A GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANTS OF THE GEORGIA EASTERN PIEDMONT: Forested Floodplain Restoration Species ABOUT THE GUIDE CONTACT US

This guide provides an overview of commercially available native plants in the Georgia eastern piedmont. The guide, intended for use by both Athens-Clarke County Mimsie Lanier Center homeowners and industry professionals, was created as a collaborative Sustainability Office State Botanical Garden effort between the Athens-Clarke County Sustainability Office and State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Links to resources are provided for additional 110 Bray Street 2450 S. Milledge Avenue information. Format the guide at 11x17 paper size or larger to print. Athens, GA 30601 Athens, GA 30605 706-613-3838 706-542-1244 [email protected] [email protected] Other guides in this series include:

Dry Woodland and Forest Restoration Species Dry-Moist Upland Clearings Restoration Species Floodplain Meadow: Bottomland Riparian Restoration Species Moist Forested Slopes Restoration Species Moist-Wet Lowland Clearing Species This native plant guide series was compiled by Photos by J. Michael Wharton Linda Chafin, Conservation Botanist, State Botanical Garden

ABOUT US Athens-Clarke County Sustainability Office

The Sustainability Office works as a steward of public resources, involving land management of Unified Government green space, ecological planning and project management, and education as it pertains to Unified Government green space and ecology.

Mimsie Lanier Center for Native Plant Studies at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia

At the University of Georgia, the Mimsie Lanier Center for Native Plant Studies is the State Botanical Garden’s headquarters for native plant restoration, conservation, education, production, and safeguarding. As a unit of Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia, the State Botanical Garden creates and nurtures an environment for learning, inspiration, and engagement through horticulture, conservation, science based programs and lasting partnerships. WHY NATIVES? PLANTINGNURSERIES GUIDELINES SELLING NATIVES Native plants are those which are indigenous to a certain area and have adapted to the local conditions. Native plants are a great alternative to exotic or non-native plants for a variety of reasons. Native plant species • Seeds can be sown in pots or seed flats that are kept in a shady provide food and shelter for native wildlife, whereas exotics cannot location. When planting, seeds can be placed close together (1/8-1/4” because they haven’t evolved with the surrounding wildlife. In addition to apart). Seeds should be planted as deep as they are thick. Very small supporting biodiversity, natives also benefit homeowners by requiring less seeds are barely covered, if at all. After planting, water with a gentle water, fertilizer, and pesticide than exotics. spray until thoroughly wet. • Link: https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_series/wo/wo_ah730/wo_ah730_133_151.pdf Because native plants often require less water than non-natives, they can help prevent and control erosion. Native seed mixes can be used as an • Seed bombs are small balls of clay, compost, and seeds. alternative to other erosion control methods, such as silt fences or mulch. They’re easy to grow--simply drop or throw seed bombs without Native seed mixes should have a diversity of seed species so that they can needing to dig holes or water in. Recommended spacing is 1 seed bomb be applied to large areas of land with varying soil conditions. / square foot, and at least 10 seed bombs / square meter. • Link: https://permaculturenews.org/2014/06/18/making-seedballs-ancient-method- till-agriculture/ Follow this link to a list of recommended native plant nurseries: https://botgarden.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Directory-of-Na- tive-Plant-Nurseries.pdf • Plugs are small seedlings grown in a tray. They can be planted by digging small holes in the ground using a hand trowel. Add a Follow this link to find out more about the harmful effects of invasive plants: https:// well draining compost to the surrounding dirt so that plugs are not www.fs.fed.us/learn/plants-animals Photo by Gardeners’World.com oversaturated. Carefully loosen roots and place plug in the hole. Press firmly around the root ball. Finally, water in with a gentle spray. • Link: https://www.ecolandscaping.org/02/developing-healthy-landscapes/ecological- landscaping-101/planting-plugs-putting-tools-to-the-test/

• Mulch is often used when planting to suppress competition from PLANTING DEFINITIONS other vegetation. Pine straw and pine bark chips are recommended to mitigate weeds. Though widely used, hay contains weed seeds, such as • Full sun - plants receive direct sunlight for <6 hrs/day dandelion flower, crabgrass, and annual bluegrass seeds. Straw can be used as an alternative to hay, which contains fewer weed seeds. • Light shade - plants receive 3-5 hrs/day of sun • Link: http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/community-forests/management/tree-care/mulching- trees/index.cfm • Partial shade - plants receive 2 hours of direct sun/day or shaded at least half of the day; partial shade can be found under or around trees. • Trees are best planted during early fall. Before planting, conduct a site analysis to identify above and below ground utilities. Dig a hole • Full shade - plants receive an hour of direct sun/day as deep as the root ball and 2-3 times the width of the root ball. Cut circling roots before placing tree in hole. Ensure that tree is upright and • Dense shade - plants receive no direct and little indirect sunlight not planted too deep. Once tree is in the correct position, fill remaining space in hole with soil. Pack in around the base of the tree to stabilize it. • Wet soil/Dry soil - some plants can tolerate drought while oth- Water in tree but do not fertilize. Avoid staking tree. Mulch the base of ers can tolerate poorly drained soils. However, it’s important to recognize that the tree to reduce competition from weeds. all plants require their roots to have some oxygen to function. • Link: file:///S:/Ecological%20and%20Land%20Management/Restoration_Planting_ Native%20Plant%20List-ID/Native%20Plant%20Species%20List%20-%20 Piedmont%20GA/ Planting%20Instructions/How%20to%20Plant%20a%20Tree%20 Link: file:///S:/Ecological%20and%20Land%20Management/Restoration_Planting_Native%20 _%20NRCS.pdf Plant%20List-ID/Native%20Plant%20Species%20List%20-%20Piedmont%20GA/Planting%20 Photo by Gardeners’World.com Instructions/Defining%20Sun%20Requirements%20for%20Plants.pdf Photo by Gardeners’World.com Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

FORBS

Amianthium Fly Poison forb part sun, high, 2 ft spring, Flowers pollinated by butterflies, bees, and Avoid planting near livestock pastures. All parts are toxic. muscitoxicum shade medium summer / beetles. Top-killed by fire, but re-sprouts from (spelling variation: white / bulb except when duff is burned deeply. Amianthium showy muscaetoxicum)

