
interdunal swales.
Grasses and Grasslike Plants
Ammophila breviligulata
Panicum amarum (and var. amarulum)
Spartina patens
Panicum virgatum

Herbaceous Plants
Baptisia tinctoria
Liatris pilosa v. pilosa (graminifolia)
Nuttallanthus canadensis (Linaria canadensis)
Opuntia humifusa (compressa)
Oenothera biennis
Solidago sempervirens
Yucca lamentosa (accida)
Shrubs
Baccharis halimifolia
Morella (Myrica) cerifera, pensylvanica
Prunus maritima
Rhus copallina
Rosa carolina

Trees
Acer rubrum
Amelanchier arborea
Diospyros virginiana
Juniperus virginiana
Pinus rigida
Prunus pensylvanica, serotina
Vines
Celastrus scandens
Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Plants For Saltwater or Brackish Water Marshes

Plants in this list can be used for marsh
plantings or to stabilize tidal fresh, brackish
or saltwater shorelines based on salinity and
wetness tolerances. Check the salinity and
moisture requirements given in this publication
for each plant, so they will be planted in the
appropriate conditions. Those species for use
in salinity greater than 15 ppt are marked (*).

Grasses and Grasslike Plants

Ammophila breviligulata *
Distichlis spicata *
Juncus canadensis
Juncus roemerianus *
Panicum amarum (and var. amarulum) *
Panicum virgatum
Schoenoplectus pungens v. pungens (Scirpus
pungens, americanus)
Schoenoplectus (Scirpus) validus
Spartina alterniora *
Spartina cynosuroides
Spartina patens *
Spartina pectinata
Note: Although grasslike, Distichlis, Juncus,
Schoenoplectus, and Spartina species
information can be found in the Herbaceous
Emergents section of the guide.

66

Herbaceous Plants
Agalinus purpurea
Limonium carolinianum
Solidago sempervirens *
Herbaceous Emergents
Hibiscus moscheutos (palustris)
Iris prismatica, versicolor, virginica
Kosteletzkya virginica
Peltandra virginica
Pontederia cordata
Shrubs
Baccharis halimifolia *
Iva frutescens *
Morella (Myrica) cerifera *, pensylvanica *

Plants for Freshwater Wetlands and Other Wet Sites

The following plants may be used to create or
enhance freshwater marshes or swamps or to
stabilize and enhance streambanks, riverbanks
or pond edges.
Remember to match the plants growth
requirements with the site conditions. Wetness
tolerated by these plants is provided in this
guide in terms of frequency and duration of soil
saturation or inundation (ooding), and depth
of standing water.
Ferns
Athyrium lix-femina
Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulosa), cristata,
intermedia
Onoclea sensibilis
Osmunda cinnamomea, regalis
Pteridium aquilinum
Thelypteris noveboracensis, palustris
Woodwardia areolata, virginica
Grasses and Grasslike Plants
Agrostis perennans
Andropogon gerardii, glomeratus, virginicus
Calamagrostis canadensis
Carex crinita var. crinita, lurida, stricta,
vulpinoidea
Dichanthelium clandestinum
Elymus riparius
Festuca rubra
Leersia oryzoides
Panicum virgatum
Saccharum giganteum (Erianthus giganteus)
Tripsacum dactyloides
Herbaceous Plants
Arisaema triphyllum
Asclepias incarnata
Caltha palustris
Chelone glabra
Conoclinium (Eupatorium) coelestinum
Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellata (Aster
umbellatus)
Eupatorium dubium, perfoliatum
Gentiana clausa
Helianthus angustifolius
Heracleum maximum (lanatum)
Impatiens capensis (biora)
Lobelia cardinalis, siphilitica
Mertensia virginica
Mimulus ringens
Monarda didyma
Packera aurea (Senecio aureus)
Phlox maculata
Rudbeckia laciniata

Saxifraga pensylvanica
Scutellaria integrifolia
Sisyrinchium atlanticum
Spiranthes cernua
Stachys tenuifolia (hispida)
Symphyotrichum (Aster) novae-angliae, novibelgii
Symplocarpus foetidus
Thalictrum pubescens (polygamum)
Veratrum viride
Verbena hastata
Vernonia noveboracensis
Veronicastrum virginicum (Veronica virginica)
Viola conspersa, cucullata, striata
Herbaceous Emergents
Dulichium arundinaceum
Hibiscus moscheutos (palustris)
Iris prismatica, versicolor, virginica
Juncus effusus
Justicia americana
Nuphar lutea (advena)
Nymphaea odorata
Orontium aquaticum
Peltandra virginica
Pontederia cordata
Sagittaria latifolia
Saururus cernuus
Schoenoplectus (Scirpus) validus
Scirpus atrovirens, cyperinus
Sparganium americanum
Spartina pectinata
Zizania aquatica
Shrubs
Alnus serrulata
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Clethra alnifolia
Cornus amomum
Gaylussacia baccata, frondosa
Hypericum densiorum
Ilex verticillata
Itea virginica
Kalmia angustifolia, latifolia
Leucothoe racemosa
Lindera benzoin
Lyonia ligustrina
Morella (Myrica ) caroliniensis (heterophylla),
cerifera, pensylvanica
Photinia (Aronia) melanocarpa, pyrifolia
(arbutifolia)
Physocarpus opulifolius
Rhododendron maximum, periclymenoides,
viscosum
Rosa palustris
Rubus allegheniensis

Salix humilis
Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis (S.
canadensis)
Spiraea alba v. latifolia (latifolia), tomentosa
Vaccinium corymbosum, macrocarpon
Viburnum dentatum (recognitum), nudum,
nudum v. cassinoides (cassinoides),
prunifolium
Trees
Acer negundo, rubrum, saccharinum
Amelanchier canadensis
Betula alleghaniensis, nigra
Carpinus caroliniana
Carya cordiformis, glabra
Celtis occidentalis
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Crataegus viridis
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Liquidambar styraciua
Magnolia virginiana
Nyssa sylvatica
Pinus serotina, strobus, taeda
Platanus occidentalis
Populus deltoides, heterophylla
Quercus bicolor, michauxii (montana), nigra,
palustris, phellos
Salix nigra, sericea
Taxodium distichum
Thuja occidentalis
Tsuga canadensis
Ulmus americana
Vines
Bignonia capreolata
Mikania scandens
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Wisteria frutescens

67

Plants Appropriate for Bogs or Bog Gardens

Ferns
Athyrium lix-femina
Onoclea sensibilis
Osmunda cinnamomea
Thelypteris noveboracensis , palustris
Woodwardia areolata
Grasses and Grasslike Plants
Calamagrostis canadensis
Carex stricta
Leersia oryzoides
Herbaceous Plants
Arisaema triphyllum
Caltha palustris
Chelone glabra
Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellate (Aster
umbellatus)
Eupatorium dubium, perfoliatum
Gentiana clausa
Saxifraga pensylvanica
Scutellaria integrifolia
Spiranthes cernua
Symplocarpus foetidus
Veratrum viride
Viola cucullata

Herbaceous Emergents
Dulichium arundinaceum
Juncus effusus
Orontium aquaticum
Sagittaria latifolia
Scirpus atrovirens, cyperinus
Sparganium americanum

Trees
Acer rubrum
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Nyssa sylvatica
Vines
Bignonia capreolata

Shrubs
Clethra alnifolia
Gaultheria procumbens
Hypericum densiorum
Kalmia angustifolia
Morella caroliniensis (Myrica heterophylla)
Photinia (Aronia) melanocarpa, pyrifolia
(arbutifolia)
Rhododendron viscosum
Salix humilis
Spiraea alba, alba v. latifolia (latifolia)
Spiraea tomentosa
Vaccinium corymbosum, macrocarpon
Viburnum dentatum (recognitum), nudum,
nudum v. cassinoides (cassinoides)

Plants for Dry Meadows

Grasses and Grasslike Plants
Andropogon gerardii
Danthonia spicata
Elymus canadensis, riparius, virginicus
Schizachyrium scoparium (Andropogon
scoparius)
Sorghastrum nutans
Tridens avus
Herbaceous Plants
Ageratina altissima v. altissima (Eupatorium
rugosum)
Antennaria neglecta
Asclepias syriaca, tuberosa
Chamaecrista (Cassia) fasciculata
Conoclinum (Eupatorium) coelestinum
Coreopsis tripteris, verticillata
Desmodium paniculatum
Dodecatheon meadia
Erigeron pulchellus
Eupatorium hyssopifolium, purpureum
Heliopsis helianthoides
Ionactis (Aster) linariifolius
68

Lespedeza capitata
Liatris spicata, squarrosa
Lupinus perennis
Monarda bradburiana (stulosa), punctata
Nuttallanthus (Linaria)canadensis
Oenothera biennis, fruticosa, perennis
Penstemon digitalis
Pycnanthemum incanum
Rudbeckia fulgida, hirta, triloba
Solidago canadensis, canadensis v. scabra
(altissima), juncea, nemoralis, speciosa
Symphyotrichum (Aster) cordifolius, ericoides
var. ericoides, laeve var. laeve (laevis),
novae-angliae

Shrubs
Note: Listed are a few of the shorter shrubs
that may appear in or at the edges of
meadows. Using shrubs in a planting that is
to remain as a meadow is not recommended,
as they provide perching spots for birds,
whose droppings will seed in unwanted plants,
including trees. If the meadow is to be allowed
to succeed eventually to forest, then adding
shrubs is one prescribed method.
Ceanothus americanus
Comptonia peregrina
Rhus glabra
Rosa carolina
Rubus allegheniensis

