Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton Plant Accommack and Northampton Natives!

For the purposes of this guide, plants native to Virginia’s Eastern Shore - Accomack and Northampton counties - are those that have been part of the local ecology prior to John Smith’s landing and are adapted to the Shore’s local soils and climate conditions, resulting in many benefits to the region, its residents and migratory birds. The Eastern Shore native plants featured in this guide were selected because they are attractive, relatively easy for the home gardener to acquire, easy to maintain, and offer various benefits to wildlife and the environment.

This guide to Accomack and Northampton native plants is being provided through the “Plant ES Natives” campaign, initiated by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program through its Virginia Seaside Heritage Program, and developed with the assistance of a planning team representing the following partners:

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Barrier Islands Center Eastern Shore Environmental Education Council Eastern Shore Soil and Water Conservation District Maplewood Gardens The Nature Conservancy University of Virginia Anheuser Busch Coastal Research Center The “Plant ES Natives” campaign Virginia Cooperative Extension logo depicts a branch of Downy Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - Eastern Shore Regional Office Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) Virginia Department of Environmental Quality - Office of Environmental Education and a Scarlet Tanager, a migratory Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries songbird which needs the berries Virginia Master Gardeners and insects provided by this and Virginia Master Naturalists other Eastern Shore native plants to fuel their long journey. The Shore is To learn more visit - www.deq.virginia.gov/coastal/go-native.html. one of only a few rest stops for these and other migratory birds.

Special thanks to our wonderful native plant photographers - Dot Field, Irv Wilson, Gary Fleming, Alli Baird, Alan Cressler, Ruth Meyers and the late Ken Lawless - without whom this guide would not be so attractive!

Design and editing by Virginia Witmer, Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program. Native plant information provided by the following sources: USDA Plants Database (United States Department of Agriculture), Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Austin, Division of Natural Heritage - Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Chesapeake Bay Watershed Native Plants for Wildlife and Habitat Conservation (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). Special thanks to Dot Field for her invaluable assistance in production of this guide.

This native plant guide was designed and printed in Fall 2009 through funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, to the Virginia

IRGINIA EPARTMENT OFQ V D DE Coastal Zone Management Program at the Department of Environmental ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Quality under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended. Visit us on the Web at: www.deq.virginia.gov/coastal/

Cover Photos: top row Baccharis halimifolia - Groundsel tree (Field), Rosa palustris - Swamp rose (Lawless), Cercis canadensis - Eastern redbud (Field); second row Symphyotrichum novi-belgii - New York aster (Field), Sassafras albidum - Sassafras (Meyers), Rudbeckia hirta - Black-eyed susan (Field); bottom row Callicarpa americana - American beautyberry (Field), Amelanchier arborea - Downy serviceberry (Fleming), Osmunda cinnamomea - Cinnamon fern (Wilson). Back Cover Photos: top row Asclepias tuberosa - Butterflyweed (Field), Baptisia tinctoria - Yellow wild indigo (Lawless), Viburnum prunifolium - Blackhaw (Fleming); second row Passifora incarnata-Passionflower (Lawless),Lonicera sempervirens - Coral honeysuckle (Field); bottom row Andropogon glomeratus - Bushy bluestem (Field), Hibiscus moscheutos - Seashore mallow (Field), Alnus serrulata - Common alder (Wilson). What Makes Accomack and Northampton Native Plants So Special?

Whether you want to put in a flower garden or establish or restore the landscape around your home, there are a great variety of Eastern Shore native plants from which to choose. Native plants not only offer many practical, low cost, environmental benefits over non-native plants, many also offer an appealing display of foliage and flowers that surpass non-native ornamentals. By planting natives, you will join an increasing number of gardeners who have discovered that wildflowers, trees, shrubs, grasses and annuals native to their region are not only important to protecting local water supply and wildlife, but are simply gorgeous. So, regardless of your gardening and landscaping plans, Virginia’s Eastern Shore natives are worth checking out. We think you’ll find just what you and the Shore need!

Here’s Why! • Our native plants are survivors! They are well adapted to the Virginia Eastern Shore’s local soils and climate conditions. • Our natives generally require less watering and fertilizing than non-natives, and are less susceptible to drought conditions. Less watering means conserving potable water supplies for non-watering uses. • Our natives are often more resistant to insects and disease and less likely to need pesticides that may leach into water supplies or run off into shellfish aquaculture farms. • Some of our native plants are resistant to occasional salt-water stress. • Our native plants play a crucial role in our unique ecosystem. They help preserve the diversity,

beauty, and function of our natural ecosystems. • Our native plants provide critical habitats and food for the millions of migratory birds that rely on Virginia’s Eastern Shore as a rest stop each spring and fall.

Dot Field/DCR

Save time and money! And the Shore’s unique environment! Plant Virginia Eastern ShoreFall 2009 natives!  TABLE OF CONTENTS Look for this banner at Accomack and ...... 3 How to Use This Guide Northampton Garden Centers ... Benefits of Eastern Shore Native Plants ...... 4

Accomack and Northampton Native Plants List ...... 6 Native plants featured in the guide are highlighted in blue on this list, organized by botanical categories.

Botanical Category Sections:

Forbs (flowers and groundcovers) ...... 10

Dot Field/DCR Grasses ...... 16 ... and this tag in the pots of Eastern Shore Ferns ...... 18 native plants! Vines ...... 20

Shrubs ...... 22

Trees ...... 28

“Plant ES Natives” Demonstration Sites ...... 32

Other Public Sites Featuring ES Natives ...... 35

Index of Eastern Shore Native Plants in Guide ...... 36 A quick reference to the height patterns and light requirements of native plants featured in the guide, in alpha order by Latin name.

Dot Field/DCR

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton  HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE Key to Herbaceous, Grass, Fern and Vine Sections Key to Shrub and Tree Sections Latin name common name(s) Latin name/ Purple passionflower, Purple passion vine, Passiflora incarnata - common name(s) Photinia pyrifolia - Red chokeberry, Red chokecherry Maypop, Apricot vine Synonyms: Aronia arbutifolia, Pyrus arbutifolia height of plant at maturity perennial flower color, 6-12 ft., multi-stemmed shrub with four- up to 25 ft., with sprawls along ground approximate season interest. In May, flat-topped Description of lavender, May – Sep; orange-yellow berry bloom time; clusters of white, five-petaled flowers species including roadsides, meadows, pastures, woodland berry color with red anthers appear in profusion and height and shape; edges/opens, streams, riverbanks natural habitat give way to dark green, glossy leaves leaf, flower and full sun, part shade light requirement that consistently turn a rich, orange-red berry color and rich, moist, clay and sandy, non-saline in fall. Bright red berries appear in fall bloom time; fall colors and other soils and remain until December or January soil/moisture requirements interesting facts natural alternative and along with a reddish-brown, to a non-native exfoliating bark add color to the winter ES Native alternative to: landscape. Lonicera japonica (Japanese species of concern on Virginia’s full sun light requirement honeysuckle) Eastern Shore Ken Lawless moist, acidic, rich soils soil/moisture requirements Floral parts said to represent Gary Fleming/DCR Benefits: Benefits: ES Native alternative to: natural aternative aspects of Christian crucifixion interesting to a non-native Showy ornamental for arbor and story, sometimes referred to as the fact(s) about Berries persist through much of the Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet) species of concern fences, walls and columns. Birds eat Passion. Maypop refers to pop of genus and/or winter, and are occasionally eaten by on the Virginia fruit and flower attracts butterflies. berries when crushed. species songbirds. a few environmental, aesthetic, Eastern Shore Environmental, aesthetic, and and economic benefits economic benefits.

Key to Terms: Light requirement: Soil moisture: Soil type: Full Sun - 6 or more hrs Dry - no signs of moisture Most soils on Virginia’s Eastern Shore will be sandy (coarse and grainy - drains well Part shade - 2 to 6 hrs Moist - looks & feels damp but dries out rapidly) or a sandy-loam mix (loam is the ideal mixture of sand, clay and Shade - 2 hrs or less Wet - saturated silt). To have your soil tested, contact the Accomack County Cooperative Extension Office at (757) 787-1361 or Northampton County Cooperative Extension Service Office at (757) 678-7946. Accomack and Northampton counties are in garden zone 7 - 9. For more soil information and maps visit: USDA Soil Survey - http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx

Warning: Please take extreme care when harvesting native plants for any consumptive purpose. Sometimes although one part of a plant can be harmless, another part can be poisonous or toxic. For example, the seeds of all Prunus species, found inside the fruits, contain poisonous substances and should never be eaten (e.g. Black cherry). All Ilex species may be somewhat toxic if ingested (e.g. Inkberry, American holly).

 Fall 2009 BENEFITS OF EASTERN SHORE NATIVE PLANTS Plant for the Birds and Butterflies! Native plants are critical to the millions of migratory songbirds that visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia each spring and fall! The Eastern Shore is one of only a few rest stops along the Atlantic coast for songbirds traveling thousands of miles to their winter homes in Central and South America. That’s quite a long trip for birds that can weigh as little as half an ounce! Native trees and shrubs provide the berries and insects that songbirds eat to fuel their long journeys. Native understory plants provide the greatest diversity and amount of fall fruits as well as safe cover from migrating raptors. Even the smallest yard can provide a “stopover habitat” for hungry migrants. Research by the Center for Conservation Biology at William and Mary has shown that a Dot Field/DCR 50% increase in the density of understory vegetation results in a A Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly enjoys the nectar of Asclepias tuberosa, 50% increase in the number of migrants supported. Help make commonly known as Butterflyweed, Butterfly milkweed or Orange milkweed. the Shore a generous rest stop! Many can only lay their eggs on specific species of native Native plants are crucial to the large variety of butterflies that plants which provide essential food for their caterpillars. This is occur on Virginia’s Eastern Shore! Adult butterflies are attracted especially important for sustaining the annual Monarch butterfly to the showy flowers and nutritious nectar of native wildflowers. migration through the Eastern Shore. By using native plants in your landscape you will not only ensure the survival of our butterflies, but will attract an abundance of these colorful visitors to your garden. Migratory songbirds and butterflies play very important ecological The colorful Black- and economic roles on Virginia’s Eastern Shore! Songbirds throated Blue Warbler is one of consume tons of insects that would otherwise plague us, and many songbirds damage our crops. Butterflies are important pollinators of the which rely on the native plants the songbirds rely on. Together, they help sustain native vegetation the “miracle of migration”, a unique source of ecotourism almost of Virginia’s unparalleled on the East Coast. This fall migration will continue to Eastern Shore for food and shelter contribute an increasing source of revenue for the Eastern Shore’s Robert Balogh during migration. communities, if critical migratory bird stopover habitat is plentiful.