Arisaema Jack In The forb shade high, 2 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by fungus gnats and thrips. Moderately deer-resistant. Can be grown "Pulpits" range in color from green triphyllum Pulpit medium green and Berries eaten by birds and box turtles. from seeds but takes 5 years from seed to to purple, striped or solid. Leaves purple / flower. and underground corms contain showy calcium oxalate crystals which irritate mucus membranes and GI tract. Asclepias incarnata Swamp forb sun, part sun high, 4 ft summer / Flowers pollinated by bees, wasps, flies, NOT fire-tolerant. Forms small colonies. Larval host for Monarch butterflies. Milkweed medium pink / butterflies, and hummingbirds. Larval host for Most insects avoid feeding on the showy Monarch butterflies. Leaves are bitter and toxic, leaves due to toxic latex. Native discouraging deer and other mammal browsing. American medicinal plant.

Bidens aristosa Swamp forb sun, part sun high, 3 ft fall / yellow Flowers pollinated by butterflies, bees, wasps, In forested situations, is best planted Annual or biennial, but self-seeds Marigold, Bur medium / showy flies, and beetles. Larval host for butterflies and along forest edges or in permanent heavily. Marigold moths. Seeds eaten by birds. canopy gaps. Moderately deer-resistant.

Conoclinium Mist-flower, forb sun, part sun, high, 3 ft summer, Flowers pollinated by bees, skippers, moths, Deer-resistant. Fire-tolerant. Spreads coelestinum Ageratum shade medium fall / blue / beetles, and butterflies. Larval host for moths. aggressively in optimal conditions by (synonym: showy Bitter leaves discourage mammal browsing. both seed and rhizomes. Eupatorium coelestinum) Elephantopus Carolina forb part sun, medium 3 ft summer, Flowers pollinated by bees and small butterflies. carolinianus Elephant's Foot shade fall / pink / Larval host for moths. not showy

1 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

Eupatorium Perfoliate forb sun, part sun high, 5 ft fall / white / Flowers pollinated by bees, flies, butterflies, Deer-resistant. Forms clumps. Native American medicinal plant; perfoliatum Boneset, medium showy beetles, wasps. Larval host for moths. Birds eat modern research suggests that its Perfoliate seeds. Bitter foliage discourages herbivores. leaves are an immune system Thoroughwort stimulant. Eupatorium Round-leaf forb sun, part sun high, 5 ft summer / Flowers pollinated by bees, flies, butterflies, Deer-resistant. Fire-tolerant. Well documented anti-cancer rotundifolium Boneset, Round- medium white / skippers, beetles, wasps. Larval host for moths. activity. leaf showy Bitter foliage discourages mammalian herbivores. Thoroughwort Eupatorium Late-flowering forb sun, part sun high, 6 ft fall / white / Flowers pollinated by bees, flies, butterflies, Deer-resistant. serotinum Boneset, Late- medium showy skippers, beetles, wasps. Larval host for moths. flowering Bitter foliage discourages herbivores. Thoroughwort Hibiscus laevis Halberd-leaf forb sun, part sun high, 6 ft summer / Flowers pollinated by bees. Larval host for Tolerates short periods of flooding. Hibiscus are related to okra and have (synonym: Hibiscus Mallow medium white, pink butterflies, skippers, and moths. Seeds eaten by the same slimy sap, which, whipped militaris) / showy waterfowl. Browsed by deer. with sugar and dried, produced the first marshmallows. Hibiscus Rose-mallow forb sun, part sun high, 6 ft summer / Flowers pollinated by bees, butterflies, Tolerates short periods of flooding. Not Technically an herb, this plant is moscheutos medium white / hummingbirds. Larval host for butterflies, deer-resistant. Top-killed by fire, but shrubby, with several stems rising showy skippers, moths. Seeds eaten by waterfowl. probably re-sprouts from large rhizomes. from a woody base. Hibiscus are related to okra and have the same slimy sap, which, whipped with sugar, produced the first marshmallows. Hymenocallis Woodland forb part sun, high, 2 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by moths, bees, skippers, and Moderately deer-resistant All parts are toxic. occidentalis Spiderlily shade medium white / butterflies. Toxic leaves are avoided by browsers. (synonym: showy Hymenocallis caroliniana) Impatiens capensis Jewelweed forb sun, part sun, high, 5 ft summer, Flowers pollinated by bees, hummingbirds, Annual, but self-seeds heavily. Sap is used to relieve poison ivy shade medium fall / orange butterflies. Larval host to moths. Birds, small itching. / showy mammals eat seeds.

2 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

Iris fulva Copper Iris forb sun, part sun high 3.5 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by hummingbirds and bees. Tolerates extended flooding and heavy All parts are toxic. Spreads by seed coppery / Foliage and rhizomes are toxic and seldom wet clay soils. and rhizomes. showy browsed by mammals.

Liatris spicata Dense Blazing forb sun high, 4 ft summer, Flowers pollinated by bees, butterflies, and Fire-tolerant, will resprout from corms Star, Marsh medium fall / pink / skippers. Larval host for moths. Stems and corms after fire. A wetland that will live in Blazing Star, showy eaten by many mammals. upland soils with high nutrient levels. Spiked Blazing Moderately deer-resistant. Best planted Star as plugs. Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal forb sun, part sun high 4 ft late Flowers pollinated by hummingbirds and several Tolerates temporary flooding. Not fire- Native American medicinal plant. Flower summer, swallowtail butterflies. Mature plants are not tolerant. fall / red / browsed by mammals due to toxic latex. showy Lobelia puberula Downy Lobelia forb sun, part sun medium 3 ft late Flowers pollinated by bees. Not browsed by Deer-resistant. Top-killed by low summer, mammals due to toxic latex. intensity fire but re-sprouts. fall / purple / showy Ludwigia Alternate-leaf forb sun, part sun high, 3 ft summer / Flowers pollinated by bees, wasps, flies, small Fruit ("seedboxes") float and alternifolia Seedbox medium yellow / butterflies, etc. Larval host for moths. Browsed by disperse tiny seeds through pore on showy deer. top. Mimulus ringens Monkey Flower forb sun, part sun high, 3 ft summer, Flowers pollinated by bumblebees. Larval host for Spreads by both seed and rhizomes. medium fall / blue / moths and butterflies. showy Mitchella repens Partridgeberry forb part sun, high, 0.2 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bumblebees. Fruits eaten by Slow-growing but eventually forms nice Best planted as plugs since seeds shade medium white / not birds and mammals. evergreen ground cover. Tolerates short may take two years to germinate. showy. Red periods of flooding. berries are somewhat showy in late summer, fall.