Plants for Wet Meadows

Ferns
Onoclea sensibilis
Osmunda cinnamomea
Thelypteris palustris
Grasses and Grasslike Plants
Andropogon gerardii, virginicus
Calamagrostis canadensis
Carex glaucodea, stricta
Elymus riparius
Leersia oryzoides
Panicum virgatum
Tripsacum dactyloides
Herbaceous Plants
Agalinis purpurea
Asclepias incarnata
Caltha palustris
Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellata (Aster
umbellatus)
Gentiana clausa

Eupatorium stulosum, maculatum, perfoliatum

Helenium autumnale
Impatiens capensis (I. biora)
Lilium canadense, superbum
Lobelia cardinalis, siphilitica
Mimulus ringens
Packera aurea (Senecio aureus)
Phlox maculata
Rudbeckia laciniata
Sabatia angularis
Scutellaria integrifolia
Silphium perfoliatum
Sisyrinchium atlanticum
Solidago rugosa
Spiranthes cernua
Stachys tenuifolia (hispida)
Symphyotrichum (Aster) novi-belgii
Thalictrum pubescens (polygamum)
Verbena hastata
Viola conspersa
Viola striata

Herbaceous Emergents
Iris prismatica, versicolor, virginica
Juncus effusus
Scirpus atrovirens, cyperinus
Spartina pectinata
Shrubs
Note: Listed are a few of the shorter shrubs
that may appear in or at the edges of
meadows. Using shrubs in a planting that is
to remain as a meadow is not recommended,
as they provide perching spots for birds,
whose droppings will seed in unwanted plants,
including trees. If the meadow is to be allowed
to succeed eventually to forest, then adding
shrubs is one prescribed method.
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Ilex verticillata
Rhododendron viscosum
Rosa palustris
Spiraea tomentosa

Plants for Forest or Woodland Plantings

Forests contain a diversity of plant types
arranged in vertical layers, from the tallest
(canopy or overstory) trees, through the
understory of shorter trees and shrubs, to the
forest oor or ground layer of low shrubs and
herbaceous plants. Forest types are classied
by the dominant trees present (e.g., oakhickory-pine forest). Plant species occurring
together in these different forest types are a
function of the climate, altitude, geology and
physiographic location, soil type, moisture,
sunlight, and other conditions. So many
combinations of plants occur in these different
forests that space limitations prevent listing
them all. Instead, the following represent
plants found in a few of the more common
forest types in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
These lists provide the basis for a viable forest
or woodland project. Common ferns, grasses
and herbaceous plants for the ground layer are
listed separately, as they may occur in many
of the forest types in various combinations.
Remember to match the plants growth
requirements with the site conditions.
For new projects at open sites, it may take
years for young trees to provide adequate
shade. Consult other restoration resources
and/or professionals for alternative methods

of developing the ground layer, and for more

comprehensive forest community information.

Forest Types, Basic Structure

Oak-Mixed Forest (Coastal Plain)
Canopy trees for well-drained sites
Carya cordiformis, tomentosa
Quercus alba, falcata, marilandica, phellos,
prinus, stellata, velutina
Pinus species, occasional intermixed with
the above
Canopy trees for moist sites
Acer rubrum
Fagus grandifolia
Quercus bicolor, michauxii, nigra, palustris,
phellos
Liquidambar styraciua
Liriodendron tulipifera
Nyssa sylvatica
Understory trees
Asimina triloba
Cercis canadensis
Cornus orida
Ilex opaca
Magnolia virginiana

Understory shrubs
Comptonia peregrina
Gaylussacia frondosa
Ilex glabra
Kalmia angustifolia, latifolia
Morella (Myrica) cerifera, pensylvanica
Vaccinium pallidum (vacillans), stamineum
Viburnum dentatum (recognitum), prunifolium
Pine Forest (Coastal Plain)
Overstory trees
Pinus taeda, virginiana, rigida (occasional)
Understory trees
Ilex opaca
Sassafras albidum
Understory shrubs
Clethra alnifolia
Morella (Myrica) cerifera, pensylvanica
Rhus copallina

69

Oak-Hickory Forest (Piedmont and Mountain,

occasional on Coastal Plain)
Dominant overstory trees
Carya cordiformis, ovata
Quercus alba, prinus, rubra, velutina
Other trees
Amelanchier arborea, canadensis
Carya alba, glabra, tomentosa
Celtis occidentalis
Cercis canadensis
Cornus orida
Crataegus viridis
Fraxinus Americana
Juglans nigra
Prunus serotina
Quercus coccinea, falcata, lyrata,
marilandica,
muhlenbergii, stellata
Sassafras albidum
Tilia americana
Ulmus Americana
Additional trees for more moist sites
Acer rubrum
Liquidambar styraciua
Liriodendron tulipifera
Ulmus americana
Shrubs
Kalmia latifolia
Vaccinium angustifolium, corymbosum,
pallidum (vacillans), stamineum
Viburnum acerifolium
Red Oak - Mixed Hardwood Forest
(Piedmont)
Dominant overstory trees
Acer rubrum
Carya ovata, tomentosa
Betula alleghaniensis (lutea), lenta
Fraxinus americana
Fagus grandifolia
Liriodendron tulipifera
Quercus alba, rubra, velutina
Pinus strobus*
Tsuga canadensis*
* These would be in the Hemlock-White PineRed Oak-Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont
and Mountain regions).

70

Understory trees and shrubs

Amelanchier species
Carpinus caroliniana
Hamamelis virginiana
Lindera benzoin
Viburnum acerifolium, dentatum
(recognitum)
Hemlock-White Pine Forest (Mountain)
Dominant overstory trees
Acer saccharum
Betula alleghaniensis (lutea)
Fagus grandifolia
Pinus strobus
Tilia americana
Tsuga canadensis
also Picea rubens (red spruce, not included
in this guide, but native in the Bay
watershed in mountain region)
Other trees
Acer rubrum
Betula lenta
Liriodendron tulipifera
Quercus rubra, velutina
Shrubs
Hamamelis virginiana
Rhododendron maximum
Viburnum acerifolium
Mixed Mesophytic Forest (Mountain)
These forests are relicts of ancient mesic
(moist) broadleaf deciduous forests. They can
be very diverse.
Dominant overstory trees
Acer saccharum
Betula lenta
Carya ovata
Carpinus caroliniana
Fagus grandifolia
Fraxinus americana
Juglans nigra
Liriodendron tulipifera
Magnolia acuminata
Prunus serotina
Quercus rubra
Tilia americana
Understory trees and shrubs
Cercis canadensis
Hamamelis virginiana
Hydrangea arborescens
Lindera benzoin
Rhododendron maximum
Staphylea trifolia

Woodland Floor or Ground Layer Plants

These plants can also be used for gardens in
or adjacent to wooded areas. Refer to specic
habitat and growing conditions to match plants
in appropriate groupings.
Ferns
All species included in this guide occur in
woodlands.
Grasses and Grasslike Plants
Agrostis perennans
Andropogon gerardii
Carex crinita var. crinita, glaucodea, lurida,
pensylvanica, vulpinoidea
Chasmanthium latifolium
Danthonia spicata
Dichanthelium clandestinum, commutatum
Elymus hystrix (Hystrix patula)
Festuca rubra
Panicum virgatum
Saccharum giganteum (Erianthus giganteus)
Schizachyrium scoparium (Andropogon
scoparius)
Sorghastrum nutans
Tridens avus
Tripsacum dactyloides
Herbaceous Plants
Actaea pachypoda
Ageratina altissima v. altissima (Eupatorium
rugosum)
Aquilegia canadensis
Aralia nudicaulis, racemosa
Arisaema triphyllum
Aruncus dioicus
Asarum canadense
Campanulastrum americanum (Campanula
americana)
Cardamine concatenata (Dentaria laciniata)
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Chelone glabra
Chimaphila maculata
Chrysogonum virginianum
Cimicifuga racemosa
Claytonia virginica
Delphinium tricorne
Dicentra canadensis, cucullaria, eximia
Erythronium americanum
Eurybia divaricata (Aster divaricatus)
Geranium maculatum
Helenium autumnale
Helianthus divaricatus
Heliopsis helianthoides
Hepatica nobilis var. acuta (acutiloba), var.
obtusa (americana)
Heracleum maximum (lanatum)
Heuchera americana, villosa

(continued)

Hydrophyllum virginianum
Impatiens capensis (biora)
Ionactis (Aster) linariifolius
Jeffersonia diphylla
Liatris scariosa
Lilium canadense, philadelphicum
Maianthemum canadense, racemosum
(Smilacina racemosa)
Medeola virginiana
Melanthium virginicum
Mertensia virginica
Mitchella repens
Mitella diphylla
Monarda didyma
Osmorhiza longistylis
Oxalis violacea
Packera aurea (Senecio aureus)

Penstemon laevigatus
Phlox carolina, divaricata, stolonifera
Podophyllum peltatum
Polemonium reptans
Polygonatum biorum, pubescens
Sanguinaria canadensis
Saxifraga pensylvanica, virginiensis
Scutellaria integrifolia
Sedum ternatum
Silene caroliniana, stellata, virginica
Solidago caesia, exicaulis, rugosa
Stachys tenuifolia (hispida)
Stellaria pubera
Thalictrum dioicum, pubescens (polygamum),
thalictroides (Anemonella t.)
Tiarella cordifolia

Tradescantia virginiana
Trillium erectum, grandiorum, sessile,
undulatum
Uvularia grandiora, perfoliata, sessilifolia
Veratrum viride
Viola conspersa, hastata, pubescens
(pennsylvanica), sororia (papilionacea), striata
Zizia aurea
Vines
Any of the vines included in this guide may
be found in woodlands, occupying various
vegetative layers, from the ground up.

