Native Plant Performers: Significant and Beautiful Alternatives Woody Species-Shrubs and Trees Presented by Shawn Jalbert
We have seen the first generation of native plants being introduced into the common market place, mostly as improved varietal forms, including- Highbush blueberry Witchazel (Hamamelis) Multiple Viburnums including witherod and arrowood Summersweet (Clethra) Dogwoods (Cornus spp.), including-flowering dogwood and red osier dogwood Red maple (Acer rubrum) Winterberry (Ilex) Chokeberry (Aronia) White pine (Pinus strobus)
This presentation will focus on natives that are not readily available off-the-shelf. To find them you will have to look a little harder. The best places to find them is at specialty nurseries and native plant organizations. The scarcity of these plants in the market place is an opportunity not a deterrent. A business opportunity exists here- Consider obtaining these plants as plugs or liners, growing them out, and offering them for sale, or at least having them available to install in plantings. One of the biggest hurdles to integrating these plants into landscaping plans is availability. This may be a case of just knowing where to find them, or that they just aren t being grown.
Some points to ponder during the presentation. When planting we can and need to do so much more then simply plant with the sole purpose of human interest. We need to increase the availability of native plants, especially non-varietal material, and uncommon species like the ones we will go over today. We have an amazing variety of beautiful native plants growing in our state and region that provides a multitude of ecological services while also being pleasing to the eye. This presentation is meant to show case many of the lesser known native plants we should be seeing in our designed landscapes. To get us thinking about the many opportunities we have when designing our landscapes- creating habitat, providing food for wildlife, pollinator stations, erosion control, and soil enrichment. Wean us off using non-native species and potentially invasive species, like the ones recently outlawed by the State of Maine.
Some points to ponder during the presentation. We need to start rethinking our current resource intensive, high maintenance, disruptive (i.e. damaging), landscapes that we are installing. Many of our native plants have special adaptations that allow them to thrive in difficult areas-poor soils, wet soils, salt spray. Instead of heavily modifying soil conditions and inputting large amounts of water and nutrients, lets just put the right plant in the right place, using a native. After seeing the amazing plants we have growing in this area it will be hard to believe we have not paid more attention to them in the past.
Acer pensylvanicum, Moosewood Striking bark coloration is moosewood s most defining feature. The smooth green bark is accentuated in infinitely variable patterns of white and blackish colored stripes. Some individuals show relatively no markings while others, like the ones here, are quite spectacular. Stays shrub like but in some areas can grow up to six inches in diameter.
Acer pensylvanicum, Moosewood Moosewood in flower; unlike the large maples such as silver and red maple which are wind pollinated, moosewood is appears to be largely insect pollinated. Moosewood is an obligate shade plant, growing under the canopy of other deciduous trees and sometimes conifers. Moosewood is more flexible when it comes to soil conditions, where it can be found growing in moist to dry soils.
Amelanchier spicata, Running shadbush Many flowers yield many berries a month or so later feeding flocks of hungry birds. Feeding marks on leaves underscores importance to supporting all stages of native insects, critical to the ecological web. Berries are sweet and palatable to humans too; tasting a little like blueberries. A closely related western species called saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia), is grown commercially for its berries.
Amelanchier spicta, Running shadbush Densely covered with flowers, running shadbush attracts pollinators by the hundreds. This shadbush is unique in that it suckers profusely and spreads horizontally, not vertically like other shadbushes. One of the best choices for making native hedges.
Carpinus caroliniana, Muscle wood Muscle wood gets its named from its furrowed rippling growth habit. Unlike many species, it is not especially adaptable to drier up land areas. Best suited for consistently moist soils in the shade. In the wild it is always an understory tree along streams, in flood plains, and swamps.
Cephalanthus occidentalis, Buttonbush Buttonbush grows in forested wetlands and in shady areas beside ponds and rivers. Despite its preference for wet areas in the wild, it grows well in upland gardens as long that there is plenty of organic matter in the soil. Buttonbush attracts a diverse number of pollinators.
Comptonia peregrina, Sweetfern Sweetfern sends runners underground and rapidly colonizes areas. Excellent plant for stabilization of hillsides and erosion control. An early pioneering plant of disturbed sites, sweetfern grows in the most sterile of soils like roadsides and in gravel pits. Nitrogen fixing bacteria in its roots helps enrich the soil. Seeds are exceptionally long lived in the soil bank. The leaves look a little like fern leaves and have a very distinctive minty sweet smell when crushed.
Corylus americana, American hazlenut American hazelnut grows in open habitats with access to full sun. Husk like bracts contain tasty nuts relished by all manner of animals. Tolerates a wide range of upland soils as long as they are well drained.