3 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

Packera glabella Butterweed forb sun, part sun high, 3 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees, butterflies, skippers, Deer-resistant. Because it initially forms Annual, but self-seeds heavily. (synonym: Senecio medium yellow / flies. Toxic to mammals. large weedy patches in disturbed areas glabellus) showy but quickly succumbs to competition, it is a good choice for quick re-vegetation.

Peltandra virginica Green Arrow- forb part sun, high 2 ft spring / Flies pollinate the strongly smelling flowers. Root masses stabilize pond and Emergent aquatic plant. Leaves and arum shade white, green Fruits eaten by waterfowl, muskrats, and possibly streamside sediments. stems rarely eaten because they have / showy turtles. Large leaves provide cover. calcium oxalate crystals that irritate mucus membranes and GI tract.

Persicaria Pennsylvania forb sun, part sun high, 2 ft summer / Flowers pollinated by bees, wasps, flies, Annual but self-seeds readily. Annual but self-seeds readily. pensylvanica Smartweed, medium white, pink butterflies, moths. Larval host to butterflies, (synonym: Pinkweed / showy in moths. Seeds eaten by waterfowl, other birds, Polygonum mass. small mammals. pensylvanicum) Persicaria Virginia Jump- forb part sun, medium 3 ft summer / Flowers pollinated by insects. Seeds eaten by Deer-resistant. Tolerates drought and Spreads by rhizomes and self- virginiana seed shade white / birds. saturated soil. seeding to form showy colonies. (synonyms: Tovara showy in Avoid red-flowered cultivars. virginiana, mass Polygonum virginianum Physostegia Obedient Plant forb sun, part sun high, 3 ft summer / Flowers pollinated by bumblebees, other bees, and Deer-resistant. Usually occurs over amphibolite virginiana medium pink / hummingbirds. Not browsed by deer or other bedrock which raises soil pH. showy mammals. Rudbeckia laciniata Green-eyed forb sun, part sun high, 8 ft summer, Flowers pollinated by bees, beetles, butterflies, Rapidly forms colonies by spread of Susan medium fall / yellow moths. Larval host for butterflies, moths. Foliage rhizomes. Tolerates spring floods. / showy toxic to mammals; deer-resistant.

Sagittaria latifolia Duck-potato, forb sun high 4 ft summer / Flowers pollinated by bees, flies, butterflies, Dense colonies and strong roots hold Emergent aquatic plant. Extracts Arrowhead white / skippers, beetles. Ducks feed on seeds and tubers. plants and soils during changing water nutrients and metals from polluted showy Muskrats and turtles feed on vegetation and levels and floods. sediments. Native Americans ate tubers. tubers.

4 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

Saururus cernuus Lizard's Tail forb part sun, High 2 ft summer / Mostly unknown, but fragrant flowers suggest Deer-resistant. Tolerates prolonged Beautiful fragrant flowers and shade white / insect pollination. Foliage toxic to mammals. flooding and saturated soils. attractive leaves in large colonies. showy Large, dense colonies provide wildlife cover. Senna marilandica Wild Senna forb sun, part sun medium 6 ft summer / Flowers pollinated by bees. Larval host for Deer-resistant. Forms colonies. Grows Does not complete well with woody (synonym: Cassia yellow / butterflies, skippers, and moths. Glands at base of slowly for first two years. Drought- plants. Native American medicinal marilandica) showy leaves attract ants which protect plant from tolerant. Due to taproot, it is hard to plant. Possible nitrogen-fixer. herbivores. Toxic foliage and fruit avoided by transplant or divide mature plants. mammals, though some gamebirds eat seeds. Verbesina Alternate-leaf forb sun, part sun high, 8 ft summer, Flowers pollinated by bees, butterflies. Larval host Tolerates disturbance. Can be aggressive Plants will likely volunteer in alternifolia Wingstem medium, fall / yellow for butterflies, moths. Seeds eaten by birds. Bitter and weedy, decreasing overall plant relatively undisturbed floodplains (synonym: low / showy foliage discourages browsing by mammals. species diversity. Possibly over time without planting. Actinomeris allelopathic–see reference. alternifolia) Verbesina Southern forb sun, part sun high, 8 ft summer, Flowers pollinated by bees, butterflies. Larval host Can be aggressive and weedy, decreasing Plants subject to foliar ozone injury occidentalis Crownbeard medium, fall / yellow for butterflies, moths. Bitter foliage discourages overall plant species diversity in as ozone levels rise. Plants will low / showy browsing by mammals. disturbed areas. Possibly allelopathic–see likely volunteer in relatively reference. undisturbed floodplains over time. Verbesina virginica Frostweed forb sun, part sun high, 6 ft late Flowers pollinated by bees, butterflies, wasps. Tolerates disturbance and short-term Stems produce "frost flowers" or ice medium, summer, Larval host for butterflies, moths. Bitter foliage flooding. Can be aggressive and weedy, ribbons in freezing weather: frozen low fall / white / discourages mammals. decreasing overall plant species diversity sap is extruded through stems near showy in disturbed areas. Possibly base of plant, forming fantastic allelopathic–see reference. shapes. See first reference. Native American medicinal plant.