Solutions for Slopes

Slopes of any kind are prone to erosion from rain, runoff; wave action, stream or river currents, and foot or lawnmower trafc. Plants with deep,
spreading root systems help prevent erosion by holding soil in place. Some plants that are particularly well suited to and recommended for holding or
stabilizing soils on a dry upland slope or hillsides such as a sloping yard or road embankment are listed below.
However, any plant suited to the sites sun, soil, and moisture conditions that could be planted on a at surface could be planted on a slope, as long
as the slope is accessible. Plants that naturally occur on slopes or hillsides can be found by searching the habitat notes provided with each plant in
this guide.
For plants to use on a tidal shoreline, see the list of saltmarsh or freshwater marsh plants. For plants to use on a stream, pond or riverbank, see the
list of freshwater marsh plants.

Plants That Provide Stabilization on Dry, Sunny Slopes or Hillsides

Grasses & Grasslike Plants
Ammophila breviligulata
Andropogon gerardii
Dichanthelium clandestinum
Elymus canadensis
Panicum virgatum
Panicum amarum
Schizachyrium scoparium
Herbaceous Plants
Any of the herbaceous plants that thrive in a
sunny, dry site tend to be deep-rooted and
would provide good slope stabilization. See
the dry meadow plants list on for additional
choices.
Baptisia tinctoria
Lespedeza capitata
Chamaecrista (Cassia) fasciculata
Shrubs
Comptonia peregrina
Ceanothus americanus
Clethra alnifolia
Cornus racemosa
Gaylussacia baccata, frondosa

Hypericum densiorum
Kalmia latifolia
Morella pensylvanica
Physocarpus opulifolius
Rhus aromatica
Rhus copallina
Rhus glabra
Rosa carolina
Rubus allegheniensis
Vaccinium angustifolium
Viburnum acerifolium
Trees
The following are some of the tree species that
may occur on slopes. However, for stabilization
purposes, practitioners recommend planting
herbaceous plants and shrubs, as trees will
appear in time through succession.

Castanea pumila
Celtis occidentalis
Chionanthus virginicus
Cornus alternifolia, orida
Crataegus crus-galli
Fraxinus americana
Juglans nigra
Liquidambar styraciua
Liriodendron tulipifera
Magnolia acuminata
Morus rubra
Nyssa sylvatica
Ostrya virginiana
Pinus rigida, taeda
Quercus coccinea
Quercus marilandica, michauxii, muehlenbergii,
prinus, rubra, velutina
Sorbus (Pyrus) americana
Ulmus rubra

Acer rubrum, saccharum, spicatum

Amelanchier arborea
Betula lenta
Carya alba (tomentosa), cordiformis, glabra,
ovata

Vines
Campsis radicans
Celastrus scandens
Passiora incarnata
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
71

Evergreens
Ferns
Asplenium platyneuron
Dryopteris carthusiana (spinulosa), cristata,
intermedia, marginalis
Polystichum acrostichoides
Herbaceous Plants
Asarum canadense
Goodyera pubescens
Heuchera americana
Mitchella repens
Phlox carolina, stolonifera, subulata
Sedum ternatum

Silene caroliniana
Solidago sempervirens
Yucca lamentosa (accida)
Shrubs
Gaultheria procumbens
Ilex glabra
Kalmia angustifolia, latifolia
Morella (Myrica) caroliniensis (heterophylla),
cerifera
Rhododendron maximum
Vaccinium macrocarpon

Trees
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Ilex opaca
Juniperus virginiana
Magnolia virginiana
Pinus any species in this guide
Thuja occidentalis
Tsuga canadensis
Vines
Bignonia capreolata
Lonicera sempervirens

Plants to use as Groundcovers

Ferns

Any species in this guide

Grasses and Grasslike Plants
Carex glaucodea, pensylvanica
Danthonia spicata
Festuca rubra
Herbaceous Plants
Aquilegia canadensis
Asarum canadense
Chimaphila maculata
Chrysogonum virginianum
Chrysopsis mariana
Coreopsis verticillata

Erigeron pulchellus
Eurybia divaricata (Aster divaricatus)
Geranium maculatum
Hepatica nobilis var. acuta (acutiloba), nobilis
var. obtusa (americana)
Heuchera americana, villosa
Hylotelephium (Sedum) telephioides
Maianthemum canadense
Mitchella repens
Opuntia humifusa (compressa)
Oxalis violacea
Phlox carolina, stolonifera, subulata
Podophyllum peltatum
Polemonium reptans
Sedum ternatum

Plants for Spring and Fall Color

A search through this guide will reveal literally hundreds of plants of all types that will ower or fruit
in spring or fall, providing a wide variety of choices to color a native landscaping project and to
offer a diversity of food for wildlife. Remember to consider trees, shrubs and vines when choosing
plants for their ower color; and to include fruit color in the palette. The fall color of many plants,
particularly grasses, trees, shrubs and vines adds interest to the landscape. A landscape planned
for seasonal color, throughout all seasons of the year, can also provide year-round food, cover
and nesting structure for wildlife.

72

Silene caroliniana
Tiarella cordifolia
Uvularia sessilifolia
Viola conspersa, cucullata, hastata, pedata
Shrubs
Gaultheria procumbens
Vaccinium angustifolium, macrocarpon
Vaccinium pallidum (vacillans)
Vines
Bignonia capreolata
Campsis radicans
Celastrus scandens
Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Deer Resistant Plants

Gardeners challenged by browsing deer often look for a denitive list of plants that deer will leave
alone. Unfortunately, deer are not quite that predictable. In areas where high populations of deer
have over-browsed the woodland understory, they are likely to eat any plant they can nd to
survive. Gardeners and habitat restorationists are strongly encouraged to use other appropriate
barriers to exclude deer, in consultation with a local wildlife agency. Plants marked with an
asterisk (*) may be browsed occasionally.
The list below was compiled from Bowmans Hill Wildower Preserve and Deer Proong Your Yard
(Hart), see references.
Grasses and Grasslike Plants
Andropogon gerardii
Panicum virgatum
Herbaceous Plants
Actaea pachypoda
Allium cernuum
Aquilegia canadensis
Arisaema triphyllum
Aruncus dioicus
Asarum canadense *
Asclepias tuberose
Baptisia australis
Campanulastrum americanum (Campanula
americana)
Coreopsis tripteris
Dicentra eximia
Geranium maculatum
Helenium autumnale
Hibiscus moscheutos (H. palustris)
Jeffersonia diphylla
Lobelia cardinalis *, siphilitica *
Lupinus perennis
Monarda didyma
Phlox divaricata, stolonifera
Podophyllum peltatum *
Polemonium reptans
Rudbeckia fulgida, hirta
Solidago species
Symphyotrichum (Aster) novae-angliae
Veronicastrum virginicum (Veronica virginica)
Herbaceous Emergents
Iris prismatica, versicolor, virginica

Shrubs
Aralia spinosa
Clethra alnifolia
Cornus amomum
Hamamelis virginiana
Hypericum densiorum
Ilex glabra, laevigata, verticillata
Kalmia latifolia
Leucothoe racemosa
Lindera benzoin
Morella (Myrica) cerifera, pensylvanica
Ribes rotundifolium
Spiraea alba, alba v. latifolia (latifolia),
tomentosa
Viburnum acerifolium, dentatum (recognitum),
prunifolium

Vines
Celastrus scandens
Clematis virginiana *
Lonicera sempervirens
Wisteria frutescens *

Trees
Acer negundo, rubrum
Amelanchier canadensis
Betula nigra
Carpinus caroliniana
Cercis canadensis
Cornus alternifolia
Cornus orida *
Diospyros virginiana
Fagus grandifolia
Fraxinus americana, pennsylvanica
Ilex opaca
Juniperus virginiana
Magnolia acuminata, virginiana
Nyssa sylvatica
Pinus any species in this guide
Quercus any species in this guide
Sambucus racemosa v. racemosa (S. pubens)

73

Photographic Credits
All photographs in this publication were used with permission of the photographers. Most images
are copyrighted by the photographers and/or the sources listed below, and may not be used for
commercial purposes without prior written permission of the copyright holders. The U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service is grateful for the generosity and cooperation of these photographers.
Each photograph is marked with an abbreviated form for the corresponding photographer, due
to space limitations. Those abbreviations are listed here in alphabetical order, followed by the full
credit information.
The Bugwood Network and Forestry Images Image
Archive and Database Systems, The University of
Georgia-Warnell School of Forest Resources and College
of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Department of
Entomology. www.bugwood.org
BUG DJM David J. Moorhead
BUG RFW Robert F. Wittwer
BZ

Bob Zuberbuhler, www.westernpawildowers.

com

CAB

Carole Ann Barth, Heal Earth Gardens, Silver

Spring, Maryland.