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton  BENEFITS OF EASTERN SHORE NATIVE PLANTS BENEFITS OF EASTERN SHORE NATIVE PLANTS Plant to Save Water, Time and Money! Please Be Aware of Invasive Non-Natives And Maybe Your Next Meal! Some non-native plants can be highly invasive or aggressive and crowd out Eastern Shore natives. These invasive Natives can help fill your next glass of water! Groundwater is species can result in the degradation of the Shore’s the Shore’s only source of drinking water. An increase in native natural communities and lead to the disruption of the local vegetation helps slow the speed of water and sediment running ecosystem. They are a potential threat to the Shore’s off the land. This allows the water to soak into the ground where natural areas, parks and other protected habitats. Staff of it is filtered by plant roots and can recharge the groundwater the Virginia Department of Conservation Division of Natural supply. Heritage Eastern Shore Office have identified the following Natives can help you save time and money! Adapted to the invasive non-native species on the market to be of particular Shore’s environment, native species are drought and disease concern on the Shore: resistant, requiring less water, fertilizers and pesticides. Native Ailanthus altissima – Tree of Heaven plants are extremely well suited to “low maintenance” gardening Cynodon dactylon – Bermuda Grass and landscaping. Eleagnus angustifolia – Russian Olive Eleagnus umbellata – Autumn Olive Natives can help Festuca elatior – Tall Fescue protect your next meal! Hedera helix – English Ivy Landscaped areas of Ligustrum sinense – Chinese Privet ** native trees, shrubs and Lonicera japonica – Japanese honeysuckle groundcover can result Melia azedarach – China Berry in 50% greater reduction Morus alba – White Mulberry of runoff compared to Pawlonia tomentosa – Princess Tree grass lawns, significantly Rosa multiflora – Multiflora Rose reducing non-point Vinca minor – Common Periwinkle Vine source pollution.* This Vitex rotundifolia – Beach Vitex Wisteria sinensis – Chinese Wisteria helps protect water quality in the Shore’s Virginia Witmer/VACZM Please do not plant these species! Although they may creeks and inlets where attract songbirds, they can disrupt the natural ecosystem! the Shore’s shellfish live (like the native oysters in the photo above). For more information, including a downloadable fact sheet, about The Shore is the largest source of aquaculture-grown hard clams these and other invasive non-native species in Virginia, visit on the East Coast. In 2004, according to a Virginia Sea Grant http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/invspfactsheets.shtml. Study, the total economic impact of hard clam aquaculture was almost 50 million dollars! ** Please note that all privet species are potentially invasive.

Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Handbook for the Eastern Shore of Virginia - Accomack-Northampton Planning Dsitrict Commission through the * Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation  Fall 2009  ACCOMACK AND NORTHAMPTON NATIVE PLANTS

The native plants featured in this guide are shaded in blue. Latin Name Common Name(s) Latin Name Common Name(s)

Forbs Ageratina altissima White snakeroot Lilium superbum Turk’s cap lily (p.13) (Eupatorium rugosum) Limonium carolinianum Sea lavender Anemone quinquefolia Wood anemone Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal flower (p.13) Asclepias incarnata Swamp milkweed (p.10) Mimulus ringens Monkeyflower Asclepias syriaca Common milkweed Mitchella repens Partridgeberry (p.13) Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly weed (p.10) Monarda fistulosa Wild bergamot (p.14) Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-Pulpit Monarda punctata Spotted bee-balm Baptisia tinctoria Yellow wild-indigo (p.10) Nymphaea odorata American water lily Caltha palustris Marsh marigold (p.10) Oenothera biennis Common evening primrose Chelone glabra White turtlehead (p.11) Oenothera fruticosa Sundrops (p.14) Chrysopsis mariana Maryland golden aster Opuntia humifusa Eastern prickly-pear Clitoria mariana Maryland butterfly pea Peltandra virginica Arrow arum Conoclinium coelestinum Mistflower (p.11) Phlox paniculata Summer phlox (p.14) (Eupatorium coelistinum) Podophyllum peltatum Mayapple Coreopsis lanceolata Lanceleaf coreopsis (p.11) Polygonatum biflorum Solomon’s seal Coreopsis tripteris Tall coreopsis Pontederia cordata Pickerel weed (p.14) Desmodium paniculatum Narrow-leaf tick trefoil Rhexia virginica Virginia meadow-beauty Eupatorium dubium Coastal Plain Joe Pye weed (p.11) Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan (p.15) Eupatorium fistulosum Joe Pye weed, Trumpetweed Rudbeckia laciniata Cut-leaved coneflower Eupatorium hyssopifolium Hyssop-leaved thoroughwort Ruellia caroliniensis Carolina wild petunia Eupatorium perfoliatum Common boneset Sagittaria latifolia Broadleaf arrowhead Eupatorium purpureum Green-stemmed Joe Pye weed Salvia lyrata Lyre-leaf sage Helenium autumnale Sneezeweed (p.12) Sanguinaria canadensis Bloodroot Helianthus angustifolius Narrow-leaf sunflower (p.12) Saururus cernuus Lizard’s tail (p.15) Hibiscus moscheutos Eastern rosemallow (p.12) Sisyrinchium angustifolium Blue-eyed grass Impatiens capensis Jewelweed Sisyrinchium atlanticum Coastal blue-eyed grass Iris versicolor Blue flag(p.12) Solidago caesia Bluestem goldenrod Iris virginica Virginia blue flag Solidago odora Sweet goldenrod Kosteletzkya virginica Seashore mallow (p.13) Solidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod (p.15) Liatris pilosa Grass-leaf blazing star Symphyotrichum novi-begii New York aster (p.15)

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton  ACCOMACK AND NORTHAMPTON NATIVE PLANTS ACCOMACK AND NORTHAMPTON NATIVE PLANTS

Latin Name Common Name(s) Latin Name Common Name(s) Forbs Cont’d Ferns

Verbesina alternifolia Yellow ironweed Asplenium platyneuron Ebony spleetwort Vernonia noveboracensis New York ironweed Athyrium filix-femina Northern lady fern (p.18) Viola cucullata Marsh blue violet Botrychium virginianum Rattlesnake fern Yucca filamentosa Common yucca Dryopteris cristata Crested wood fern Dryopteris intermedia Evergreen fern (p.18) Grasses/Sedges/Rushes Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive fern (p.18) Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fern (p.18) Ammophila breviligulata American beach grass (p.16) Osmunda claytoniana Interrupted fern Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem Osmunda regalis Royal fern (p.19) Andropogon glomeratus Bushy bluestem (p.16) Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas fern (p.19) Andropogon virginicus Broomsedge (p.16) Pteridium aquilinum Bracken fern Carex stricta Tussock sedge (p.16) Thelypteris noveboracensis New York fern Distichlis spicata Salt grass Thelypteris palustris Marsh fern (p.19) Dulichium arundinaceum Three-sided sedge - Dwarf bamboo Woodwardia areolata Netted chain fern Elymus virginicus Virginia wild rye Woodwardia virginica Virginia chain fern (p.19) Festuca rubra Red fescue Juncus canadensis Canada rush (p.17) Juncus effusus Soft rush Vines Juncus roemerianus Black needlerush Bignonia capreolata Crossvine (p.20) Panicum amarum Coastal panic grass (p.17) Campsis radicans Trumpet Creeper (p.20) (p.17) Panicum virgatum Switch grass Celastrus scandens American bittersweet Saccharum giganteum Giant plumegrass Clematis virginiana Virgin’s bower (p.20) Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem (p.17) Gelsemium sempervirens Carolina jasmine (p.20) Sparganium americanum American bur-reed Lonicera sempervirens Trumpet honeysuckle (p.21) Spartina alterniflora Salt marsh cordgrass Mikania scandens Climbing hempvine Spartina cynosuroides Big cordgrass Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeper (p.21) Spartina patens Salt meadow hay Passiflora incarnata Passion flower (p.21) Sorghastrum nutans Indian grass Wisteria frutescens Atlantic wisteria (p.21) Zizania aquatica Wild rice

 Fall 2009 ACCOMACK AND NORTHAMPTON NATIVE PLANTS

The native plants featured in this guide are shaded in blue. Latin Name Common Name(s) Latin Name Common Name(s)

Shrubs Alnus serrulata Common alder (p.22) Rosa carolina Pasture rose Baccharis halimifolia High tide bush/groundsel tree (p.22) Rosa palustris Swamp rose (p.26) Callicarpa americana American beautyberry (p.22) Salix sericea Silky willow Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush (p.22) Sambucus canadensis Common elderberry (p.26) Clethra alnifolia Sweet pepper bush (p.23) Stewartia malacodendron Silky camelia (p.26) Gaultheria procumbens Wintergreen Vaccinium corymbosum Highbush blueberry (p.27) Gaylussacia baccata Black huckleberry Vaccinium macrocarpon Cranberry Gaylussacia frondosa Dangleberry Vaccinium pallidum Early lowbush blueberry (p.27) Hamamelis virginiana Witch hazel (p.23) Vaccinium stamineum Deerberry Ilex decidua Possomhaw Viburnum dentatum Southern Arrowood (p.27) Ilex glabra Inkberry (p.23) Viburnum nudum Naked arrowod Ilex verticillata Winterberry (p.23) Viburnum prunifolium Black-haw viburnum (p.27) Ilex vomitoria Yaupon holly (p.24) Itea virginica Virginia willow (p.24) Iva frutescens Marsh elder (p.24) Small Trees Kalmia angustifolia Sheep laurel Amelanchier arborea Downy serviceberry (p.28) Kalmia latifolia Mountain laurel Amelanchier canadensis Canada serviceberry Leucothoe racemosa Fetterbush, Sweetbells Asimina triloba Pawpaw Lindera benzoin Spicebush (p.24) Betula nigra River birch (p.28) Lyonia ligustrina Male berry Cercis canadensis Redbud (p.28) Morella (Myrica) cerifera Southern wax myrtle (p.25) Castanea pumila Chinkapin Morella (Myrica) pensylvanica Northern bayberry Chionanthus virginicus Fringetree (p.29) Persea palustris (borbonia) Red bay (p.25) Cornus amomum Silky dogwood (p.29) Photinia pyrifolia Red chokeberry (p.25) Cornus florida Flowering dogwood (Aronia arbutifolia, Pyrus arbutiflolia) Crataegus crus-galli Corkspur hawthorn Rhododendron atlanticum Coast azalea (p.25) Morus rubra Red mulberry Rhododendron periclymenoides Pinxter Flower Ostrya virginiana Eastern hop-hornbeam Rhododendron viscosum Swamp azalea (p.26) Prunus americana American wild plum Rhus copallinum Winged sumac Salix nigra Black willow (p.31) Rhus glabra Smooth sumac

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton  ACCOMACK AND NORTHAMPTON NATIVE PLANTS ACCOMACK AND NORTHAMPTON NATIVE PLANTS

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Medium to Large Trees Acer negundo Box elder Quercus rubra Northern red oak Acer rubrum Red maple Quercus stellata Post oak Carya alba Mockernut hickory Quercus velutina Black oak Carya glabra Pignut hickory Sassafras albidum Sassafras (p.31) Carya ovata Shagbark hickory Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Celtis occidentalis Hackberry (p.28) Diospyros virginiana Persimmon (p.29) Fagus grandifolia American beech Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green ash Ilex opaca American holly (p.29) Juglans nigra Black walnut Juniperus virginiana Eastern red cedar (p.30) Links to more photos and information about Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum the plants in this guide: Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip-tree (p.30) Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay magnolia (p.30) USDA Plants Database (United States Department of Agriculture Nyssa aquatica Water tupelo Natural Resources Conservation Service) - http://plants.usda.gov/ Nyssa sylvatica Black gum (p.30) Oxydendrum arboreum Sourwood Chesapeake Bay Watershed Native Plants for Wildlife and Habitat Pinus echinata Shortleaf pine Conservation (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) - Pinus taeda Loblolly pine http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/chesapeake/toc.htm Pinus virginiana Virginia pine Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Austin - Platanus occidentalis Sycamore http://www.wildflower.org/ Prunus serotina Wild black cherry (p.31) Quercus alba White oak Flora of North Amercia - http://www.fna.org/ Quercus coccinea Scarlet oak The Flora of Virginia Project - http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_ Quercus falcata Southern red oak (p.31) heritage/vaflora.shtml (Information on development of project) Quercus marilandica Blackjack oak Quercus michauxii Swamp chestnut oak Quercus nigra Water oak Quercus phellos Willow oak

 Fall 2009 FORBS

Asclepias incarnata - Swamp milkweed Asclepias tuberosa - Butterflyweed, Butterfly or Orange milkweed perennial perennial 4 - 6 ft. 1 - 3 ft. pink, purple; May - Aug yellow-orange to bright orange; wet freshwater areas: meadow, field, May - Sep riparian area, swamp, marsh open woods full sun, part shade full sun, part shade moist/wet, rich soils moist or dry, well-drained sandy (good plant for wetland gardens) soils (tolerates drought) ES Native Alternative to: Dot Field/DCR Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife) Dot Field/DCR Benefits: Benefits: Although it is sometimes called Swamp milkweed’s showy flower The genus was named in honor of As its common name suggests, Orange Milkweed, this species has clusters attract butterflies and Aesculapius, Greek god of medicine, Butterfly weed attracts butterflies, no milky sap. Butterfly weed makes hummingbirds. It is an important food because some species have long and is a larval host and nectar source a delightful cut flower. source for the Monarch caterpillar been used to treat a variety of for the Monarch butterfly (Danaus (Danaus plexippus). ailments. plexippus).