Vernonia gigantea Giant Ironweed forb sun High, 10 ft summer, Flowers pollinated by bees, butterflies, wasps. Deer-resistant. Tolerates short-term (synonym: medium fall / purple Larval host for moths. Birds eat seeds. Bitter flooding. Vernonia altissima) / showy foliage discourages browsing by mammals. Vernonia New York forb sun High, 6 ft summer, Flowers pollinated by bees, butterflies, wasps. Deer-resistant. Tolerates short-term noveboracensis Ironweed medium fall / purple Larval host for moths. Birds eat seeds. Bitter flooding. / showy foliage discourages browsing by mammals.

5 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

Viola sororia Common Blue forb part sun, medium, 0.5 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees, skippers, and other Spreads aggressively in rich soil. Deer-resistant. Violet shade low purple / insects. Larval host for Fritillary butterflies. Seeds showy dispersed by ants.

Zephyranthes Atamasco Lily forb sun, part sun High, 1.5 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by moths and bees as well self- Does not tolerate soil disturbance. Flowers are pink in bud, white when atamasca medium white / pollinated. Foliage and bulbs are toxic to Tolerates occasional drought. mature, then turn pink after (spelling variant: showy mammals, causing "staggers" in livestock. pollination. Leaves are evergreen. Zephyranthes atamasco)

6 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

GRASSES, SEDGES, AND RUSHES Arundinaria River Cane grass sun, part sun high, 12 ft spring / Larval host for skippers, butterflies, moths. Cover Fire-adapted, fire reduces competition Flowers rarely, possibly only after gigantea medium green / not for birds, snakes, small mammals. Deer browse from shrubs and trees. Sprouts quickly fire, then entire clonal patch dies. showy shoot. Rare Swainson's Warbler nesting habitat. after fire from rhizomes. Native Americans used for food, pasturage, dyes, basketry, building materials, weapons, musical instruments, etc. Chasmanthium River Oats grass sun, part sun, high, 4 ft summer / Larval host for butterflies and skippers. Birds and Used for erosion control. Spreads readily Wind-pollinated. latifolium shade medium green / mammals eat seeds. from seeds. Is said to be able to showy outcompete Japanese Stilt Grass (Microstegium vimineum). Chasmanthium Wood Oats grass part sun, high, 3 ft summer / Seeds are eaten by granivorous birds and small Recommended for streambank Wind-pollinated. sessiliflorum shade medium green / not mammals. restoration. Not fire-tolerant. showy Dichanthelium Deer-tongue grass sun, part sun, medium 0.3 ft summer, Larval host for skippers and moths. Seeds eaten by Used for erosion control and re- Wind-pollinated. Although cool- clandestinum Witch Grass shade fall / green / small mammals. Leaves eaten by mammals. vegetation in poor soils. season grass species (C3 not showy metabolism), witch grasses bloom in both spring and fall.

Elymus virginicus Southeastern grass sun, part sun medium 4 ft summer / Larval host for butterflies and moths. Seeds eaten Used for slope and grassland restoration. Heavy seed-producer. Wind- (synonym: Elymus Wild-rye green / not by small mammals and birds. Foliage used for Provides winter soil coverage. Tolerant pollinated. Cool-season grass. glabriflorus) showy nest material. Many insects eat the leaves. of a wide range of soil types. Does not tolerate frequent mowing. Self-seeds.

Glyceria striata Fowl Manna grass part sun, high, 4 ft spring, Larval host for moths. Waterfowl eat seeds. Used for streambank stabilization and Wind-pollinated. Cool-season grass. Grass shade medium summer / Leaves and stems provide wildlife cover. wetland restoration; rapidly establishes. green / not Survives prolonged flooding. showy Muhlenbergia Nimble-will grass part sun, high, 1.5 ft fall / green / Food plant for many insects. Birds eat seeds. Forms dense mats that control erosion. Wind-pollinated. Easily confused schreberi shade medium not showy with the invasive exotic Japanese Stilt-grass, which is distinguished by its silvery, off-center leaf midvein.

7 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

Panicum rigidulum Red-top Panic grass sun, part sun high, 5 ft fall / red / Larval host for skippers. Seeds eaten by many Forms large clumps. Wind-pollinated. (synonym: Grass medium showy. Nice birds and small mammals. Forms large clumps Coleataenia fall color. that provide cover for wildlife. rigidula) Panicum virgatum Switch Grass grass sun, part sun high, 6 ft fall / green / Larval host for skippers. Leaves eaten by many Drought- and deer-resistant. Fire- Deer-resistant. Wind-pollinated. medium not showy insects. Seeds eaten by many birds and small tolerant; re-sprouts from rhizomes after mammals. Forms large clumps that provide fire. Readily spreads by seeds. Planted nesting cover for wildlife. for soil stabilization–root system up to 9 feet deep. Benefits from occasional fire.

Juncus effusus Soft Rush grass-like sun high 4 ft summer / Dense clumps provide cover and nesting habitat Tolerates disturbance. Forms dense Wind-pollinated. rush green / not for wetland birds and other animals. clumps and also readily spreads of showy rhizomes. Seed germination is problematic, best to plant plugs or rhizomes. Carex cherokeensis Cherokee grass-like sun, part sun medium 1.5 ft summer, Clumping sedges provide good wildlife cover. Part sun recommended but will survive Wind-pollinated. Deer-resistant. Sedge sedge fall / green / Seeds eaten by birds and small mammals. Deer- in full sun with moist soil. drought- Leaves are evergreen. not showy resistant. tolerant in part sun. Large clumps with extensive root systems provide good erosion control and streambank stabilization. Carex crinita Fringed Sedge grass-like sun, part sun high, 3 ft summer, Clumping sedges provide good wildlife cover. Provides good erosion control and Wind-pollinated. sedge medium fall / green / Seeds eaten by birds and small mammals. Many streambank stabilization. Spreads by not showy insects feed on vegetation. rhizomes to form large colonies.

Carex frankii Frank's Sedge grass-like sun, part sun high 2.5 ft spring, Larval host for butterflies, moths. Seeds eaten by Provides good erosion control and Wind-pollinated. Leaves evergreen. sedge summer / waterfowl and other birds. Muskrats eat rhizomes streambank stabilization. Tolerates both green / not and stems. Clumping sedges provide good wildlife flooding and dry soils. Spreads by showy cover. Deer-resistant. rhizomes to form large colonies.