CM NRCS Christopher F. Miller, Regional Plant Materials

Specialist, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation
Service, Somerset, New Jersey.
Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library.
www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/galfolks.htm, or
www.texasora.org
DFT DL
David Lemke, The State University-San
Marcos, Department of Biology Herbarium.
DFT HW Hugh Wilson, TAMU Herbarium, Texas A&M
University.
GM ARS

George McLellan, Species Study Group

of the Middle Atlantic Chapter, American
Rhododendron Society. tjhsst.edu/~dhyatt/
azaleas/atlanticum.html

MOBOT

Missouri Botanical Garden. www.mobot.org/

gardeninghelp/plantnder/service.shtml. Digital
images in this database were contributed by
Martha Hill, Glenn Kopp and Alan Stentz.

MP

Dan Tanaglia, Missouriplants. www.

missouriplants.com

NYNHP

Stephen M. Young, New York Natural Heritage

Program. www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/
heritage

OSU

Scott Biggs, Ohio State University.

http://PlantFacts.osu.edu

USDA-NRCS. 2003. The PLANTS Database,

plants.usda.gov/plants. National Plant Data
Center. Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
PLANTS Database images that were used in
this guide were contributed by the following:
PLANTS 1995 U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural
Resources Conservation Service. 1995
Midwestern Wetlands Flora.
PLANTS 1997 U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural
Resources Conservation Service. 1997
Northeastern Wetlands Flora.
PLANTS DEH Herman, D.E. et.al. 1996 North Dakota
Tree Handbook. USDA NRCS. ND State
Soil Conservation Committee. NDSU
Extension and Western Area Power
Administration. Bismark, ND.
PLANTS DL Douglas Ladd. U.S. Department of
Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. 1989
Midwest Wetland Flora: Field Ofce
Illustrated Guide to Plant Species. Midwest
National Technical Center, Lincoln, NE.
PLANTS GAM Gary A. Monroe
PLANTS GFR George F. Russell
PLANTS JA Jennifer Anderson
PLANTS JS Jim Stasz
PLANTS JSP J.S. Peterson
PLANTS LA Larry Allain
PLANTS RM89 Robert H. Mohlenbrock. U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.
1989 Midwest Wetland Flora: Field Ofce
Illustrated Guide to Plant Species. Midwest
National Technical Center, Lincoln, NE.
PLANTS RM91 Robert H. Mohlenbrock. U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.
1991 Southern Wetland Flora: Field Ofce
Guide to Plant Species. South National
Technical Center, Fort Worth, TX.
PLANTS RM95 Robert H. Mohlenbrock. U.S. Department
of Agriculture,Natural Resources
Conservation Service. 1995 Northeast
Wetland Flora: Field Guide to Plant
Species. Northeast Technical Center,
Chester, PA.
PLANTS TGB Thomas G. Barnes
PLANTS WSJ William S. Justice
PLANTS

RHW

R. Harrison Wiegand, Maryland Department

of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage
Service. www.dnr.state.md.us

RS MNPS Rod Simmons, Maryland Native Plant Society.

www.mdora.org
SMSU

74

Paul Redfearn, Ozarks Regional Herbarium,

Southwest Missouri State University.
biology.smsu.edu/Herbarium

UCONN

Mark Brand, UConn Plant Database,

University of Connecticut. www.hort.uconn.
edu/plants/about.html

USDA NRCS U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural

Resources Conservation Service, National
Plant Materials Center, Beltsville, MD. www.
plantmaterials.nrcs.usda.gov/mdpmc
USDA JE
John Englert
USDA JK
Jennifer Kujawski
USDA MG Martin van der Grinten
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Chesapeake Bay Field Ofce, Annapolis,
MD 21401. www.fws.gov/r5cbfo
USFWS BES Britt Slattery
USFWS RL Randy Loftus
USFWS RM Rich Mason
USFWS RS Rich Starr
USFWS

University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin State Herbarium,

Madison, WI 53706-1381. www.botany.wisc.edu/herbarium
UWI AH
Andrew Hipp, University of WisconsinMadison.
UWI DK
Darrin Kimbler, University of WisconsinMadison.
UWI DWW Dennis W. Woodland, Andrews University.
UWI EJJ Emmet J. Judziewicz University of WisconsinStevens Point and Madison.
UWI JK
John Kohout, donated to Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources.
UWI JRS James R. Sime, Middleton, Wisconsin.
UWI JS
Janice Stiefel, Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin.
UWI KJS Kenneth J. Sytsma, University of WisconsinMadison.
UWI KK
Kitty Kohout, donated to Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources.
UWI MC Michael Clayton, University of WisconsinMadison.
UWI MRB Merel R. Black, University of WisconsinMadison.
UWI RRK Robert R. Kowal, University of WisconsinMadison.
UWI RWF Robert W. Freckmann, University of
Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
UWI TK
Tim Kessenich, Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources.
VT

Virginia Tech (Virginia Polytechnic Institute

and State University), College of Natural
Resources, Forest Biology and Dendrology
Educational Sites. www.cnr.vt.edu/dendro/
wwwmain.html

References
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Baltimore, MD. 1984.
Brown, Russel G. and Melvin L. Brown. Woody Plants of Maryland. Port City Press, Baltimore,
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Burrell, C. Colston. A Gardeners Encyclopedia of Wildowers: An Organic Guide to Choosing and
Growing over 150 Beautiful Wildowers. Rodale Press, Inc., Emmaus, PA. 1997.
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Conservancy, Pittsburgh, PA. 1999.
Gleason, Henry A. and Arthur Cronquist. Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States
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Dendrology Eighth Edition. McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York, NY. 1996.
Hart, Rhonda Massingham. Deer-Proong Your Yard & Garden. Storey Books, Pownal, VT. 1997.
Hightshoe, Gary L. Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Urban and Rural America. Van Nostrand
Reinhold, New York, NY. 1988.
Johnson, Lorraine. 100 Easy-To-Grow Native Plants For American Gardens in Temperate Zones.
Firey Books Ltd., Buffalo, NY. 1999.
Jones, Samuel B. Jr. and Arlen E. Luchsinger. Plant Systematics. Second Edition. McGraw-Hill
Book Company, New York, NY. 1986.
Kricher, John C. The Peterson Field Guide Series. A Field Guide to Eastern Forests: North
America. Houghton Mifin Company, Boston, MA. 1988.
Little, Elbert L. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Eastern Region. Alfred
A. Knopf, Inc., New York, NY. 1980.
Luttenberg, Danielle, Deborah Lev and Michael Feller. Native Species Planting Guide for New
York City and Vicinity. City of New York Parks and Recreation, New York, NY. 1993.
Magee, Dennis W. Freshwater Wetlands: A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast.
University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst, MA. 1981.
75

Martin, Alexander C. and A. L. Nelson. American Wildlife and Plants: A Guide to Wildlife Food.
Dover Publications, Minneola, NY. 1985.
Newcomb, Lawrence. Newcombs Wildower Guide. Little, Brown and Company, Boston, MA.
1977.
Niering, William A. The Audubon Society Nature Guides: Wetlands. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New
York, NY. 1985.
Phillips, Ellen and C. Colston Burrell. Rodales Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials. Rodale
Press, Inc., Emmaus, PA. 1993.
Redington, Charles B., Ph.D. Plants in Wetlands. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque,
IA. 1994.
Reed, Clyde F. The Ferns and Fern Allies of Maryland and Delaware including District of
Columbia. The Science Press, Lancaster, PA. 1953.
Rhoads, Ann F. and Timothy A. Block. The Plants of Pennsylvania: An Illustrated Manual.
University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia, PA. 2000.
Still, Steven M. Manual of Herbaceous Ornamental Plants. Fourth Edition. Stipes Publishing
Company, Champaign, IL. 1994.
Swearingen, J., K. Reshetiloff, B. Slattery, and S. Zwicker. 2002. Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic
Natural Areas. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 82 pp.
Thurnhorst, Gwendolyn A. Wetland Planting Guide for the Northeastern United States.
Environmental Concern, Inc., St. Michaels, MD. 1993.
Tiner, Ralph W. A Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United States.
University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst, MA. 1987.
Tiner, Ralph W. Field Guide to Nontidal Wetland Identication. Maryland Department of Natural
Resources, Annapolis, MD and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Newton Corner, MA. 1988.
Tyning, Thomas F. A Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles. Stokes Nature Guides. Little, Brown and
Company, Boston, MA. 1990.
Water and Ecosystems Team. Roadside Use of Native Plants. Federal Highway Administration.
Washington D.C. 1999.