Baptisia tinctoria - Yellow wild indigo Caltha palustris - Cowslip, Yellow marsh marigold perennial perennial 1 - 3 ft. 1 - 2 ft. yellow pea-like; May - Sep shiny yellow; May - Jun dry open woods and clearings wet woods; marshy hollows; stream full sun edges dry, loam, sandy, acidic soils part shade, shade wet or moist, humus-rich, acidic soils The genus name, from the Greek baptizein (to dye), refers to the fact that some species are used as an Irvine Wilson/DCR Marsh marigold requires little care Benefits: inferior substitute for true indigo Benefits: other than protection from drying and dye. Nectar source for butterflies. winter and early spring winds. The flowers resemble large buttercups Ken Lawless Warning: Plant juices can cause blistering rather than marigolds. The name Benefits: Caltha derives from the Greek for A larval host for Frosted elfin Callophrys( or inflammation on skin or mucous membranes on contact, and gastric cup (calyx), describing the open irus) and Wild indigo duskywing flowers. (Erynnis baptisiae) butterflies. illness if ingested.

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 10 FORBS Conoclinum coelestinum - Chelone glabra - White turtlehead Blue mistflower Synonym: Eupatorium celestinum perennial perennial 1 - 4 ft. 1 - 3.5 ft. white, pink; Jul - Sep bright blue or violet; July - Nov brushy marshes; stream banks; wet wood margins; stream banks; low ditches; low meadows; woodlands woods; wet meadows; ditches full sun, part shade, shade full sun, part shade light, rich, wet to moist soils moist, loam, sandy or clay soils

The distinctive shape of this flower is Blue mistflower is a colonizing reflected in the genus name, derived groundcover. It spreads quickly and from the Greek chelone (a tortoise). is good for areas with poor drainage. Benefits: Benefits: Dot Field/DCR Benefits: Fluffy-edged flowers are a magnet for Irvine Wilson/DCR late-season butterflies. Benefits: Nectar source for butterflies.

Lanceleaf coreopsis or tickseed, Coreopsis lanceolata - Sand coreopsis Eupatorium dubium - Dwarf Joe-Pye weed, Little Joe perennial perennial 1 - 2.5 ft. 2 - 5 ft. yellow; May - June purple, rarely white; Jul - Oct open woodlands; meadows; swamps, bogs, marshes, swales pastures full sun, part shade full sun, part shade, shade moist, usually sandy acidic soil dry, sandy, gravelly, well-drained, acid-based soils Other identifying marks for eastern Joe-Pye weed are the fine purple Grows in small clumps but forms spots on the stem, and the dome- extensive colonies. It is the most shaped flower clusters (as opposed Benefits: Benefits: common native coreopsis, easy to to the flat-topped clusters of spotted Dot Field/DCR grow and drought tolerant. It prefers Dot Field/DCR Joe-Pye weed). While the flower sun and should have frequent heads last a long time, this is one Benefits: Benefits: deadheading to keep it in bloom well perennial that does not re-bloom if Attractive ground cover for harsh Flowers attract butterflies, especially into the summer. you remove spent blossoms so leave sunny conditions. Its seeds are a swallowtails and monarchs. Fluffy seed old flower heads on the plant and let favorite food for goldfinches. heads provide nesting materials for birds. them go to seed.

11 Fall 2009 FORBS

Helenium autumnale - Common sneezeweed, Fall sneezeweed Helianthus angustifolius - Swamp sunflower, Narrow-leaf sunflower perennial perennial 1.5 - 5 ft. 1.5 - 5.5 ft. yellow; Jul - Nov yellow; Aug - Oct open areas along streams & flood plains; bottomland ponds; wet meadows full sun, part shade full sun wet, sandy, loam or clay, acidic moist soils soils

Sneezeweed does not derive its Part of the Asteraceae family in which common name from the effects of its there are about 920 genera and Benefits: pollen. The common name is based Benefits: 19,000 species including Cosmos, on the former use of its dried leaves Sunflower, Zinnia and Dahlia. Gary Fleming/DCR in making snuff, inhaled to cause sneezing that would supposedly rid Ken Lawless Benefits: the body of evil spirits. Attracts butterflies. A beautiful addition Benefits: to your landscape with many elongate Attracts birds and are very beautiful in leaves and numerous flower heads. bouquets.

Eastern rosemallow, Crimson-eyed Hibiscus moscheutos - rosemallow, Marshmallow hibiscus Iris versicolor - Harlequin blueflag, Northern blue flag perennial perennial 3 - 8 ft. 2 - 3 ft. creamy-white flowers; Jul - Sep shades of purple; May - Aug swampy forests; wet meadows; meadows; stream banks; marshes; freshwater marsh edges swamps full sun, part shade full sun, part shade wet or moist alkaline soils wet or moist, acidic soils (can tolerate complete submergence) Clumps of Hibiscus start to grow late in the season and flower over a From the middle English flagge, long period in late summer. Benefits: Benefits: Ken Lawless meaning rush or reed. Flowers have symbolized power, with the three Benefits: parts representing wisdom, faith and Dot Field/DCR Attracts hummingbirds and birds. courage. Benefits: Insects attracted to the sepals must Strikingly showy species that is a nectar crawl under the tip of a style and source for hummingbirds. brush past a stigma and stamen, thus facilitating pollination.

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 12 FORBS

Virginia saltmarsh mallow, Turk’s-cap lily Kosteletzkya virginica - Virginia fen-rose, Seashore marsh-mallow Lilium superbum - perennial perennial 1.5 - 4.5 ft., spreads to 4 ft. in width 4 - 8 ft. light pink; Jun - Oct red, orange, yellow; Jul - Sep brackish marshes; coastal plains; wet meadows; swamps; and woods swamps full sun full sun moist, loam, sand, acidic soils moist - prefers sand, but will tolerate (good drainage essential) clay soils (moderately salt tolerant, though does best with high acidity) The recurved sepals and petals, which presumably resemble a type Benefits: ES Native Alternative to: Benefits: of cap worn by early Turks, and Altheae officianalis, or Common the showy extruded stamens, are Marsh Mallow Gary Fleming/DCR distinctive features. Indians used the Benefits: bulbs for soup. Great for color in late summer Flowers close at night. Largest and most spectacular of the through fall. Attracts hummingbirds native lilies; up to 40 flowers have and butterflies. been recorded on a single plant.

Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal flower Mitchella repens - Partridgeberry, Twinberry, Running box perennial perennial 1 - 6 ft. .5 ft., creeping red; July - Oct pinkish-white, trumpet; May - Jul; low areas, woodlands edge, stream red berry in July - Dec banks, roadsides, meadows dry or moist woods; stream banks; full sun, part shade, shade sandy slopes moist to wet, humus-rich, sandy & part shade, shade clay soils moist or dry, humus-rich, sandy or

The common name of this flower All parts of this plant are dainty, alludes to the bright red robes worn Benefits: Benefits: Native American women drank a tea by Roman Catholic cardinals. Alli Baird made from the leaves as an aid in Benefits: Dot Field/DCR childbirth. Valued for its ornamental blooms Benefits: and color. Attracts birds. Depends Berries are consumed by a variety on hummingbirds, which feed on the of birds and mammals. Use as nectar, for pollination. groundcover under acid-loving shrubs.

13 Fall 2009 FORBS

Monarda fistulosa - Wild bergamot, Beebalm Oenothera fruticosa - Narrowleaf Evening-primrose, Sundrops perennial perennial 2 - 4 ft., can reach 6 ft. 1 - 3 t. lavender, pink, white; May - Sep golden-yellow; May - Sep open woods; fields; meadows; dry woods; roadsides; meadows ditches; edges of woods/marshes full sun full sun, part shade moist, acidic, well-drained soils well-drained but moist, acid to lime, (tolerant of brackish and lime soils) rich to poor, sand to clay soils

This plant spreads rapidly under Genus Monarda named in honor of favorable conditions but does not a 16th century Spanish physician Benefits: Benefits: usually become aggressive. and botanist, Nicolas Bautista Monardes (1493-1588). Fistulosa Irvine Wilson/DCR Dot Field/DCR means tubular. Aromatic leaves Benefits: Benefits: used to make mint tea. Drought and heat tolerant. Attracts Attracts birds and hummingbirds. birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Very easy to start from seed.

Phlox paniculata - Summer phlox, Garden phlox Pontederia cordata - Pickerelweed, Pickerel weed perennial perennial 1.5 - 6.5 ft. 3 - 3.5 ft. pink, purple; Jun - Oct deep blue; Jun - Nov open woods; thickets; meadows; shallow, quiet water; freshwater moist roadsides marshes, up to a foot under water full sun full sun, part shade moist, organic, loam soils wet or moist, sandy, loam or clay soils The very similar Large-leaved ES Native Alternative to: Phlox (P. amplifolia) has a hairy Eichhornia crassipes (common stem, only 6-15 leaf pairs below the water hyacinth) Benefits: flower cluster, and a hairless corolla Benefits: tube and is found in the southern Dot Field/DCR The flowers bloom in succession Appalachian Mountains. Benefits: from the bottom up. The seeds can Gary Fleming/DCR Provides nectar for bees and be eaten like nuts and the young Benefits: butterflies. Good for wetland gardens leaf-stalks cooked as greens. Beautiful ornamental flower that and habitat. Seeds eaten by waterfowl. attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Attracts dragonflies.

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 14 FORBS

Rudbeckia hirta - Black-eyed Susan, Brown-eyed Susan Saururus cernuus - Lizard’s tail, Lizard’s-tail annual perennial 1 - 3.5 ft. 1.5 - 4 ft. bright-yellow; Jun - Oct white; May - Sep meadows; pastures; woodland still water; wet lowlands; stream edges edges full sun, part shade, shade part shade, shade (may bloom longer with some wet, moist, muddy soils afternoon shade) (aquatic - up to 4 in. inundation) moist to dry, well-drained acidic soils (drought tolerant) The common name and the genus Benefits: Benefits: name, from the Greek sauros (lizard) Forms mature seed cones about Gary Fleming/DCR and oura (tail), depict the shape of three to four weeks after flowering. Dot Field/DCR Benefits: the drooping flower cluster. Crushed (Check by breaking a cone open Benefits: foliage has a pleasant, sassafras and if the seeds are dark, they are Great spreading groundcover for moist Cheerful blossoms liven up bouquets. aroma. mature.) soils, shallow water, and containers. Birds enjoy the ripe seeds. Nectar Good for wetland gardens and habitat. attracts bees, butterflies. Colonizes large areas. Attracts birds.