Carex granularis Pale Sedge, grass-like sun, part sun, high 0.5 ft spring, Larval host for butterflies, skippers, moths. Seeds Provides good erosion control and Wind-pollinated. Meadow Sedge sedge shade summer / eaten by birds, especially waterfowl. Clumping streambank stabilization. green / not sedges provide good wildlife cover. Deer- showy resistant.

8 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

Carex lupulina Hop Sedge grass-like sun, part sun high 3 ft spring, Larval host for butterflies, moths. Seeds eaten by Provides good erosion control and Wind-pollinated. sedge summer / waterfowl and other birds. Clumping sedges streambank stabilization. Spreads by green / not provide good wildlife cover. Deer-resistant. rhizomes to form large colonies. showy Carex lurida Sallow Sedge, grass-like sun, part sun high 3 ft spring, Larval host for butterflies, moths. Seeds eaten by Provides good erosion control and Wind-pollinated. Lurid Sedge sedge summer / waterfowl and other birds. Clumping sedges streambank stabilization. Spreads by green / provide good wildlife cover. rhizomes to form large colonies. showy Tolerates temporary flooding. Deer- resistant. Carex vulpinoidea Brown Fox grass-like sun, part sun high, 3 ft spring, Larval host for skippers and moths. Seeds eaten by Spreads aggressively, limit use to Wind-pollinated. Sedge sedge medium summer / waterfowl and other birds. Clumping sedges disturbed areas. Sedges provide good green / not provide good wildlife cover. erosion control and streambank showy stabilization. Tolerates temporary flooding. Deer-resistant. Scirpus georgianus Georgia grass-like sun, part sun high 5 ft summer, Insects eat stems and leaves. Seeds eaten by many Thrives in degraded and human-made Wind-pollinated. (synonym: Scirpus Bulrush sedge fall / green / wetland birds. Muskrats eat roots and stems. wetlands atrovirens var. not showy georgianus)

9 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

FERNS

Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern fern part sun, high none Some insects feed on leaves. Low value to Forms colonies by spreading rhizomes. Deer-resistant. Common name refers shade wildlife. to frost-sensitivity of leaves Osmunda Cinnamon Fern fern part sun, high, none. Spore- A few insects feed on leaves. Some birds nest in Ferns are generally believed to be deer Plants are long-lived. cinnamomea shade medium bearing clumps of fronds. Hummingbirds collect soft resistant. (syn. frond is scales from fronds to line nests. Osmundastrum colorful and cinnamomeum) showy.

Osmunda regalis Royal Fern fern Part sun, high, none. Spore- Some insects feed on stems and rhizomes. Low Ferns are generally believed to be deer syn. Osmunda shade medium bearing value to wildlife resistant. spectabilis frond is colorful and showy.

Woodwardia Netted Chain fern part sun, high, none Good cover for wildlife. Highly deer-resistant. Forms large areolata Fern shade medium colonies over time. syn. Lorinseria areolata

10 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

FORBS (VINES)

Apios americana Ground-nut forb (vine) sun, part sun high, 10 ft summer, Flowers pollinated by bees. Larval host for Dense thickets provide cover and nesting Nitrogen-fixing. High protein, medium fall / pink / butterflies, skippers. Ants visit extra-floral habitat for animals. human-edible tubers and seeds. showy nectaries.

Clematis crispa Swamp Leather forb (vine) sun, part sun high, 10 ft spring, Flowers pollinated by bees, butterflies. Seeds are Deer-resistant. All parts of the plant are toxic. Flower medium summer / eaten by birds and small mammals. pink-purple / showy Clematis virginiana Woodbine, forb (vine) sun, part sun, high, 20 ft summer, Flowers pollinated by butterflies, bees, wasps, Dense thickets provide cover and nest All parts of the plant are toxic if Virgin's Bower shade medium fall / white / flies. Larval host to moths. Toxic to mammals. habitat for animals. Fast-grower. Deer- eaten. Flowers are similar to (native) showy Dense thickets provide cover and nesting habitat resistant. invasive exotic Asian Sweet for birds and other animals. Autumn Virgin's Bower (C. terniflora), but leaves differ. Native American medicinal plant. Mikania scandens Climbing forb (vine) sun, part sun, high, 9 ft summer, Flowers pollinated by bees, butterflies, flies. Forms dense thickets by sprawling over Despite common name, is not Hemp-vine shade medium fall / white / Larval host for butterflies. Dense thickets provide other plants. related to true hemp. showy cover and nesting habitat for animals.

Smilax smallii Jackson-brier forb (vine) sun, part sun High, 20 ft spring / Fruits eaten by birds, mammals. High-climbing, evergreen vine. Evergreen vine traditionally used as Medium green / not Moderately deer-resistant; most leaves Christmas décor. showy and shoots are above browse line.

11 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

WOODY VINES

Bignonia capreolata Cross Vine woody vine part sun, high, 50 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by hummingbirds, butterflies. Deer-resistant. Spreads aggressively. Leaves overwinter, turn dark bronzy- shade medium yellow / maroon. Native American medicinal showy plant. Decumaria barbara Climbing woody vine sun, part sun, high, 30 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees and butterflies. Excellent ground cover. Deer-resistant. Like most woody vines, it blooms Hydrangea shade medium white / only when climbing. showy

Gelsemium Yellow woody vine sun, part sun, high, 20 ft winter, Flowers pollinated by native bees, butterflies, Deer-resistant due to toxicity. Drought- All parts of the plant contain sempervirens Jessamine shade medium spring / hummingbirds. Sprawling vines provide cover for tolerant. Makes good evergreen ground- strychnine-related compounds, even yellow / nesting birds. Toxic sap discourages browsing by cover but will not flower unless the nectar which poisons honeybees showy. most insects and mammals. climbing. though not native bees. Evergreen leaves. Muscadinia Muscadine woody vine sun, part sun, high, 50 ft summer / Flowers pollinated by bees and flower flies. Larval Moderately deer- resistant. Fruit makes excellent jelly. rotundifolia Grape shade medium green / not host for butterflies and moths. Fruit is eaten by (synonym: Vitis showy birds and mammals. Provides nesting cover and rotundifolia) browse for birds and mammals. Wisteria frutescens American woody vine sun, part sun medium 30 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees, butterflies, Deer-resistant. Seeds are toxic if eaten in Though its flowers are not as showy Wisteria blue-purple hummingbirds. Larval host plant for butterflies. large amounts. and fragrant as Chinese Wisteria, the / showy flowers, leaves, fruits, and seeds are toxic to native species is not an aggressive wildlife. spreader.