76

Internet References
American Forests (www.americanforest.org/resources/bigtrees/register.php).
Bowmans Hill Wildower Preserve (www.bhwp.org).
Brooklyn Botanic Garden (www.bbg.org).
Connecticut Botanical Society (www.ct-botanical-society.org).
Harvard University Herbaria (www.huh.harvard.edu).
Horticopia (www.horticopia.com).
Horticopia Plant Information (www.hortpix.com).
Kentucky Native Plant Society (www.knps.org).
Missouri Botanical Garden (www.mobot.org).
NatureServe (www.natureserve.org).
Nearctica (www.nearctica.com/nathist/nathist.htm).
Ohio State University (ohioline.osu.edu).
Plant America (www.plantamerica.com).
Plant File (www.plantle.com).
Plants For a Future (www.pfaf.org).
Saw Mill River Audubon, Pruyn Sanctuary Buttery and Hummingbird Garden 2001 Plant List
(www.sawmillriveraudubon.org/downloads/GardenList.doc).
South Carolina Forestry Commission (www.state.sc.us/forest/tidtsim.htm).
Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series (www.sustland.umn.edu).
Toadshade (www.toadshade.com).
USDA Silvics of North America (www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/table_of_contents.
htm) Burns, Russell M., and Barbara H. Honkala, tech. coords. Silvics of North America: 1.
Conifers; 2. Hardwoods. Agriculture Handbook 654. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service, Washington, DC. 1990.
USDA, NRCS. 2001 The PLANTS Database, version 3.1 (plants.usda.gov/plants). National Plant
Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
University of Minnesota, Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series
(www.sustland.umn.edu).
University of Wisconsin Botanical Garden (www.botany.wisc.edu/Garden).
Washington State Department of Ecology
(www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/native/brasenia.html).
The Xerces Society (www.xerces.org).
77

Catalogs
Adkins Arboretum. Fall 2001 Native Plant Sale: Plant Sale List. Ridgely, MD
(www.adkinsarboretum.org).
Bluemount Nuseries, Inc. Catalog 2001. Monkton, MD (www.bluemount.com).
Carroll Gardens. Americas Selection of Rare and Unusual Plants 1997. Westminster, MD
(www.carrollgardens.com).
Environmental Concern. 2001 Nursery Catalog. St. Michaels, MD (www.wetland.org).
Environmental Concern, Inc. 1996 Nursey Catalog. St. Michaels, MD. 1996 (www.wetland.org).
Ernst Conservation Seeds. Wholesale Price List Spring/Summer 2003. Meadville, PA
(www.ersntseed.com).
Ernst Conservation Seeds. Wholesale 2002 Catalog and Information Guide. Meadville, PA
(www.ersntseed.com).
Ernst Conservation Seeds. 1999 Information Guide. Meadville, PA (www.ersntseed.com).
Lower Marlboro Nursery. Spring 1999. Dunkirk, MD (www.lowermarlboronursery.com).
Maryland Natives Nursery, Inc. 2002 Catalog. Baltimore, MD
(www.marylandnativesnursery.com).
North Creek Nurseries, Inc. 2001 Wholesale Catalog. Landenberg, PA
(www.northcreeknurseries.com).
North Creek Nurseries, Inc. 1999 Wholesale Starters. Landenberg, PA
(www.northcreeknurseries.com).
Octoraro Native Plant Nursery. 2002 Wholesale Nursery Catalog. Kirkwood, PA
(www.octoraro.com).
Talmage Farm. Native Plants Naturally 2000 Wholesale Catalog. Riverhead, NY
(www.talmagefarm.com).
Virginia Natives. 2001 Catalog. Hume, VA. (www.vnps.org).
Wild Earth Native Plant Nursery. 1999 Catalog. Freehold, NJ.

78

Index
Latin name

Acer negundo ............................................... 54

Acer rubrum .................................................. 54
Acer saccharinum ......................................... 54
Acer saccharum............................................ 54
Acer spicatum ............................................... 54
Actaea pachypoda ........................................ 18
Adiantum pedatum ........................................11
Agalinis purpurea.......................................... 18
Ageratina altissima v. altissima .................... 18
Agrostis perennans....................................... 14
Allium cernuum ............................................. 18
Alnus serrulata.............................................. 45
Amelanchier arborea .................................... 54
Amelanchier canadensis .............................. 54
Ammophila breviligulata ............................... 14
Andropogon gerardii ..................................... 14
Andropogon glomeratus .............................. 14
Andropogon scoparius (see Schizachyrium)
Andropogon virginicus .................................. 14
Anemone canadensis ................................... 18
Anemone virginiana ...................................... 18
Anemonella thalictroides (see Thalictrum
thalictroides)
Antennaria neglecta...................................... 18
Aquilegia canadensis.................................... 18
Aralia nudicaulis ........................................... 19
Aralia racemosa............................................ 19
Aralia spinosa ............................................... 45
Arisaema triphyllum ...................................... 19
Aristolochia durior (see A. macrophylla)
Aristolochia macrophylla .............................. 64
Aronia (see Photinia)
Aruncus dioicus ............................................ 19
Asarum canadense....................................... 19
Asclepias incarnata ...................................... 19
Asclepias syriaca .......................................... 19
Asclepias tuberosa ....................................... 19
Asimina triloba .............................................. 54
Asplenium platyneuron ..................................11
Aster (see Doellingeria, Eurybia, Ionactis,
Symphyotrichum)
Athyrium lix-femina ......................................11
Baccharis halimifolia ..................................... 45
Baptisia australis .......................................... 20
Baptisia tinctoria ........................................... 20
Betula alleghaniensis.................................... 55
Betula lenta................................................... 55
Betula nigra .................................................. 55
Bidens cernua............................................... 20
Bignonia capreolata ...................................... 64
Boltonia asteroides ....................................... 20
Botrychium virginianum .................................11
Calamagrostis canadensis ........................... 14
Callicarpa americana .................................... 45
Caltha palustris ............................................. 20
Campanula americana (see Campanulastrum
americanum)
Campanulastrum americanum .................... 20
Campsis radicans ......................................... 64
Cardamine concatenata .............................. 20
Carex crinita var. crinita ................................ 14
Carex glaucodea .......................................... 14
Carex lurida .................................................. 15
Carex pensylvanica ...................................... 15
Carex stricta ................................................. 15
Carex vulpinoidea ......................................... 15
Carpinus caroliniana ..................................... 55
Carya alba ................................................... 55
Carya cordiformis ......................................... 55
Carya glabra ................................................. 55
Carya ovata .................................................. 55
Cassia fasciculata (see Chamaecrista
fasciculate)
Cassia marilandica (see Senna)
Castanea pumila........................................... 56
Caulophyllum thalictroides............................ 20
Ceanothus americanus................................. 45

Celastrus scandens ...................................... 64

Celtis occidentalis ......................................... 56
Cephalanthus occidentalis............................ 45
Cercis canadensis ........................................ 56
Chamaecrista fasciculata ............................ 21
Chamaecyparis thyoides .............................. 56
Chamerion angustifolium
spp angustifolium .................................... 21
Chasmanthium latifolium .............................. 15
Chelone glabra ............................................. 21
Chimaphila maculata .................................... 21
Chionanthus virginicus ................................. 56
Chrysogonum virginianum ............................ 21
Chrysopsis mariana ...................................... 21
Cimicifuga racemosa .................................... 21
Claytonia virginica ........................................ 21
Clematis viorna ............................................. 64
Clematis virginiana ....................................... 64
Clethra alnifolia ............................................. 45
Clitoria mariana ............................................ 22
Comptonia peregrina .................................... 45
Conoclinium coelestinum ............................. 22
Coreopsis tripteris......................................... 22
Coreopsis verticillata .................................... 22
Cornus alternifolia......................................... 56
Cornus amomum .......................................... 46
Cornus orida ............................................... 56
Cornus racemosa ......................................... 46
Corylus americana........................................ 46
Crataegus crus-galli...................................... 56
Crataegus viridis ........................................... 57
Danthonia spicata ......................................... 15
Delphinium tricorne....................................... 22
Dennstaedtia punctilobula .............................11
Dentaria laciniata (see Cardamine
concatenata)
Desmodium paniculatum .............................. 22
Dicentra canadensis ..................................... 22
Dicentra cucullaria ........................................ 22
Dicentra eximia ............................................. 23
Dichanthelium clandestinum......................... 15
Dichanthelium commutatum ......................... 15
Diospyros virginiana ..................................... 57
Distichlis spicata ........................................... 41
Dodecatheon meadia ................................... 23
Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellata.......... 23
Dryopteris carthusiana ..................................11
Dryopteris cristata..........................................11
Dryopteris intermedia ....................................11
Dryopteris marginalis .................................... 12
Dulichium arundinaceum .............................. 41
Elymus canadensis....................................... 16
Elymus hystrix .............................................. 16
Elymus riparius ............................................. 16
Elymus virginicus .......................................... 16
Epilobium angustifolium
(see Chamerion)
Erianthus giganteus (see Saccharum
giganteum)
Erigeron pulchellus ....................................... 23
Erythronium americanum ............................. 23
Eupatorium coelestinum
(see Conoclinium coelestinum)
Eupatorium dubium ...................................... 23
Eupatorium stulosum .................................. 23
Eupatorium hyssopifolium ............................ 23
Eupatorium maculatum................................. 24
Eupatorium perfoliatum ................................ 24
Eupatorium purpureum ................................. 24
Eupatorium rugosum
(see Ageratina altissima v. altissima)
Eurybia divaricata ........................................ 24
Fagus grandifolia .......................................... 57
Festuca rubra ............................................... 16
Fraxinus americana ...................................... 57
Fraxinus pennsylvanica ................................ 57
Gaultheria procumbens ................................ 46
Gaylussacia baccata .................................... 46
Gaylussacia frondosa ................................... 46
Gentiana clausa............................................ 24