Solidago sempervirens - Seaside goldenrod Symphyotrichum novi-belgii - New York aster perennial perennial 2 - 8 ft. 1 - 4.5 ft. deep-yellow; Jul - Nov purple, blue-violet; Jul - Oct saline places along the coast meadow; field (resistant to salt spray) full sun full sun moist, loam soil moist, sandy soils

Pinch the growing tips in June for a more compact plant. This goldenrod Benefits: Dot Field/DCR does not spread by rhizomes or Benefits: become invasive. Benefits: Dot Field/DCR Attracts birds and migrating Monarch Benefits: butterflies (Danaus plexippus). Showy ornamental flower that attracts butterflies. A larval host to the Pearl Crescent butterfly Phyciodes( tharos).

15 Fall 2009 GRASSES

Ammophila breviligulata - American beach grass Andropogon glomeratus - Bushy or Brushy bluestem perennial perennial 1.5 - 5 ft. 2 - 5 ft. yellow; Jul - Sep white, brown; Aug - Nov back beaches; sand dunes low, moist grassland areas (poor full sun drainage okay, even preferred) dry, sandy full sun wet or moist, relatively sterile, sandy, clay or loam soils Most common dune plant along much (tolerates salinity) of the Atlantic Coast. Instrumental in building dunes. Very salt tolerant. Benefits: Ammophila means sand lover. Benefits: Perhaps best for large-scale gardens Dot Field/DCR Dot Field/DCR and landscapes, as it seeds out heavily and may fall over once it Benefits: Benefits: reaches maximum height. Important dune stabilizer. It can Seed and nesting material for birds. withstand burial within a shifting dune Can be a luxurious addition to a fall by sending up vertical rhizomes that flower display and is ideal for wetland produce new emerging stems. gardens.

Andropogon virginicus - Broomsedge bluestem, Broom-sedge Carex stricta - Tussock sedge, Upright sedge, Uptight sedge perennial perennial 1 - 3 ft. 1 - 3 ft., 3 ft. wide yellow, reddish-brown; Aug - Nov greenish/brownish spikes; Apr - Aug dry fields; thin woods; upper shores acid or neutral swamps; low woods; of ponds seasonally flooded sites part shade full sun moist or dry, sandy soils wet, moist soil

Striking in fall and winter when the Harvested for insulation in ice fine hairs of the expanded racemes packing houses and used for rug catch the sunlight. This clump- Benefits: Benefits: Irvine Wilson/DCR making. This sedge has a distinctive, forming grass turns a tawny brown elevated tussock (dense tuft). in fall. Benefits: Dot Field/DCR Excellent nesting habitat for rails and Benefits: snipes. Helps control erosion on distrurbed lands and provides cover, nesting material, and seeds food for birds.

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 16 GRASSES

Juncus effusus - Common rush, Soft rush Panicum amarum - Beachgrass, Bitter or Coastal panic grass perennial perennial 1 - 4 ft. 1 - 3 ft. small, greenish-brown; Jun - Sep Aug - Oct swamps; damp open ground coastal shores and dunes full sun full sun wet or moist, clay, sandy or loam dry or moist, loam, sandy soil soils

Very salt tolerant. Adapted to very dry sterile sites. It can withstand periods of extended drought and is Benefits: Benefits: somewhat winter hardy.

Dot Field/DCR Benefits: Dot Field/DCR Birds find shelter among the stems. Benefits: Provides very good shoreline Attracts birds. protection.

Panicum virgatum - Switchgrass, Wand panic grass Schizachyrium scoparium - Little bluestem perennial perennial perennial 1 - 3 ft., 3 ft. wide 3 - 6 ft. very dense mounds at 1.5 - 4 ft. greenish/brownish spikes; Apr - Aug red-purple seedhead; Aug - Oct white seedhead; Aug - Oct acid or neutral swamps; low woods; open areas; stream banks woodland edges; hillsides; slopes; seasonally flooded sites full sun, part shade open areas full sun dry to moist, sandy, clay or loam soils full sun, part shade wet, moist soil (poor drainage okay) dry, well-drained, sandy, clay or loam soils ES Native Alternative to: Schedonorus phoenix (tall fescue) Wonderful planted en masse, the Benefits: Benefits: visual dynamics this grass provides Dot Field/DCR The rich, yellow-colored clumps last ranges from blue-green stems in late Benefits: summer to radiant mahogany-red throughout the winter. Pollinated by Gary Fleming/DCR Seeds eaten by songbirds. Provides wind. with white cotton-tufted seedheads cover, nesting material. Larval host Benefits: in fall. A reddish-tan color persists to Delaware Skipper (Anatrytone In winter the seeds, fuzzy white at through winter. logan). maturity, are of particular value to small birds.

17 Fall 2009 FERNS Intermediate woodfern, Evergreen wood-fern, Athyrium filix-femina - Common ladyfern, Lady fern Dryopteris intermedia - Fancy wood fern perennial (deciduous) perennial (evergreen) 1 - 3 ft. up to 10 inches, lacy foliage non-flowering/reproduces by spores forest; woodland; swamp forest; woodland; wet meadow; shade swamp; marsh moist, organic, humus enriched part shade, shade soils wet, moist, humus-rich, sandy, loam, soils

Its light-green color and fronds Alan Cressler Benefits: create the illusion of a dainty fern, Benefits: despite its large size. Benefits: Good choice for deep shade.

Gary Fleming/DCR

Onoclea sensibilis - Sensitive fern, Bead fern, Sympathy fern Osmunda cinnamomea - Cinnamon fern perennial (deciduous) perennial (deciduous) few inches to more than 3 ft. 6 ft. non-flowering/reproduces by spores non-flowering/reproduces by spores woodlands; floodplains; stream boggy areas; shaded ledges banks; swamps; marshes full sun, part shade, shade part shade, shade muddy, sandy, clay or loam, acidic moist to wet, loose, sandy, loam, soils acidic soils Bristly root crown, called osmunda Fiddleheads appear in the spring fiber, used as a potting medium for in shades of pale red. The roots orchids. Thick spore-bearing spikes, Alli Baird Benefits: colonize but are usually shallow, Benefits: that turn from green to chocolate Benefits: though hefty. The stalks of this brown, appear Apr - May. Shelters salamanders and frogs and fern are said to have a decorative, Ken Lawless attracts birds. Cut fronds good for beaded appearance, lending the Benefits: dried flower arrangements. plant one of its common names. Dramatic landscape accent. Fuzz which covers the young fiddleheads is a favorite nesting material for birds.

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 18 FERNS

Osmunda regalis - Royal fern Polystichum acrostichoides - Christmas fern perennial (deciduous) perennial (evergreen) 2 - 5 ft. high, 18 in. wide fronds 1 - 3 ft., taller when fertile non-flowering/reproduces by spores non-flowering/reproduces by spores freshwater wetlands; stream banks rocky woods; stream banks; part shade, shade swamps; thickets wet, sandy, clay or loam, acidic soils part shade, shade (tolerates yr-round shallow water) moist, well-drained, humus-rich, sandy, acidic soils (does not tolerate standing water) The form and texture of this fern is unique - foliage resembles that of Benefits: the pea family. Delicate, bright green Benefits: Christmas fern got its name because fronds, often with a silvery cast, are it stays green right through the Ken Lawless crowned with golden, fruiting pinnae holiday season. on wine-colored petioles. Benefits: Irvine Wilson/DCR Attractive color. Benefits: Good, evergreen border or accent plant.

Thelypteris palustris Schott - Eastern marsh fern, Marsh fern Woodwardia virginica - Virginia chain fern, Virginia chainfern perennial (deciduous) perennial (deciduous) non-flowering/reproduces by spores 2 - 3 ft. swamps; wet fields or thickets; non-flowering/reproduces by spores wooded streambanks swamps; still water; waterway banks full sun part shade wet, clay, loam, sandy soils moist to wet, sandy, medium or clay loam, acidic soils

The frond turns bronze in the fall. This fern will quickly take over a Benefits: Benefits: small garden. It is best planted in large, water-logged areas where little

Dot Field/DCR else will grow.

Alan Cressler Benefits: Attracts birds.

19 Fall 2009 VINES Campsis radicans Bignonia capreolata - Crossvine Trumpet creeper or vine Synonyms: Bignonia radicans - perennial (evergreen) perennial (deciduous) 36 - 50 ft. up to 35 ft. red, yellow; Mar - May red, orange; Jun - Sep full sun, part shade in trees of moist woods or along (best flowers in sun) fence rows in old fields moist, well-drained, acidic or full sun calcareous, sandy or clay soils well-drained, sandy, loam, clay soils (cold tolerant, tolerates brief flooding) (high drought tolerance)

Irvine Wilson/DCR ES Native alternative to: ES Native alternative to: Hedera helix (English ivy) Lonicera japonica (Japanese Benefits: Lonicera japonica (Japanese Benefits: Dot Field/DCR honeysuckle) Showy ornamental with glossy leaves honeysuckle) Benefits: Melia azedarach (Chinaberry tree) and showy, two-tone, trumpet flowers. Attractive flowers. Its bright trumpet- Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) Claws at the end of its tendrils allow An early nectar source for butterflies shaped flowers beckon hummingbirds. crossvine to cling to stone, bricks Cut back branches to two buds in the and hummingbirds. With its vigorous growth habits, and fences without support. winter to encourage bushier growth trumpet vine is a good soil stabilizer. and more blooms.

Virgin’s bower, Devil’s darning needles, Carolina jasmine, Yellow jessamine, Clematis virginiana - Old man’s beard Gelsemium sempervirens - Evening trumpetflower perennial (deciduous) perennial (evergreen) 12-15 ft. 10 - 20 ft white; Jul - Sep yellow; Jan - May, Dec woods; thickets; stream banks dry to wet thickets; woods; fence full sun, part shade, shade rows or hammocks moist to dry, rich soils full sun, part shade (best in sun) moist, well-drained, humus-rich, sandy or clay soils Clematis virginiana has clusters of (pH adaptable, heat/cold tolerant) creamy white flowers turning into showy clusters of silky seeds that ES Native alternative to: glisten with backlighting. Lacking Benefits: Benefits: Hedera helix (English ivy) tendrils, the vine supports itself by Lonicera japonica (Japanese means of twisted stems, or petioles, Irvine Wilson/DCR honeysuckle) W.D. Bransford/LBJ Wildflower Center that wrap around other plants. These Benefits: fast-growing stems can grow 20 ft. in It is quite adaptable and tenacious, Benefits: Aromatic, showy evergreen vine one year. They may be pruned at any with no serious disease or insect Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. whose flowers attract hummingbirds time during the growing season. problems. All parts of this plant are and Swallowtail butterflies. toxic.