12 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

SHRUBS

Alnus serrulata Tag Alder, shrub sun, part sun high 20 ft late winter / Larval host for beetles, aphids, moth caterpillars, Widely used for streambank stabilization Nitrogen-fixing. Hazel Alder green / not and other insects. Seeds, buds, catkins eaten by and wetland restoration. showy birds, small mammals. Trunks and stems used for beaver lodges. Provides critical cover for Woodcock. Amorpha fruticosa Lead Plant, shrub sun, part sun medium 12 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees and butterflies. Larval Sometimes used for erosion control Nitrogen-fixing. Contains False Indigo purple / host for skippers, butterflies, moths. Seeds eaten because of extensive root system. Best compound that acts as insect showy by bobwhite quail and other birds. planted on sunny woodland borders or in repellent. permanent canopy gaps. Cephalanthus Button-bush shrub sun, part sun high 12 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees, wasps, butterflies, Buttonbush can tolerate extended periods Used for wetland and riparian occidentalis white / skippers, hummingbirds. Larval host for moths. of flooding. Re-sprouts after low- restoration. showy Seeds eaten by waterfowl, twigs eaten by intensity surface fires, killed by peat mammals. Leaves are toxic to mammals. fires. Deer-resistant. Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood shrub part sun, high, 12 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees, wasps, flies, Moderately deer-resistant. Forms thickets Bark was smoked like tobacco by shade medium white / butterflies, beetles. Larval host for butterflies and by spread of rhizomes. Native Americans. showy moths. Fruits eaten by birds and mammals. (berries showy in fall) Cornus stricta Swamp shrub sun, part sun, high, 15 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees, wasps, flies, Moderately deer-resistant. Forms thickets (synonym: Cornus Dogwood shade medium white / butterflies, beetles. Larval host for butterflies and by spread of rhizomes. foemina) showy. moths. Fruits eaten by birds and mammals. Fruits are bright blue. Crataegus Parsley shrub part sun, high, 20 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees and beetles. Larval Grows well in poorly drained soils. Beautiful peeling and patterned marshallii Hawthorn shade medium white / host for butterflies and moths. Fruits eaten by bark. Native American food plant. showy many mammals. Dense branches are good bird nesting habitat and cover. NOT deer-resistant.

13 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

Ilex decidua Possum Haw shrub part sun, high, 15 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees. Larval host plant for Tolerates moderate flooding. Usually Plants are dioecious–both female Holly shade medium white / not butterflies. Fruits eaten by birds and small killed by fire. Moderately deer-resistant. and male plants must be present for showy. Red mammals. Browsed by deer. fruit production. fruits in winter are showy on female plants. Ilex verticillata Winterberry shrub sun, part sun, high, 12 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees. Fruits eaten by birds Moderately deer-resistant. Plants are dioecious–both female Holly shade medium white / not and small mammals. Browsed by deer. and male plants must be present for showy. Red fruit production. fruits in winter are showy on female plants. Itea virginica Virginia shrub sun, part sun high, 5 ft spring, Probably pollinated by bees, butterflies, etc., but Forms small colonies by spread of Sweetspire medium summer / little is known. Clonal thickets provide cover for rhizomes. Moderately deer-resistant. white / birds and other wildlife. showy. Nice fall color.

Lindera benzoin Spicebush shrub part sun, high, 12 ft late winter, Flowers pollinated by small bees and flies. Larval Forms clonal thickets by root sprouts. Plants are largely dioecious–both shade medium spring / host for Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly and Drought-tolerant. Heavily browsed by female and male plants must be yellow / moths. Fruits eaten by birds (especially wood deer. present for fruit production. showy. Nice thrush) and mammals. fall leaf color.

14 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

Physocarpus Nine-bark shrub sun, part sun, medium, 10 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees, wasps, flies, Fast-growing. Drought-tolerant. Easily Shredding, reddish bark is attractive. opulifolius shade low white / butterflies. Larval host for moths. Deer browse cultivated. showy. leaves and twigs. Pinkish fruits are also showy.

Rhododendron Piedmont shrub part sun, medium 15 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees. Larval host to moths. Best planted on well drained stream canescens Azalea, shade pink / NOT deer-resistant. banks, not in floodplains, does not Southern showy tolerate wet roots. Probably top-killed by Pinxter Azalea light fires but may re-sprout from root crowns. Spreads slowly by rhizomes and suckers to form small colonies.

Sambucus Elderberry shrub sun, part sun High, 12 ft summer / Flowers pollinated by bees. Carpenter and mason Deer-resistant. Stems are used as "live Native American food plant (flowers canadensis Medium white / bees use stems for nesting. Birds eat abundant stakes" (commercially available) in river and fruits). Forms colonies by showy fruits. Toxic leaves and stems discourage mammal bank erosion control. spread of rhizomes. browsing. Styrax americanus American shrub sun, part sun High, 10 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees. Larval host for moths. Tolerates prolonged flooding. Snowbell Medium white / Seeds eaten by birds. showy

Triadenum walteri Marsh St. shrub part sun, high 3 ft summer / Flowers are pollinated by bees. Tolerates prolonged flooding. Closely resembles Triadenum (synonym: John's Wort shade orange / virginicum, Virginia Marsh St. Hypericum walteri) showy John's Wort, which occupies same niche and has same wildlife values.

Vaccinium Highbush shrub sun, part sun, medium 12 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees. Larval host for Not fire-tolerant. Grows best in acid Southeastern Blueberry Bees, corymbosum Blueberry shade white / butterflies and moths. Many birds and mammals soils. Habropoda laboriosa , are one of showy. Nice eat the berries. Deer browse twigs. the most effective pollinators. It fall color. performs sonication, or buzz pollination, on the flowers. Native American food plant.