Corylus cornuta, Beaked hazlenut Closely related to American hazelnut, but different in a number of significant ways. Beaked hazelnut can only tolerate partial sun, and in fact, is quite happy in the extensively shaded understory of a deciduous forest. Husks surrounding nuts look like elongated beaks and are covered with fine, minute, sharp bristles. Nuts are often consumed before they are fully ripened by animals, especially squirrels.
Dirca palustris, Leatherwood An uncommon and reclusive shrub found growing in the shade of hardwood forests. Slow growing specimen shrub for the shade garden; will take glances of sun in cultivation. Native peoples used bark for making footwear; it pulls off in long strips and is tough but pliable like leather. Seeds form under leaves, they never turn color to indicate ripeness. Maturation is indicated by ease at which they pull off from plant or when they simply drop to the ground, getting lost in the leaf litter.
Lindera benzoin, Spicebush Brilliant clusters of yellow flowers form in April illuminating an otherwise still dreary landscape. Flowers will remain on branches through the month of May, albeit not as bright. Brilliant yellow foliage in Autumn Good substitute in place of Burning bush for many planting areas.
Lindera benzoin, Spicebush Fruit and leaves have a distinctive aromatic, spicy scent when crushed. Spicebush can grow up to 10 feet tall. Understory shrub growing in forested wetlands and pocket swamps. Does well in upland cultivation but typically grows a bit shorter. Bright red fruit ripens in September and is rapidly consumed by birds.
Ilex mucronata, Mountain Holly Deciduous holly found in scrub shrub wetlands, at all elevations, not just the mountains. Like many other wetland plants, it is adaptable to upland cultivation, but maintains a shorter height. Leaves are an outstanding bluish green color. Berries are a luscious red with a velvet sheen, reminiscent of Christmas ornaments.
Ilex mucronata, Mountain Holly Typical form of a mature Mountain holly showing its multi-stem habit. Outstanding bark coloration and patterns that look like black and white camouflage gives this species all season appeal.
Juniperus communis, Common juniper Hardy ground cover well suited to growing in poor dry soils. Tolerant of salt spray and punishing conditions found on the coast. Root system is a stabilizing force in erosion prone areas. Juniper berries important food source for a variety of animals Unlike most junipers it can tolerate some shade.
Juniperus virginiana, Red cedar Red cedar can take the form of a shrub or tree; same species, just different growth forms. Like most junipers it is hardy and drought tolerant; it thrives right on the edge of the coast. Berries are an important food source for wildlife
Nyssa sylvatica, Black Tupelo The zig zagging arthritic silhouette of a mature Black tupelo is unmistakable as it towers above its wetland habitat. Deeply furrowed bark forms on one side of the tree when mature. Old timers claim buttons and other useful items were carved from these segments of bark, hence the tree s colloquial name of Button bark.
Nyssa sylvatica, Black Tupelo Brilliant red foliage lights the tree on fire in the fall. With color like this there is no excuse for planting Norway maple for fall color. Most often found growing in wetlands in the wild, but grows happily in upland areas. Fruit matures in the late summer-early fall and is relished by wildlife
Pinus rigida, Pitch pine Pitch pine can grow in a variety of demanding and variable habitats-bone dry excessively drained Pitch Pine Woodlands, water saturated Pitch Pine Bogs, and salty Pitch Pine Dune Woodlands. Pitch pine is the larval host for a number of rare moths sporting really cool names pine barrens itame, pine pinion, oblique zale, and the pine devil moth. Pine devil moth Oblique zale moth
Pinus rigida, Pitch pine Pine needles grow in groups of 3. Slender spines are found at the end of the pine cone scales
Quercus ilicifolia, Scrub oak Medium growing shrub that bears large numbers of acorns. Grows in poor, excessively, drained sandy soils, which makes this species suitable for xeriscaping. Often found growing in Pitch Pine barrens where it is the dominant component of the shrub layer.
Rhododendron canadense, Rhodora Spectacular orchid-like flowers come out in early Spring before leaves emerge. Grows in wetlands in the wild; full to part sun; probably our most common native rhododendron. Usually reaches no more then 3 feet in height. Used to create the Orchid Lights hybrid, part of the Northern Lights series.
Rhododendron maximum, Great rosebay Great rosebay is a large growing species attaining heights in excess of 12 feet tall and capable of spreading over multiple acres. In the south Great rosebay forms large impenetrable patches appropriately referred to as rhododendron hells. Although native to Maine, Great rosebay is very rare in Maine, where its at the northern most edge of its range.
Rhododendron maximum, Great rosebay Intensity of floral displays peak every 3-4 years. This can be reduced if old flower stems are removed. Flowers attract large bumblebee species in particular. The orange pigmented areas on the top part of the flowers are called nectar guides. They are particularly bright in the ultra violet portion of the light spectrum, visible to bees. Often found growing on the edges of wetlands and forested swamps.
Rhododendron prinophyllum, Early azalea Another rare rhododendron species in Maine, found in only the southern most counties. More common further south. Flowers have a distinctive, clove-like fragrance. Said to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Found on wooded slopes and ravines; along swamps and streams.; needs to be in the shade. Well suited to the garden environment; thrives in organic rich, well drained soils; appreciates a well maintained layer of mulch. Early azalea was used to create the Northern Lights hybrid line produced by the University of Minnesota.
Rhododendron viscosum, Clammy azalea Clammy azalea is native to Maine but is very rare here being at the northern end of its range. It is more common the further south you move down the eastern seaboard. Found growing along swamps and lake shores in the wild; tolerant of soggy poor draining soils. Does best in acidic soils; spreads by means of adventitious roots, forming colonies. Prolific white flowers bloom in June or July, well after many other azaleas. Clammy azalea gets its name from the sticky glands that cover the flowers.
Rubus odoratus, Purple flowering raspberry Purple flowering raspberry is unique among raspberries because they are thorn-less. Piercing thorns are replaced by sticky glands covering stems and leaves. Prolific showy flowers range from light pink to deep pink/purple. Grows in shady spots on the edges of fields and clearings with rich organic soils.
Rubus odoratus, Purple flowering raspberry Flowers are breathtaking-they are more like rose flowers then anything you would expect to see on a raspberry. Both plants are in the rose family. Fruit is tasty and sweet, but not very juicy. The flesh peals off the receptacle in a hollow single layer, unlike the solid 3-d fruits of other raspberries.
Sassafras albidum, Sassafras Easily recognized by the three lobed and mitten shaped leaves, Sassafras is a character in any garden. Found only in extreme southern Maine, this is another species that is at the northern most end of its range. Understory species that appears to form clonal colonies.
Shepherdia canadensis, Canada buffalo-berry Another rare species in Maine, being found only in northwestern Somerset county. This species is at the southern end of its range. More common in the western US and throughout Canada. Buffalo berry can be found growing on lake and river shore outcrops. Its preference for high ph (alkaline) bedrock may be the reason we do not find it more widespread in Maine. Low ph soils predominate across most of the state, especially in the southern half.
Shepherdia candensis, Canada buffalo-berry Closely related to the problematic Russian and Autumn olives, in the plant family Elaeagnaceae. This might be a native replacement for these two invasive species. Scaly underside of leaves is characteristic of this family of plants. Berries are said to be bitter or sour tasting, but are an important food source for wildlife. Berries are palatable to humans if made into jams or jellies or mixed with other berries, like raspberries.
Spiraea alba (latifolia), Meadowsweet Thrives in both wetlands and upland fields. Tolerates salty sea spray and soils near the ocean. Dense thickets of Meadowsweet are important havens for wildlife supplying shelter and food through-out the year.
Spiraea tomentosa, Steeple bush Striking flower displays of pink candles are eye catching to people and insects alike. Grows in wetlands in the wild where it grows up to 3 feet tall. Tolerates drier garden soils but stays shorter. Densely pubescent (hairy) leaves make this plant attractive throughout the season.
Staphylea trifolia, American bladdernut American bladdernut does not grow in Maine, but is found in western CT, MA, NH, & VT. This photo was taken in southwestern Massachussettes at Bartholomews Cobble natural area.
Viburnum acerifolium, Maple leaf viburnum Fruits will often stay on all winter and then disappear in the late winter or early spring Flowers are born in clusters typical of most viburnums; they are rather petite and inconspicuous, but attract many pollinators.
Viburnum acerifolium, Maple leaf viburnum Spectacular fall color is perhaps the best attribute of this plant. Intense purples and reds light up the fall landscape. Understory shrub species tolerant of dry acidic soils and shady conditions.
Viburnum lantanoides, Hobblebush Flower clusters are about the size of tea plates. Bright red berries ripen in August and are readily consumed by wildlife; high ornamental value as well
Viburnum lantanoides, Hobblebush Hobblebush gets its name from the way the stems grow in and out of the ground, tripping or hobbling the passerby. Does best in moist acidic soils; often found growing in forested wetlands or along swamps and streams. Intolerant of anything more then dappled sunlight; prone to scalding. Takes two years to germinate from seed; can be grown from cuttings but timing is tricky.
Shawn Jalbert is the principle of Native Haunts Located in Alfred, Maine 207-604-8655 www.nativehaunts.com nativehaunts@gmail.com Native Haunts offers the following- Products Native trees, shrubs and perennials of local provenance. Locally collected seed of native trees, shrubs and perennials. Consultation services Identification of native plants on your property. Integrating native plants into your landscape plan. Identification and control strategies for invasive plants.