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 20 VINES

Lonicera sempervirens - Coral honeysuckle, Trumpet honeysuckle Parthenocissus quinquefolia - Virginia creeper perennial (evergreen) perennial (deciduous) 3 - 20 ft. 3 - 40 ft. red outer, sometimes yellow inner, yellowish-green; May - Jun Mar - Jun followed by bright-red open woodlands, shaded woods, berries stream, riverbanks full sun (best), part shade full sun, part shade, shade sandy and clay, but rich, moist soils moist, well-drained, sand, loam, preferred, lime and acidic soil okay clay soils (tolerates poor drainage for short periods) ES Native alternative to: Hedera helix (English ivy) Benefits: Benefits: Dot Field/DCR Dot Field/DCR ES Native alternative to: Lonicera japonica (Japanese Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) Benefits: Benefits: Frequently visited by hummingbirds honeysuckle) Birds eat fruit through the winter. A vigorous grower, it tolerates most and butterflies. Fruits attract Purple Leaves turn brilliant mauve, red and soils and climatic conditions. Unlike finch, goldfinch, Hermit thrush, and The species name refers to its purple and provides attractive early some climbing vines, it adheres American robin. This beautiful vine is evergreen habit. fall color. Berries turn from red to blue via adhesive discs rather than great for arbors. to black. penetrating rootlets. Purple passionflower, Maypop, Passiflora incarnata - Purple passion vine Wisteria frutescens - American wisteria perennial perennial (deciduous) up to 25 ft., with sprawls on ground 25 - 30 ft. lavender; Apr - Sep; orange-yellow lilac or bluish purple; May - Jun berry moist or wet woods; river banks; roadsides, meadows, woodland upland thickets edges/opens, streams, riverbanks full sun, part shade, shade full sun, part shade moist, rich, sandy, loam or clay, moist, rich, clay and sandy, non- neutral to slightly acid soils saline soils (prefers a good loamy soil in a sunny south or southwest facing ES Native alternative to: position) Benefits: Lonicera japonica (Japanese Benefits: honeysuckle) Large, fragrant, drooping clusters of Phillip Merritt flowers - 6–9 inches long - appear Ken Lawless Floral parts said to represent only on new wood and after the plant Benefits: Benefits: aspects of Christian crucifixion has leafed out, a difference from the Showy ornamental for arbor and story, sometimes referred to as the Attracts butterflies. Larval host to popular Asian species. This species fences, walls and columns. Birds eat Passion. Maypop refers to pop of the Zarucco duskywing skipper (Erynnis is less aggressive than the similar fruit and flower attracts butterflies. berries when crushed. zarucco). Asian species.

21 Fall 2009 SHRUBS Groundsel tree, Sea-myrtle, Salt myrtle, Alnus serrulata - Hazel or Smooth alder, Common alder Baccharis halimifolia - Salt marsh-elder, Salt bush alder A 12 - 20 ft., multiple-trunked, deciduous A 6 - 12 ft. deciduous shrub bearing shrub with a shiny gray-brown bark. gray-green oval leaves. Numerous Summer foliage is dark green and branches from short trunks are covered glossy, becoming yellow, tinged with densely with branchlets. White to red, in fall. Flowers are purple catkins; green flowers (Aug - Oct) occur in males in drooping clusters, females in small, dense, terminal clusters. Silvery, upright clusters (Mar - Apr). The fruit plume-like achenes resembling silvery resembles a small, woody cone and paintbrushes appear in the fall on persists Aug - Feb. Commonly found at female plants. edge of water - very flood tolerant. full sun, part shade wet to dry, sandy, loam soils full sun, part shade, shade Dot Field/DCR Irvine Wilson/DCR wet or moist, fine sandy loams, and Benefits: ES Native Alternative to: mucks Benefits: Tolerant of saltwater spray, its one of Elaeagnus umbellata (autumn olive) Use to improve wildlife habitat (space Only alder native to the southeastern the few eastern shrubs suitable for In the aster family with Iva frutescens 5-10 ft. apart to allow for crown United States. Its flexible stems planting near the ocean. Marsh wrens (Marsh elder) - both can reach tree size. development and to optimize seed and fibrous root system make it very and other small birds frequently nest Baccharis ancient Greek name (the god production). suitable for streambank stabilization. in the openly branched, brittle stems. Bacchus) of a plant with fragrant roots.

Callicarpa americana - American beautyberry, French mulberry Cephalanthus occidentalis - Buttonbush, Button willow A 3 - 6 ft. deciduous understory shrub A 6 - 12 ft. spreading, multi-branched with a loose and graceful arching evergreen shrub or sometimes small form and small and pink flowers (Jun tree with many branches (often crooked - Aug) in dense clusters at the bases and leaning), irregular crown, balls of of the leaves. In fall and early winter, long-lasting (Jun - Sep), white or pale- branches are laden with magenta pink flowers resembling pincushions, purple berry clusters (Sep - Mar) that and button-like balls of fruit - rounded look spectacular as the leaves drop in masses of nutlets that persist through autumn. Useful as a screen in wet or the winter. wooded locations or under shade trees in a garden setting. part shade, shade wet, sandy and clay soils Dot Field/DCR part shade (poor drainage or standing water moist, rich, sandy and clay, acidic Ken Lawless Benefits: okay) Seeds and berries are important foods soils Benefits: for many species of birds. Valuable (cold and heat tolerant) Ducks and other water birds and for edge landscapes and requires little shorebirds consume the seeds and its maintenance. nectar attracts bees and butterflies.

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 22 SHRUBS

Clethra alnifolia - Coastal sweet pepperbush Hamamelis virginiana - Witch hazel, American witch hazel A narrow, 6 - 12 ft., deciduous shrub, This 10 - 15 ft., up to 30 ft., shrub is which often spreads into mounded often multi-trunked. Its large, crooked, clumps and has spike-like, upright spreading branches form an irregular, clusters of fragrant white flowers (Jul open crown. The floral display of witch - Aug). The shrub’s leaves turn dull hazel is unique. Its fragrant, yellow yellow to orange in fall. This shrub forms flowers with strap-like, crumpled petals sizable patches. Its dry fruiting capsules appear in the fall, persisting for some remain long after flowering and help time after leaf drop (Sep – Dec). Lettuce- identify this plant in winter. green, deciduous leaves maintain a rich consistency into fall when they turn full sun, part shade, shade brilliant gold. Bark is smooth and gray. wet to moist, acidic soils full sun, part shade, shade (salt-spray tolerant) Gary Fleming/DCR Gary Fleming/DCR moist, sandy, clay, acidic and Benefits: calcareous soils Benefits: Birds eat the fruits (small brown Versatile, carefree shrub that is capsules). Very aromatic. Commercial ES Native Alternative to: remarkably free of any disease, insect witch-hazel is an alcohol extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia (Russian olive) or physiological problems. witch-hazel bark.

Ilex glabra - Inkberry, Gallberry Ilex verticillata - Common winterberry, Michigan holly, Black alder A 6 - 12 ft. mound-shaped, colony- A 3 - 10 ft. globular, upright, medium- forming shrub. Lance-shaped, glossy, sized shrub. Its leaves are not shaped leathery leaves vary in color from dark- with sharp teeth like other hollies and to light-green both in summer and fall. are not evergreen. The purplish-green Inconspicuous white flowers (May – Jul) foliage turns black, in fact, with the first are followed by black berries which frost. The inconspicuous flowers (Apr - persist well into winter. Jul) are followed by dense clusters of bright red berries that remain on the part shade branches throughout winter. wet, moist, sandy to peaty, acid soils (flood tolerant) full sun, part shade, shade moist, sandy, clay, acidic soils ES Native Alternative to: Irvine Wilson/DCR Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet) Gary Fleming/DCR Ken Lawless Benefits: Benefits: Birds are readily attracted to them. Pest free. High wildlife value. Winterberry tolerates poor drainage and is quite winter-hardy.

23 Fall 2009 SHRUBS

Ilex vomitoria - Yaupon, Yaupon holly, Cassina Itea virginica - Virginia willow, Virginia sweetspire, Tassel-white A 12 - 25 ft., upright, single- or multi- A 6 - 10 ft. mound-shaped, slender- trunked evergreen shrub. Female branched, deciduous shrub. Small, plants produce very large amounts white flowers bloom (Apr - Jun) in 4 of bright red berries. The leaves are in. spires that droop with the arching small, dark-green, usually less than 1 branches. Flowers open from base to 1/2 in. Flowers are white (Apr - May). tip so that the plant appears to bloom for The pale gray bark is marked with a long time. Leaves turn red to purple in white patches. fall and persist well into the winter. part shade full sun, part shade various sandy, clay and limestone moist, sandy, loam, clay, acid soils soils (blooms best, better fall color if it Dot Field/DCR (tolerates drought and poor receives full sun at least part of Benefits: drainage, best production of fruit Gary Fleming/DCR the day; can grow in areas of poor Good late winter source of food for with half day of sun or more) Benefits: drainage) many bird species. Shiny green Indian tribes traveled to the coast in Flowers and fall foliage make this an leaves and red berries are a favorite attractive ornamental. Most effective Christmas decoration. large numbers each spring to partake of the caffeinated leaves as a tonic. in massed plantings.

Marsh elder, High-tide bush, High-water shrub, Iva frutescens - Jesuit’s bark Lindera benzoin - Northern spicebush, Spicebush A 2 - 10 ft. succulent, bushy-branched A 6 - 16 ft., single- or few-stemmed, fast- shrub, with opposite, pubescent, growing, deciduous shrub, with glossy narrowly lance-shaped leaves. leaves and graceful, slender, light green Greenish-white flowers occur singly in branches. Dense clusters of tiny, pale upper leaf axils (Aug - Oct). Naturally yellow flowers bloom in April before grows in the mid to high salt marsh- the leaves form globose (spherical) estuarine area and back dunes, and buds along the twigs. Flowers occur commonly occurs with groundsel tree in umbel-like clusters and are followed to form the salt bush community. by glossy red fruit (Sept-Oct). Fruit and full sun foliage are aromatic. Leaves turn a moist to wet, saline soils golden-yellow in fall with some sun. Ken Lawless full sun, part shade, shade Dot Field/DCR Often confused with Baccharis Benefits: moist, sandy, well-drained soils Benefits: halimifolia whose leaves are alternately A larval host for the Eastern tiger (better form, more berries with sun) Attractive shrub for wet, salty areas arranged on the stem rather than swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) and oppositely arranged. Both species are that will support little other vegetation. Spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus) ES Native Alternative to: in the aster family and can reach tree Requires little to no care but can be butterflies. The fruits are a special Elaeagnus angustifolia (Russian olive) size. pruned and shaped regularly. favorite of wood thrushes. Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet)