15 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

Viburnum nudum Possum Haw shrub sun, part sun High, 12 ft summer / Flowers pollinated by bees, butterflies, wasps, and Moderately deer-resistant. Native Americans used berries for Viburnum medium white / other insects. Fruit eaten by birds and small food and the leaves medicinally. showy mammals. Thickets provide wildlife cover. Nice reddish-purple fall leaf color.

Xanthorhiza Yellow-root shrub part sun, high 5 ft spring / Pollinators are unknown, but maroon flower color Tolerates both drought and short-term Forms dense colonies. used as dye simplicissima shade purple / not suggests flies. Birds eat seeds. flooding. and medicine by Cherokee and early showy settlers.

16 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

MIDSTORY TREES

Acer floridanum Florida Maple, tree sun, part sun, high, 60 ft spring / Sapsuckers feed on sap. Larval host for moths. Does best in circumneutral soils or in Primarily Wind-pollinated though (synonym: Acer Southern Sugar (subcanopy) shade medium, yellow / not Birds and small mammals eat seeds. Deer browse nutrient-rich bottomlands. flowers are visited by bees and other barbatum) Maple low showy twigs. pollen-gatherers. Sap used for making syrup Asimina triloba Tall Pawpaw tree part sun, high, 30 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by flies (flower color and scent Rapidly forms small colonies (pawpaw Largest edible fruit native to North (subcanopy) shade medium maroon / resemble carrion). Larval host for Zebra patches) by suckering. Somewhat fire- America. Cultivated by Native showy Swallowtail and Pawpaw Sphinx Moth. Fruit tolerant due to ability to root-sprout. Americans for fruit. eaten by many mammals, birds, and Box Turtles. Highly deer-resistant. Deer rarely browse leaves because of odor and toxicity. Carpinus Musclewood, tree part sun, high, 35 ft spring / Larval host for moths. Seeds eaten by birds and Grows slowly but produces nutlets within Extremely hard wood used for tools, caroliniana Ironwood (subcanopy) shade medium green / not small mammals. Twigs and leaves eaten by deer 15 years. bowls, etc. Not fire-tolerant. showy. Nice and other mammals. fall leaf color. Halesia diptera, Silverbell tree part sun, medium 35 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees. Larval host for moths. Deer-resistant. These three Silverbell species have Halesia carolina, (subcanopy) shade white / Fruit eaten by squirrels and other mammals. similar ecological and horticultural Halesia tetraptera showy needs. (synonym: Halesia monticola) Salix nigra Black Willow tree sun, part sun, high 60 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees and flies. Larval host Killed by fire. Fast growing. Stems are Willow bark was source of original (subcanopy) shade green / not for butterflies and many other insects. Turtles eat used as "live stakes" (commercially aspirin (salicylic acid) before showy fallen leaves. Waterfowl eat buds and catkins. available) in river bank erosion control. synthetic product. Sapsuckers eat sap. Deer and beaver eat twigs. Often used for erosion control along river banks due to widely spreading roots.

17 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

OVERSTORY TREES

Acer rubrum Red Maple tree sun, part sun, high, 70 ft late winter / Sapsuckers feed on sap. Larval host for moths. Tolerates nearly all soil and light Primarily Wind-pollinated though shade medium, red / showy Birds and small mammals eat seeds. Deer browse conditions. Heavily browsed by deer. flowers are visited by bees and other low twigs. Leaves may be toxic. Widely used for restoration and pollen-gatherers. First tree to flower revegetation. Top-killed by fire but in the spring. Though with half the crown-sprouts readily afterwards. sugar content of sugar maple, it is used for making syrup before buds emerge. Betula nigra River Birch tree sun, part sun high, 90 ft spring / Larval host for butterflies and many moths. Seeds Often used in streambank erosion control Wind-pollinated. Often used in medium green / not eaten by birds and small mammals. Deer browse and land-reclamation projects. NOT fire- streambank erosion control and land- showy twigs and leaves. tolerant. Prefers acidic soils. Although a reclamation projects (e.g. post-strip wetland species, it tolerates moist-dry mining). Native American medicinal soils. plant. Low fire tolerance.

Carya cordiformis Bitternut tree sun, part sun, high, 80 ft spring / Larval host for butterflies, moths. Provides cover Top-killed by fire but will re-sprout from Nuts are too bitter for most animals Hickory shade medium green / not and nesting habitat for birds. Nuts are inedible. stump, crown, and roots after fire. Deep to eat. showy taproot makes transplanting difficult.

Celtis laevigata Sugarberry, tree sun, part sun high, 80 ft spring / Larval host for butterflies, moths. Fruits eaten by Typically a bottomland tree, but will Native American medicinal, food Southern medium green / not small mammals. Low protein and palatability grow in upland soils with higher pH and and dye plant. Hackberry showy discourage browsers. nutrients. Top-killed by fire but re- sprouts from root collar.

Fraxinus Green Ash tree sun, part sun, high 100 ft spring / Larval host for butterflies and moths. Seeds eaten Fast grower. Transplants easily. Often Plants are dioecious–both female pennsylvanica shade green / not by birds and small mammals. Provides cover and planted in windbreaks. Top-killed by fire, and male plants must be present for showy roosting for raptors and owls. Deer browse twigs. sprouts from root-crown after low- fruit production. Threatened by intensity fire. Emerald Ash-borer (Agrilus planipennis).

18 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

Juglans nigra Black Walnut tree sun high, 100 ft spring / Larval host for moths. Nuts eaten by many Fire-adapted. Does best in circumneutral Wind-pollinated. Native American medium green / not mammals. soils. Does not transplant easily due to medicinal, food, and dye plant. showy long taproot. Produces an allelopathic compound, Juglone, that inhibits growth of some plants around it. Liriodendron Tulip Tree tree sun, part sun medium 90 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by beetles, flies, bees, and Mature trees survive low to moderate Native Americans used single large tulipifera multi / hummingbirds. Hummingbirds and sapsuckers fires; young trees are top-killed. Used for trees to make canoes. showy (but obtain sap from holes in the bark. Larval host for reforestation because it grows rapidly. high) Luna Moth and other moths. Seeds eaten by birds and small mammals. Twigs browsed by deer.

Morus rubra Red Mulberry tree sun, part sun, high, 50 ft spring / Leaves eaten by many insects. Fruits eaten by Fire-intolerant. Milky sap is toxic. Wind-pollinated. Mostly dioecious; shade medium green / not birds, mammals. both female and male plants must be showy present for fruit production. Native American medicinal and food plant.

Platanus Sycamore tree sun, part sun, high, 100 ft spring / Leaves eaten by many insects. Seeds are eaten by Tolerates prolonged springtime flooding. Wind-pollinated. Native American occidentalis shade medium green / not birds. Twigs browsed by deer. Trunk cavities used Fast-growing. Does not tolerate fire. medicinal plant. showy. for bird, squirrel, and bat nests. Recommended for streambank and other Mottled, wetland restoration projects. peeling bark is showy.

Populus deltoides Cottonwood tree sun high, 80 ft spring / Larval host for butterflies, skippers, moths. Fast-growing. Does not tolerate fire. Wind-pollinated. Soft wood is medium green / not Cavities provide nesting habitat for birds. Deer Used in erosion control and mine vulnerable to ice and storm damage. showy and other mammals browse seedlings, twigs, and reclamation. Tolerates short-term leaves. flooding. Spreading roots may clog water and sewage pipes. Quercus lyrata Overcup Oak tree part sun, high, 60 ft spring / Larval host for many insects, including moths, Tolerates prolonged flooding. Not fire- Wind-pollinated. shade medium green / not butterflies, skippers. Large acorns are food for tolerant. showy many mammals but fewer birds. Nesting habitat for many animals. Young growth browsed by deer.

19 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

Quercus michauxii Swamp tree part sun, high, 60 ft spring / Larval host for many insects, including moths, Less tolerant of prolonged flooding than Wind-pollinated. Good crops of Chestnut Oak shade medium green / not butterflies, skippers. Small acorns are food for other wetland oaks. Moderately fire- acorns are infrequent. showy many mammals and birds. Nesting habitat for tolerant. many animals. Young growth browsed by deer. Quercus pagoda Cherry-bark tree part sun, high, 100 ft spring / Larval host for many insects, including moths, Occasional flooding is tolerated but Wind-pollinated. Oak shade medium green / not butterflies, skippers. Small acorns are food for prolonged flooding is damaging. Top- showy many mammals and birds. Nesting habitat for killed by fire, but re-sprouts from crown. many animals. Young growth browsed by deer. Quercus phellos Willow Oak tree part sun, high, 75 ft spring / Larval host for many insects, including moths, Not fire-tolerant. More tolerant of Wind-pollinated. Produces a large shade medium green / not butterflies, skippers. The small acorns are food for prolonged flooding than Cherrybark Oak acorn crop nearly every year. showy many mammals and birds. Nesting habitat for (Quercus pagoda), but less tolerant of many animals. Young growth browsed by deer. prolonged flooding than Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata). Easier to transplant than most oaks due to branching (rather than tap) root system.

Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak tree part sun, high, 80 ft spring / Larval host for many insects, including moths, Though only weakly tolerant of Not fire-tolerant. Wind-pollinated. shade medium green / not butterflies, skippers. Though bitter, the small prolonged flooding, is widely used for Drought-tolerant. showy. Nice acorns are food for many mammals and birds. bottomland restoration. fall color. Nesting habitat for many animals. Young growth browsed by deer. Tilia americana American tree part sun, medium 80 ft spring / Flowers pollinated by bees (including honeybees Killed by fire. Considered soil-enriching Native Americans tapped mildly Basswood shade green / not who produce a highly desirable honey from the because it brings calcium and magnesium sweet sap; many other wood and showy flowers). Larval host to moths and other insects. from deep in the soil. bark uses. Seeds eaten by bobwhite quail and small mammals. Deer browse leaves and twigs. Trunk cavities form easily and provide habitat for some birds and mammals.

20 Forested Floodplain Restoration Species for the Eastern Georgia Piedmont - Updated 3/4/2020

Flowers: Scientific name and Common Light Soil Plant season / Growth Form Wildlife Associations Management Considerations Comments synonyms Names Requirement Moisture Height color / showy?

Ulmus americana American Elm tree sun, part sun high, 100 ft spring / Larval host for butterflies, moths, and many other Fibrous root system makes transplanting Wind-pollinated. Elms in southern medium green / not insects. Young twigs browsed by deer. Fruits and easy. Not fire-tolerant. Though states have not been heavily showy buds eaten by birds and small mammals. vulnerable to Dutch Elm disease, impacted by Dutch Elm Disease. southern American Elm populations have been less affected by this fungus (Ceratocystis ulmi ). Ulmus alata Winged Elm tree sun, part sun medium, 60 ft spring / tan Larval host for butterflies and moths. Fruits and Drought-tolerant. Fast-growing. Wind-pollinated. Not as susceptible low / showy seeds eaten by birds, small mammals, and deer. to Dutch Elm as other elm species; elms in southern states have been little impacted by this disease.

21 Other Contacts of Interest... Athens-Clarke County Cooperative Extension 706-613-3640 - https://athensclarkecounty.com/146/Athens-Clarke-County-Extension

Bugwood Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health 229-386-3298 - https://www.bugwood.org/

USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station in Asheville, NC 828-257-4832 - https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/index.html

USDA Forest Service Forestry Sciences Laboratory https://www.fs.fed.us/organization/Forestry%20Sciences%20Laboratory%20%28Athens%29

Southern Fire Exchange http://southernfireexchange.org/

This guide was developed through the Athens-Clarke County Sustainability Office by Linda Chafin, State Botanical Garden of Georgia

For more information about the guide contact:

The Sustainability Office - 706-613-3838 - [email protected] Mimsie Lanier Center for Native Plant Studies - 706-542-1244 - [email protected]

April 2019