Geranium maculatum ................................... 24

Gillenia trifoliata (see Porteranthus trifoliatus)
Goodyera pubescens ................................... 24
Hamamelis virginiana ................................... 46
Helenium autumnale..................................... 24
Helianthus angustifolius................................ 25
Helianthus decapetalus ................................ 25
Helianthus divaricatus .................................. 25
Heliopsis helianthoides ................................. 25
Hepatica acutiloba
(see H. nobilis var. acuta)
Hepatica americana
(see H. nobilis var. obtusa
Hepatica nobilis var. acuta............................ 25
Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa ......................... 25
Heracleum maximum ................................... 25
Heuchera americana .................................... 25
Heuchera villosa ........................................... 26
Hibiscus moscheutos ................................... 41
Houstonia caerulea....................................... 26
Hydrangea arborescens ............................... 46
Hydrophyllum virginianum ............................ 26
Hylotelephium telephioides .......................... 26
Hypericum densiorum ................................. 47
Hystrix patula (see Elymus hystrix)
Ilex glabra ..................................................... 47
Ilex laevigata................................................. 47
Ilex opaca ..................................................... 57
Ilex verticillata ............................................... 47
Impatiens capensis ...................................... 26
Ionactis linariifolius ...................................... 26
Iris prismatica ............................................... 41
Iris versicolor ................................................ 41
Iris virginica................................................... 41
Itea virginica ................................................. 47
Iva frutescens ............................................... 47
Jeffersonia diphylla ....................................... 26
Juglans nigra ................................................ 57
Juncus canadensis ....................................... 41
Juncus effuses.............................................. 41
Juncus roemerianus ..................................... 42
Juniperus virginiana...................................... 57
Justicia americana ........................................ 42
Kalmia angustifolia ....................................... 47
Kalmia latifolia .............................................. 47
Kosteletzkya virginica ................................... 42
Leersia oryzoides ......................................... 16
Lespedeza capitata ...................................... 26
Leucothoe racemosa .................................... 48
Liatris pilosa v. pilosa ................................... 27
Liatris scariosa.............................................. 27
Liatris spicata................................................ 27
Liatris squarrosa ........................................... 27
Lilium canadense.......................................... 27
Lilium philadelphicum ................................... 27
Lilium superbum ........................................... 27
Limonium carolinianum................................. 27
Linaria canadensis (see Nuttallanthus
canadensis)
Lindera benzoin ............................................ 48
Liquidambar styraciua................................. 58
Liriodendron tulipifera ................................... 58
Lobelia cardinalis .......................................... 28
Lobelia siphilitica .......................................... 28
Lonicera sempervirens ................................. 64
Lupinus perennis .......................................... 28
Lyonia ligustrina ............................................ 48
Lyonia mariana ............................................. 48
Magnolia acuminata ..................................... 58
Magnolia virginiana....................................... 58
Maianthemum canadense ............................ 28
Maianthemum racemosum
ssp.racemosum ...................................... 28
Malus coronaria ........................................... 58
Medeola virginiana ....................................... 28
Melanthium virginicum .................................. 28
Mertensia virginica........................................ 28
Mikania scandens ......................................... 64
Mimulus ringens ........................................... 29
Mitchella repens ........................................... 29

Mitella diphylla .............................................. 29

Monarda bradburiana .................................. 29
Monarda didyma ........................................... 29
Monarda stulos (see M. bradburiana)
Monarda punctata......................................... 29
Morella caroliniensis .................................... 48
Morella cerifera ............................................. 48
Morella pensylvanica ................................... 48
Morus rubra .................................................. 58
Myrica (see Morella)
Nuphar lutea ................................................ 42
Nuttallanthus canadensis ............................ 29
Nymphaea odorata ....................................... 42
Nyssa sylvatica ............................................. 58
Oenothera biennis ........................................ 29
Oenothera fruticosa ...................................... 30
Oenothera perennis ...................................... 30
Onoclea sensibilis......................................... 12
Opuntia humifusa ........................................ 30
Orontium aquaticum ..................................... 42
Osmorhiza longistylis.................................... 30
Osmunda cinnamomea ................................ 12
Osmunda claytoniana ................................... 12
Osmunda regalis .......................................... 12
Ostrya virginiana........................................... 58
Oxalis violacea ............................................. 30
Packera aurea .............................................. 30
Panicum amarum ......................................... 16
Panicum virgatum ......................................... 16
Parthenocissus quinquefolila ........................ 65
Passiora incarnata ...................................... 65
Peltandra virginica ........................................ 42
Penstemon digitalis ...................................... 30
Penstemon laevigatus .................................. 30
Phlox carolina ............................................... 31
Phlox divaricata ............................................ 31
Phlox maculate ............................................. 31
Phlox paniculata ........................................... 31
Phlox stolonifera ........................................... 31
Phlox subulata .............................................. 31
Photinia melanocarpa .................................. 48
Photinia pyrifolia .......................................... 49
Physocarpus opulifolius ................................ 49
Physostegia virginiana.................................. 31
Pinus echinata .............................................. 59
Pinus rigida ................................................... 59
Pinus serotina ............................................... 59
Pinus strobes ................................................ 59
Pinus taeda................................................... 59
Pinus virginiana ............................................ 59
Platanus occidentalis .................................... 59
Podophyllum peltatum .................................. 31
Polemonium reptans..................................... 32
Polygonatum biorum ................................... 32
Polygonatum pubescens .............................. 32
Polystichum acrostichoides .......................... 12
Pontederia cordata ....................................... 42
Populus deltoides ......................................... 59
Populus heterophylla .................................... 60
Porteranthus trifoliatus.................................. 32
Prunus americana ........................................ 60
Prunus maritima ........................................... 49
Prunus pensylvanica .................................... 60
Prunus serotina ............................................ 60
Prunus virginiana .......................................... 60
Pteridium aquilinum ...................................... 12
Pycnanthemum incanum .............................. 32
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium .......................... 32
Pyrus americana (see Sorbus americana)
Pyrus coronaria (see Malus coronaria)
Quercus alba ................................................ 60
Quercus bicolor ............................................ 60
Quercus coccinea ......................................... 60
Quercus falcata ............................................ 61
Quercus ilicifolia ........................................... 61
Quercus marilandica..................................... 61
Quercus michauxii ....................................... 61
Quercus montana (see Quercus michauxii and
prinus)
Quercus muehlenbergii ................................ 61
79

Quercus nigra ............................................... 61

Quercus palustris.......................................... 61
Quercus phellos............................................ 61
Quercus prinus ............................................ 62
Quercus rubra............................................... 62
Quercus stellata............................................ 62
Quercus velutina........................................... 62
Rhexia virginica ............................................ 32
Rhododendron atlanticum ............................ 49
Rhododendron calendulaceum..................... 49
Rhododendron canescens............................ 49
Rhododendron maximum ............................. 49
Rhododendron periclymenoides ................... 49
Rhododendron prinophyllum ........................ 50
Rhododendron viscosum .............................. 50
Rhus aromatica ............................................ 50
Rhus copallina .............................................. 50
Rhus glabra .................................................. 50
Rhus hirta (typhina) ...................................... 50
Ribes rotundifolium ....................................... 50
Rosa carolina................................................ 50
Rosa palustris ............................................... 51
Rubus allegheniensis ................................... 51
Rubus odoratus ............................................ 51
Rudbeckia fulgida ......................................... 32
Rudbeckia hirta............................................. 33
Rudbeckia laciniata ...................................... 33
Rudbeckia triloba .......................................... 33
Ruellia caroliniensis ...................................... 33
Sabatia angularis .......................................... 33
Saccharum giganteum ................................. 17
Sagittaria latifolia .......................................... 43
Salix humilis.................................................. 51
Salix nigra ..................................................... 62
Salix sericea ................................................. 62
Salvia lyrata .................................................. 33
Sambucus canadensis (see Sambucus nigra
ssp. canadensis)
Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis ................. 51
Sambucus pubens (see Sambucus racemosa
v. racemosa)
Sambucus racemosa v. racemosa .............. 51
Sanguinaria canadensis ............................... 33
Sassafras albidum ........................................ 62
Saururus cernuus ......................................... 43
Saxifraga pensylvanica................................. 33
Saxifraga virginiensis.................................... 34
Schizachyrium scoparium ............................ 17
Schoenoplectus pungens v. pungens .......... 43
Schoenoplectus validus ............................... 43
Scirpus atrovirens ......................................... 43
Scirpus cyperinus ......................................... 43
Scirpus pungens (see Schoenoplectus
pungens v. pungens)
Scirpus validus
(see Schoenoplectus validus)
Scutellaria integrifolia ................................... 34
Sedum telephoides (see Hylotelephium
telephoides)
Sedum ternatum ........................................... 34
Senecio aureus (see Packera aurea)
Senna marilandica ....................................... 34
Silene caroliniana ......................................... 34
Silene stellata ............................................... 34
Silene virginica ............................................. 34
Silphium perfoliatum ..................................... 34
Sisyrinchium angustifolium .......................... 34
Sisyrinchium atlanticum ................................ 34
Sisyrinchium graminoides (see Sisyrinchium
angustifolium)
Smilacina racemosa (see Maianthemum
racemosum ssp. racemosum)
Smilax herbacea ........................................... 65
Solidago altissima (see S. canadensis v.
scabra)
Solidago caesia ............................................ 35
Solidago canadensis .................................... 35
Solidago canadensis v. scabra .................... 35
Solidago exicaulis ....................................... 35
Solidago juncea ............................................ 35
80

Solidago nemoralis ....................................... 35

Solidago odora ............................................. 36
Solidago rugosa............................................ 36
Solidago sempervirens ................................. 36
Solidago speciosa ........................................ 36
Sorbus americana ........................................ 62
Sorghastrum nutans ..................................... 17
Sparganium americanum ............................. 43
Spartina alterniora ...................................... 43
Spartina cynosuroides .................................. 44
Spartina patens ............................................ 44
Spartina pectinata......................................... 44
Spiraea alba ................................................. 51
Spiraea alba v. latifolia ................................. 51
Spiraea latifolia
(see Spirea alba v. latifolia)
Spiraea tomentosa ....................................... 52
Spiranthes cernua ........................................ 36
Stachys tenuifolia (hispida) .......................... 36
Staphylea trifolia ........................................... 52
Stellaria pubera ............................................ 36
Symphyotrichum cordifolium ....................... 36
Symphyotrichum ericoides var. ericoides .... 37
Symphyotrichum laeve var. laeve ................ 37
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae .................. 37
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
var. novi-belgii ........................................ 37
Symplocarpus foetidus ................................. 37
Taxodium distichum ...................................... 63
Thalictrum dioicum ....................................... 39
Thalictrum pubescens ................................. 37
Thalictrum thalictroides ................................ 37
Thelypteris noveboracensis .......................... 12
Thelypteris palustris...................................... 13
Thuja occidentalis ......................................... 63
Tiarella cordifolia .......................................... 38
Tilia americana ............................................. 63
Tradescantia virginiana ................................ 38
Tridens avus ............................................... 17
Trillium erectum ............................................ 38
Trillium grandiorum ..................................... 38
Trillium sessile .............................................. 38
Trillium undulatum ........................................ 38
Tripsacum dactyloides .................................. 17
Tsuga canadensis ......................................... 63
Ulmus americana.......................................... 63
Ulmus rubra .................................................. 63
Uvularia grandiora ...................................... 38
Uvularia perfoliata......................................... 38
Uvularia sessilifolia ....................................... 39
Vaccinium angustifolium ............................... 52
Vaccinium corymbosum ................................ 52
Vaccinium macrocarpon ............................... 52
Vaccinium pallidum (vacillans) ...................... 52
Vaccinium stamineum ................................... 52
Veratrum viride ............................................. 39
Verbena hastata ........................................... 39
Verbesina alternifolia .................................... 39
Vernonia noveboracensis ............................. 39
Vernonia virginicum
(see Veronicastrum)
Veronicastrum virginicum ............................. 39
Viburnum acerifolium .................................... 52
Viburnum cassinoides (SeeViburnum nudum v.
cassinoides)
Viburnum dentatum ..................................... 53
Viburnum nudum .......................................... 53
Viburnum nudum v. cassinoides .................. 53
Viburnum prunifolium.................................... 53
Viburnum recognitum
(see Viburnum dentatum)
Viola conspersa ............................................ 39
Viola cucullata .............................................. 39
Viola hastate ................................................. 40
Viola papilionacea (see Viola sororia)
Viola pedata.................................................. 40
Viola pennsylvanica
(see Viola pubescens var. pubescens
Viola pubescens var. pubescens .................. 40
Viola sororia ................................................. 40

Viola striata ................................................... 40

Wisteria frutescens ....................................... 65
Woodwardia areolata.................................... 13
Woodwardia virginica ................................... 13
Yucca lamentosa (accida) ......................... 40
Zizania aquatica ........................................... 44
Zizia aurea .................................................... 40

Common Name
Adams needle .............................................. 40
alder, smooth ............................................... 45
alumroot........................................................ 25
anemone,
round-leaved ........................................... 18
rue .......................................................... 37
arrow arum ................................................... 42
arrowwood,
maple-leaved ........................................... 52
southern ................................................. 53
ash,
American mountain ................................ 62
green ...................................................... 57
white ........................................................ 57
aster,
at-top white ............................................ 23
golden .................................................... 21
heart-leaved ........................................... 36
heath ....................................................... 37
New England ........................................... 37
New York ................................................. 37
smooth blue ............................................ 37
stiff-leaf .................................................... 26
white wood ............................................. 24
autumn bentgrass ......................................... 14
azalea,
dwarf ...................................................... 49
ame ...................................................... 49
pinxterbloom ............................................ 49
rose ........................................................ 50
swamp .................................................... 50
sweet ...................................................... 49
basswood, American .................................... 63
bayberry,
northern ................................................... 48
southern ................................................. 48
beardtongue ................................................. 30
smooth .................................................... 30
beautyberry, American .................................. 45
beebalm ....................................................... 29
spotted .................................................... 29
beech, American ........................................... 57
beggar-ticks, nodding ................................... 20
bellower, American ..................................... 20
bellwort,
large-owered ......................................... 38
perfoliate ................................................. 38
bergamot, wild .............................................. 29
birch,
river ......................................................... 55
sweet ...................................................... 55
yellow ..................................................... 55
bittersweet, American ................................... 64
blackberry, Allegheny.................................... 51
black-eyed Susan ......................................... 33
bladdernut, American.................................... 52
blazing star ................................................... 27
eastern .................................................... 27
grass-leaf ............................................... 27
plains ...................................................... 27
bleeding heart, wild....................................... 23
bloodroot....................................................... 33
bluebells, Virginia ......................................... 28
blue cohosh ................................................. 20
blue ag, ....................................................... 41
slender ................................................... 41
Virginia ................................................... 41
blue vervain ................................................. 39

blueberry,
early lowbush .......................................... 52
highbush ................................................. 52
lowbush .................................................. 52
bluestem,
big .......................................................... 14
bushy ...................................................... 14
little ......................................................... 17
bluet .............................................................. 26
boltonia, star ................................................ 20
boneset, common ........................................ 24
Bowmans root .............................................. 32
bulrush,
black ....................................................... 43
great ........................................................ 43
woolgrass ................................................ 43
bunchower, Virginia .................................... 28
bur-reed, American ...................................... 43
buttery pea, Maryland ................................. 22
butteryweed ................................................ 19
buttonbush .................................................... 45
cactus, prickly-pear, eastern ......................... 30
Canada mayower........................................ 28
cardinal ower .............................................. 28
cedar,
Atlantic white ........................................... 56
eastern red ............................................. 57
northern white ........................................ 63
cherry,
black ........................................................ 60
choke ...................................................... 60
pin .......................................................... 60
chickweed, star ............................................ 36
chinquapin ................................................... 56
chokeberry,
black ........................................................ 48
red .......................................................... 49
climbing hempvine ........................................ 64
clover, round-head bush ............................... 26
columbine, eastern ...................................... 18
coneower,
early ........................................................ 32
tall ........................................................... 33
three-lobed .............................................. 33
cordgrass,
big ........................................................... 44
freshwater .............................................. 44
salt marsh ................................................ 43
coreopsis,
tall ............................................................ 22
threadleaf ............................................... 22
cottonwood,
eastern ................................................... 59
swamp ..................................................... 60
cow parsnip .................................................. 25
crabapple, sweet .......................................... 58
cranberry ...................................................... 52
creeper, Virginia............................................ 65
crossvine ...................................................... 64
Culvers root ................................................. 39
cup plant ....................................................... 34
cutgrass, rice ................................................ 16
cypress, bald ............................................... 63
dangleberry................................................... 46
deerberry ...................................................... 52
deer-tongue .................................................. 15
Devils walking stick ...................................... 45
dogwood,
alternate-leaf ........................................... 56
owering ................................................. 56
red-panicled ........................................... 46
silky ......................................................... 46
dolls eyes ..................................................... 18
duck potato ................................................... 43
dunegrass .................................................... 14
Dutchmans breeches ................................... 22
dwarf larkspur ............................................... 22
elder,
box .......................................................... 54
marsh ...................................................... 47

elderberry,
common .................................................. 51
red ........................................................... 51
elm,
American ................................................ 63
slippery ................................................... 63
false foxglove, purple.................................... 18
fern,
bracken ................................................... 12
Christmas ................................................ 12
cinnamon ................................................. 12
crested wood ...........................................11
evergreen wood .......................................11
hay-scented .............................................11
interrupted .............................................. 12
marginal shield ........................................ 12
marsh ..................................................... 13
netted chain ............................................. 13
New York ................................................ 12
northern lady ............................................11
northern maidenhair .................................11
rattlesnake ...............................................11
royal ....................................................... 12
sensitive ................................................. 12
sweet ....................................................... 45
toothed .....................................................11
Virginia chain ........................................... 13
fescue, red .................................................... 16
fetterbush...................................................... 48
eld pussytoes .............................................. 18
re pink ......................................................... 34
reweed ........................................................ 21
foamower ................................................... 38
fringetree, white ............................................ 56
gentian, closed ............................................ 24
geranium, wild ............................................. 24
ginger, wild.................................................... 19
goats-beard.................................................. 19
golden club ................................................... 42
golden ragwort .............................................. 30
golden-alexanders ........................................ 40
goldenrod,
bluestem ................................................. 35
broad leaf ................................................ 35
Canada ................................................... 35
early ....................................................... 35
gray ......................................................... 35
seaside ................................................... 36
showy ...................................................... 36
sweet ...................................................... 36
tall ........................................................... 35
wrinkle-leaf ............................................. 36
gooseberry, Appalachian .............................. 50
grass,
bitter or coastal panic .............................. 16
blue-eyed ................................................ 34
bottlebrush .............................................. 16
coastal blue-eyed .................................... 34
gama ...................................................... 17
poverty ................................................... 15
salt ........................................................... 41
green-and-gold ............................................. 21
gum,
black ....................................................... 58
sweet ....................................................... 58
hackberry, common ...................................... 56
haw, black ..................................................... 53
hawthorn,
cockspur .................................................. 56
green ....................................................... 57
hazelnut, American ...................................... 46
hedge nettle .................................................. 36
hellebore, green false .................................. 39
hemlock, eastern .......................................... 63
hepatica,
round-lobed ............................................. 25
sharp-lobed ............................................ 25
heuchera, hairy ............................................. 26

hickory,
bitternut ................................................... 55
mockernut ............................................... 55
pignut ..................................................... 55
shagbark ................................................ 55
high-tide bush ............................................... 45
holly,
American ................................................ 57
inkberry ................................................... 47
winterberry .............................................. 47
winterberry, smooth ................................. 47
honeysuckle, trumpet .................................. 64
hornbeam,
American ................................................. 55
eastern hop ............................................. 58
huckleberry, black ......................................... 46
hydrangea, wild ............................................ 46
hyssop-leaved thoroughwort ....................... 23
Indian cucumber ........................................... 28
Indiangrass ................................................... 17
indigo,
wild blue .................................................. 20
wild yellow ............................................... 20
iris (see blue ag)
ironweed, New York ...................................... 39
Jack-in-the-pulpit .......................................... 19
Jacobs ladder .............................................. 32
jewelweed ..................................................... 26
Joe-Pye weed, ............................................. 23
green-stemmed ...................................... 24
spotted ................................................... 24
trumpet weed .......................................... 23
ladies tresses, nodding ................................ 36
laurel,
great ........................................................ 49
mountain ................................................. 47
sheep ...................................................... 47
leather ower ................................................ 64
lily,
Canada .................................................... 27
fragrant water .......................................... 42
straw ........................................................ 39
trout ......................................................... 23
Turks cap ................................................ 27
wood ....................................................... 27
lizards tail ..................................................... 43
lobelia, great blue ......................................... 28
lupine ............................................................ 28
lyre-leaf sage ................................................ 33
magnolia,
cucumber ............................................... 58
sweetbay ................................................. 58
male-berry .................................................... 48
mallow,
rose ......................................................... 41
seashore ................................................ 42
maple,
mountain ................................................. 54
red .......................................................... 54
silver ........................................................ 54
sugar ....................................................... 54
marigold, marsh ............................................ 20
Mayapple ...................................................... 31
meadow-beauty, Virginia .............................. 32
meadow rue,
early ........................................................ 37
tall ........................................................... 37
meadow-sweet,
broad-leaved .......................................... 51
narrow-leaved ........................................ 51
milkweed,
common .................................................. 19
swamp .................................................... 19
mint,
hoary mountain ....................................... 32
narrow-leaved mountain ......................... 32
mistower ..................................................... 22
miterwort, twoleaf ......................................... 29
monkeyower .............................................. 29
mulberry, red................................................. 58

needlerush, black ......................................... 42

New Jersey tea ............................................. 45
ninebark ........................................................ 49
oak,
bear ........................................................ 61
black, ...................................................... 62
blackjack ................................................ 61
chestnut .................................................. 62
Chinquapin ............................................. 61
northern red ............................................ 62
pin ........................................................... 61
post ......................................................... 62
scarlet ..................................................... 60
southern red ............................................ 61
swamp chestnut ..................................... 61
swamp white ........................................... 60
water ...................................................... 61
white ....................................................... 60
willow ....................................................... 61
oats, wild....................................................... 15
obedient plant ............................................... 31
onion, nodding .............................................. 18
panicgrass, variable...................................... 15
partridge pea ................................................ 21
partridgeberry ............................................... 29
passionower................................................ 65
paw-paw ....................................................... 54
persimmon, common .................................... 57
petunia, Carolina wild ................................... 33
phlox,
creeping ................................................. 31
meadow ................................................... 31
moss ........................................................ 31
summer ................................................... 31
thick-leaved ............................................ 31
woodland ................................................ 31
pickerelweed................................................. 42
pine,
loblolly ..................................................... 59
pitch ........................................................ 59
pond ....................................................... 59
shortleaf ................................................. 59
Virginia .................................................... 59
white ........................................................ 59
pipevine ........................................................ 64
plantain,
downy rattlesnake ................................... 24
robins ..................................................... 23
plum,
American wild .......................................... 60
beach ...................................................... 49
plumegrass, giant ......................................... 17
poplar, tulip .................................................. 58
primrose, common evening .......................... 29
raspberry, purple owering ........................... 51
redbud, eastern ............................................ 56
redtop ........................................................... 17
reedgrass, bluejoint ...................................... 14
rice, wild........................................................ 44
rose,
pasture .................................................... 50
swamp ..................................................... 51
rose pink ....................................................... 33
rush,
Canada .................................................... 41
soft .......................................................... 41
rye,
Canada wild ............................................ 16
riverbank wild .......................................... 16
Virginia wild ............................................ 16
salt meadow hay........................................... 44
sarsaparilla, wild ........................................... 19
sassafras ...................................................... 62
saxifrage,
early ........................................................ 34
eastern swamp ........................................ 33
sea lavender ................................................. 27

sedge,
blue wood ................................................ 14
broom ...................................................... 14
fox .......................................................... 15
long hair ................................................. 14
Pennsylvania .......................................... 15
sallow ..................................................... 15
three-sided ............................................. 41
tussock ................................................... 15
senna, Maryland wild ................................... 34
serviceberry, ................................................ 54
downy ...................................................... 54
shooting star ................................................. 23
skullcap, rough ............................................. 34
skunk cabbage ............................................. 37
smooth carrion ower ................................... 65
snakeroot,
black, ...................................................... 21
white ....................................................... 18
sneezeweed, yellow .................................... 24
Solomons seal, ............................................ 32
dwarf ...................................................... 32
false ......................................................... 28
spatterdock ................................................... 42
spicebush ..................................................... 48
spiderwort, Virginia ....................................... 38
spikenard ...................................................... 19
spleenwort, ebony .........................................11
spring beauty ................................................ 21
squirrel corn .................................................. 22
St. Johns wort, dense .................................. 47
stagger-bush................................................. 48
starry campion .............................................. 34
steeplebush .................................................. 52
stonecrop,
Allegheny ................................................ 26
mountain ................................................ 34
sumac,
fragrant ................................................... 50
shining .................................................... 50
staghorn .................................................. 33
sweet ....................................................... 50
sundrops, ...................................................... 30
narrow-leaved ......................................... 30
sunower,
oxeye ....................................................... 25
swamp .................................................... 25
ten-petaled .............................................. 25
woodland ................................................. 25
sweet cicely .................................................. 30
sweet pepperbush ........................................ 45
switchgrass ................................................... 16
sycamore, American ..................................... 59
tassel-white................................................... 47
thimbleweed ................................................. 18
three-square, common ................................. 43
tick-trefoil, panicled ...................................... 22
toadax, blue ............................................... 29
toadshade ..................................................... 38
toothwort ....................................................... 20
trillium,
painted .................................................... 38
purple ...................................................... 38
white ........................................................ 38
trumpet vine .................................................. 64
turtlehead, white ........................................... 21
twinleaf ......................................................... 26
violet,
American dog .......................................... 39
birds foot ................................................. 40
common blue ........................................... 40
halberdleaf yellow .................................. 40
marsh blue .............................................. 39
striped cream ......................................... 40
yellow ..................................................... 40
virgins bower................................................ 64
walnut, black ................................................ 57
waterleaf, Virginia ......................................... 26
wax myrtle .................................................... 48
wild pink ........................................................ 34
81

willow,
American water ....................................... 42
black ....................................................... 62
prairie ..................................................... 51
silky ........................................................ 62
wingstem, yellow ironweed ........................... 39
wintergreen, .................................................. 46
striped ..................................................... 21
wisteria, Atlantic ............................................ 65
witch hazel .................................................... 46
witherod, ....................................................... 53
naked ...................................................... 53
wood sorrel, violet......................................... 30

82

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Chesapeake Bay Field Ofce
177 Admiral Cochrane Dr.
Annapolis, MD 21401
410/573 4500
www.fws.gov/r5cbfo
Adkins Arboretum
P.O. Box 100
Ridgely, MD 21660
410/634 2847
www.adkinsarboretum.org
Baltimore County Department of
Environmental Protection and
Resource Management
401 Bosley Ave., Ste. 416
Towson, MD 21204
410/887 4488
www.baltimorecountyonline.info
Chesapeake Bay Trust
60 West Street, Ste. 200-A
Annapolis, MD 21401
410/974 2941
www.chesapeakebaytrust.org
Irvine Nature Center
8400 Greenspring Avenue
Stevenson, MD 21153
410/484 2413
www.explorenature.org
Maryland Native Plant Society
P.O. Box 4877
Silver Spring, MD 20914
301/809 0139
www.mdora.org
mnps@toad.net
National Fish and Wildlife
Foudation
1120 Connecticut Ave. NW, Ste. 900
Washington, DC 20036
202/857 0166
www.nfwf.org
The Nature Conservancy
Maryland/DC Chapter
5410 Grosvenor Ln., Ste. 100
Bethesda, MD 20814
301/897 8570
www.nature.org
USDA NRCS
Cape May Plant Materials Center
1536 Rt. 9 North
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
609/465 5901
plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov