native species planting guide (pdf)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION 1

PLANT COMMUNITIES OF NEW YORK CITY 5

PLANT COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS Herbaceous Communities 6Shrub Communities 16Tree Communities 22Cultural Communities 32

STREET TREES 33

PLANT PAGESFerns 34Graminoids 38 Forbs 46Shrubs 74Trees 93

NURSERY CODES AND ADDRESSES 112

GLOSSARY 115

COMMON/SCIENTIFIC NAME CROSS-REFERENCE 118

REFERENCES 125

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 127

Cover: Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) flowers open at dusk and attract night-flying moths, like the primrose moth (Schinia florida). The moths drink thenectar from the flowers, and in so doing, pollinate them. (Illustration by AijaSears, layout by Dana Wilner).

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ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This guide is written primarily to assist those doing restorations, or plantings in natural areasin the New York City metropolitan area. Our interest in native species is in preservinggenetic diversity within our region. In our forests, meadows, and wetlands, we want toencourage functioning ecosystems while preserving the natural associations of plants. Toooften, naturalized exotics, readily available from commercial growers, replace native speciesin restoration plans.

The purpose of this guide is to provide information about appropriate species which arecommercially available, and to stimulate interest in propagating additional species. We havetargeted the communities and nurseries for New York City, but we expect the guide to beuseful for a wider geographic region. Although our recommendations are for work in naturalareas, these native species should be considered for other landscapes where they providewildlife value, and are well adapted to local soil and climate conditions. Using native plantsin these landscapes will reduce the risks of non-native nuisance plants invading adjacentnatural areas.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

Planting recommendations are given by plant community. Communities are organized bystructure of the dominant vegetation: trees, shrubs, herbaceous. Determine the structure ofyour site and read the community descriptions to find the best fit. Since the communities arebroadly defined, the best guide for what to plant may the native species already growing on,or near the site. Visit the model habitats listed in the descriptions, especially ones in thesame borough. For each community, recommended species are listed alphabetically byscientific name; * * denotes the dominant species. Look up each species separately in theplant pages.

Within the plant pages, species are listed first by type: ferns, graminoids, forbs, shrubs, andtrees. Within each of these categories the plants are listed in alphabetical order by scientificname. For each plant you will find common name, family, and a brief description. Iconsorganize the information as follows:

communities for which the plant is recommended

soil requirements

urban tolerance

wildlife value

Urban tolerance and wildlife value are not provided for fern and graminoid species. Specialplanting instructions are given where appropriate.

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Nursery sources are listed by code; find names and addresses for these sources at the end ofthe guide.

Throughout the narrative, we have used common names. The index of common namesshould avoid the confusion that may arise by the use of these plant nicknames.

PLANT COMMUNITIES

A plant community is more than an assemblage of individual plants. It represents anecosystem of interrelated plants, animals, water, and soil. Most species native to the regionoccur only in particular communities and environmental conditions. Two species whichtolerate similar conditions may not be appropriate for the same habitat. To assist in figuringout what to plant where, we have listed common natural communities of the City. As muchas possible, we have matched our communities to those described in the New York StateDepartment of Environmental Conservation's Ecological Communities of New York, whichclassifies all communities in New York State. We used their scheme to avoid confusion, andcontribute to the common terminology for classification. However, in narrowing the focusto New York City, we have adapted some of the classifications, and added additional ones.

New York City hosts a wide array of natural communities from forests to salt marshes. Thenatural vegetation of the City's upland areas is forest. Although all but a few small patchesof pre-colonial forest survive, almost 5,000 acres of forest exist in the City today. Remnantpatches of grassy meadows represent the ephemeral openings in the forest that historicallyfollowed disturbances such as fire or wind storm. Salt marshes still exist in every borough,remnants of a habitat that once ringed the entire shoreline of the City, and freshwaterwetlands border almost every pond, lake, and stream.

Preservation of biodiversity is most often discussed in a global context. We can also concernourselves with regional diversity, preserving and enhancing the various species andcommunities represented locally. At the intersection of several bioregions, New York Cityboasts a wide variety of species. We find the northern extent of southern species such assweet bay magnolia and paw-paw, and the southern limit of northern species such as graybirch. Rather than focusing on these individual species, we have emphasized communities.The best protection for the greatest number of plant and animal species is to protect thehabitats in which they thrive.

Wetlands are regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation(DEC). A permit is required for any work in a mapped tidal or freshwater wetland.Regulated actions include even minimal enhancement activities, such as planting andmowing. Check with DEC before planning any plantings in a wetland herbaceous, shrub,or tree community.

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SPECIES

First, we have only included native, endemic species -- plants that have grown in the regionsince the last glaciation, and before European settlement. Cultivars of native species,genetically selected for certain traits such as shape or color, are not as well adapted to naturalarea use as are local wild stock.

Next, we have only included species that are, at present, commercially available. Too often,native plant material specified in landscape plans is substituted with common ornamentals.We think it is important to insist on natives in natural area planting plans. Availabilityinformation is crucial; if a contractor cannot readily find a specified native plant, a non-native substitute is often used.

We also limited our list to plants expected to survive the transplant process. Species proneto disease such as American elm and Eastern hemlock are excluded, as are those difficult totransplant. Some of these species are appropriate in some situations, where there is room forexperiment, or ongoing maintenance is available. This list is not all inclusive; native speciesshould not be excluded from restoration plans because they are not included in this guide.

Reintroduction of rare or extirpated species is only recommended after study of theecological and genetic implications. We have therefore not listed these species, nor oneslisted as "commercially exploitable" by New York State. These are species often collectedfrom the wild, sometimes illegally, for resale, not propagated in the nursery. We should notenhance our natural areas at the expense of resources on other public land.

Many projects are constrained by schedules and procurement rules which require purchaseof existing plant stock. However, we recommend using local genetic stock wheneverpossible. Ideally, all restorations would be done with plants of local provenance, propagatedfrom seed collected close to the site. Several vendors are listed who specialize in growingon contract; some also will collect seed. Nurseries with a commitment to native species willoften be willing to grow on contract, and require advance arrangements to provide largequantities of specific plants. If you intend to use native species, especially for large projects,plan at least a year in advance (longer for woody species).

NURSERIES

The list of nursery sources included in this guide is by no means exhaustive. Undoubtedly,we missed some great native nurseries and local growers. Please inform us of additionalsources. Initial plant lists and questionnaires were sent to approximately 45 nurseries in theNew York City metropolitan area, along with information explaining the scope and aim ofthis project. We listed nurseries based on their ability to provide specific native species. Weconcentrated on local nurseries, but have listed a few non-local sources offering specieswhich are not locally available. We look forward to a time when we can procure all of ourdesired native species from within the region.

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Availability information is based on catalogues or surveys at the time of inquiry. There areno guarantees that a particular plant listed here will be stocked in the future. Availability ofnative species is especially contingent on demand. Many growers said that they would stockmore natives if the demand were more consistent (and insistent). We hope that this guidewill serve to encourage and facilitate the use of natives among landscapers and designers, aswell as to demonstrate to growers the expanding market for native plants.

The nurseries listed propagate their stock, rather than collect from the wild. Collecting candestroy the valuable natural areas which we are committed to conserving and restoring.

RESTORATION

The term restoration is often used to describe any kind of habitat improvements in a naturalarea. Technically, restoration is returning an area to a former condition, much like restoringfurniture. Reintroducing tidal flushing to an impounded former salt marsh is an example ofrestoration. But how does one restore a forest? What point in time should you choose,1490? Two thousand years ago? Scant evidence is available to inform us of the make-upof a pre-colonial forest. Even if we could pinpoint a date and an assemblage of species, itwould be futile to attempt a re-creation. American chestnut, formerly a major canopy speciesin our local forests now succumbs to chestnut blight, and does not mature in our forests. Ourfragmented woodlands would not support large predators, and we would be unable tomaintain our plantings in the face of urban pressures. Nutrient loading, road salt, airpollution, trampling, and invasive nuisance species affect the ecosystem by alteringenvironmental conditions.

Enhancement is the technical term for improvements to the function or sustainability of anecosystem. These include erosion control, wildlife habitat improvement, invasive speciescontrol, and planting native species. Enhancement projects often contain elements ofrestoration. A stream course may be restored to its former configuration. Ground covervegetation may be restored to replicate a former condition after a disturbance such asdumping or trampling.

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PLANT COMMUNITIES OF NEW YORK CITY

I. HERBACEOUS COMMUNITIESA. WETLANDS

1. LOW SALT MARSH2. HIGH SALT MARSH3. DEEP EMERGENT MARSH4. SHALLOW EMERGENT MARSH

B. UPLAND1. MARITIME BEACH/DUNES2. MARITIME GRASSLAND3. OAK OPENING

II. SHRUB COMMUNITIESA. WETLANDS

1. SHRUB SWAMPB. UPLAND

1. MARITIME SHRUBLAND2. SUCCESSIONAL SHRUBLAND

III. TREE COMMUNITIESA. WETLANDS

1. FLOODPLAIN FOREST2. RED MAPLE-HARDWOOD SWAMP

B. UPLAND1. APPALACHIAN OAK-HICKORY FOREST2. RICH MESOPHYTIC FOREST3. SUCCESSIONAL MIXED HARDWOODS

IV. CULTURAL COMMUNITIES A. WETLANDS

1. PHRAGMITES/PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE MARSHB. UPLAND

2. FILL/DUMP SITES

(BK) = Brooklyn (BX) = Bronx (MA) = Manhattan(QU) = Queens (SI) = Staten Island

** = Community (DEC:) = Community number from Ecological Dominants Communities of New York

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I. HERBACEOUS COMMUNITIES A. WETLANDS

1. LOW SALT MARSH (DEC: IIB4)

A marsh community which occurs in sheltered, low-lying areas along the coast, ina zone from mean sea level up to mean high tide. These areas are regularly floodedby tides twice a day. The vegetation of the low salt marsh is a nearly monospecificstand of saltmarsh cordgrass.

Saltmarsh cordgrass is a keystone species -- that is, a species upon which an entireecosystem depends for continued function -- of estuarine ecosystems. It is aprodigious primary producer. Every year the enormous standing crop of cordgrassleaves and stems die back to the marsh peat and are broken down into detritus bybacteria, fungi, and protists. The detritus is eaten by the countless animal species --most of them invertebrates -- that live in and on the marsh mud and are free-swimming in estuarine waters. The conversion of cordgrass to detritus is one of themost critical links in all coastal food chains.

Two typical animals of the low salt marsh have special relationships with cordgrass.Fiddler crabs enjoy the structural habitat provided by cordgrass roots. The fiddlercrab burrows aerate the low salt marsh peat which facilitates nutrient absorbtion bycordgrass roots. The ribbed mussel needs cordgrass roots to anchor itself in the lowsalt marsh peat. The mussel is a filter feeder that derives nourishment from detritusand plankton. The mussels' waste is excreted in the form of packets of nitrogenwhich fertilize the cordgrass. Cordgrass production has been shown to be directlycorrelated to mussel and fiddler crab density.

Examples: Marine Park (BK); Hunter Island and the Lagoon, Pelham Bay Park (BX);Lemon Creek, (SI); Idlewild Park (QU); Inwood Hill Park (MA)

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

Graminoids

** Spartina alterniflora Saltmarsh cordgrass

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2. HIGH SALT MARSH (DEC: IIB2)

A marsh community which occurs in sheltered, low-lying areas along the coast, ina zone from mean high tide up to the limit of spring tides. These areas are subjectto periodic flooding by spring and flood tides. The high salt marsh is typicallydominated by either saltmeadow cordgrass or saltgrass, with some other halophyticgraminoids and forbs. At the upland border of the high salt marsh, which is usuallyless saline, there is often a narrow salt shrub zone.

Other high salt marsh plants include perennial salt marsh aster, annual salt marshaster, sea-blite, water hemp, and golden dock. Localized topographic depressions onthe high salt marsh are often hyper-saline and are vegetated by glassworts andsaltmarsh fleabane.

The high salt marsh is a transitional area between the low salt marsh and the upland.Animals associated with both low salt marsh and upland mingle among the swirlsand cowlicks of high marsh grasses. The clapper rail which prefers to feed in the lowsalt marsh, builds its nest, out of range of high tide, on the high salt marsh. Likewise,sharp-tailed and sea-side sparrows. On the other hand, to the voracious herbivorousmeadow vole, the high salt marsh is an all-you-can-eat salad bar that lures it from itsupland haunts. And in turn, the barn owl descends upon the high salt marsh to catchmeadow voles.

Examples: Udalls Cove, Udalls Park Preserve (QU); William T. Davis WildlifeRefuge, Greenbelt (SI); Spring Creek (BK); Four Sparrows Marsh (BK); Thomas PellWildlife Refuge, Pelham Bay Park (BX)

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

Graminoids

** Distichlis spicata SaltgrassPanicum virgatum SwitchgrassScirpus pungens Common threesquare

** Spartina patens Saltmeadow cordgrass

ForbsAster novi-belgii New York asterLimonium carolinianum Sea Lavender Solidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod

ShrubsBaccharis halimifolia Groundsel bush

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3. DEEP EMERGENT MARSH (DEC: VA1)

A non-tidal marsh community that occurs on mineral soils or fine-grained organicsoils (muck or well-decomposed peat). Water depths may fluctuate seasonally, from6" to 6.6', but there is usually standing water in the fall.

Other deep emergent marsh plants include the floating-leaf plants white water-lilyand yellow water-lily. Typical animals include American and least bittern, virginiarail, marsh wren, red-winged black bird, bullfrog, painted turtle, and muskrat.

Examples: Cattail Pond, Alley Pond Park (QU); Wolfe's Pond, Wolfe's Pond Park(SI); Van Cortlandt Lake, Van Cortlandt Park (BX); Eibs Pond (SI)

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

GraminoidsScirpus validus Great bulrush

ForbsPontederia cordata PickerelweedSagittaria latifolia ArrowheadTypha angustifolia Narrow-leaved cattailTypha latifolia Broad-leaved cattail

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4. SHALLOW EMERGENT MARSH (DEC: VA2)

A non-tidal marsh meadow community that occurs on mineral soil or muck soilswhich are permanently saturated and seasonally flooded. This marsh is better drainedthan a deep emergent marsh. Water levels fluctuate seasonally from 6 inches to 3.3feet during flood stages. By mid to late summer the water level usually drops and thesubstrate is exposed.

Other vegetation which may be found in shallow emergent marshes includesbladderworts, dwarf St. Johnswort, spikerushes, arrow-arum, and mud plantain.

The seasonally flooded nature of shallow emergent marshes provide nursery habitatfor amphibians. There is usually enough water present in the spring and earlysummer to keep frog and salamander skin moist, but not enough water for fish whichmight prey on tadpoles and salamander larvae.

A wide spectrum of habitat types fall under this category. Included here are wetmeadows; gradually sloping shores of ponds, lakes, and streams with fluctuatingwater levels; and temporarily flooded drainage swales.

Examples: Seton Falls Park (BX); Spring Pond and Little Alley Pond, Alley PondPark (QU); east shore of Willow Lake, Flushing Meadows Corona Park (QU)

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

FernsOnoclea sensibilis Sensitive fernOsmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fernOsmunda regalis Royal fern

GraminoidsAndropogon virginicus BroomsedgeCalamagrostis canadensis BluejointCarex crinita Crinkled sedgeCarex stricta Tussock sedgeCarex vulpinoidea Fox sedgeDeschampsia cespitosa Tufted hairgrassJuncus canadensis Canada rushJuncus effusus Soft rushLeersia oryzoides Rice cutgrassScirpus atrovirens Black bulrushScirpus cyperinus WoolgrassScirpus pungens Common threesquareScirpus validus Great bulrush

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4. SHALLOW EMERGENT MARSH (DEC: VA2) continued

ForbsAsclepias incarnata Swamp milkweedAster novae-angliae New England asterAster novi-belgii New York asterCaltha palustris Marsh marigoldChelone glabra TurtleheadEupatorium maculatum Spotted Joe-Pye weedEupatorium perfoliatum BonesetHelenium autumnale Common sneezeweedHelianthus angustifolius Swamp sunflowerHelianthus giganteus Giant sunflowerHibiscus moscheutos Rose-mallowIris versicolor Blue flagLiatris spicata Blazing starLobelia cardinalis Cardinal flowerLobelia siphilitica Great lobeliaPontederia cordata PickerelweedSagittaria latifolia ArrowheadTradescantia virginiana SpiderwortVernonia noveboracensis New York ironweed

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B. UPLANDS

1. MARITIME BEACH/DUNES (DEC: VIA3&4)

A community dominated by salt-tolerant grasses and low shrubs that occurs on sandbeaches and dunes along the Atlantic coast. This community is found along the southshore of Long Island, along the south shores of Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island,into New Jersey.

In our area, these communities sometimes occur on coastal landfill sites wheredredged sand was used as fill. The character of maritime beach/dune communitiesin our area run the gamut from ocean-fronting beach, sparsely vegetated withbeachgrass and sea rocket, to more protected, landward landscapes that intergradewith maritime grassland and maritime shrubland.

Piping plover (Endangered), and common (Threatened) and little terns (Endangered)are beach nesting birds.

Examples: Wolfe's Pond Park (SI); Conference House Park (SI); Canarsie BeachPark (BK); Rockaway Beach (QU)

RECOMMENDED PLANTSGraminoids

** Ammophila breviligulata Beachgrass

ForbsSolidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod

ShrubsMyrica pensylvanica Northern bayberryPrunus maritima Beach plumRosa carolina Pasture Rose

TreesPinus rigida Pitch pine

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2. MARITIME GRASSLAND (DEC: VIA7)

A grassland community that occurs on the Atlantic coast within the influence ofoffshore winds and salt spray. This community is usually dominated by turf-forminggrasses. Low heath shrubs may be present.

Maritime grasslands may be of extraordinary floristic diversity, possessing elementsof adjacent salt marsh, maritime beach/dunes, maritime shrubland, and successionalforest. Some typical plant species include the following: bushy aster, orache,purplelove grass, sweet everlasting, false heather, camphor-weed, pinweed,jointweed, early goldenrod, and seaside goldenrod.

Wildlife inhabiting maritime grassland may include Fowler's toad, grasshoppersparrow, song sparrow, marsh hawk, short-eared owl, horned lark, meadow vole, andeastern cottontail.

Example: Marine Park (BK); Arverne Urban Renewal Site (QU); Old Oak Beach (SI)

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

Graminoids** Ammophila breviligulata Beachgrass** Andropogon virginicus Broomsedge

Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania sedge** Panicum virgatum Switchgrass** Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem

Sorghastrum nutans Indian grass

ForbsAsclepias syriaca Common milkweedAsclepias tuberosa ButterflyweedAster ericoides Heath asterAster linariifolius Stiff-leaf asterAster novi-belgii New York asterCoreopsis lanceolata Lance-leaf coreopsisLespedeza capitata BushcloverLinaria canadensis Blue toadflaxLupinus perennis Wild blue lupineMonarda punctata HorsemintOenothera biennis Evening primroseOenothera fruticosa SundropsSolidago rugosa Rough-leaved goldenrodSolidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod

ShrubsMyrica pensylvanica Northern bayberryRhus copallinum Shining sumac

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3. OAK OPENINGS (DEC: VIB9)

A grass-savanna community that occurs on very well-drained sites, on knobs orhilltops with shallow soil over rock outcrops or sandy to gravelly soils. Theseopenings originally occurred as gaps within extensive oak-hickory forests.

The long-term destiny, in most cases, is for oak openings to revert to forest unlessthey are continually disturbed, or maintained by mowing, burning, or herbicides.Sometimes, our goal is to speed this process. For example, if a small oak openingoccurs between two large patches of forest, we might opt to encourage forestregeneration in the opening. Closing the gap would provide greater forest interiorcontinuity. In other cases, where oak openings contain unusual plant or animalspecies, or are quite large, we might choose to remove encroaching woody plants.A meadow in our region will always require continuing management to maintain theopen character.

Examples: Vault Hill, Van Cortlandt Park (BX); The Meadow, Pelham Bay Park(BX); Heyerdahl Hill, Greenbelt (SI)

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

FernsDennstaedtia punctilobula Hay-scented fernThelypteris noveboracensis New York fern

GraminoidsAndropogon gerardii Big bluestemElymus hystrix Bottlebrush grassPanicum virgatum SwitchgrassSchizachyrium scoparium Little bluestemSorghastrum nutans Indian grass

ForbsAsclepias syriaca Common milkweedAsclepias tuberosa ButterflyweedAster ericoides Heath asterAster linariifolius Stiff-leaf asterCoreopsis lanceolata Lance-leaf coreopsisEupatorium purpureum Purple Joe-Pye weedGeranium maculatum Wild geraniumHelianthus decapetalus Forest sunflowerHelianthus divaricatus Woodland sunflowerHelianthus giganteus Giant sunflowerLespedeza capitata BushcloverMonarda didyma Oswego teaMonarda fistulosa Wild bergamotMonarda punctata HorsemintOenothera fruticosa Sundrops

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3. OAK OPENINGS (DEC: VIB9) continued

ForbsRudbeckia hirta Black-eyed susanSolidago odora Scented goldenrodSolidago rugosa Rough-leaved goldenrodSolidago speciosa Showy goldenrod

ShrubsCeanothus americanus New Jersey teaCornus racemosa Red-panicled dogwoodDiervilla lonicera Bush honeysuckleGaylussacia baccata Black huckleberryKalmia angustifolia Sheep laurelMyrica pensylvanica Northern bayberryRhododendron periclymenoides Pinxter azaleaRhus Copallinum Shining sumacRhus glabra Smooth sumacRhus typhina Staghorn sumacRosa carolina Pasture RoseRubus allegheniensis Northern blackberrySpiraea alba MeadowsweetVaccinium angustifolium Highbush blueberryViburnum dentatum Arrowwood

TreesQuercus alba White oakQuercus velutina Black oak

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II. SHRUB COMMUNITIES A. WETLANDS

1. SHRUB SWAMP (DEC: VA3)

An inland wetland, dominated by shrubs, that occurs along the shores of lakes orrivers, in wet depressions or valleys. The substrate is usually mineral soil or muck.

Swamp sparrow, yellow warbler, and common yellowthroat are typical shrub swampbirds. On rainy spring nights, the spring peeper -- a diminutive treefrog with aringing, high-pitched call -- choruses by the thousand throughout the city's shrubswamps. Spotted salamanders descend from nearby wooded slopes to breed in shrubswamps. When they are not entertaining bird watchers with their song and dancecourtship ritual in oak openings, American woodcock retreat to nest in the securecover of shrub swamps.

Examples: Upper Van Cortlandt Lake, Van Cortlandt Park (BX); Kettle Ponds,Cunningham Park (QU); Wolfe's Pond, Wolfe's Pond Park (SI); Pagoda Pond,Prospect Park (BK)

RECOMMENDED PLANTSFerns

Dryopteris cristata Crested woodfernOnoclea sensibilis Sensitive fernOsmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fernOsmunda regalis Royal fern

GraminoidsCalamagrostis canadensis BluejointCarex crinita Crinkled sedgeCarex stricta Tussock sedgeCarex vulpinoidea Fox sedgeDeschampsia cespitosa Tufted hairgrassJuncus canadensis Canada rushJuncus effusus Soft rushLeersia oryzoides Rice cutgrassScirpus atrovirens Black bulrush

ForbsAsclepias incarnata Swamp milkweedAster novae-angliae New England asterCaltha palustris Marsh marigoldChelone glabra TurtleheadEupatorium perfoliatum BonesetHelianthus angustifolius Swamp sunflower

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1. SHRUB SWAMP (DEC: VA3) continued

ForbsHibiscus moscheutos Rose-mallowImpatiens capensis JewelweedLobelia cardinalis Cardinal flowerLobelia siphilitica Great lobeliaVernonia noveboracensis New York ironweed

ShrubsAronia arbutifolia Red chokeberryAronia melanocarpa Black chokeberryCephalanthus occidentalis ButtonbushClethra alnifolia Sweet pepperbushCornus amomum Silky dogwoodCornus racemosa Red-panicled dogwoodCornus sericea Red-osier dogwoodIlex glabra InkberryIlex verticillata WinterberryLeucothoe axillaris Coast leucothoeLindera benzoin SpicebushRhododendron viscosum Pinxter azaleaRosa palustris Swamp roseSalix discolor Pussy willowSambucus canadensis ElderberrySpiraea alba Meadowsweet Spiraea tomentosa HardhackVaccinium corymbosum Highbush blueberryViburnum dentatum Arrowwood

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B. UPLANDS

1. MARITIME SHRUBLAND (DEC: VIA5)

A shrubland community that occurs along the coast, on the dry, rolling outwashplains and moraine of the Atlantic coastal plain. This community, which is subjectto salt spray and offshore winds, is dominated by low shrubs or stunted trees.

Poison ivy and Virginia creeper are usually two prominent components of maritimeshrublands. In autumn they supply dazzling crimson foliage. Myrtle warblerscongregate in maritime shrublands during winter and eat bayberry fruits.

Examples: Belt Parkway Bike Path (BK-QU); West Shore Parkway Bike Path (SI);Dubos Point Sanctuary (QU); Idlewild Park (QU)

RECOMMENDED PLANTSGraminoids

Ammophila breviligulata BeachgrassAndropogon virginicus BroomsedgeCarex pensylvanica Pennsylvania sedgePanicum virgatum SwitchgrassSchizachyrium scoparium Little bluestemSorghastrum nutans Indian grass

ForbsAsclepias syriaca Common milkweedAsclepias tuberosa ButterflyweedAster ericoides Heath asterAster linariifolius Stiff-leaf asterAster novi-belgii New York asterCoreopsis lanceolata Lance-leaf coreopsisEupatorium purpureum Purple Joe-Pye weedLespedeza capitata BushcloverLinaria canadensis Blue toadflaxLupinus perennis Wild blue lupineMonarda punctata HorsemintOenothera biennis Evening primroseOenothera fruticosa SundropsSolidago rugosa Rough-leaved goldenrodSolidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod

ShrubsAronia arbutifolia Red chokeberryAronia melanocarpa Black chokeberryGaylussacia baccata Black huckleberryMyrica pensylvanica Northern bayberry

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1. MARITIME SHRUBLAND (DEC: VIA5) continued

ShrubsAmelanchier canadensis ShadblowPrunus maritima Beach plumRhus copallinum Shining sumacRhus glabra Smooth sumacRhus typhina Staghorn sumacRosa carolina Pasture RoseRubus allegheniensis Northern blackberrySambucus canadensis ElderberryVaccinium angustifolium Lowbush blueberryViburnum dentatum Arrowwood

TreesAmelanchier arborea ServiceberryIlex opaca American hollyJuniperus virginiana Red cedarPinus rigida Pitch pinePrunus serotina Black cherry

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2. SUCCESSIONAL SHRUBLAND (DEC: VIA23)

A shrubland that occurs on sites that have been cleared or otherwise disturbed. Thiscommunity has at least 50% shrub cover.

Typical wildlife includes willow flycatcher, yellow warbler, common yellowthroat,brown thrasher, rufous-sided towhee, song sparrow, eastern cottontail.

Examples: Blue Heron Park (SI); southern Hunter Island, Pelham Bay Park (BX)

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

FernsDennstaedtia punctilobula Hay-scented fern

GraminoidsAndropogon gerardii Big bluestemAndropogon virginicus BroomsedgeCarex pensylvanica Pennsylvania sedgePanicum virgatum SwitchgrassSchizachyrium scoparium Little bluestemSorghastrum nutans Indian grass

ForbsAsclepias syriaca Common milkweedAsclepias tuberosa ButterflyweedAster linariifolius Stiff-leaf asterAster novae-angliae New England asterAster novi-belgii New York asterCoreopsis lanceolata Lance-leaf coreopsisEupatorium maculatum Spotted Joe-Pye weedEupatorium perfoliatum BonesetEupatorium purpureum Purple Joe-Pye weedEupatorium rugosum White bonesetLespedeza capitata BushcloverLinaria canadensis Blue toadflaxLobelia siphilitica Great lobeliaMonarda didyma Oswego teaMonarda fistulosa Wild bergamotMonarda punctata HorsemintOenothera biennis Evening primroseOenothera fruticosa SundropsRudbeckia hirta Black-eyed susanSolidago odora Scented goldenrod Solidago rugosa Rough-leaved goldenrodSolidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrodSolidago speciosa Showy goldenrod

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2. SUCCESSIONAL SHRUBLAND (DEC: VIA23) continued

ShrubsAmelanchier canadensis ShadblowAronia melanocarpa Black chokeberryCeanothus americanus New Jersey teaCornus racemosa Silky dogwoodDiervilla lonicera Bush honeysuckleGaylussacia baccata Black huckleberryRhus copallinum Shining sumacRhus glabra Smooth sumacRhus typhina Staghorn sumacRosa carolina Pasture RoseRubus allegheniensis Northern blackberrySambucus canadensis ElderberrySpiraea alba MeadowsweetVaccinium angustifolium Lowbush blueberryViburnum dentatum Arrowwood

TreesAmelanchier arborea ServiceberryIlex opaca American hollyJuniperus virginiana Red cedar

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III. TREE COMMUNITIES A. WETLANDS

1. FLOODPLAIN FOREST (DEC: VC1)

A hardwood forest that occurs on mineral soils in the lowlands of river floodplainsand river deltas. These sites are characterized by their flood regime; low areas areannually flooded in spring, and high areas are flooded irregularly.

Some typical plant species may include stinging nettle, smooth nettle, clearweed,lesser celandine, jumpseed, and skunk cabbage. Wood duck, red-belliedwoodpecker, blue-winged warbler, and tufted titmouse are common floodplain forestdenizens.

Examples: Bronx River Corridor, Bronx Park (BX); The Loch, Central Park (MA);The Ambergill, Prospect Park (BK); The Ravine, Udalls Park Preserve (QU), Tibett'sBrook, Van Cortlandt Park (BX)

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

FernsOnoclea sensibilis Sensitive fernOsmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fern

GraminoidsCalamagrostis canadensis BluejointCarex crinita Crinkled sedgeCarex pensylvanica Pennsylvania sedgeCarex vulpinoides Fox sedgeDeschampsia cespitosa Tufted hairgrassJuncus canadensis Canada rushScirpus atrovirens Black bulrush

ForbsAsclepias incarnata Swamp milkweedAster novae-angliae New York asterAster novi-belgii New York asterCaltha palustris Marsh marigoldChelone glabra TurtleheadEupatorium maculatum Spotted Joe-Pye weedEupatorium perfoliatum BonesetEupatorium rugosum White bonesetHelianthus angustifolius Swamp sunflowerImpatiens capensis JewelweedLobelia cardinalis Cardinal flowerLobelia siphilitica Great lobeliaPenstemon digitalis White beardtongue

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1. FLOODPLAIN FOREST (DEC: VC1) continued

ForbsRudbeckia triloba Thin-leaf coneflowerTradescantia virginiana SpiderwortVernonia noveboracensis New York ironweed

ShrubsAronia arbutifolia Red chokeberryAronia melanocarpa Black chokeberryCephalanthus occidentalis ButtonbushClethra alnifolia Sweet pepperbushCornus amomum Silky dogwoodCornus sericea Red-osier dogwoodIlex glabra InkberryIlex verticillata WinterberryLindera benzoin SpicebushRhododendron viscosum Swamp azaleaRosa palustris Swamp roseSalix discolor Pussy willowSambucus canadensis ElderberrySpiraea tomentosa HardhackVaccinium corymbosum Highbush blueberryViburnum dentatum Arrowwood

TreesAcer rubrum Red mapleAcer saccharinum Silver mapleBetula nigra River birchCeltis occidentalis Common hackberryFraxinus americana White ashFraxinus pensylvanica Green ashLiquidambar styraciflua Sweet gumNyssa sylvatica Black tupeloPlatanus occidentalis American sycamorePopulus deltoides CottonwoodQuercus bicolor Swamp white oakQuercus palustris Pin oakSalix nigra Black willowTilia americana American linden

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2. RED MAPLE-HARDWOOD SWAMP (DEC: VC2)

A hardwood swamp that occurs in poorly drained depressions, usually on inorganicsoils. This category includes a broad range of landscapes including permanentlyflooded forest and apparent upland forests, flooded only a few weeks of the year.Varying mixes of red maple, sweet gum, pin oak, and tupelo dominate these sites.

Skunk-cabbage may be prominent among the ground cover.

Examples: The Great Swamp, Greenbelt (SI); Wolfe's Pond Park (SI); Van CortlandtPark (BX); Lily Pond, Alley Pond Park (QU)

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

FernsAthyrium filix-femina Lady fernDryopteris carthusiana Toothed woodfernDryopteris cristata Crested woodfernOnoclea sensibilis Sensitive fernOsmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fernOsmunda regalis Royal fern

GraminoidsCalamagrostis canadensis BluejointCarex crinita Crinkled sedgeCarex stricta Tussock sedgeCarex vulpinoidea Fox sedgeDeschampsia cespitosa Tufted hairgrassScirpus atrovirens Black bulrush

ForbsAsclepias incarnata Swamp milkweedAster novae-angliae New England asterCaltha palustris Marsh marigoldChelone glabra TurtleheadEupatorium perfoliatum BonesetHelianthus angustifolius Swamp sunflowerHibiscus Moscheutos Rose-mallowImpatiens capensis JewelweedLiatris spicata Blazing starLobelia cardinalis Cardinal flowerLobelia siphilitica Great lobeliaVernonia noveboracensis New York ironweed

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2. RED MAPLE-HARDWOOD SWAMP (DEC: VC2) continued

ShrubsAronia melanocarpa Red chokeberryCephalanthus occidentalis ButtonbushClethra alnifolia Sweet pepperbushCornus amomum Silky dogwoodCornus sericea Red-osier dogwoodIlex glabra InkberryIlex verticillata WinterberryLindera benzoin SpicebushRhododendron viscosum Swamp azaleaVaccinium corymbosum Highbush blueberryViburnum dentatum Arrowwood

TreesAcer rubrum Red mapleLiquidambar styraciflua Sweet gumNyssa sylvatica Black tupeloPlatanus occidentalis American sycamoreQuercus bicolor Swamp white oakQuercus palustris Pin oak

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B. UPLAND

1. APPALACHIAN OAK-HICKORY FOREST (DEC: VIC5)

A hardwood forest that occurs on well-drained sites, usually on ridgetops, upperslopes, or south- and west-facing slopes. The soils are usually loams or sandy loams.

Northern red, black and white oaks (or their hybrids) are dominant. Red oak growson moister soils at the bottom of slopes, black oak on mid-slopes, and white oak ondrier ridgetops. American beech may be co-dominant on moist sites. Shagbark,bitternut, and mockernut hickories are often prominent canopy trees.

Ground layer forbs include blue-stemmed goldenrod, wild sarsaparilla, blacksnakeroot, bloodroot, tall meadow rue, rattlesnake root, toothworts, and trout-lily.Where sufficient forest interior exists typical breeding birds may include great-crested flycatcher, white-eyed and red-eyed vireos, American redstart, ovenbird, andwood thrush. Eastern grey squirrel may be a conspicuous mammal; northern flyingsquirrel and white footed mouse may be present but much less conspicuous.

Examples: Forest Park (QU); Inwood Hill Park (MA); The Ravine, Prospect Park(BK); High Rock, Greenbelt (SI); Seton Falls Park (BX)

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

FernsDennstaedtia punctilobula Hay-scented fernPolystichum acrostichoides Christmas fern

GraminoidsAndropogon virginicus BroomsedgeCarex pensylvanica Pennsylvania sedgeElymus hystrix Bottlebrush sedge

ForbsAster divaricatus White wood asterAster linariifolius Stiff-leaf asterEupatorium maculatum Spotted Joe-Pye weedEupatorium rugosum White bonesetHelianthus divaricatus Woodland sunflowerMonarda fistulosa Wild bergamotPolygonatum biflorum Solomon's sealRudbeckia triloba Thin-leaf coneflowerSmilacina racemosa False Solomon's seal

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1. APPALACHIAN OAK-HICKORY FOREST (DEC: VIC5) continued

ShrubsAmelanchier canadensis ShadblowCeanothus americanus New Jersey teaCornus racemosa Red-panicled dogwoodDiervilla lonicera Bush honeysuckleKalmia latifolia Mountain laurelRhododendron periclymenoides Pinxter azaleaRosa carolina Pasture RoseRubus allegheniensis Northern blackberryVaccinium angustifolium Lowbush blueberryViburnum acerifolium Mapleleaf viburnumViburnum prunifolium Blackhaw viburnum

TreesAcer rubrum Red mapleAcer saccharum Sugar mapleAmelanchier arborea ServiceberryBetula lenta Black birchBetula populifolia Gray birchCarya ovata Shagbark hickoryCornus florida Flowering dogwoodFraxinus americana White ashHamamelis virginiana Witch hazelLiriodendron tulipifera Tulip treeOstrya virginiana American hophornbeamPinus strobus Eastern white pinePrunus serotina Black cherry

** Quercus alba White oakQuercus prinus Chestnut oak

** Quercus rubra Northern red oak** Quercus velutina Black oak

Sassafras albidum Common sassafras

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2. RICH MESOPHYTIC FOREST (DEC: VIC10)

A hardwood or mixed forest that occurs on rich, moist, well-drained soils which arefavorable for the dominance of a wide variety of tree species. There are a number ofvariations of this community in which only a few species co-dominate. Oak-Tulipstands are dominated by tulip tree, red maple, and red and black oaks. Beech-Maplestands are dominated by sugar maple and American beech, and tend to occur on acidsoils.

Our use of the category Rich Mesophytic Forest is a departure from the State's, whichreserves this forest type for western New York State. We use it here to describeforests which differ from the preceding category by nature of their occurring ondeeper, moister soil, sometimes by virtue of being situated on lower slopes or on lesssteep grades.

Wildlife is essentially the same here as in the Appalachian oak-hickory forest. Red-backed salamander thrives in the more uniformly moist forest floor.

Examples: The Clove, Inwood Park (MA); Northwest Woods, Van Cortlandt Park(BX); Bloodroot Valley, Greenbelt (SI); The Midwood, Prospect Park (BK)

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

FernsAthyrium filix-femina Lady fernDryopteris carthusiana Toothed woodfernDryopteris marginalis Marginal woodfernOnoclea sensibilis Sensitive fernOsmunda claytoniana Interrupted fernPolystichum acrostichoides Christmas fernThelypteris noveboracensis New York fern

ForbsAster divaricatus White-wood asterEupatorium purpureum Purple Joe-Pye weedEupatorium rugosum White snakerootGeranium maculatum Wild geraniumHelianthus decapetalus Forest sunflowerImpatiens capensis JewelweedMaianthemum canadense Canada mayflowerMitchella repens PartridgeberryMonarda didyma Oswego teaMonarda fistulosa Wild bergamotPenstemon digitalis White beardtonguePodophyllum peltatum MayapplePolygonatum biflorum Solomon's sealRudbeckia triloba Thin-leaf coneflower

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2. RICH MESOPHYTIC FOREST (DEC: VIC10) continued

ForbsSmilacina racemosa False Solomon's sealTiarella cordifolia Foamflower

ShrubsAmelanchier canadensis ShadblowCornus alternifolia Alternate-leaved dogwoodDiervilla lonicera Bush honeysuckleLindera benzoin SpicebushRhododendron periclymenoides Pinxter azaleaRubus allegheniensis Northern blackberryVaccinium angustifolium Lowbush blueberryViburnum acerifolium Mapleleaf viburnumViburnum dentatum ArrowwoodViburnum prunifolium Blackhaw viburnum

Trees** Acer rubrum Red maple

Acer saccharum Silver mapleAmelanchier arborea Serviceberry

** Betula lenta Black birchCarpinus caroliniana American hornbeamCarya ovata Shagbark hickoryCornus alternifolia Alternate-leaved dogwood

Cornus florida Flowering dogwood** Fraxinus americana White ash

Fraxinus pensylvanica Green ashHamamelis virginiana Witch hazelLiquidambar styraciflua Sweet gumLiriodendron tulipifera Tulip treeNyssa sylvatica Black tupeloOstrya virginiana American hophornbeamPinus strobus Eastern white pinePlatanus occidentalis American sycamore

** Prunus serotina Black cherry** Quercus alba White oak

Quercus palustris Pin oak** Quercus rubra Northern red oak

Quercus velutina Black oakSassafras albidum Common sassafrasTilia americana American linden

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3. SUCCESSIONAL MIXED HARDWOODS (DEC: VIC20&21)

A hardwood or mixed forest that occurs on sites that have been cleared or otherwisedisturbed. A characteristic feature of successional forests is the lack of reproductionof the canopy species. Most of the tree seedlings and saplings in a successional forestare species that are more shade-tolerant than the canopy species. Shrub and groundlayer dominants may include many species characteristic of successional old fields,or they may include species that occurred on or near the site prior to disturbance.

Successional forests -- or discrete patches of successional forests -- are oftendominated by particular species on a first come first served basis. And so there maybe a patchwork pattern of even-aged saplings stands of different species occurringside by side: a stand of black cherry next to one of black locust; a sassafras standabutting poplar and sweet gum stands. Often, successional forests occur in highlydissected mosaics of landscapes. Species typical of adjacent meadow and shrublandmay also be present.

Wildlife in early successional forests include eastern cottontail, white footed mouse,catbird, mockingbird, northern cardinal, willow flycatcher, rufous-sided towhee, andwarbling vireo.

Examples: Blue Heron Park (SI); Southern Hunter Island, Pelham Bay Park (BX);Northern Cunningham Park (QU)

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

FernsDennstaedtia punctilobula Hay-scented fernOnoclea sensibilis Sensitive fern

GraminoidsPanicum virgatum SwitchgrassSchizachyrium scoparium Little bluestemSorghastrum nutans Indian grass

ForbsEupatorium purpureum Purple Joe-Pye weedEupatorium rugosum White bonesetHelianthus decapetalus Forest sunflowerHelianthus divaricatus Woodland sunflowerImpatiens capensis JewelweedMonarda fistulosa Wild bergamotPenstemon digitalis White beardtongue

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3. SUCCESSIONAL MIXED HARDWOODS (DEC: VIC20&21) continued

ShrubsAmelanchier canadensis ShadblowCeanothus americanus New Jersey teaCornus alternifolia Alternate-leaved dogwoodCornus racemosa Red-panicled dogwoodDiervilla lonicera Bush honeysuckleLindera benzoin SpicebushRhododendron periclymenoides Pinxter azaleaRhus glabra Smooth sumacRhus typhina Staghorn sumacRubus allegheniensis Northern blackberrySambucus canadensis ElderberryVaccinium angustifolium Lowbush blueberryViburnum acerifolium Mapleleaf viburnumViburnum dentatum Arrowwood

TreesAcer rubrum Red mapleAcer saccharinum Silver mapleAmelanchier arborea ServiceberryBetula lenta Black birchBetula populifolia Gray birchCarya ovata Shagbark hickoryCeltis occidentalis Common hackberryFraxinus americana White ashFraxinus pensylvanica Green ashIlex opaca American hollyJuniperus virginiana Red cedarLiquidambar styraciflua Sweet gumPinus strobus Eastern white pinePopulus deltoides CottonwoodPopulus tremuloides Quaking aspenPrunus serotina Black cherrySassafras albidum Common sassafras

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IV.CULTURAL COMMUNITIES A. WETLANDS

1. PHRAGMITES/PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE MARSH

A wetland dominated by either phragmites (also known as common reed), purpleloosestrife, or both, is frequently present when shallow and deep emergent marshesreceive high nutrient loads. Nutrient loading may be chronic, as in the case ofleaching septic fields, or acute, as results from sediment loading from constructionprojects or unusually severe storm events. Restoration of these disturbed wetlandsis not advised until the source of nutrient loads has been ascertained and remedied.

After correcting or mitigating the nutrient loading, phragmites and loosestrife maybe removed and replaced. Phragmites removal can be approached two ways. Themore effective is to apply the herbicide Rodeo when the phragmites are flowering,probably mid- to late-July. A few spot reapplication will probably be necessarythrough the remainder of the growing season. Then in late-winter, thatch needs tobe removed by prescribed burn, or mowing and raking, and cleared area is ready forreplanting.

A less effective alternative is repeated mowing. The first cut should be after thephragmites have flowered, but before they have gone to seed -- this causes them todraw more heavily on rhizome energy reserves. It is desirable, but perhapsimpractical except by burning, to remove cut phragmites stems from the site; they canstill resprout after they have been cut.

Young purple loosestrife plants can be hand pulled, older plants must be dug out.This needs to be done before flowering (July). Pulled and dug plants must be baggedon site and taken off site for disposal.

Examples: Willow Lake, Flushing Meadows Corona Park (QU); Prospect Park Lake,Prospect Park (BK); 59th Street Pond, Central Park (MA)

RECOMMENDED PLANTS

GraminoidsCarex crinita Crinkled sedgeCarex stricta Tussock sedgeJuncus canadensis Canada rushJuncus effusus Soft rushPanicum virgatum SwitchgrassScirpus atrovirens Black bulrushScirpus validus Great bulrush

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B.UPLAND

1. FILL/DUMP SITES

Two major types of disturbed upland communities are prevalent in New York Cityparkland. The 4,000 or so acres of New York City salt marsh are small vestiges ofthe extensive marshes that existed here in the early 20th Century. By 1950, 20,000acres of the City's salt marshes were destroyed. Likewise, of the 224,000 acres offreshwater wetland in New York City prior to the Revolution, some 2,000 acresremain today. The intention was to fill wetlands with trash and construction debrisand create parks. It was soon discovered that land-fill soils were not suitable forhorticultural treatments. Where verdant lawns and tree-lined arcades wereenvisioned, only ruderal weeds -- phragmites and mugwort among others -- wouldgrow.

Phragmites now dominates vast areas that were filled with sanitation debris and asa result have high soil nutrient levels. Mugwort, on the other hand, thrives whereconstruction debris was used as fill. Soils on such sites possess low nutrient levels,low permeability, high salt concentrations, and low organic content. One possibleapproach to the restoration/reclamation of these kinds of sites would involve theaddition of soil amendments on a huge scale. Another possible approach would beto plant appropriate fast-growing trees that would shade out the phragmites andmugwort. But, for the most part, there exist no tried and tested methods for dealingwith vast upland sites dominated by phragmites and mugwort.

Examples: Ferry Point Park (BX); The Alley, Alley Pond Park (QU); Marine ParkBK); Latourette Park, Greenbelt (SI)

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STREET TREES

Tree PitCarpinus caroliniana American hornbeamCeltis occidentalis HackberryNyssa sylvatica Black tupelo(Quercus sp. require large tree pits - 5 ft. x 10 ft.)Quercus alba White oakQuercus bicolor Swamp white oakQuercus coccinea Scarlet oakQuercus palustris Pin oakQuercus phellos Willow oakQuercus prinus Chestnut oakQuercus rubra Northern red oakQuercus velutina Black oakTilia americana (needs shade) American linden,

Basswood

Tree lawnAcer rubrum (Staten Island only) Red mapleAcer saccharum Sugar mapleAmelanchier arborea ServiceberryCarpinus caroliniana American hornbeamCeltis occidentalis HackberryLiquidambar styraciflua SweetgumLiriodendron tulipifera Tulip treeNyssa sylvatica Black tupeloOstrya virginiana American

hophornbeamQuercus alba White oakQuercus bicolor Swamp white oakQuercus coccinea Scarlet oakQuercus palustris Pin oakQuercus phellos Willow oakQuercus prinus Chestnut oakQuercus rubra Northern red oakQuercus velutina Black oakTilia americana (needs shade) American linden,

Basswood

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FERNS

Athyrium filix-femina Lady fern

AspleniaceaePerennial; fine-textured, upright-growing fern, 2-3 ft.

Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp, Rich Mesophytic Forest

Moist to wet; pH 5.0-7.0;can grow in a variety of soils,prefers rich woodlands.

Planting InstructionsEasy to transplant and grow. Growswell in groups.

NurseriesCR MS NG WC WE

Dennstaedtia punctilobula Hay-scented fern

DennstaedtiaceaePerennial; groundcover, single, very fine fronds in large colonies; 1-3.5 ft., spreads primarily byrhizomes.

Oak Openings, Successional Shrubland, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, SuccessionalMixed Hardwoods

Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 5.0-6.0;adaptable to a wide variety of soils.

Planting InstructionsShould be planted in clumps to form asoft, dense groundcover.

NurseriesMS SY WC WE

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Dryopteris carthusiana Toothed woodfern(D.austriaca, D.spinulosa)

AspleniaceaeEvergreen; delicate, lacy-cut, lance-shaped fronds; grow in colonies, 1-2.5 ft.

Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp, Rich Mesophytic Forest

Moist to wet; pH 5.0-6.0. NurseriesMS

Dryopteris cristata Crested woodfern

AspleniaceaeEvergreen; blue-green narrow lance-shaped, fronds; 1.5-2.5 ft.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Shrub Swamp, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp

Moist to wet; pH 5.0-6.0. Planting InstructionsGood species for wet, shady area.

NurseriesMS

Dryopteris marginalis Marginal woodfern

AspleniceaeEvergreen; fine, clustered fronds, vase-like; 1.5-2 ft.

Rich Mesophytic Forest

Moist, well-drained; mostly acid soilsbut can tolerate up to pH 7.5; likeshumus-rich soil.

Planting InstructionsProtect from sun and wind. Good asaccent or in groups. NurseriesCR MS NG WE

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Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive fern

BlechnaceaePerennial; sturdy, coarse, with broad triangular fronds; 1-2 ft.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-Hardwood Forest, RichMesophytic Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Moist to wet; usually pH 5.0-6.0 butcan tolerate to 7.0.

Planting InstructionsExcellent groundcover, spreads easily.

NurseriesMS NG PI SY WC WE

Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fern

OsmundaceaePerennial; large, pinnate fronds growing in circular clusters; 2.5-3 ft.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Shrub Swamp, Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-HardwoodSwamp

Wet; pH 5.0-6.0; rich soils. NurseriesMS PI SY WC WE

Osmunda claytonia Interrupted fern

OsmundaceaePerennial; large, coarse, pinnate fronds; 2-4 ft.


Dry to wet; pH 5.0-7.0coarse, rocky soil.

NurseriesWE

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Osmunda regalis Royal fern

OsmundaceaePerennial; fine, bipinnate fronds; 2-6 ft. (variable habit depending on light conditions).


Wet; prefers pH 4.0-6.0 butcan tolerate to 7.0.

NurseriesMS SY WC WE

Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas fern

AspleniaceaeEvergreen groundcover; fronds clustered; tall, bushy habit; 1-2.5 ft.

Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest

Dry to moist, well-drained, moredrought-tolerant than most ferns;pH 5.0-7.0; rich, limy soil.

Planting InstructionsPrepare soil with organic matter. Goodin masses, 1-1.5 ft. apart.

NurseriesMS NG SY WC WE

Thelypteris noveboracensis New York fern

AspleniaceaePerennial; very fine, pinnate fronds; 1-2 ft.

Oak Openings, Rich Mesophytic Forest

Moist, well-drained, moderately acid;rich soil.

Planting InstructionsBeds should be enriched with organicmatter.

NurseriesMS SY WE

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GRAMINOIDS

Ammophila breviligulata Beachgrass

PoaceaePerennial; up to 3.5 ft., spreads rapidly by rhizomes.

Maritime Beach/Dunes, Maritime Grassland, Maritime Shrubland

Dry, well-drained; sandy. Planting InstructionsVery important for dune stabilization.

NurseriesMS

Andropogon gerardi Big bluestem

PoaceaePerennial, warm-season grass; 3-8 ft., grows in clumps, sod-forming.

Oak Openings

Dry to wet, poor- to well-drained, verydrought tolerant; adaptable, coarsesand to clays.

Planting InstructionsSeed in spring or summer, when soil iswarm

NurseriesCR MS NG PI PN SY

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Andropogon virginicus Broomsedge

PoaceaePerennial, warm-season grass; 1-3 ft., grows in clumps, slow spread; facultative wetland species.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Maritime Grassland, Maritime Shrubland, SuccessionalShrubland, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forests, Successional Mixed Forests

Dry to moist; toleratesseasonal saturation.

Planting InstructionsSpace plants 1 ft. apart. Seed in spring,when soil is warm.

NurseriesAW EC SY

Calamagrotis canadensis Bluejoint

PoaceaePerennial, cool-season grass; 1.5-5 ft., grows in clumps or small patches.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Shrub Swamp, Floodplain Forest

Moist to wet; prefers soils with highorganic matter content.

Planting InstructionsSeed in late summer-early fall, or earlyspring.

NurseriesPI PN SY

Carex crinita Crinkled sedge CyperaceaePerennial; 1-5.5 ft., grows in clumps; obligate wetland species.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Shrub Swamp, Floodplain Forest, Red maple-HardwoodSwamp, Phragmites/Purple Loosestrife Marsh

Wet, tolerates saturation. Planting InstructionsSeed in late summer-early fall, or earlyspring.

NurseriesAW PI

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Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania sedge

CyperaceaePerennial; 1-1.5 ft., spreads rapidly by stolons, sod-forming (in full sun).

Maritime Grassland, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland, Floodplain Forest,Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest

Dry to moist, well-drained; acidic;average fertility soils.

Planting InstructionsBest if seeded or planted fall or earlyspring.

NurseriesNG PN

Carex stricta Tussock sedge

CyperaceaePerennial; 2-4 ft., medium spread; obligate wetland species.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Shrub Swamp, Red Maple Hardwood Swamp,Phragmites/Purple Loosestrife Marsh

Wet, tolerates saturation. Planting InstructionsPlant 1-3 ft. apart, or seed in latesummer-early fall or early spring.

NurseriesEC PI SY

Carex vulpinoides Fox sedge

CyperaceaePerennial; 0.5-3.5 ft., grows in clumps.


Wet, tolerates saturation. Planting InstructionsSeed in late summer-early fall or earlyspring.

NurseriesPI PN SY

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Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted hairgrass

PoaceaePerennial; 1-2.5 ft., grow in clumps.


Wet, tolerates saturation. Planting InstructionsSeed in late summer-early fall, or earlyspring.

NurseriesMS

Distichlis spicata Saltgrass

PoaceaePerennial; 0.5-4 ft., sprawling, forms dense mats; facultative wetland species.

High salt marsh

Wet, saline. NurseriesHR PI

Elymus hystrix Spreading bottlebrush grass

PoaceaePerennial, cool-season grass; 2-5 ft., clump-forming.

Oak Openings, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest

Dry to moist, drought tolerant; sandy,poor to average fertility soils.

Planting InstructionsSeed in late summer-early fall or earlyspring.

NurseriesNG

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Juncus canadensis Canada rush

JuncaceaePerennial; 0.5-4 ft.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Shrub Swamp, Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-HardwoodForest, Phragmites/Purple Loosestrife Marsh

Wet, tolerates saturation. NurseriesAW PI

Juncus effusus Soft rush

JuncaceaePerennial; 1.5-7 ft., grows in clumps; facultative wetland species.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Shrub Swamp, Phragmites/Purple Loosestrife Marsh

Wet, tolerates saturation. Planting InstructionsSpace plants 1-3 ft. apart.

NurseriesAW EC PI SY

Leersia oryzoides Rice Cutgrass

PoaceaePerennial; 1-3 ft., slow spread; obligate wetland species.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Shrub Swamp

Wet, but can tolerate periods ofdryness.

Planting InstructionsPlant 1-3 ft. apart.

NurseriesEC PI SY

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Panicum virgatum Switchgrass

PoaceaePerennial, warm-season grass; 2-4 ft., sod-forming, slow spread; faculative species.

High Salt Marsh, Maritime Grassland, Maritime Shrubland, Oak Openings,Successional Shrubland, Successional Mixed Hardwood,

Dry to moist, drought tolerant; cantolerate many soils but best on fertileground.

Planting InstructionsSeed 5 lbs. per acre or plant 1 ft. apartin late summer-early fall or early spring.

NurseriesCR EC MS NG PI PN SY

Schizachyrium scoparium (Andropogon scoparium) Little bluestem

PoaceaePerennial, warm-season grass; 1.5-5 ft., grows in clumps, or sod-forming.

Maritime Beach/Dunes, Oak Openings, Successional Shrublands, Successional MixedHardwoods

Dry to moist soils, drought tolerant;average fertility soils.

Planting InstructionsSeed in late summer-early fall or earlyspring.

NurseriesAW CR NG MA PI PN SY

Scirpus atrovirens Black bulrush

CyperaceaePerennial; 1-6 ft.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Shrub Swamp, Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-HardwoodSwamp, Phragmites/Purple Loosestrife Marsh

Wet, tolerates saturation. NurseriesSY

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Scirpus cyperinus Woolgrass

CyperaceaePerennial; 4-5 ft., grows in clumps, medium spread; facultative wetland species.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Phragmites/Purple Loosestrife Marsh

Moist to wet; tolerates seasonalinundation.



Scirpus pungens Common threesquare

CyperaceaePerennial; up to 4 ft., rapid spread; obligate wetland species.

High Salt Marsh, Shallow Emergent Marsh, Phragmites/Purple Loosestrife Marsh

Wet; tolerant of high pH. Planting InstructionsSpace plants 4 ft. apart.

NurseriesEC PI

Scirpus validus Great bulrush

CyperaceaePerennial; 6-10 ft., rapid spread; obligate wetland species.

Deep Emergent Marsh, Shallow Emergent Marsh, Phragmites/Purple Loosestrife Marsh

wet, tolerates sauturation,fresh or brackish water.

Planting InstructionsSpace plants 4 ft. apart.

NurseriesEC PI

45

Sorghastrum nutans Indian grass

PoaceaePerennial; 2-9 ft.

Maritime Grassland, Oak Openings, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrublands,Successional Mixed Hardwood

Dry to moist, drought tolerant; poor toaverage fertility soils.

NurseriesNG PN WE

Spartina alterniflora Saltmarsh cordgrass

PoaceaePerennial; 4-7 ft., spreads by rhiozomes, rapid spread; obligate wetland species.

Low Salt Marsh

Wet, requires tidal inundation, midtideto mean high water.

Planting InstructionsImportant salt marsh colonizer. Plant 12to 18 apart.

NurseriesEC HR PI SY

Spartina patens Saltmeadow cordgrass

PoaceaePerennial; 1-3 ft., medium spread; facultative wetland species.

High Salt Marsh

Wet, tolerates some tidal flooding,above mean high water.


NurseriesEC PI HR SY

46

FORBS

Asclepias incarnata Swamp milkweed

AsclepiadaceaePerennial; height 4 ft., bushy shape, rapid spread; blooms June-Aug., deep pink inflorescence;obligate wetland species.


Moist to wet, poorly-drained, toleratesseasonal saturation;average fertility soils.

Good nectar source for butterflies.

Planting InstructionsSpace plants 2-4+ ft. apart.

NurseriesCR EC MA MS NG PI PN SY WE

47

Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed

AsclepiadaceaePerennial; height 3-6 ft., spreads by rhizomes, rapid spread; blooms July, sweet-scented, lavenderflowers.

Maritime Grassland, Oak Openings, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland

Dry, well-drained; adaptable to avariety of soils, sand to clay.

Good nectar source for butterflies,especially the Monarch.

Planting InstructionsGrows readily from seed.

NurseriesMA PN

Asclepias tuberosa Butterflyweed

AsclepiadaceaePerennial; height 1-3 ft.; blooms late-spring to mid-summer, beautiful orange flowers.


Dry, needs to be well-drained, droughttolerant; neutral or slight acid; sandy togritty, infertile.

Excellent nectar source for butterflies.

Planting InstructionsYoung plants transplant easily, verydifficult to move when mature. Seedscan be sown upon collection.

NurseriesCR MS NG PI PN SY WE

48

Aster divaricatus White wood aster

AsteraceaePerennial; ground cover, height to 2 ft.; blooms late Aug., white flowers.

Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, Rich Mesophytic Forest

Moist, rich woodland soils. Planting InstructionsGerminates sparsely, so sow heavily.

NurseriesCR WE

Aster ericoides Heath aster

AsteraceaePerennial; height 2 ft., grows in bushy clumps; blooms Aug., profuse tiny white flowers.

Maritime Grassland, Oak Openings, Maritime Shrubland

Dry to moist; sandy soils. Planting InstructionsSpreads by rhizomes. Space plants 1 ft.apart.

NurseriesCR PN

49

Aster linariifolius Stiff-leaved aster

AsteraceaePerennial; height 2 ft.; blooms Aug., blue flowers.

Maritime Grassland, Oak Openings, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland,Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest

Dry to moist, well-drained; sandy,average to poor fertility soils.


NurseriesNG

Aster novae-angliae New England aster

AsteraceaePerennial; height 4-6 ft., forms large mass, very fast growing; blooms Sept., tall, showy purpleand orange flowers.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Shrub Swamp, Successional Shrubland, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp

Moist, well-drained, tolerates periodicsaturation; slightly acidic; requiresaverage to good fertility soil.

Late summer nectar source forbutterflies.

Planting InstructionsPlant clumps 1-2 ft. apart, place root 1down and rhizomes at soil level. Growseasily from seed.

NurseriesMS NG PI PN SY WE

50

Aster novi-belgii New York aster

AsteraceaePerennial; height to 4 ft., slow spread; blooms July-Oct.; facultative wetland species.

High Salt Marsh, Shallow Emergent Marsh, Maritime Grassland, Maritime Shrubland,Successional Shrubland, Floodplain Forest

Wet, tolerates saturation, fresh andbrackish.

Planting InstructionsSpace plants 0.5-1.5 ft. apart.

NurseriesEC MS SY

Caltha palustris Marsh marigold

RanunculaceaePerennial; height 1 ft.; blooms spring, showy yellow flower.

Shallow Emergent Swamp, Shrub Swamp, Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-HardwoodSwamp

Wet, tolerates saturation. NurseriesMS SY WE

51

Chelone glabra Turtlehead

ScrophulariaceaePerennial; height 2-4 ft.; blooms Aug.-Sept., distinctive white or pink flowers.


Wet, requires saturation, cannottolerate drought; light, humus-rich soil.

Host plant for Baltimore checker-spotbutterfly.

Planting InstructionsSeeds can be sown upon collecting inthe fall, or can be planted outdoors afterdanger of frost has passed.

NurseriesMS NG PI PN SY WE

Coreopsis lanceolata Lance-leaved coreopsis

AsteraceaePerennial, semi-evergreen; height 1-3 ft.; blooms May-Aug., yellow flowers.


Dry, drought-resistant; sandy, rockysoil, well-aerated, average to poorsoils, not too rich.

Planting InstructionsEasily grown from seed, 10 lbs. peracre, or 1 oz. per 100 sq. ft. Seeds needlight to germinate sow on surface.

NurseriesAW NG PN

52

Eupatorium maculatum Spotted Joe-Pye weed

AsteraceaePerennial; height 6-8 ft.; blooms Aug-Sept., pale purple flowers.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Successional Shrubland, Floodplain Forest

Moist, tolerates periodic saturation;any soil but prefers calcareous soilsrich with organic matter.

Bumblebees frequent these plants inthe late summer. Good nectar sourcefor butterflies.

Planting InstructionsEasily sown from seed in early fall orspring. Plant outdoors after last frost. Establishes better with organic matter.

NurseriesMA MS PI PN

Eupatorium perfoliatum Boneset

AsteraceaePerennial; height 4-6 ft.; blooms July-Sept., white flower clusters.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Shrub Swamp, Successional Shrubland, Floodplain Forest,Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp

Moist to wet, tolerates saturation, cantolerate drier soils than E. maculatum.


Planting InstructionsGrows easily from seed. Needs light togerminate, sow seeds on surface.

NurseriesAW MA MS PN

53

Eupatorium purpureum Purple Joe-Pye weed

AsteraceaePerennial; height 4 ft.; blooms July-Sept., pink-purple flowers, sweetly scented.

Oak Opening, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland, Appalachian Oak-HickoryForest, Rich Mesophytic Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to moist.


NurseriesMA MS NG PI WE

Eupatorium rugosum Wild snakeroot

AsteraceaePerennial; height 1-5 ft.; blooms July-Oct., white flowers.

Successional Shrubland, Floodplain Forest, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, RichMesophytic Forest

Moist; average to good fertility soil. Planting InstructionsGrows easily from seed. Store dry overwinter.

NurseriesNG

54

Geranium maculatum Wild geranium

GeraniaceaePerennial; height 1-2 ft., slow spread; blooms April-June, attractive deep pink blossoms.

Oak Openings, Rich Mesophytic Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to moist; neutral to slightly acidic;prefers rich woodland soil with plentyof humus.

Planting InstructionsRootstocks should be planted twoinches deep. Best if planted in the fall.

NurseriesMS NG PN WE

Helenium autumnale Common Sneezeweed

AsteraceaePerennial; height 2-4 ft.; blooms July-Sept., attractive yellow flowers.

Shallow Emergent Marsh

Moist to wet, tolerates saturation;Requires soil rich in organic matter.

Planting InstructionsTransplant in spring when soil is warm.

NurseriesCR MS WE

55

Helianthus angustifolius Swamp sunflower

AsteraceaePerennial; height 9 ft.; blooms May.


Moist to wet, tolerates saturation.

Songbirds eat the seeds.

Planting InstructionsSow seeds after danger of frost haspassed.

NurseriesCR NG

Helianthus decapetalus Forest sunflower

AsteraceaePerennial; height 2-5 ft.; blooms Aug.-Oct.

Oak Openings, Rich Mesophytic Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Moist, well-drained; acidic; average togood fertility soils.

Birds eat the seeds.


NurseriesMS SY

56

Helianthus divaricatus Woodland sunflower

AsteraceaePerennial; height 2-6 ft.; blooms July-Sept.

Oak Openings, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry, well-drained; acidic; average togood fertility soils.



NurseriesMS SY

Helianthus giganteus Giant sunflower

AsteraceaePerennial; height 5-10 ft.; blooms Aug.-Oct.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Oak Openings

Moist to wet.


Planting InstructionsSpace the plants 1-2 ft. apart.

NurseriesCR

57

Hibiscus moscheutos (H. palustris) Rose-mallow

MalvaceaePerennial; height 4-7 ft., slow spread; blooms July, large pink to white flowers; obligate wetlandspecies.


Wet, brackish, tolerates periods ofdryness; average soil; good for pondedge.

Nectar used by ruby-throatedhummingbirds.

Planting InstructionsPlants can spread to nearly 5 ft. so allowplenty of room in your planting area.

NurseriesEC MS NG PI SY

Impatiens capensis (I. biflora) Jewelweed, Touch-me-not

BalsaminaceaeAnnual; height 2-5 ft.; blooms June-Sept., interesting orange flower.

Shrub Swamp, Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp, Rich MesophyticForest

Moist to wet; acidic; good, rich soil.

Good nectar source for hummingbirds.

Planting InstructionsVery easy to grow from seed. Does nottransplant well.

NurseriesSY

58

Iris versicolor Blue flag iris

IridaceaePerennial; height 1-3 ft., slow spread; blooms late spring, requires full sun to flower, showyflower; obligate wetland species.

Shallow Emergent Marsh

Wet, requires saturation. Planting InstructionsMoist stratify seed for several months.Needs light to germinate.

NurseriesAW EC MS PI SY WE

Lespedeza capitata Round-headed bushclover

FabaceaePerennial; height 2-5 ft.; blooms July-Sept., cluster of small white flowers.


Dry, well-drained soils; adaptable tomany soils, rich loams to dry sands.

Planting InstructionsGrows easily from seed.

NurseriesPN (seeds only)

59

Liatris spicata Blazing star

AsteraceaePerennial; height 1-5 ft.; blooms Sept.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp

Moist to wet, well-drained, drought-resistant; light, fairly rich soil.


Planting InstructionsSow seeds outdoors in July. Suggestedrate is 12 lbs. per acre.

NurseriesCR NG PR SY

Limonium carolinianum Sea lavender

PlumbaginaceaePerennial; height 1-3 ft., slow spread; blooms July-Oct., small lavender flowers; obligate wetlandspecies.

High Salt Marsh

Moist, saline. Planting InstructionsSpace plants 1-2 ft. apart.

NurseriesEC HR MS

60

Linaria canadensis Blue Toadflax

ScrophulariaceaeAnnual; height 0.5-2 ft.; blooms spring to fall, delicate flowers.

Maritime Grassland, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland

Dry, well-drained; sandy soil. NurseriesMS

Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal flower

CampanulaceaeShort-lived perennial; height 2-5 ft., slow spread; blooms July-Oct., brilliant red flowers on longstalks; facultative wetland species.


Moist to wet; average, light, organicsoils, no mulch.


Planting InstructionsPlant in groups of 3-5. Needs light togerminate from seed.

NurseriesCR EC MS NG PI PN SY WC WE

61

Lobelia siphilitica Great lobelia

CampanulaceaeShort-lived perennial; height 2-5 ft.; blooms Aug.-Sept., showy blue flowers.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Shrub Swamp, Successional Shrubland, Floodplain Forest,Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp

Wet, tolerates drought (more than L.cardinalis).


Planting InstructionsEasy to grow, self sows. Needs light togerminate.

NurseriesCR MS NG PI PN SY WE

Lupinus perennis Wild blue lupine

FabaceaePerennial; height 1-2 ft.; blooms May-June, blue flowers in showy spiral racemes.

Maritime Grassland, Maritime Shrubland

Dry, well-drained; sandy loams to verydry, sandy soils, will not grow in clay.

Planting InstructionsSow from seed, established plants donot transplant well. Large seeds arevery easy to grow.

NurseriesPN

62

Maianthemum canadense Canada mayflower

LiliaceaePerennial; ground cover 2-6 in.; blooms May-June; carpets wet forest floor in early spring.


Moist; acidic; rich, organic woodlandsoil.

Planting InstructionsSpace plants 6 in. apart for good groundcoverage.

NurseriesNG

Mitchella repens Partridgeberry

RubiaceaeEvergreen perennial; ground cover, foliage lies flat on ground, height 2 in., slow spread; bloomsMay-July, fragrant pink/white flowers, scarlet berries.


Dry to moist; acidic; average to goodfertility soils.

Edible red berries favored by rabbitsand other small mammals.

Planting InstructionsSpace plants 0.5-1.0 ft. apart for goodground coverage.

NurseriesMA NG WC WE

63

Monarda didyma Oswego tea

LaminaceaePerennial; height 2-4 ft., spreads rapidly; blooms June-Aug., showy red flowers.

Oak Openings, Successional Shrubland, Rich Mesophytic Forest

Moist to wet; prefers average to goodfertility soil, mulched and composted.


Planting InstructionsSown seed as soon as they ripen,spreads easily.

NurseriesMS NG SY WE

Monarda fistulosa Wild bergamot

LaminaceaePerennial; height 1-4 ft.; blooms late July to Sept., lavender flowers.

Oak Openings, Successional Shrubland, Appalachian Oak-Hickory, Rich MesophyticForest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry, fairly drought-tolerant; averagefertility soil.


Planting InstructionsEasily grown from seed, spreads well.

NurseriesNG PN SY WE

64

Monarda punctata Horsemint

LaminaceaeBiennial; height 1-2 ft.; blooms summer-fall, unusual purple-spotted flowers.

Oak Openings, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland

Dry, well-drained; sandy soils.


Planting InstructionsGrows well from seed or containers.

NurseriesAW PN WE

Oenothera biennis Evening primrose

OnagraceaeBiennial; height 2-4+ ft.; blooms July to frost, yellow flowers open at dusk.

Maritime Grassland, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland

Dry to moist, well-drained; averagegarden soil.

Nectar source for the Primrose Moth,and other night-flying moths. Theseeds are eaten by birds.

Planting InstructionsBest sown from seed, in spring or fall;transplants easily; somewhatallelopathic.

NurseriesMS

65

Oenothera fruticosa Sundrops

OnagraceaePerennial, evergreen; height 1-2 ft.; showy yellow flowers.


Dry to moist; disturbed sites, averageto poor soils.

Nectar source for Primrose Moth andother night-flying moths.

Planting InstructionsBest sown from seed, in spring or fall;transplants easily.

NurseriesNG

Penstemon digitalis White beardtongue

ScrophulariaceaePerennial; height 4-8 ft.; blooms May-June, attractive white flowers.

Floodplain Forest, Rich Mesophytic Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Moist, will tolerate wet; average topoor fertility soils.

Planting InstructionsEasily grown from seed, will readilyself-sow.

NurseriesCR MS NG PN SY

66

Podophyllum peltatum Mayapple

BerberidaceaeSpreading perennial; height 1-1.5 ft.; blooms May, interesting ground cover, large leaves.


Moist; rich woodland soil. Planting InstructionsSpace plants 1-2 ft. apart for groundcover, will die back mid-summer.

NurseriesMS WC WE

Pontederia cordata Pickerelweed

PontederiaceaePerennial; height 1-3.5 ft., medium spread; blooms June-Nov., blue flowers; obligate wetlandspecies.

Deep Emergent Marsh, Shallow Emergent Marsh

Wet, requires standing water; goodfrom water's edge to3 ft. deep.

Eaten by black and wood ducks.


NurseriesEC PI SY

67

Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan

AsteraceaeShort-lived perennial; height 2-2.5 ft.; blooms June-Aug., showy yellow flowers.

Oak Openings, Successional Shrubland

Dry, well-drained; very adaptable, cangrow in heavy or light, rich or sterilesoils.

Planting InstructionsSeed can be sown in fall, as soon as theyare ripe, or in spring, after danger offrost is past (in fall). Plants should beplaced 2 ft. apart in full sun. Self sowseasily.

NurseriesMS NG PN SY WC

Rudbeckia triloba Thin-leaved coneflower

AsteraceaeShort-lived perennial; height 3-5 ft.; blooms July to Sept.

Floodplain Forest, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, Rich Mesophytic Forest

Moist; average to poor fertility. Planting InstructionsSeed can be sown in fall, as soon as theyare ripe, or in the spring, after thedanger of frost has passed. Plantsshould be placed 2 ft. apart.

NurseriesMS NG PN SY

68

Sagittaria latifolia Arrowhead

AlismataceaePerennial; height up to 4 ft., rapid spread; blooms July-Sept.; obligate wetland species.

Deep Emergent Marsh, Shallow Emergent Marsh

Wet, good for pond edge.

Water fowl and muskrat eat starchytuber.


NurseriesEC PI SY

Smilacina racemosa False Solomon's seal

LiliaceaePerennial; height 1-3 ft., spreads slowly by rhizomes; blooms May-June, showy flowers and fruitclusters.


Moist, well-drained; adaptable to avariety of soils, including dry sand.

Planting InstructionsSow seeds in fall or early spring.

NurseriesMS PN WE

69

Solidago odora Scented goldenrod

AsteraceaePerennial; height 2-5 ft.; blooms late July to frost, anise-scented yellow flowers.

Oak Openings, Successional Shrubland, Successional Mixed Hardwoods, AppalachianOak-Hickory Forest

Dry to moist; poor to average fertilitysoils; sandy.

Planting InstructionsGrows easily from seed.

NurseriesMS NG

Solidago rugosa Rough-leaved goldenrod

AsteraceaePerennial; height 3-5 ft.; blooms Sept-Oct., profuse display of yellow flowers.


Dry to moist, well-drained;average soils.

Planting InstructionsClumps spread readily so plants shouldbe placed at least 3 ft. from each other. Transplants well with added leaf moldand manure.

NurseriesSY

70

Solidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod

AsteraceaePerennial; height 3-6 ft.; blooms Sept.-Oct., yellow flowers, attractive foliage.

High Salt Marsh, Maritime Beach/Dunes, Maritime Grassland, Maritime Shrubland

Dry, saline; poor to average fertilitysoil.

Late summer/autumn nectar source forbutterflies, especially for the Monarchduring coastal migration.

Planting InstructionsGrows easily; self-sows.

NurseriesEC HR MA NG SY WE

Solidago speciosa Showy goldenrod

AsteraceaePerennial; height 2-5 ft.; blooms Aug.-Oct., attractive yellow flowers.

Oak Opening, Successional Hardwoods

Dry to moist, very drought tolerant.

Late season nectar source forbutterflies.

Planting InstructionsSpace plants 1-2 ft. apart.

NurseriesPN

71

Tiarella cordifolia Foamflower

SaxifragaceaePerennial, evergreen; height 6-12 in., spread fast, good ground cover; blooms April-May, whiteflowers on spires.


Moist, well-drained; rich, high inorganic matter.

Planting InstructionsGood in groups, as ground cover. Spaceplants 1-2 ft. apart.

NurseriesMS NG WC WE

Tradescantia virginiana Spiderwort

CommelinaceaePerennial; height 1-2 ft.; blooms June-Aug., purple flower.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Floodplain Forest

Moist, well-drained soil,but can tolerate poor drainage;prefers rich humus soil, but cantolerate poor soils.

Planting InstructionsGrows vigorously, give it room. Caneasily be sown from seed in spring ortransplanted after danger of frost haspassed.

NurseriesMS WE

72

Typha angustifolia Narrow-leaved cattail

TyphaceaePerennial; height to 6 ft., forms dense stands, rapid spread; blooms June-July; obligate wetlandspecies.

Deep Emergent Marsh

Wet, requires standing water, fresh tobrackish.

Starchy rhizome favored by muskrats.


NurseriesEC HR MS SY

Typha latifolia Broad-leaved cattail

TyphaceaePerennial; height to 6 ft. tall, forms dense stands, rapid spread; blooms May-June; obligatewetland species.

Deep Emergent Marsh

Wet, requires standing water, fresh.

Starchy rhizome favored by muskrats.


NurseriesEC HR MS PI SY

73

Vernonia noveboracensis New York ironweed

AsteraceaePerennial; height 3-6 ft.; blooms Aug.-Sept., dark purple/red flowers; facultative wetland species.


Moist to wet, tolerates saturation.


Planting InstructionsGermination percentage is low so sowthickly. Sow seeds outside in June orJuly.

NurseriesCR MA MS PI SY WE

74

SHRUBS

Amelanchier canadensis Shadblow

RosaceaeDeciduous; tall bushy shrub or small tree, usually grows in clumps, height 10-25 ft.; bloomsApril-May.

Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, RichMesophytic Forest

Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 6.1-6.5;coarse sands to medium loams.

Tolerant of: saltSensitive to: pollution,

compaction.

Planting InstructionsEasily planted in any form early springor fall. Often sold interchangeablywith A. arborea or A. laevis

NurseriesAW BL BS EC MS PI PR SY TR

The fruit of the shadblow is an important wildlife food during the early summer,favored by thrushes and other songbirds.

75

Aronia arbutifolia Red chokeberry

RosaceaeDeciduous; height 6-12 ft., spread 3-6 ft., slow growth; blooms May-June, attractive berries;facultative wetland species.

Shrub Swamp, Maritime Shrubland, Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp

Wet, can tolerate seasonal inundation; pH 5.1-6.5; coarse to fine, sands topeats, clays, and mucks.

Tolerant of: compaction, salt.

Planting InstructionsEasy, can be planted any season, anyform.

NurseriesAW BL BS EC MS PI PR SY TR WC

Red fruits which appear Sept.-Dec. are an occasional winter food source for many birdspecies.

Aronia melanocarpa Black chokeberry

RosaceaeDeciduous; height 3-6 ft., spread 3-6 ft.; blooms May-June.

Successional Shrubland, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp, Maritime Shrubland, ShrubSwamp, Floodplain Forest

Dry to wet, can tolerate regularinundation; pH 5.1-6.5; coarse infertilesand to fine muck & clay.


Planting InstructionsNo problems, can be planted any form,any season.

NurseriesAW BL EC PI PR SY TR WC

Black fruit from Sept.-Nov. is eaten by songbirds.

76

Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel bush

AsteraceaeSemi-evergreen; height 6-12 ft., spread 6-12 ft., fast growth; blooms Aug.-Nov., attractive seedheads; facultative wetland species.

High Salt Marsh

Wet, can tolerate seasonal inundation;pH 7.0-8.5; coarse maritime sands andgravels to fine peats, mucks, and clays.


Planting InstructionsTransplants easily.

NurseriesEC HR MA PI SY

Ceanothus americanus New Jersey tea

RhamnaceaeDeciduous, low spreading shrub, height 2-4 ft., spread 3 ft.; blooms early summer.

Oak Openings, Successional Shrubland, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, SuccessionalMixed Hardwoods

Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 4.5-6.0;poor to average soil; sands, sandyloams, sand clays; often in burned orcleared areas.

Tolerant of: saltSensitive to: compaction.

Planting InstructionsDifficult to transplant. Moist stratifyseed.

NurseriesNG PN SY TR


77

Cephalanthus occidentalis Button bush

RubiaceaeDeciduous; height 6-12 ft., spread 12-20 ft.; blooms June-Aug., unusual flower heads; obligatewetland species.

Shrub Swamp, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp, Floodplain Forest

Wet, will adapt to drier sites;pH 6.1-7.5, tolerates to 8.5; coarse tofine, sands, gravels, sandy loams, toclays, and peats.

Tolerant of: compaction.

Planting InstructionsGood in any form. Fairly easy to grow,tough to kill.

NurseriesAW EC MS PI PR SY

Clethra alnifolia Sweetpepper bush

ClethraceaeDeciduous; height 6-12 ft., spread 3-6 ft., slow to medium growth; blooms July-Aug., sweetlyscented.

Shrub Swamp, Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp

Moist to wet; pH 4.5-6.5; coarse tofine, sands and gravels, loams. to peats,mucks, clays.


Planting InstructionsEasy to grow, good in any form.

NurseriesAW BL BS EC HR MA MS PI PR SYTR

78

Cornus amomum Silky dogwood

CornaceaeDeciduous; height 6-12 ft., spread 6-12 ft., fast growth; blooms May-June, attractive blue fruit.


Wet; pH 6.1-7.5, tolerates to 8.5;can take any soil, from fine heavy clayto coarse wet sand.

Tolerant of: compactionSensitive to: salt.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily in the spring. Do notplant in the fall.

NurseriesAW EC PI PR SY TR WC

Dogwood fruits are important to many songbirds in the late summer and fall. Someprimary users are cardinals, thrushes, and cedar wax-wings.

Cornus racemosa Red-panicled dogwood

CornaceaeDeciduous; height 6-12 ft., spread 6-12 ft.; blooms May-June, attractive white fruit.

Oak Openings, Shrub Swamp, Successional Shrubland, Appalachian Oak-HickoryForest

Dry to moist; pH 6.1-7.5,tolerates to 8.5; moderatelycoarse gravel and sandy loams tofine silt loams and heavy clays.

Sensitive to: salt.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily in the spring. Do notplant in the fall.

NurseriesEC PI PR TR WC


79

Cornus sericea (C. stolonifera) Red-osier dogwood

CornaceaeDeciduous; height 6-12 ft., spread 6-12. ft, fast growth; blooms May-June, attractive white fruit,young stems are bright red.


Wet; pH 6.1-7.5, tolerates to 8.5; coarse sands and gravels to fine silts,peats, silts, sands.


Planting InstructionsBare root is ok in early spring, must bedrastically pruned back; otherwise plantballed and burlapped. Avoid planting infall.

NurseriesBL BS EC MS PI PR SY TR WC


Diervilla lonicera Bush honeysuckle

CaprifoliaceaeDeciduous; very small shrub, height 3 ft., spread 3 ft., fast growth; blooms June-July.

Oak Openings, Successional Shrubland, Rich Mesophytic Forest, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to moist, well-drained;pH 6.1-6.5; coarse sands, gravels,sandy loams to fine silty clay loamsand heavy clays.


Planting InstructionsTransplants well. Very scraggly-looking but good for naturalizing, needslarge area, will take over.

NurseriesPR WC

80

Gaylussacia baccata Black huckleberry

EricaceaeDeciduous; much-branched shrub, height 1-2 ft.; blooms May-June, small black fruit.

Oak Openings, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland

Dry, well-drained; acidic; sandy orrocky soil.


Planting InstructionsBare root ok in early spring. Transplants well.

NurseriesPI TR

Huckleberry fruits are eaten by many songbirds and small mammals.

Ilex glabra Inkberry

AquifoliaceaeDioecious; broadleaf evergreen, height 6-12 ft., spread, 6-12 ft., slow growth; attractive blackberries.


Moist to wet; pH 4.5-6.0;coarse infertile sands and gravelsto fine silty clay loams, heavyclay, organic soils, peats, mucks.


Planting InstructionsTransplants well balled and burlapped. Both female and male are necessary toensure a fruit crop.

NurseriesAW BL CG EC MA MS PI PR SY

Many songbirds, including thrushes, mockingbirds, robins, catbirds, bluebirds, andthrashers, feed on the fruit.

81

Ilex verticillata Winterberry

AquifoliaceaeDioecious; deciduous; height 6-12 ft., spread 6-12 ft., slow growth; attractive red fruit in winter.


Moist to wet; pH 4.5-6.0, tolerates to 8.0; medium to fine,primarily peats, mucks, silts.


Planting InstructionsTransplants well. Both female and maleplants are necessary to ensure a fruitcrop.

NurseriesAW BL EC MA MS PI PR SY TR WC

Many songbirds, including thrushes, mockingbirds, catbirds, robins, bluebirds, and thrashers feed on the fruit.

Kalmia angustifolia Sheep laurel

EricaceaeBroadleaf evergreen; very small, height 3 ft., spread 3-6 ft., slow growth; blooms June-July, pinkflowers.

Oak Openings

Wet; pH 4.5-6.0; moderately fine tofine, organic soils, sandy peats, mucksunderlain by calcareous clays, silts, orsands.


Planting InstructionsPlant balled and burlapped. Slow torecover but durable once established.

NurseriesAW PI TR WC

82

Kalmia latifolia Mountain laurel

EricaceaeBroadleaf evergreen; large, height 12-20 ft., spread 12-20 ft., slow growth; blooms May-June,showy white flowers.


Dry to wet; pH 4.5-6.0; coarse to fine,gravels and sands, loams, clays, andpeats.


Planting InstructionsPlant balled and burlapped. Slow torecover. Commercially exploitable;often collected illegally from the wild.Purchase only nursery-propagatedplants.

NurseriesAW BL BS CG MA MS PI WC

Lindera benzoin Spicebush

LauraceaeDioecious; deciduous; height 6-12 ft., spread 6-12 ft.; blooms early to mid-April, attractiveflowers, showy bright red fruit in September, beautiful fall color.

Shrub Swamp, Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp, Rich MesophyticForest

Moist to wet; pH 4.5-6.5;moderately coarse to moderately fine,loamy sands, medium loams, silt loamsand alluvial silts.

Tolerant of: salt.

Planting InstructionsDifficult to transplant because of coarse,fibrous root system; slow to re-establish. Both female and male are necessary toensure a fruit crop.

NurseriesBL EC MS PI PR SY WC

The fruits are relished by wood thrushes and veeries, but are eaten only sparingly byother birds. Host plant for Spicebush Swallowtail.

83

Myrica pensylvanica Bayberry

EricaceaeDioecious; semi-evergreen; height 6-12 ft., spread 6-12 ft., tends to sucker into large colonies,medium to fast growth; blooms March-April.

Maritime Beach/Dunes, Maritime Grassland, Oak Openings, Maritime Shrubland

Dry to wet; pH 5.0-6.5.


Planting InstructionsTransplants well. Both female and maleare necessary to insure fruit production.

NurseriesAW BL BS CG EC MA MS PI PR SY

Primary winter food of the myrtle warbler. Also eaten by the bluebird, catbird, meadowlark,starling, tree swallow, white-eyed vireo, and red-bellied woodpecker.

Prunus maritima Beach plum

RosaceaeDeciduous; height 3-6 ft.; round, dense habit; blooms May, white flowers; purple fruits ripen inAugust.

Maritime Beach/Dunes, Maritime Shrubland

Dry; restricted to well-drained sand.

Tolerant of: salt.

Planting InstructionsTransplants well in the spring. Avoidplanting in the fall. Requirescross-fertilization, so it is necessary toplant more than one plant, if fruit isdesired.

NurseriesAW BL BS CG EC MS PI SY

84

Rhododendron periclymenoides (nudiflorum) Pinxter azalea

EricaceaeDeciduous; height 6-9 ft., spread 6-12 ft., slow growth; blooms April-May, showy pink flowers.

Oak Openings, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, Rich Mesophytic Forest, SuccessionalMixed Hardwoods

Dry to wet; pH 4.5-5.5;coarse to fine sandy loams, thin soilsover bedrock, silt loams, sandy clayloams, sandy peat.

Tolerant of: compactionSensitive to: pollution, salt.

Planting InstructionsTransplants well balled and burlapped.

NurseriesPR SY TR WC

Rhododendron viscosum Swamp azalea

EricaceaeDeciduous; height 6-12 ft.; spread 6-12 ft.; blooms July, fragrant white flowers.


Wet; pH 4.0-6.0; coarse to fine, wetsands and gravels, loamy sands to finesands, clay loams, stiff clays, peats,mucks.



NurseriesAW EC PI PR SY TR

85

Rhus copallinum Shining sumac

AnacardiaceaeDeciduous; tall shrub to small understory tree, 20-35 ft., spread 20-35 ft., fast growth; attractivered fruit persist all winter.


Dry, well-drained; pH 6.1-7.0;almost any soil, coarse to fine.


Planting InstructionsTransplants easily in any season withcare. Produces new stems from rootsuckers.

NurseriesBL NG PI TR WC

Sumacs are not usually a choice food but they are an emergency winter food sourcebecause the fruits remain on the plants when other foods are scarce.

Rhus glabra Smooth sumac

AnacardiaceaeTall shrub to small understory tree, 10-20 ft.; spread 20-35 ft.; fast growth.

Oak Openings, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland, Successional MixedHardwoods

Dry, well-drained; pH 6.1-7.0;vigorous growth in most soils fromcoarse sandy and gravelly loam to fineheavy clay.

Tolerant of: pollution, saltSensitive to: compaction.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily in any season.

NurseriesBL MS NG PI TR WC


86

Rhus typhina Staghorn sumac

AnacardiaceaeDeciduous; large open shrub, height 15-35 ft, spread 15-40 ft., fast growth; attractive crimsonfruit late Aug.-April.

Oak, Openings, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland, Successional MixedHardwoods

Dry, well-drained; pH 6.1-7.0;adaptable to most soils, coarse to fine,sandy, gravelly loams to heavy clays.

Tolerant of: saltSensitive to: pollution,

compaction.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily balled and burlappedin any season.

NurseriesMS PI WC


Rosa carolina Pasture rose

RosaceaeDeciduous; height 3-4.5 ft., spread 6-12+ ft., suckers into broad, dense thickets, fast growth;blooms June-July, pink flowers, attractive red fruit persist into winter.

Maritime Beach/Dunes, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland, Oak Openings,Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest

Dry, well-drained; prefers acidic, butcan tolerate alkaline, pH 6.1-8.5.

Tolerant of: droughtSensitive to: pollution, salt.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily. Freely suckers intobroad thickets.

NurseriesTR

Rose hips, which remain on the shrubs through the winter and into the following year,are an important wildlife winter food source.

87

Rosa palustris Swamp rose

RosaceaeDeciduous; much-branched shrub, height to 6 ft.; blooms summer, pink flowers; obligate wetlandspecies.

Shrub Swamp, Floodplain Forest

Moist to wet. NurseriesAW TR

Rose hips, which remain on the shrubs through the winter and into the following year,are an important wildlife winter food source.

Rubus allegheniensis Northern blackberry

RosaceaeDeciduous; height 3-6 ft., spread 6-12 ft., forms broad colonies, fast growth.

Oak Openings, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland, Appalachian Oak-HickoryForest, Rich Mesophytic Forest

Dry, well-drained; pH 4.5-7.5;moderately coarse to moderately fine,sandy or gravelly loams, mediumloams, silt loams, sandy.

Tolerant of: pollution.


NurseriesSY

Blackberries rank at the very top of summer foods for wildlife. Even late into the falland winter, the dried berries are eaten by many species.

88

Salix discolor Pussy willow

SalicaceaeLarge shrub to small understory tree, 20-35 ft., spread 10-20 ft., fast growth.


Wet; pH 6.6-7.5; coarse to fine, sand,gravel, sandy loams, fine silt loams,silty clay loams.

Tolerant of: compaction, saltSensitive to: pollution.

Planting InstructionsEasily transplanted in any season withcare.

NurseriesAW BL CG MS PI SY WC

Sambucus canadensis Elderberry

CaprifoliaceaeDeciduous; height 6-12 ft., spread 6-12 ft., forms thickets, fast growth; blooms June-July, whiteflower clusters, purple fruits Aug.-Sept.

Maritime Shrubland, Shrub Swamp, Successional Shrubland, Floodplain Forest,Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to wet; pH 6.1-7.5;almost any soil, coarse sands andgravels, deep loams to fine silts,heavy clays, peats, mucks.


Planting InstructionsTransplants well. Good naturalizer,suckers freely form large thickets. Easyto culture.

NurseriesAW EC PI PR SY TR WC

Elderberries are especially important sources of summer food for catbirds, robins,thrushes, sparrows, and many other songbirds.

89

Spiraea alba (S. latifolia) Meadowsweet

RosaceaeDeciduous; height 3-6 ft., spread 3-6+ ft., fast growth, very short-lived; blooms June-Aug., whiteflower spikes.

Shallow Emergent Marsh, Shrub Swamp, Successional Shrubland

Moist to wet; pH 6.6-7.5;mediumloams to fine silt loams, silty clayloams, wet clays, peats and mucks.


Planting InstructionsTransplants well. Freely suckers.

NurseriesPI PR SY TR

Spiraea tomentosa Hardhack

RosaceaeDeciduous; height 3-6 ft., spread 3-6.+ ft., fast growth, very short-lived; blooms July-Sept., brightpink flower spikes.


Moist to wet; pH 5.1-6.0; mediumloams to fine sands, silt loams, wetclays, organic peats and mucks.

Tolerant of: compaction Sensitive to: salt.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily. Shallow, densesuckering roots.

NurseriesSY TR

90

Vaccinium angustifolium Lowbush blueberry

EricaceaeDeciduous; height <3 ft., spread <3 ft., slow growth; blooms May, berries July-Aug.

Oak Openings, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland, Appalachian Oak-HickoryForest, Rich Mesophytic Forest, Successional Hardwoods

Dry to moist, well-drained;pH 4.0-6.0; rock outcroppings, coarsesands, gravels, sandy loams to fine clayloams, clays.


Planting InstructionsBare root transplants well. Stoloniferous, spreads well. Sometimescollected wild, be sure to purchase onlynursery-propagated plants.

NurseriesBL MA MS PI SY TR

Blueberries are very valuable to wildlife. They are important to the scarlet tanager,bluebird, thrushes, and other songbirds as well as chipmunks and rabbits.

Vaccinium corymbosum Highbush blueberry

EricaceaeDeciduous; height 6-12 ft., spread 6-12 ft., slow growth; blooms May-June; berries July-Aug.


Dry to wet; pH 3.5-6.5;coarse gravelly or sandy loams to fineloamy sand, organic peats.



NurseriesAW BL EC MA MS PI PR TR SY

Blueberries are very valuable to wildlife. They are important to the scarlet tanager,bluebird, thrushes, and other songbirds.

91

Viburnum acerifolium Mapleleaf viburnum

CaprifoliaceaeDeciduous; height 3-6 ft., spread 3-6 ft., slow to medium growth; blooms June, white flowers;fruits Aug.-Dec.

Successional Shrubland, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, Rich Mesophytic Forest,Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to moist; pH 5.1-6.0; moderatelycoarse to fine, sandy and gravellyloams, loams, silt loams, fine sandyloams, clays.

Sensitive to: pollution, salt.

Planting InstructionsTransplants well.

NurseriesNG PR SY TR WC

Viburnum dentatum Arrowwood

CaprifoliaceaeDeciduous; height 6-12 ft., spread 6-12 ft.; blooms May-June, blue fruits Sept.-Nov.

Oak Openings, Shrub Swamp, Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland, RedMaple-Hardwood Swamp, Floodplain Forest, Rich Mesophtic Forest, SuccessionalMixed Hardwoods

Moist to wet; pH 5.1-6.5;moderately coarse to fine, gravelly andsandy, fine loamy sands, silt loams,silts, peats.

Tolerant of: salt.

Planting InstructionsTransplants well.

NurseriesAW BS CG EC MS PI PR SY TR WC

92

Viburnum prunifolium Blackhaw viburnum

CaprifoliaceaeDeciduous; tree-like shape, height 20-35 ft., spread 20-35 ft.; blooms May-June, white flowers,blue fruit Sept.-Dec.


Dry to moist, well-drained; neutral pH;moderately coarse to moderately fine.

Sensitive to: salt, compaction.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily.

NurseriesCG EC MS PI PR SY TR WC

93

TREES

Acer rubrum Red maple

AceraceaeDeciduous; large canopy tree, 75-100 ft./ spread 50-75 ft., fast growth.

Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest,Rich Mesophytic Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to wet; prefers pH 4.5-6.5; coarsesands and loams to fine silt clays;common on poorly-aerated soils.

Tolerant of: pollution, compactionSensitive to: salt.

Planting InstructionsEasily transplanted in any form in earlyspring. Avoid planting in the fall.

NurseriesAW BL BS EC PI PR SY WC

Maple seeds, buds, and flowers provide food for many kinds of birds and other animals.

94

Acer saccharinum Silver maple

AceraceaeLarge canopy tree, 75-100 ft., spread 75-100+ ft., very fast growth.

Floodplain forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to wet; pH 5.5-6.5; moderatelycoarse sands to fine silt clays.


Planting InstructionsEasily transplanted in any season balledand burlapped; bare root ok for smallsaplings.

NurseriesAW EC PI SY WC


Acer saccharum Sugar maple

AceraceaeDeciduous; large canopy tree, 75-100 ft., spread 50-75 ft., slow growth.


Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 6.0-7.5;coarse to medium sands and loams.

Tolerant of: pollution.Sensitive to: compaction, salt.

Planting InstructionsEasily transplanted in early spring balledand burlapped.

NurseriesBL PR WC


95

Amelanchier arborea Serviceberry

RosaceaeDeciduous; large understory tree, 35-50 ft.; spread 35-50 ft.; blooms April-May, white flowers

Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, RichMesophytic Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 6.1-6.5;coarse sands to medium loams.

Tolerant of: saltSensitive to: pollution, compaction

Planting InstructionsEasily planted in any form early springor fall. Often sold interchangeably withA. canadensis or A. laevis.

NurseriesAW BL BS EC MS PI PR SY WC

The fruit of the serviceberry is an important wildlife food during the early summer,favored by thrushes and other songbirds.

Betula lenta Black birch

BetulaceaeDeciduous; small canopy tree, 50-75 ft., spread 35-50 ft., slow growth.

Rich Mesophytic Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to moist, well-drained; narrow pHrange, 4.5-5.0; coarse sands ok, butprefers moderately fine sandy loams.

Sensitive to: compaction.

Planting InstructionsSomewhat difficult to transplant. Plantballed and burlapped in early spring. Avoid planting in fall.

NurseriesSY

The wildlife importance of birches is considerable. Their catkins, buds, and seeds areeaten on by many songbirds and small mammals.

96

Betula nigra River birch

BetulaceaeDeciduous; small canopy tree, 50-75 ft., spread 35-50 ft., fast growth.

Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamps

Moist to Wet; pH 6.5 or less; adaptableto most soil textures, coarse to fine


Planting InstructionsTransplants easily balled and burlappedin early spring. Avoid planting in fall.

NurseriesBL EC PI PR SY WC

Betula populifolia Gray birch

BetulaceaeDeciduous; large understory tree, 35-50 ft., spread 20-35 ft., fast growth, very short-lived.

Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to wet; pH 5.0-7.5; coarse sands tomoderately fine, poorly-aerated loams.


Planting InstructionsTransplants easily balled and burlappedin early spring. Avoid planting in fall.

NurseriesBL PI PR SY

The wildlife importance of birches is considerable. Their catkins, buds, and seeds areeaten on by many songbirds and small mammals.

97

Carpus caroliniana American hornbeam

BetulaceaeLarge understory tree, 35-50 ft., spread 35-50 ft., slow growth


Dry to moist; pH 6.1-7.5, medium tofine sand and silt loams.


Planting InstructionsDifficult to transplant. Plant balled andburlapped in early spring. Avoidplanting in fall.

NurseriesAW PR SY WC

Carya ovata Shagbark hickory

JuglandaceaeDeciduous; large canopy tree, 75-100 ft.., spread 35-50 ft.; slow growth.

Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry; pH 6.1-6.5; medium to fine soils,loams, fine silty clays and clay,occasionally alluvial soils.

Sensitive to: salt.

Planting InstructionsDifficult to transplant, move as smalltree balled and burlapped in early spring. Problems with hickory bark beetle.

NurseriesSY WC

A mature hickory can produce up to 2 bushels of nuts a year which are eaten by squirrels,chipmunks, and red-bellied woodpeckers.

98

Celtis occidentalis Common hackberry

UlmaceaeDeciduous; large canopy tree, 75-100 ft., spread 75-100 ft., fast growth..

Floodplain Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to wet; pH 6.6-8.0; moderately coarse to moderately fine sandy loams;common on limestone or rock outcrops.

Tolerant of: salt.

Planting InstructionsEasily transplanted in the spring. Plantwith care in the fall.

NurseriesBL PR SY WC

Hackberry drupes are popular with many winter birds, such as the cedar wax-wing,bluebird, mockingbird, and robin. Hackberry trees are also the host for the hackberrybutterfly.

Cornus alternifolia Alternate-leaved dogwood

CornaceaeDeciduous; small understory tree, 20-35 ft., spread 20-35 ft., slow growth.

Rich Mesophytic Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to moist; pH 6.6-7.5; moderatelycoarse loamy sands to moderately finesilt loams.

Sensitive to: pollution.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily, but recovers slowly. Plant balled and burlapped in earlyspring. Avoid planting in fall.

NurseriesPR WC

Dogwood fruit are valuable to many songbirds in the late summer and fall. Someprimary users are cardinals, thrushes and cedar wax-wings.

99

Cornus florida Flowering dogwood

CornaceaeDeciduous; large understory tree, 35-50 ft., spread 35-50 ft.


Dry t moist; pH 5.5-6.5; moderatelycoarse sandy loams to fine clays.

Tolerant of: pollution.

Planting InstructionsSomewhat difficult to transplant. Plantroot-pruned trees in early spring. Avoidplanting in fall.

NurseriesBL CG MS PI PR SY WC

Dogwood fruit are valuable to many songbirds in the late summer and fall. Someprimary users are cardinals, thrushes and cedar wax-wings.

Fraxinus americana White ash

OleaceaeLarge canopy tree, 75-100 ft., spread 50-75 ft..

Floodplain Forest, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, Rich Mesophytic Forest,Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to moist soils; pH 6.1-7.5;moderately coarse to moderately finesands to silt loams.

Sensitive to: pollution.

Planting InstructionsEasily transplanted balled and burlappedin early spring or late autumn..

NurseriesAW BL EC PR SY

100

Fraxinus pensylvanica Green ash

OleaceaeDeciduous; small canopy tree, 50-75 ft., spread 35-50 ft., fast growth.

Floodplain Forest, Rich Mesophytic Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Moist to wet soils; pH 6.1-7.5, coarse to medium sands.

Tolerant of: compactionSensitive to: pollution.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily in spring or autumnwith care.

NurseriesAW EC PI PR SY WC

Hamamelis virginiana Witch hazel

HamamelidaceaeDeciduous; small understory tree, 20-35 ft., spread 20-35 ft. (often to 40 ft.).


Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 6.1-6.5;moderately coarse to moderately finesoils, sandy to medium loams.


Planting InstructionsSomewhat difficult to transplant. Plantballed & burlapped or container in earlyspring.

NurseriesBL EC MS PI PR SY TR WC

101

Ilex opaca American holly

AquifoliaceaeEvergreen; small understory tree, 15-30 ft., (sometimes 40-50 ft.).

Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Moist, well-drained; pH 6.1-6.5; rich,loose soil.


Planting InstructionsTransplant balled and burlapped inspring.

NurseriesAW BL BS CG EC PI PR SY WC

Many songbirds, particularly the thrushes, mockingbird, robin, bluebird, and catbird eatthe fruit.

Juniperus virginiana Eastern red cedar

CupressaceaeEvergreen; small canopy tree, 50-75 ft., spread 35-50 ft., slow growth.

Maritime Shrubland, Successional Shrubland, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to moist to wet; pH 6.1-8.0;coarse sands and sandy loams to finesilty clays.


Planting InstructionsPlant balled and burlapped in earlyspring or late autumn.

NurseriesAW BL BI EC MS PI PR SY WC

Cedar fruits are eaten by cedar wax-wings, purple finches, robins, bluebirds, treeswallows, myrtle warblers, and other songbirds.

102

Liquidambar styraciflua Sweet gum

HamamelidaceaeDeciduous; large canopy tree, 75-100 ft., spread 50-75 ft., slow to medium growth.

Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp, Rich Mesophytic Forest, SuccessionalMixed Hardwoods

Moist to wet; pH 6.1-6.5; moderatleycoarse to fine; prefers alluvial clays andloams.


Planting InstructionsSomewhat difficult, re-establishesslowly. Plant balled and burlapped inearly spring. Avoid planting in fall.

NurseriesAW BL BS EC MS PI PR SY WC

Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip tree

MagnoliaceaeDeciduous; large canopy tree, 75-100 ft., spread 35-50 ft., medium to fast growth.


Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 6.1-6.5;loose, moderately fine sandy soils tomedium loams.


Planting InstructionsTransplants best balled and burlapped inearly spring. Avoid planting in the fall.

NurseriesAW BL MS PI PR SY WC

103

Nyssa sylvatica Black tupelo, Sourgum

CornaceaeDeciduous; small canopy tree, 50-75 ft., spread 35-50 ft., slow growth.

Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp, Rich Mesophytic Forest

Moist to wet; pH 6.1-6.5;coarse to moderately fine loams.

Tolerant of: pollution, salt.

Planting InstructionsDifficult to transplant. Plant balled andburlapped in early spring.

NurseriesAW BL EC MS PI PR SY WC

Tupelo fruits are eaten by wood ducks, robins, mockingbirds, brown thrashers, flickersand others.

Ostrya virginiana American hophornbeam

BetulaceaeDeciduous; large understory tree, 35-50 ft., spread 20-35 ft., slow growth.


Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 6.1-8.0;moderately coarse sandy loams to fineclays.


Planting InstructionsPlant balled and burlapped in earlyspring as small tree. Recovers slowly.

NurseriesBL PR SY WC

104

Pinus rigida Pitch pine

PinaceaeEvergreen; small canopy tree, 50-75 ft., spread 50-75 ft., fast growth.

Maritime Dunes/Beach, Maritime Shrubland

Dry, well-drained; pH 4.5-6.5;Coarse sands to moderately coarsesandy loams.

Tolerant of: saltSensitive to: compaction, pollution.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily balled and burlappedif root pruned. Plant in early spring.

NurseriesAW EC PI TR

Pine seeds are eaten by red-breasted and white-breasted nuthatches, black-cappedchickadees, and pine warblers.

Pinus strobus Eastern white pine

PinaceaeEvergreen; large canopy tree, 75-100 ft., spread 50-75 ft..

Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, Successional Northen Hardwoods

Dry, well-drained; pH 4.5-6.5;coarse to fine loams.

Sensitive to: pollution, salt,compaction.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily balled and burlappedin early spring.

NurseriesAW BL BS CG MS PI PR SY WC

Pine seeds are eaten by red-breasted and white-breasted nuthatches, black-cappedchickadees, and pine warblers.

105

Platanus occidentalis American sycamore

PlatanaceaeDeciduous; large canopy tree, height 75-100 ft, spread 75-100 ft., very fast growth.

Floodplain Forest, Rich Mesophytic Forest

Moist to wet; pH 6.1-6.5; alluvial soils,coarse sandy and gravelly loams tomoderately fine sandy and silty soils.


Planting InstructionsEasily transplanted. Plant spring or fallwith care. Sycamores experiencefrequent problems with anthracnose andleaf spots

NurseriesPI PR SY WC

The seed balls of the sycamore are eaten by the purple finch..

Populus deltoides Eastern cottonwood

SalicaceaeDeciduous; large canopy tree, 75-100 ft., spread 75-100 ft., very fast growth.

Floodplain Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Moist to wet; pH 6.6-7.5; coarseinfertile sands, sandy loams, preferssandy loams and silt.

Tolerant of: pollutionSensitive to: compaction, salt.

Planting InstructionsEasily transplanted in spring or fall.

NurseriesSY WC

106

Populus tremuloides Quaking aspen

SalicaceaeDeciduous; large understory tree, 35-50 ft., spread 20-35 ft., fast growth.

Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Moist to wet, pH 4.8-6.5; coarse rockysoils, loamy sands to heavy fine clays.

Sensitive to: pollution, compaction.

Planting InstructionsTransplant in early spring or autumn.

NurseriesBL

The buds and catkins of aspens are valuable sources of winter and spring food forgamebirds and songbirds.

Prunus serotina Black cherry

RosaceaeDeciduous; small canopy tree, 50-75 ft., spread 35-50 ft., fast growth.

Maritime Shrubland, Rich Mesophytic Forest, Successional Mixed Hardwoods

Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 6.1-7.5;moderately coarse to moderately fine,sand and silt loams.

Tolerant of: saltSensitive to: pollution.

Planting InstructionsSomewhat diffucult to transplant. Plantballed and burlapped in erly spring.

NurseriesPI SY WC

Wild cherries are one of the most valuable wildlife food plants. Cedar wax-wings, robins,thrushes, and other songbirds eat the fruits throughout the summer.

107

Quercus alba White oak

FagaceaeDeciduous; large canopy tree, 75-100 ft., spread 75-100+ ft., slow growth.

Oak Openings, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, Rich Mesophytic Forest

Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 6.1-7.5;coarse to fine loams and clays.

Tolerant of: saltSensitive to: compaction

(extremely sensitive).

Planting InstructionsDifficult to transplant. Plant as a smalltree balled and burlapped in the earlyspring.

NurseriesAW BL PI PR SY WC

Acorns are a good source and abundant staple food source for wood duck, manysongbirds and small mammals, especially in winter when other foods are scarce.

Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak

FagaceaeDeciduous; large canopy tree, 75-100 ft., spread 50-75 ft., medium to fast growth.

Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp

Demands moist to wet; pH 6.0-6.5;medium to fine clays.

Tolerant of: compaction salt.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily balled and burlappedin early spring.

NurseriesEC PI PR SY WC

Acorns are a good and abundant staple food source for wood duck, many songbirds andsmall mammals, especially in the winter when other foods are scarce.

108

Quercus coccinea Scarlet oak

FagaceaeDeciduous; small canopy tree. 50-75 ft., spread 50-75 ft., medium to fast growth.


Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 6.1-6.5;shallow infertile soils, coarse sandyloams to fine heavy clays.


Planting InstructionsTransplants well. Freely suckers.

NurseriesPI PR SY TR

Acorns are a good and abundant staple food source for many songbirds and small mammals, especially in the winter when other foods are scarce.

Quercus palustris Pin oak

FagaceaeDeciduous; small canopy tree, 50-75 ft., spread 50-75 ft., medium to fast growth.

Floodplain Forest, Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp, Rich Mesophytic Forest

Moist to wet; pH 5.5-6.5, intolerant ofhigher pH; moderately coarse to fine,prefers clay, silty loam.


Planting InstructionsEasily planted balled and burlapped inearly spring.

NurseriesAW BL BI CG EC PI PR SY WC

Acorns are a good and abundant staple food source for many songbirds and smallmammals, especially in the winter when other foods are scarce.

109

Quercus prinus (montana) Chestnut oak

FagaceaeDeciduous; small canopy tree, 50-75 ft./ spread 75-100 ft., slow growth.


Dry; pH 6.1-6.5; coarse dry sandyloams to fine heavy loams, silt loams,clays.


Planting InstructionsDifficult to transplant. Plant balled andburlapped in early spring.

NurseriesPI SY WC

Acorns are a good and abundant staple food source for many songbirds and smallmammals, especially in the winter when other foods are scarce.

Quercus rubra (Q. borealis) Red oak

FagaceaeDeciduous; large canopy tree, 75-100 ft., spread 75-100 ft..


Moist, well-drained; pH 4.8-6.5;moderately coarse to fine, prefers clayloams and loamy sands.


Planting InstructionsTransplants easily, move balled andburlapped in early spring.

NurseriesBL BS CG MS PI PR SY WC

Acorns are a good and abundant staple food source for wood duck, many songbirds andsmall mammals, especially in the winter when other foods are scarce.

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Quercus velutina Black oak

FagaceaeDeciduous; large canopy tree, 75-100 ft., spread 75-100 ft.

Oak Openings, Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, Rich Mesophytic Forest

Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 6.1-6.5;coarse sands and sandy loams to fineclay, heavy loams.


Planting InstructionsDifficult to transplant. Move balled andburlapped in early spring.

NurseriesWC

Acorns are a good and abundant staple food source for wood duck, many songbirds and smallmammals, especially in the winter when other foods are scarce.

Salix nigra Black willow

SalicaceaeDeciduous; large understory-small canopy tree, 35-50 ft., spread 20-35 ft., very fast growth.

Floodplain Forest

Moist to wet, poorly drained; pH 6.5-7.5, tolerates alkaline to 8.0; almost anysoil, coarse sand to fine silt loams.

Tolerant of: compactionSensitive to: pollution.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily balled and burlappedin any seasons.


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Sassafras albidum Sassafras

LauraceaeDeciduous; large understory tree, 35-50 ft., spread 35-50 ft..

Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest, Rich Mesophytic Forest, Successional MixedHardwoods

Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 6.0-6.5;moderately coarse to medium loams,tolerates fine loamy clays.


Planting InstructionsDifficult to transplant. Move balled andburlapped in early spring.

NurseriesBL PI PR SY WC

The fruits of the sassafras are eaten in small quantities by many species of birds, such asthe catbird, great crested flycatcher, and kingbird.

Tilia americana Basswood, American Linden

TiliaceaeDeciduous; large canopy tree, 75-100 ft., spread 50-75 ft.

Floodplain Forest, Rich Mesophytic Forest

Dry to moist, well-drained; pH 6.5-7.5; moderately coarse sandy tomedium loams.

Sensitive to: compaction, salt.

Planting InstructionsTransplants easily balled and burlapped inearly spring.

NurseriesPR WC

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NURSERY CODES AND ADDRESSES

AR Arrowwood Nurseries, Inc. Contact: Joe ArsenaultPO Box 418C Malaga Road Phone: (609) 753-1160Williamstown, NJ 08094 (609) 728 1288

Fax: (609) 753-1285

BL Baier Lustgarten Farms & Nurseries Contact: Ethel DooleyJericho Tpke Phone: (516) 924-3444Middle Island, NY 11953 Fax: (516) 924-2211

Shelter Island Nursery Contact: Blaise Laspia(part of Baier Lustgarten) Phone: (516) 749-0490St. Mary's RoadShelter Island, NY 11964

BS Bissett Nursery Corporation Contact: Bill Weissmiller

PO Box 386, 323 Long Island Avenue Phone: (516) 289-3500Holtsville, NY 11742

CG Country Gardens Nursery Phone: (516) 249-5527450 South Service RoadMelville, NY 11747

CR Crownsville Nursery Phone: (410) 923-2212PO Box 797Crownsville, MD 21032

EC Environmental Concern Inc. Contact: Ed Garbisch210 West Chew Avenue, PO Box P Phone: (410) 745-9620St. Michaels, MD 21663 Fax: (410) 745-3517

HR HR Talmage & Son Phone: (516) 727-0124Friars' Head Farm Fax: (516) 727-032636 Sound Ave. RFD #1Riverhead, NY 11901

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MA Marder's Nursery Contact: Ron JawinPO Box 1261 - Main Street Phone: (516) 537-1352Bridgehampton, NY 11932 (516) 537-3700

Fax: (516) 537-7020

MS Martin Viette Nurseries Contact: Doug AkerleyPO Box 10 - Route 25A Phone: (516) 922-5530East Norwich, NY 11732

Springs Nursery Phone: (516) 324-4674(part of Martin Viette) Fax: (516) 329-1960396 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek RoadEast Hampton, NY 11937

NG Native Gardens Contact: Meredith Bradford-5737 Fischer Lane & Ed ClebschGreenback, TN 37742 Phone: (615) 856-3350

PI Pinelands Nursery Contact: Don KnezickRR1, Box12, Island Road Phone: (609) 291-9486Columbus, NJ 08022 Fax: (609) 298-6846

PN Prairie Nursery Phone: (608) 296-3679PO Box 306 Fax: (608) 296-2741Westfield, WI 53964

PR Princeton Nurseries Contact: Bill Flemer, IVPO Box 191 Phone: (609) 924-1776Princeton, NJ 08542 Fax: (609) 924-8597

SY Sylva Native Nursery & Seed Co. Phone: (301) 560-22881927 York RoadTimonium, MD 21093

TR Travis Nursery Contact: Arthur DeCesarioVictory Blvd. (near Travis Avenue) Phone: (718) 816-9192Staten Island, NY 10314

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WC Warren County Nursery Contact: Richard HobbsRoute 2, Box 204 Phone: (800) 848-1272 McMinnville, TN 37110

WE Wild Earth Native Plant Nursery Contact: Rich Pillar49 Mead Avenue Phone: (908) 780-5661Freehold, NJ 07728

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GLOSSARY

alluvial Related to or influenced by stream flow. Alluvial soils arederived from river sediment.

annual A plant which has a life cycle completed in a single year orgrowing season.

biennial A plant which has a life cycle completed in two years,where blooming occurs in the second year.

brackish A mixture of salt and fresh water which contains salt inconcentrations lower than seawater.

catkin A dense spike or raceme bearing many small flowers or fruits.

community A group of one or more populations of plants and animalsin a common spatial arrangement.

deciduous Having a cycle in which foliage is shed and regrownannually.

detritus Loose material resulting from disintegration. In coastalecosystems detritus is used to refer to particles of decayedorganisms.

dioecious Individual plants are of a single sex. Plants of both sexesmust be present on the same site, or nearby, forreproduction to occur.

ecosystem A system in which plants and animals interact with oneanother and their physical environment.

endemic Restricted to and originally present in a particular locality.

estuarine Related to an estuary, the portion of a fresh water river thatis influenced by and mingles with ocean tides.

evergreen Remaining green throughout the winter.

exotic A species not native to the place where found.

facultative wetland A plant that can live in, but is not limited to, a wetland species

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fern Flowerless, seedless plant that reproduce by spores.

forb A non-graminoid herbaceous plant.

frond Leaf of a fern.

graminoid Any of the grass-like plants, including grasses, sedges andrushes.

halophytic A plant which grows well in a salty soil.

heath Members of a shrubby evergreen family (Ericaceae) whichdo well on open, acid, poorly drained soils.

herbaceous Flowering plants which do not have woody stems, andwhich die back to the ground (wholly or in part) at the endof the growing season.

herbivorous Referring to those animals which eat plants.

inflorescence The arrangement of flowers on a stem.

intertidal Occurring between high and low tide.

loam A soil type which has approximately equal parts sand, silt,and clay.

marsh A wetland in which herbaceous plants are dominant.

mean high water The average water height at high tide.

mesophytic Condition of medium moisture.

muck An organic soil in which the organic matter is welldecomposed.

native A plant that has grown in the region since the lastglaciation, and before European settlement.

node A point on a stem from which leaves or branches arise.

obligate wetland species A plant or animal which can only survive in wetlands.

old field An herbaceous area which was disturbed or cleared (eg.farmland) upon which woody vegetation has begun toencroach.

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organic Derived from living organisms.

peat A type of soil formed in wetlands from dead plant materialwhich experiences little decay because of high acidity, or alow oxygen level in a saturated environment.

perennial Having a life cycle which occurs over several years, andusing the same rootstock to produce growth.

plankton Small free floating aquatic animal and plant life which arenot self propelled.

protist Bacteria, algae, and fungi.

raceme An unbranched flower cluster in which individual flowersare distributed at intervals along a central stalk.

rhizome A horizontal underground stem that produces roots andshoots at the nodes.

rootstock Synonymous with rhizome.

ruderal Growing in waste places or among rubbish.

savanna A grassland with occasional trees.

scientific name The standardized binomial name of an organism, in whichthe first name refers to a genus, and the last name or namesrefer to a species.

shrub A woody plant in which several erect spreading stems arisefrom the ground.

spike An elongated flower cluster.

stolon A horizontal above ground stem that produces roots andshoots at the nodes.

stoloniferous Spreading by stolons.

tree A woody plant, with a single trunk unbranched for severalfeet above the ground and at maturity is 20 ft. or taller.

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INDEX OF COMMON AND SCIENTIFIC NAMESFLORA(Nomenclature for all flora follows Gleason and Cronquist, 1991. Former names aregiven in parentheses. Recommended species are in boldface.)

FernsFern, Christmas Polystichum acrostichoidesFern, cinnamon Osmunda cinnamomeaFern, hay-scented Dennstaedtia punctilobulaFern, interrupted Osmunda claytonianaFern, lady Athyrium filix-feminaFern, New York Thelypteris noveboracensisFern, royal Osmunda regalisFern, sensitive Onoclea sensibilisWoodfern, crested Dryopteris cristataWoodfern, marginal Dryopteris marginalisWoodfern, toothed Dryopteris carthusiana (D. austriaca)

GraminoidsBeachgrass Ammophila breviligulataBluejoint Calamagrostis canadensisBluestem, big Andropogon gerardiiBluestem, little Schizachyrium scoparium

(Andropogon scoparium)Broomsedge Andropogon virginicusBulrush, black Scirpus atrovirensBulrush, great Scirpus validusBulrush, saltmarsh Scirpus robustusCommon reed Phragmites communisCordgrass, saltmarsh Spartina alternifloraCordgrass, saltmeadow Spartina patensCutgrass, rice Leersia oryzoidesGrass, bottlebrush Elymus hystrix (Hystrix patula)Grass, Indian Sorghastrum nutansHairgrass, tufted Deschampsia cespitosaPhragmites Phragmites communisRush, Canada Juncus canadensisRush, soft Juncus effususSaltgrass Distichlis spicataSedge, crinkled Carex crinitaSedge, fox Carex vulpinoideaSedge, Pennsylvania Carex pensylvanicaSedge, tussock Carex strictaSpikerush Eleocharis spp.Switchgrass Panicum virgatumThreesquare, common Scirpus pungensWoolgrass Scirpus cyperinus

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ForbsArrow-arum Peltandra virginicaArrowhead Sagittaria latifoliaAster, annual salt marsh Aster subulatusAster, bushy Aster dumosusAster, heath Aster ericoidesAster, New England Aster novae-angliaeAster, New York Aster novi-belgiiAster, salt marsh Aster tenuifoliusAster, stiff-leaf Aster linariifoliusAster, white wood Aster divaricatusBeardtongue, white Penstemon digitalisBergamot, wild Monarda fistulosaBlack-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirtaBladderworts Utricularia spp.Blazing star Liatris spicataBloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis Blue flag Iris versicolorBoneset Eupatorium perfoliatumBushclover Lespedeza capitataButterflyweed Asclepias tuberosaCamphor-weed Heterotheca subaxillarisCardinal flower Lobelia cardinalisCattail, broad-leaved Typha latifoliaCattail, narrow-leaved Typha angustifoliaCelandine, lesser Ranunculus ficariaClearweed Pilea pumila Coneflower, thin-leaf Rudbeckia trilobaCoreopsis, lance-leaf Coreopsis lanceolataDock, golden Rumex maritimusEverlasting, sweet Gnaphalium obtusifoliumFalse Solomon's seal Smilacina racemosaFleabane, salt marsh Pluchea purpurascensFoamflower Tiarella cordifoliaGeranium, wild Geranium maculatumGlassworts Salicornia spp.Goldenrod, blue-stemmed Solidago caesiaGoldenrod, early Solidago junceaGoldenrod, scented Solidago odoraGoldenrod, seaside Solidago sempervirensGoldenrod, showy Solidago speciosaGoldenrod, rough-leaved Solidago rugosaHeather, false Hudsonia tomentosaHemp, water Acnida cannabinusHorsemint Monarda punctataIronweed, New York Vernonia noveboracensisIvy, poison Toxicodendron radicansJewelweed Impatiens capensis (I.biflora)Joe-Pye weed, purple Eupatorium purpureumJoe-Pye weed, spotted Eupatorium maculatum

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Jointweed Polygonella articulataJumpseed, Virginia knotweed Polygonum virginianumLobelia, great Lobelia siphiliticaLoosestrife, purple Lythrum salicariaLovegrass, purple Eragrostis spectabilisLupine, wild blue Lupinus perennisMarsh marigold Caltha palustrisMayapple Podophyllum peltatumMayflower, Canada Maianthemum canadenseMilkweed, common Asclepias syriacaMilkweed, swamp Asclepias incarnataMugwort Artemisia vulgarisNettle, smooth Boehmeria cylindricaNettle, stinging Urtica dioicaOrache Atriplex patulaOswego tea Monarda didymaPartridgeberry Mitchella repensPickerelweed Pontederia cordataPinweed Lechea tenuifoliaPlantain, mud Alisma plantago-aquaticaPrimrose, evening Oenothera biennisRattlesnake root Prenanthes trifoliolataRue, tall meadow Thalictrum polygamumSarsaparilla, wild Aralia nudicaulisSea-blite Suaeda linearis & S.maritimaSea lavender Limonium carolinianumSea rocket Cakile edentulaSkunk-cabbage Symplocarpus foetidusSnakeroot, black Cimicifuga racemosaSnakeroot, white Eupatorium rugosumSneezeweed, common Helenium autumnaleSolomon's seal Polygonatum biflorumSpiderwort Tradescantia virginianaSt. Johnswort, dwarf Hypericum mutilumSundrops, southern Oenothera fruticosaSunflower, woodland Helianthus divaricatusSunflower, swamp Helianthus angustifoliusSunflower, giant Helianthus giganteusSunflower, forest Helianthus decapetalusToadflax, blue Linaria canadensisToothworts Dentaria spp.Trout-lily Erythronium americanumTurtlehead Chelone glabraVirginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefoliaWater-lily, white Nyphaea odorataWater-lily, yellow Nuphar lutea

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ShrubsArrowwood Viburnum dentatumAzalea, pinxter Rhododendron periclymenoides

(R. nudiflorum)Azalea, swamp Rhododendron viscosumBayberry, Northern Myrica pensylvanicaBlueberry, highbush Vaccinium corymbosumBlueberry, lowbush Vaccinium angustifoliumBlackberry, Northern Rubus allegheniensisButtonbush Cephalanthus occidentalisChokeberry, black Aronia melanocarpaChokeberry, red Aronia arbutifoliaDogwood, alternate-leaved Cornus alternifoliaDogwood, red-osier Cornus sericeaDogwood, red-panicled Cornus racemosaDogwood, silky Cornus amomumElderberry Sambucus canadensisGroundsel bush Baccharis halimifoliaHardhack Spiraea tomentosaHoneysuckle, bush Diervilla loniceraHuckleberry, black Gaylussacia baccataInkberry Ilex glabraLaurel, mountain Kalmia latifoliaLaurel, sheep Kalmia angustifoliaMeadowsweet Spiraea alba (S. latifolia)New Jersey tea Ceanothus americanusPlum, beach Prunus maritimaRose, pasture Rosa carolinaRose, swamp Rosa palustrisRose, Virginia Rosa virginiaRose-mallow Hibiscus Moscheutos (H. palustris)Shadblow Amelanchier canadensisSumac, shining Rhus CopallinumSumac, smooth Rhus glabraSumac, staghorn Rhus typhinaSpicebush Lindera benzoinSweet pepperbush Clethra alnifoliaViburnum, blackhaw Viburnum prunifoliumViburnum, mapleleaf Viburnum acerifoliumWinterberry Ilex verticillata

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TreesAsh, green Fraxinus pensylvanicaAspen, quaking Populus tremuloidesBasswood Tilia americanaBeech, American Fagus grandifoliaBirch, black Betula lentaBirch, gray Betula populifoliaBirch, river Betula nigraCedar, red Juniperus virginianaCherry, black Prunus serotinaChestnut, American Castanea dentataCottonwood Populus deltoidesDogwood, flowering Cornus floridaDogwood, alternate-leaved Cornus alternifoliaElm, American Ulmus americanaHackberry Celtis occidentalisHemlock, Eastern Tsuga canadensisHickory, bitternut Carya cordiformisHickory, mockernut Carya tomentosaHickory, shagbark Carya ovataHolly, American Ilex opacaHophornbeam, American Ostrya virginianaHornbeam Carpinus carolinianaLinden, American Tilia americanaMagnolia, sweet bay Magnolia virginiana Maple, sugar Acer saccharumMaple, silver Acer saccharinumMaple, red Acer rubrumOak, black Quercus velutinaOak, scarlet Quercus coccineaOak, Northern red Quercus rubra (borealis)Oak, chestnut Quercus prinus (montana)Oak, white Quercus albaOak, swamp white Quercus bicolorOak, pin Quercus palustrisPaw-paw Diospyros virginiana Pine, pitch Pinus rigidaPine, Eastern white Pinus strobusSassafras, common Sassafras albidumServiceberry Amelanchier arboreaSweetgum Liquidambar styracifluaSycamore, American Platanus occidentalisTulip tree Liriodendron tulipiferaTupelo, black Nyssa sylvaticaWillow, black Salix nigraWillow, pussy Salix discolorWitch hazel Hamamelis virginiana

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FAUNA(Nomenclature follows The Peterson Field Guide Series)

Amphibians and ReptilesBullfrog Rana catesbeianaSalamander, red-backed Plethodon cinerus cinerusSalamander, spotted Ambystoma maculatumSpring peeper Hyla cruciferToad, fowler's Bufo woodhousei fowleriTurtle, painted Chrysemys picta picta

BirdsBittern, American Botaurus lentiginosusBittern, least Ixobrychus exilis exilisBlackbird, red-winged Agelaius phoeniceusBluebird, Eastern Sialia sialisCardinal, Northern Richmondena cardinalisCatbird, gray Dumetella carolinensisChickadee, black-capped Parus atricapillusDuck, black Anas rubripesDuck, wood Aix sponsa Finch, purple Carpodacus purpureus purpureusFlicker, Northern Colaptes auratusFlycatcher, great-crested Myriarchus crinitusFlycatcher, willow Empidonax trailliiHawk, marsh Circus cyaneus hudsoniusHummingbird, ruby-throated Archilochus colubrisKingbird, Eastern Tyrannus tyrannusLark, horned Eremophila alpestrisMeadowlark Sturnella magnaMockingbird, Northern Mimus polyglottosNuthatch, red-breasted Sitta canadensisNuthatch, white-breasted Sitta carolinensisOven bird Seiurus aurocapillusOwl, barn Tyto alba pratincolaOwl, short-earred Asio flammeus flammeusPlover, piping Charadrius melodusRail, clapper Rallus longirostrisRail, Virginia Rallus limicola limicolaRedstart, American Setophaga ruticillaRobin, American Turdus migratoriusSparrow, grasshopper Ammodramus savannarumSparrow, sea-side Ammospiza maritimaSparrow, sharp-tailed Ammospiza caudacutaSparrow, song Melospiza melodiaSparrow, swamp Melospiza georgianaStarling, European Sturnus vulgaris vulgarisSwallow, tree Iridoprocne bicolorTern, little Sterna albifrons Tern, common Sterna hirundo hirundo

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Thrasher, brown Toxostoma rufum rufumThrush, wood Hylocichla mustelinaTitmouse, tufted Parus bicolorTowhee, rufous-sided Pipilo erythrophthalmusVeery Hylocichla fuscesensVireo, red-eyed Vireo olivaceusVireo, warbling Vireo gilvus gilvusVireo, white-eyed Vireo griseusWarbler, blue-winged Vermivora bachmaniiWarbler, myrtle Dendroica caerulescensWarbler, pine Dendroica pinusWarbler, yellow Dendroica petechiaWaxwing, cedar Bombycilla cedrorumWoodcock, American Philohela minorWoodpecker, red-bellied Melanerpes carolinusWren, marsh Telmatodytes palustrisYellowthroat, common Geothylpis trichas

InsectsButterfly, Baltimore checker-spot Euphydryas phaetonButterfly, hackberry Asterocampa celtisButterfly, Monarch Danaus plexippusMoth, Primrose Schinia floridaSwallowtail, spicebush Papilio troilus

MammalsChipmunk, Eastern Tamias striatusCottontail, Eastern Sylvilagus floridanusMouse, white-footed Peromyscus leucopusMuskrat Ondatra zibethicaSquirrel, Eastern grey Sciurus carolinensisSquirrel, Northern flying Glaucomys sabrinusVole, meadow Microtus pennsylvanicus

Marine InvertebratesCrabs, fiddler Uca spp.Mussel, ribbed Geukensia demissa (Modiolus demissus)

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REFERENCES

Bailey, Liberty H., and Ethel Z. Bailey and the Staff of the L.H. Bailey Hortorium.1976. Hortus Third. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc.

Borror, Donald J., and Richard E. White. 1970. A Field Guide to the Insects of AmericaNorth of Mexico, The Peterson Field Guide Series. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.

Brown, Lauren. 1979. Grasses. An Identification Guide. Boston: Houghton MifflinCompany.

Burt, WIlliam H., and Richard P.Grossenheider. 1972. Mammals. The Peterson FieldGuide Series. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.

Conant,N Roger. 1975. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern/CentralNorth America, The Peterson Field Guide Series. Boston:Houghton Mifflin Co.

Covel, Charles V. 1984. Eastern Moths, The Peterson Field Guide Series. Boston:Houghton Mifflin Co.

Dirr, Michael A. 1983 Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification,

Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation, and Use. Champaign, IL: StipesPublishing Company.

Environmental Concern Inc. 1993. Planting Guide and Catalog. St. Michaels, MD: Environmental Concern, Inc.

Gleason, Henry A. and Arthur Cronquist. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of the Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada. 2nd Edition. New York: New YorkBotanical Garden.

Gosner, Kenneth L. 1978. The Field Guide to the Atlantic Seashore, The Peterson FieldGuide Series. Boston:Houghton Mifflin Co.

Hightshoe, Gary L. 1988. Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Urban and Rural America. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold

Martin, Alexander with Herbert S. Zim, and Arnold L. Nelson. 1961. American Wildlifeand Plants, A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits. New York: Dover Publication, Inc.

Martin, L.C. 1986. The Wildflower Meadow Book, A Gardener's Guide. Charlotte,N.C.: Fast & McMillan Publishers, Inc.

Native Gardens. 1993. 1993 Catalog. Greenback, TN: Native Gardens.

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Nature Conservancy. 1985. Element Stewardship Abstracts. "Phragmites and PurpleLoosestrife". The Nature Conservancy.

Niering, William A. 1989. Wetlands. New York: Knopf.

Newcomb, Lawrence. Newcomb's Wildflower Guide. Boston: Little, Brown and Company.

Opler, Paul A. 1992. A Field Guide to Eastern Butterflies, Peterson Field Guide. Boston:Houghton Mifflin Co.

Ottesen, Carol. 1989. Ornamental Grasses, the Amber Wave. McGraw-Hill Publishing,New York

Peattie, Donald C. 1950. Natural History of Trees of Eastern and Central North America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.

Peterson, Roger Tory. 1947. A Field Guide to the Birds, The Peterson Field GuideSeries. Boston:Houghton Mifflin Co.

Philips, H. 1985. Growing and Propagating Wild Flowers. The University of NorthCarolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC

Prairie Nursery. 1993. 1993 Catalog. Prairie Nursery. Westfield, WI

Princeton Nurseries. 1993. Wholesale Catalog, Fall 1992/Spring 1993. Princeton Nurseries. Princeton, NJ

Rehder, Alfred. 1940. Manual of Cultivated Trees and Shrubs. 2nd edition. New York:Macmillan and Company

Reschke, Carol. 1990. Ecological Communities of New York State. New York NaturalHeritage Program, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Still, S.M. 1988. Manual of Ornamental Plants. Stipes Publishing Co., Champaign, IL

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This guide represents a large effort and would not have been possible without assistance andadvice. We gratefully acknowledge the help of the following individuals. Any errors andomissions are the responsibility of the authors.

Our list of recommended plants was culled from a much larger initial list of native species.The following people shared their knowledge of individual plants or habitats: Todd Baldwin,Robert Bealin, Clare Billett, Thomas Ching, Tony Emmerich, Jack Gallagher, AndrewGreller, Sven Hoeger, Marcha Johnson, Victoria Kilanowski-Ledwitz, David Kunstler, MarcMatsil, Mark McDonnell, Todd Miller, Mitra Noorani, Leslie Sauer, Kathy Venezia, HowardWaldman, Heather White, Robert Zappala.

Individuals at several nurseries deserve our thanks for in-depth discussions about theavailability, propagation, and transplanting of species on our initial list. They include: DougAkerley, Martin Viette Nurseries; Joseph Arsenault, Arrowwood Nursery; William FlemerIV, Princeton Nurseries; Don Knezick, Pinelands Nursery; Tom Paterson, Panfield Nursery.Ron Jawin, Marders Butter Lane Nursery, spent many hours offering advice andencouragement. Diana Hernandez worked on initial nursery research and contacts.

The guide would never have been completed without a heroic effort of last minutecorrections. Paul Berizzi, Marc Busciano, Tony Emmerich, Brian Moore, Jeff Speich,Dianne Valero, and Anne Wong helped out in the pinch. Christine Weiss toiled tirelesslyto help format the plant pages.

We thank Leslie Sauer for helpful discussions on the nature of the guide. And we especiallythank Marc Matsil, Director of Natural Resources Group, for his advice and support.

Partial funding for this guide was provided by the Zoos, Botanical Gardens, and AquariumsGrant Program administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and HistoricPreservation for the Natural Heritage Trust.

The Natural Resources Group (NRG), a division of New York City Department of Parks andRecreation, is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and protection of natural areasthroughout the City. NRG develops and implements long-term management plans andidentifies significant natural resources in parklands, and areas that should be acquired forpreservation. NRG's staff of natural resource specialists are trained in wildlife management,plant and wetland ecology, soil science, and planning. The staff are in-house consultants onenvironmental issues related to the planning, protection, and restoration of the City's vastnatural resources.

ELECTRONIC VERSION NOTES

The Native Species Planting Guide was originally published in 1993. It was converted toAdobe Acrobat 4 format in January 2001.

Summary of Changes:

• Fonts standardized to Times New Roman• Layout modifications as needed to maintain page numbering

To obtain a paper copy of this document, please contact:

Marc A. MatsilChief of Natural ResourcesCity of New YorkParks & RecreationThe Arsenal830 Fifth AvenueNew York, NY 10021

native species planting guide (pdf)

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