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 24 SHRUBS

Morella cerifera - Wax myrtle, Southern bayberry, Candleberry Persea palustris - Swamp bay, Swamp red bay A wispy, 6 - 15 ft., multi-trunked, A 15 - 25 ft. evergreen shrub with a evergreen shrub that can reach 20 ft. round-topped to cylindrical crown, 6-18 in height. Light olive-green foliage has in. trunk (often leaning), reddish-brown spicy fragrance. Flowers in March and bark, and lance-shaped leaves - dark April. Pale blue berries occur on female green on the top and pale green and plants in winter. Handsome gray bark is pubescent (hairy) on the underside. almost white on some plants. Small, light yellow-green flowers occur full sun, part shade in small, clusters in leaf axils (spring- wet, sandy, slightly acidic soils early summer). Oblong dark blue fruit (fast-growing, tolerates poor mature in early fall. drainage and drought) full sun Dot Field/DCR seasonally wet, moderately well- Irvine Wilson/DCR ES Native Alternative to: Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet) Benefits: drained to poorly-drained organic Benefits: Melia azedarach (Chinaberrytree) A larval host plant for Palamedes soils (low salt tolerance) Attracts birds and butterflies. Popular swallowtail (Papilio palamedes) and ornamental used for screens and Colonists separated the fruits’ waxy Leaves have an aroma like that of Spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus) hedges. Crush the leaves for an covering in boiling water to make European true laurel (Laurus nobilis), butterflies. appealing, piquant fragrance. fragrant-burning candles. and can be used for similar purposes. Photinia pyrifolia - Synonyms: Aronia arbutifolia, Pyrus arbutifolia Red chokeberry, Red chokecherry Rhododendron atlanticum - Coastal azalea, Dwarf azalea A 1.5 - 12 ft., multi-stemmed shrub A low, 1 - 3 ft., colony-forming shrub, with four-season interest. Beginning sending up short-lived flowering in March, flat-topped clusters of white, branches. White to pinkish, funnel- five-petaled flowers with red anthers shaped flowers with protruding stamens appear in profusion and give way to dark occur in long-stalked clusters before or green, glossy leaves that consistently with the leaves (Apr and May). Leaves turn a rich, orange-red in fall. Bright red are distinctly blue-green. berries appear in fall and remain until December or January and along with part shade a reddish-brown, exfoliating bark add well-drained, sandy soil color to the winter landscape.

full sun Gary Fleming/DCR moist, acidic, rich soils Benefits: Irvine Wilson/DCR ES Native Alternative to: Berries persist through much of the Benefits: Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet) winter, and are occasionally eaten by Attractive ornamental. songbirds.

25 Fall 2009 SHRUBS

Rhododendron viscosum - Swamp azalea, Swamp honeysuckle Rosa palustris - Swamp rose A 5 - 10 ft., loose, open, deciduous A 6 - 8 ft. upright shrub with numerous, shrub growing to 12 ft. in width. One bushy-branched, thorny stems and of the last azaleas to bloom. White dark-green foliage. Produces showy, flowers with a pleasantly sweet, spicy but short-lived, dark rose-pink flowers fragrance and a long, slender lavender- in Jun - Aug, which give way to smooth, colored corolla tube, appear after the red hips (fruit). leaves in May – August. Fall foliage is orange to maroon. full sun, part shade, shade wet, moist, rich soils part shade (salt tolerant and perfect for poorly- wet, acidic soil drained sites) (flood tolerant) Member of the family Rosaceae which The fragrant flowers with their sticky includes about 2,000 species of trees, corolla have given this shrub the Ken Lawless shrubs, and herbs worldwide, including Irvine Wilson/DCR names Clammy azalea and Swamp Benefits: service-berries (Amelanchier), in Benefits: honeysuckle, although it is unrelated to Beautiful ornamental. Flowers provide addition to the many wild and cultivated Beautifully flowered ornamental. honeysuckles. Viscosum means sticky nectar for bees and butterflies. Rose types of roses. Palustris is Latin for “of in Latin. hips are eaten by birds. marshes.” Common elder, Common Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis - elderberry, Black elder Stewartia malacodendron - Silky camellia, Virginia stewartia A 6 - 12 ft., loose, graceful, deciduous Up to 10 ft., open-branched, deciduous shrub with both woody and herbaceous shrub. Leaves are silky below and branches. Many long stems arise from distinctly veined. Flowers (Apr - Jun) are the base, arching at the top. White white to cream-colored, 2–3 in. across, flowers (May to July) in broad, flat, and saucer-shaped with crimped petals conspicuous clusters up to 10 inches and numerous, conspicuous dark-purple or more in diameter. Berrylike fruit is stamen filaments and bluish anthers. dark purple when ripe (Jul - Sept). shade acid, humus-rich, well-drained soils part shade (prefers deep shade during heat of tolerates a wide variety of wet to dry day, thrives on early morning sun) soils but prefers rich, moist, slightly acid soil. ES Native Alternative to: Gary Fleming/DCR Gary Fleming/DCR Hibiscus syriacus (rose of Sharon) The genus name comes from Benefits: Benefits: Greek sambuce, an ancient musical Beautifully flowered ornamental. Genus honors John Stuart (1713-92), Purple-black fruit is attractive to birds instrument, and refers to the soft pith, the Earl of Bute, a patron of botany. that spread the seeds and is used to easily removed from the twigs and Species Greek for soft tree, referring to make pies, jelly and wine. used to make flutes and whistles. the silky hairs on lower leaf surface.

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 26 SHRUBS

Vaccinium corymbosum - Highbush blueberry Vaccinium pallidum - Blue Ridge blueberry, Early lowbush blueberry A 6 - 12 ft. deciduous shrub with A 1.5 - 2 ft. shrub with green bark, numerous upright stems and twiggy light to dark brown twigs, alternate, branches forming a rounded, compact elliptic leaves dark green above, paler outline. Reddish-green spring leaves beneath. Green-white to pink flowers turn blue-green in summer and red, (March to May). Berries are dark blue yellow, orange and purple in fall. White to black and mature June to July. or pink, bell-shaped flowers in drooping clusters (Apr - Jun) are followed by full sun, part shade, shade edible, blue fruit. moist or dry, loam, sandy soils full sun, part shade, shade wet to dry, acid, rocky soils to organic peats Dot Field/DCR (benefits from mulch; prune after Gary Fleming/DCR fruiting) Benefits: Benefits: Berries are relished by many birds Sweet berries have a high wildlife and songbirds, including the Scarlet value. Tanager.

Viburnum dentatum - Southern arrowwood Viburnum prunifolium - Blackhaw, Smooth blackhaw A 6 - 15 ft. deciduous shrub, sometimes A 12 - 15 ft.,up tp 24 ft, sturdy, shapely taller, with multiple, erect-arching stems deciduous shrub, rounded in outline, in a loose, round habit. White, flat- which bears many white flower clusters topped flower clusters in May – Jul are in Apr and May followed by yellow followed by dark blue berries. Lustrous, berries turning blue-black. Attractive, dark-green foliage turns yellow to wine- dark-green foliage becomes reddish- red in fall. purple in fall. full sun, part shade, shade part shade moist to dry, well-drained soils Gary Fleming/DCR dry to wet, acidic soils and sands (for best flowers and fruit, be sure Benefits: blackhaw gets 4-5 hrs of sun/day) Flood, insect and disease tolerant. ES Native Alternative to: Elaeagnus angustifolia (Russian olive) Most soil-adaptable of the viburnums. Gary Fleming/DCR ES Native Alternative to: Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet) Attracts Eastern bluebird, Northern Benefits: flicker, Gray catbird, and American Fruit is eaten by songbirds and can The Latin prunifolium refers to the robin. be made into preserves. This plant is leaves’ plum-color in fall. Prune durable and pest free. immediately after flowering since buds form in summer for the following year.

27 Fall 2009 TREES Downy or Common serviceberry, Shadbush, Amelanchier arborea - Betula nigra - River birch Junebush, Shadblow A 15 - 30 ft with multiple, upright stems This 30 - 75 ft. gracefully branched tree, forming a dense shrub with a narrow usually multi-trunked tree can reach crown and many small-diameter 90 ft. It is an often slightly leaning and branches or, if properly pruned, a small forked tree with irregular, spreading tree. Trees can be trained to have, crown of several large, ascending limbs and are offered by nurseries, with one supporting slightly weeping branches. trunk. Ornamental white flowers (Mar Produces a cone fruit. The tree’s - May) followed by red to purple fruit selling point is its satiny, silver bark that (Jun - Aug). Fruits are quickly eaten by peels to reveal a cinnamon-brown trunk birds. Brilliant fall color display ranging beneath. Fall foliage is yellow. from yellow and orange to red. part shade Irvine Wilson/DCR full sun, part shade sandy or clay, moist, acidic soils Gary Fleming/DCR moist, well-drained acidic soils Benefits: (well-suited to areas that are Benefits: Fast growing and long-lived. Its ability periodically wet) At least 40 bird species (e.g. Cardinals, The fruits taste similar to blueberry and to thrive on moist sites makes it useful Cedar Waxwing and Towhees) eat the they can be eaten fresh or cooked in for erosion control. fruit of Amelanchier species. pastries or puddings.

Celtis occidentalis - Common hackberry Cercis canadensis - Eastern redbud A 30 - 100 ft. deciduous tree, varying A 15 - 40 ft. deciduous tree with one greatly in response to habitat. The to several picturesque, maroon-purple broad crown is often erratic in shape trunks and a wide, umbrella-like crown. with spreading or slightly drooping Its pink flowers (Apr - May), borne branches, often deformed as bushy in tight clusters along the stems and growths called witches’-brooms. Older branches before new leaves appear, bark is covered with conspicuous, corky create a showy spring display. Smooth, projections. Foliage is dull-green and heart-shaped, deciduous foliage does rough. Orange-brown to dark-purple not have significant fall color. berries are arranged in clusters. part shade, shade Dot Field/DCR moist, fertile, well-drained soils full sun, part shade, shade IrvineDot Wilson/DCR Field/DCR Benefits: rich, moist soils. pH adaptable Hackberries are among the best food (drought tolerant) Benefits: ES Native Alternative to: and shelter plants for wildlife. The Stunning ornamental. Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) sweetish fruit is relished by birds, Common name apparently derived including woodpeckers and the Cedar from hagberry, meaning marsh berry, a Waxwing. name used in Scotland for a cherry.

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 28 TREES

Chionanthus virginicus - White fringetree, Fringe tree Cornus amomum - Red willow, Silky cornel, Silky dogwood A 15 - 35 ft. deciduous tree with short A 6 - 10 ft small tree or a multi-stemmed trunk, narrow, oblong crown and showy, shrub with an upright rounded growth drooping clusters of delicate, fragrant, habit however, where stems are in white blossoms in May - Jun. Dark- contact with the ground, roots are blue, grape-like clusters of fruits are formed. This behavior creates thickets. produced from female blossoms. Dark- Young dogwoods have bright red stems green, glossy foliage and a pale-gray in the fall, winter and early spring, which trunk with bands of white. Fall color is turn reddish-brown in the summer. usually not significant. One of the last As the shrub matures, the stems turn trees to bear new leaves in spring. reddish-brown year-round and later gray. Yellowish-white flowers (Mar - part shade Apr) and bluish colored fruit (Sept). Irvine Wilson/DCR loose, moist, sandy soils Benefits: Ken Lawless part shade, shade moist, clay, loam, sandy soils Berries are attractive to wildlife. The genus name Chionanthus, Benefits: meaning snow and flower, describes Attracts birds and is a beautiful the blossoms. ornamental that can help stabilize soil and provide a wildlife border.

Diospyros virginiana - Common persimmon, Eastern persimmon Ilex opaca - American holly, Christmas holly This deciduous tree can grow 50 up This evergreen tree ranges from 25 ft. to 100 ft. in moist, rich soil and has to as tall as 60 ft. Its stout, stiff branches a spreading crown and pendulous form a pyramidal shape and bear dark- branches. Bell-shaped, yellow flowers green, non-glossy, spine-tipped leaves. (Apr - Jun). Large, oval, mature leaves New growth pushes off the old leaves usually become yellow-green in fall. On in spring. Bright red berries occur on old trunks the bark is thick and dark- female plants. Shorter, multi-trunked gray to almost black and broken into form may grow in lower-light situations. scaly, squarish blocks. Best-known by The bark is a light-gray color. its large, sweet, orange fruit in autumn. part shade part shade Dot Field/DCR moist, well-drained, sandy, acidic Dot Field/DCR moist, rich, sandy, loam or clay, Benefits: soils Benefits: acidic or calcareous soils Valued for fruit and attraction to wildlife Many kinds of songbirds and A popular Christmas decoration, the and is larval host to Luna moth (Actias ES Native Alternative to: mammals eat the bitter berries of this wood also is especially suited for inlays Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) luna). Fruit is not edible until exposed slow-growing but long-lived tree. Many in cabinetwork, handles, carvings, and to frost or consistent low temperatures Persimmon is of Algonquian origin, varieties are grown for ornament, rulers, and can be dyed various shades, and recalls flavor of dates. Diospyros imeans fruit of the god Zeus. shade, and hedges. even black.

29 Fall 2009 TREES

Juniperus virginiana - Eastern red cedar, Virginia juniper Liriodendron tulipifera - Tuliptree, Tulip poplar A 30 - 40 ft. (can reach 90 ft) evergreen, One of the tallest - up to 150 ft. - aromatic tree with trunk often angled deciduous eastern hardwoods, with a and buttressed at base. Pyramidal long, straight trunk; a narrow crown that when young, mature form is quite spreads with age; large showy, yellow- variable. Fragrant, scale-like foliage orange, flowers resembling tulips or can be coarse or fine-cut, and varies in lilies (Apr - Jun); and, distinctive, waxy, color from gray-, blue-, to dark-green. star-shaped foliage that turns bright gold All colors tend to brown in winter. Pale in fall. Flowers are up 50 ft or higher. blue fruits occur on female plants. Soft, Cone-shaped seedheads remain after silvery bark covers the single trunk. leaves have fallen. full sun, part shade, shade Dot Field/DCR full sun, part shade, shade dry, limestone soils (adaptable) Dot Field/DCR rich, moist acidic soils Benefits: Juicy berries consumed by wildlife, Of great medicinal value over the Benefits: Introduced into Europe from Virginia Insect and disease free. Favorite nesting including the Cedar waxwing, named centuries. First observed at Roanoke by the earliest colonists. Pioneers tree, flowers attract hummingbirds for this tree. Resistant to extremes of Island, Virginia, in 1564, it was prized hollowed out a single log to make a and larval host to the Eastern tiger drought, heat, and cold. by the colonists for building furniture, long, lightweight canoe. Member of the rail fences, and log cabins. swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). magnolia family.

Magnolia virginiana - Sweetbay, Sweetbay magnolia, Swampbay Nyssa sylvatica - Blackgum, Black tupelo, Sourgum, Tupelo A slender, 12 - 30 ft. (occasionally A 30 - 75 ft. variable-shaped, deciduous growing to 50 ft) evergreen tree with tree with horizontally spreading pale grey bark and multiple, slender, branches. A bottle-shaped trunk forms upright trunks bearing horizontal if grown in shallow standing water. branches. Aromatic, spicy foliage semi- Smooth, waxy, dark-green summer evergreen to evergreen and dark green foliage changes to fluorescent yellow, in the South. Solitary, velvety-white, orange, scarlet and purple in fall. (Trees fragrant flowers (May - Jul) followed in warmer climates may not be as by dark red aggregate fruits exposing colorful.) Berries are small and blue. bright red seeds. full sun, part shade, shade part shade various moist, acidic, gravelly soils Dot Field/DCR moist, rich, sandy, loam, acidic soils (species tolerates drier sites and Benefits: tolerates poor drainage) Benefits: Gary Fleming/DCR Attractive, aromatic, showy ornamental. Introduced into European gardens as early as 1688. Called Beavertree by Benefits: Seeds are a good source of food for Handsome ornamental and shade colonists who caught beavers in traps birds in fall. tree. Juicy fruit is consumed by many baited with the fleshy roots. birds and mammals.

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 30 TREES

Prunus serotina - Black cherry Quercus falcata - Southern red oak, Spanish oak A 40 - 75 ft. deciduous tree, distinctly An up tp 70 ft. tree, although it is usually conical in youth. When open-grown it somewhat shorter, Straight-trunked. becomes oval-headed with spreading, In time, develops long, spreading pendulous limbs and arching branches. branches, giving the top an even, well- Crowded trees grow tall and slender. formed appearance. Its smooth gray Oblong leaves shiny on the upper bark becomes dark and furrowed, surface. Drooping white flowers (May- eventually becoming black. Yellow Jun) appear after leaves emerge. Dark flowers appear in Apr - May. Papery red fruit changes to black from Aug- leaves turn reddish-brown in fall. Acorns Oct. Crushed foliage and bark have appear biennially. distinctive cherrylike odor and bitter Dot Field/DCR taste. Fall foliage is yellow. part shade dry, sandy, loamy or clay acid- Benefits: Largest, most important native cherry, full sun, part shade, shade Dot Field/DCR based soils known for the beauty and quality of moist or dry, well-drained soils Benefits: Often called Spanish Oak, possibly its wood. Easy to grow. Wildlife eat Grows relatively quickly, for an oak, because it commonly occurs in areas the fruit. Larval host to Eastern tiger One of first New World trees introduced and is long-lived. Provides shade and of the early Spanish colonies, yet its swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). to English gardens - as early as 1629. a nesting site for birds. unlike any oaks native to Spain.

Salix nigra - Black willow, Gulf black willow Sassafras albidum - Sassafras A 10 - 60 ft., tree with an open crown A 35 - 50 ft. deciduous tree with often with several trunks growing out at horizontal branching in cloud-like tiers. angles from one root. Leaf blades up Mahogany-brown bark deeply ridged to 5 inches long, narrow and tapering. and furrowed. Little bunches of yellow- Bright yellow-green twigs bear yellow- green flower balls (Mar-May) scattered green catkins. Flowers inconspicuous, profusely over the female tree; more arranged in elongate clusters which sparsely on the male. Dark-blue fruits appear in March and April; male and on scarlet stalks appear on female female flowers on separate trees. plants in late summer. Bright-green, Seeds wind-borne on silky hairs. The mitten-shaped, oval, or three-lobed bark is deeply furrowed. leaves have outstanding fall color.

full sun, part shade, shade Ruth Myers full sun, part shade, shade Gary Fleming/DCR wet, moist, clay or sandy soils moist but well-drained, rich, sandy, Benefits: aidic soils Benefits: (fast-growing but short-lived) Although it grows most quickly in Shade tree. Early season harvest for fertile soil, its an appropriate tree to Explorers and colonists thought the ES Native Alternative to: songbirds. A larval host for the Eastern introduce into disturbed sites with aromatic root bark was a cure-all and Salix sepulcralis (Weeping willow) tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). infertile soil. shipped quantities to Europe.

31 Fall 2009 “PLANT ES NATIVES” DEMONSTRATION SITES

Want a closer look at the natives featured in this guide? Visit one of the growing number of “Plant ES Natives” demonstration sites being installed on the Eastern Shore. These public sites are designed using 100% Eastern Shore native plants, highlighting their beauty, benefits and the variety of plants from which to choose. More demos are planned! For an update visit the “Plant ES Natives’ campaign website - http://www.deq.virginia.gov/coastal/esnativesdemosites.html. Maritime Forest ES Native Plant Demonstration UVA Anheuser Busch Coastal Research Center

This site exhibits plants all native to the Eastern Shore that can tolerate sandy soils, low level salt spray and bright sun to partial shade. Plants were chosen to provide year-round food sources to a wide variety of birds, butterflies and small animals. The planting is in the first year, with initial emphasis on overstory species. David Boyd Additional planting is planned.

David Boyd The site was installed and is maintained

David Boyd by staff from the Anheuser Busch David Boyd Eastern Shore Native Plants Coastal Research Center. Planning Morella (Myrica) cerifera – Southern wax myrtle assistance was provided by the Eastern Winged Sumac is an evergreen, understory shrub Juniperus virginiana – Eastern red cedar Shore Master Gardeners, Eastern Shore Soil and Water Conservation which provides food for birds Cercus canadensis – Redbud District, Maplewood Gardens, Bloomers and small mammals. It has Prunus serotina – Wild black cherry greenish yellow flowers in Garden Center/Appleseed Nurseries, Quercus stellata – Post oak June/July, red berries in Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia October/November and leaves Sassafras albidum – Sassafras Department of Conservation and which turn a flaming red Cornus florida – Flowering dogwood Recreation/Eastern Shore Regional Office, color in the fall. It forms large colonies, providing abundant Amelanchier arborea – Downy serviceberry Virginia Department of Environmental Gary Fleming winter food for wildlife. Rhus copallinum – Winged sumac Quality/Office of Environmental Education, Lonicera sempervirens – Coral honeysuckle Downy Serviceberry is the and the Virginia Department of Game and Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia creeper symbol of the “Plant ES Inland Fisheries. Natives” campaign and Panicum virgatum – Switch grass featured in the campaign logo. Schizachyrium scoparium – Little bluestem It attracts over 40 species of bird. See page 28.

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 32 “PLANT ES NATIVES” DEMONSTRATION SITES

Shoreline ES Native Plant Demonstration Shady ES Native Plant Demonstration Willis Wharf Wildlife Observation Platform Chincoteague Island Nature Trail

Winged sumac is an evergreen, understory shrub which provides food for birds and small mammals. It has greenish yellow flowers in June/July, red berries in October/ November and leaves Steve Living which turn a flaming (Above) Shown just after red color in the fall. It Eastern Shore Native Plants planting, the landscaping forms large colonies, at this site has filled in providing abundant Morella (Myrica) cerifera – Southern wax myrtle beautifully. winter food for wildlife. Morella (Myrica) pennsylvanica – Northern bayberry Kim Owen Juniperus virginiana – Eastern red cedar This site exhibits Panicum amarum – Coastal panic grass plants all native to This site exhibits a variety Eastern Shore Native Plants Symphyotrichum (Aster) novi-belgii – New York aster the Eastern Shore of plants all native to the Callicarpa americana – American beautyberry Diospyros virginiana – Persimmon that can tolerate the Eastern Shore that do well Magnolia virginiana – Sweetbay magnolia Lonicera sempervirens – Coral or Trumpet honeysuckle Shore’s bright sun in shady moist conditions. Osmunda cinnamomea – Cinnamon fern Kosteletzkya virginica – Seashore mallow and salt spray. The landscape was kept as natural as possible Clethera alnifolia – Sweet pepper bush - the plants installed along Amelanchier arborea – Downy serviceberry The site was designed by the trail are covered with Polystichum acrostichoides – Christmas fern Appleseed Nurseries, Inc, pinestraw and blend Solidago caesia – Bluestem goldenrod a local landscaper, with beautifully into the existing Gaultheria procumbens – Wintergreen assistance from Eastern native vegetation. Shore Master Naturalists, who Iris versicolor – Blue flag will help maintain the site. Osmunda regalis – Royal fern Designed by In Full Bloom, The observation platform and Itea virginica – Virginia willow Inc., a local landscaper, native landscaping, funded Chelone glabra – White turtlehead this site was funded by by the Virginia CZM Program, Podophyllum peltatum - May apple the Virginia CZM Program served as a backdrop for Ariseama triphyllum – Jack-in-the-pulpit and is being maintained VIrginia Witmer/VACZM the launch of the “Plant ES Lobelia cardinalis – Cardinal flower by Eastern Shore Master Coral honeysuckle is an evergreen that attracts Natives” campaign on April Naturalists. hummingbirds and butterflies. See page 21. 24, 2009.

33 Fall 2009 “PLANT ES NATIVES” DEMONSTRATION SITES

‘Healing’ Garden ES Native Plant Demonstration Living Shoreline ES Native Plant Demonstration Onley Rural Health Center The Nature Conservancy This site will highlight the A new Living Shoreline in therapeutic power of Eastern Oyster demonstrates how Shore native plants in a “healing Eastern Shore Native garden” at the new Onley Rural Plants help stabilize the Health Center. The garden will shoreline, filter runoff be installed in 2010 and will be and protect water quality. part of a sustainable landscape The demonstration site, surrounding the center. Signage shown in the photo at in the “healing garden” will left prior to planting in highlight the link between healthy November 2009, was landscapes and healthy people. installed by The Nature Joe Scalf Conservancy (TNC) with This demonstration site is a assistance from the U.S. partnership between the Eastern Fish and Wildlife Service, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and Shore Rural Health System, is open to the public. TNC plans to install a walking trail and viewing Eastern Shore Soil and Water platform with interpretive signs describing the Living Shoreline and the Conservation District, Alliance importance of coastal habitat. An existing boat ramp for kayak and for the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia canoe use will be kept in place. This demonstration site was funded by Coastal Zone Management the NOAA Restoration Center, Chesapeake Bay Trust, National Fish Program (which helped fund and Wildlife Foundation, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and the the demonstration Campbell Foundation for the Environment. Virginia CZM Program staff site design), Virginia will assist with Eastern Shore Native Plants Department of Eastern Shore Native Plants development of Chionanthus virginicus – Fringetree Conservation and Spartina alterniflora – Smooth cordgrass (low marsh) the signage. Crataegus crus-gali – Cockspur hawthorn Recreation and the Spartina patens – Saltmeadow cordgrass (high marsh) Living Shorelines Eastern Shore Resource Viburnum dentatum – Arrowwood Distichlis spicata – Saltgrass (high marsh) are a natural Conservation and Rudbeckia hirta – Blackeyed susan Borrichia frutescens – Sea ox-eye daisy (buffer) alternative to Development Council. Itea virginica – Virginia Sweetspire Panicum virgatum – Switchgrass (buffer) bulkheading. For Panicum virgatum – Switchgrass Solidago sempervirens – Seaside goldenrod (buffer) more information

Asclepias tuberosa – Butterflyweed Kosteletzkya virginica – Virginia saltmarsh mallow (buffer) visit http://www. Eupatorium fistulosum – Joe-pye weed Iva frutescens – Marsh elder (buffer) deq.virginia. Vaccinium corymbosum – Highbush blueberry Baccharis halimifolia – Groundseltree (buffer) gov/coastal/ livingshore.html. Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 34 OTHER PUBLIC SITES FEATURING ES NATIVES

Pollinator Native Plant Demonstration Butterfly Native Plant Demonstration Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge Northampton Free Library

Virginia Witmer/VACZM Virginia Witmer/VACZM Ken Lawless A wide variety of Virginia native plants attract pollinators to two gardens The white flowers of at the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Willdife Refuge (one located in Karen Howl Ilex glabra, Inkberry, are front of the visitor center and the other next to the Refuge office). This site features flowering Virginia native followed by black berries that persist well into plants that provide nectar for butterflies. winter, making this shrub To complete this Eastern Shore Native Plants Featured Shrubs add winter interest while annuals of particulalry high value two-year project, the add season long bloom. to wildlife. See page 23. Asimina triloba – Pawpaw Refuge partnered Helianthus angustifolius – Narrowleaf sunflower with the Virginia CZM This site was designed, planted and Chelone glabra – White turtlehead Program, The Nature is maintained by the Eastern Shore Virginia Master Gardeners with Conservancy, Back Kosteletzkya virginica – Seashore mallow assistance from The Nature Conservancy and the Alliance for the Bay NWR Youth Conoclinium coeleatinum – Mistflower Chesapeake Bay. Conservation Corps, Pycnanthemum tenuifolium – Narrowleaf mountainmint Virginia Field Office Baptisia australis – Wild blue indigo Partners for Fish Eastern Shore Native Plants Featured Vernonia noveboracensis – New York ironweed and Wildlife, Eastern Asclepias tuberosa – Butterflyweed Symphotrichum novi-belgii – New York aster Shore SWCD, Conoclinium coelestinum – Mistflower Solidago rugosa – Wrinkleleaf goldenrod Youth Conservation Ilex glabra – Inkberry Asclepias tuberosa – Butterfly weed Corps and Refuge Lobelia cardinalis – Cardinal flower Solidago sempervirens – Seaside goldenrod volunteers. Over 550 plants, many provided Phlox paniculata – Phlox Hibiscus moscheutos – Rose mallow locally by Bloomers Rudbeckia hirta – Black-eyed Susan Lobelia cardinalis – Cardinal flower Garden Center, were Solidago rugosa – Goldenrod Monarda fistulosa – Bergamot planted.

35 Fall 2009 INDEX of EASTERN SHORE NATIVE PLANTS IN GUIDE

Latin Name Common Name Category Height (ft.) Light Page

Alnus serrulata Common alder shrub 12 - 20 22 Amelanchier arborea Downy serviceberry, Shadbush, Juneberry tree 15 - 30 28 Ammophila breviligulata American beach grass grass 1.5 - 5 16 Andropogon glomeratus Bushy bluestem grass 2 - 5 16 Andropogon virginicus Broomsedge grass 1 - 3 16 Athyrium filix-femina Northern lady fern fern 1 - 3 18 Asclepias incarnata Swamp milkweed forb 4 - 6 10 Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly weed forb 1 - 3 10 Baccharis halimifolia High tide bush/groundsel tree shrub 6 - 12 22 Baptisia tinctoria Yellow wild-indigo forb 1 - 3 10 Betula nigra River birch tree 30 - 75 28 Bignonia capreolata Crossvine vine 36 - 50 20 Callicarpa americana American beautyberry shrub 3 - 6 22 Caltha palustris Marsh marigold forb 1 - 2 10 Campsis radicans Trumpet Creeper vine up to 35 20 Carex stricta Tussock sedge grass 1 - 3 16 Celtis occidentalis Hackberry tree 30 - 100 28 Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush shrub 6 - 12 22 Cercis canadensis Redbud tree 15 - 40 28 Chelone Glabra White turtlehead forb 3 - 6 11 Chionanthus virginicus Fringetree tree 15 - 30 29

Clematis virginiana Virgin’s bower vine 12 - 15 20

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 36 INDEX of EASTERN SHORE NATIVE PLANTS IN GUIDE

Latin Name Common Name Category Height (ft.) Light Page

Clethra alnifolia Sweet pepper bush shrub 6 - 12 23 Conoclinium coelestinum Mistflower forb 1 - 3.5 11 Coreopsis lanceolata Lance-leaved coreopsis forb 1 - 2.5 11 Cornus amomum Silky dogwood tree 6 - 10 29 Diospyros virginiana Persimmon tree 50 - 100 29 Dryopteris intermedia Evergreen fern fern up to 10 in. 18 Eupatorium dubium Joe-Pye Weed forb 2 - 5 11 Gelsemium sempervirens Carolina jasmine vine 12 - 20 20 Hamamelis virginiana Witch hazel shrub 10 - 15 23 Helenium autumnale Sneezeweed forb 1.5 - 5 12 Helianthus angustifolius Narrow-leaf sunflower forb 1.5 - 5.5 12 Hibiscus moscheutos Eastern rosemallow forb 3 - 8 12 Ilex glabra Inkberry shrub 6 - 12 23 Ilex opaca American holly tree 25 - 60 29 Ilex verticillata Winterberry shrub 3 - 10 23 Ilex vomitoria Yaupon holly shrub 12 - 25 24 Iris versicolor Blue flag forb 2 - 3 12 Itea virginica Virginia willow shrub 6 - 10 24 Iva frutescens Marsh elder shrub 2 - 10 24 Juncus effusus Soft rush grass 1 - 4 17 Juniperus virginiana Eastern red cedar tree 30 - 40 30 Kosteletzkya virginica Seashore mallow forb 1.5 - 4.5 13

37 Fall 2009 INDEX of EASTERN SHORE NATIVE PLANTS IN GUIDE

Latin Name Common Name Category Height (ft.) Light Page

Lilium superbum Turk’s cap lily forb 4 - 8 13 Lindera benzoin Spicebush shrub 6 - 16 24 Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip-tree tree up to 150 30 Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal flower forb 1 - 6 13 Lonicera sempervirens Trumpet honeysuckle vine 3 - 20 21 Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay magnolia tree 12 - 30 30 Mitchella repens Partridgeberry forb .5 13 Monarda fistulosa Wild bergamot forb 2 - 4 14 Morella (Myrica) cerifera Southern wax myrtle shrub 6 - 15 25 Nyssa sylvatica Black gum tree 30 - 75 30 Oenothera fruticosa Sundrops forb 1 - 3 14 Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive fern fern 3 in. - 3 ft. 18 Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fern fern 6 18 Osmunda regalis Royal fern fern 2 - 5 19 Panicum amarum Coastal panic grass grass 1 - 3 17 Panicum virgatum Switch grass grass 3 - 6 17

Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeper vine 3 - 40 21 Passiflora incarnata Passion flower vine up to 25 21

Persea palustris (borbonia) Red bay shrub 15 - 25 25 Phlox paniculata Summer phlox forb 1.5 - 6.5 14 Photinia pyrifolia Red chokeberry shrub 1.5 - 12 25 Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas fern fern 1 - 3 19

Native Plants of Accomack and Northampton 38 INDEX of EASTERN SHORE NATIVE PLANTS IN GUIDE

Latin Name Common Name Category Height (ft.) Light Page

Pontederia cordata Pickerel weed forb 3 - 3.5 14 Prunus serotina Wild black cherry tree 40 - 75 31 Quercus falcata Southern red oak tree up to 70 31 Rhododendron atlanticum Coast azalea, dwarf azalea shrub 1 - 3 25 Rhododendron viscosum Swamp azalea shrub 5 - 10 26 Rosa palustris Swamp rose shrub 6 - 8 26 Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan forb 1 - 3.5 15 Salix nigra Black willow tree 10 - 60 31 Sambucus canadensis Common elderberry shrub 6 - 12 26 Sassafras albidum Sassafras tree 35 - 50 31 Saururus cernuus Lizard’s tail forb 1.5 - 4 15 Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem grass 1.5 - 4 17 Solidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod forb 2 - 8 15 Stewartia malacodendron Silky camelia shrub up to 10 26 Symphyotrichum novi-belgii New York aster forb 1 - 4.5 15 Thelypteris palustris Marsh fern fern 19 Vaccinium corymbosum Highbush blueberry shrub 6 -12 27 Vaccinium pallidum Early lowbush blueberry shrub 1.5 - 2 27 Viburnum dentatum Southern Arrowood shrub 6 - 15 27 Viburnum prunifolium Black-haw viburnum shrub 12 -15 27 Wisteria frutescens Atlantic wisteria vine 25 - 30 21

Woodwardia virginica Virginia chain fern fern 2 - 3 19

39 Fall 2009 NOTES: