Showing posts with label native plants dc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label native plants dc. Show all posts

Friday, August 3, 2012

Favorite Native Plants – James Gagliardi and Christine Price-Abelow, Smithsonian Gardens

cupplant Native plants certainly have many benefits to the environment, making them an eco-friendly choice for any home gardener. But I love the fact that so many of the people I asked mentioned wildlife value as a top benefit.

Here are a few more contributions for my series on Favorite Native Plants. These are from James Gagliardi and Christine Price-Abelow, horticulturists for two of the Smithsonian Museum gardens.

James Gagliardi is a Horticulturist at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. He mentioned Cup Plant as one of his favorites:

“A native plant currently drawing a lot of attention in the  Butterfly Habitat Garden is the Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)”, James said. “Reaching a height of nearly 10 feet this plant towers over most others in our meadow planting.  Bright yellow daisy-like flowers bloom throughout the summer but the best feature is its wildlife value.  The plant serves as a host and nectar plant for butterflies.  Cup Plant is also included in the plantings in the new Urban Bird Habitat at the National Museum of Natural History as a seed and water source – its name comes from the way the opposite leaves fuse at the base forming a “cup” that catches rain water.”

Christine Price-Abelow is a Horticulturist at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Christine said that garden phlox and dogwood are two of her favorites:

“Phlox paniculata, garden phlox is one of my favorite summer blooming perennials,” Christine said.   “This native species provides just the right pop of color when the rest of the garden is looking a little stressed out.  I also love the fact that it consistently blooms from July thru October in the Washington DC area.”

“Another one of my favorite native plants is the Flowering dogwood, Cornus florida.  This small tree is considered a staple in the landscapes of Virginia and is a tree featured in everyone’s garden.   The flowering Dogwood is a four season tree with beautiful fall color, winter interest, spring blooms and bright red fruit.”

Thanks for taking the time to add some of your favorites, James and Christine.

To learn more about some of the native plants in the Smithsonian Gardens, visit  the Smithsonian Gardens blog.

Previous posts in this series:

Posted by Betsy S. Franz at 9:18 AM 0 comments
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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Favorite Native Plants, Peggy Bowers, Mount Vernon Estate

zebrast Last year I did a series of posts listing the Favorite Native Plants of some members of the local gardening community. (See bottom of this post for a listing)

Since I’m such a big fan of native plants, I decided to run a few more posts on this topic.

My first post in this years Native Plant series is from Peggy Bowers, Garden and Greenhouse Manager at Mount Vernon Estate, Museum and Gardens.

Here’s what Peggy had to say about favorite native plants:

I am delighted to be able to contribute to the Metro DC Lawn and Garden Blog. I have been a long time advocate on the importance of using native plants in both our home gardens and commercial landscapes. With the tremendous loss of natural habitat, incorporating native plants into our gardens is more important than ever.

During the 18th century, habitat loss was much less an issue than today, but native plants were still much appreciated and used simply for their beauty. General George Washington used many native plants in his gardens and landscape at his beloved Mount Vernon, collecting many from his woodlands and forest. Today at the Mount Vernon Estate we are still growing those same varieties of plants that George Washington so appreciated in his lifetime.

While all native plants fill a niche in nature, many also bring more to the party making them must-have garden plants. Here are a few of my favorite native plants that will make excellent additions to almost any garden.

When it comes to vines I love the well-behaved Coral honeysuckle,  Lonicera sempervirens. Blooming most of the summer, the nectar found in the red trumpet shaped flowers is a favorite of the ruby-throated hummingbird, while the red berries provide a good food source for many of our native songbirds.

Another must-have in my garden is the beautiful Echinacea purpurea or purple cone flower. Coneflowers are great food source for all kinds of pollinators including butterflies, bees and wasps while the seeds are a favorite of our brightly colored American Goldfinch. Echinacea now come in a huge array of colors and heights making them great additions to any garden.

While there are many great shrubs to choose from Itea virginica or Virginia sweetspire is at the top of my list. Well suited to either moist or average soil they are happy in both full sun and partial shade. They provide year round interest starting with beautiful fragrant white bottle brush shaped flowers in June, gorgeous red to orange fall color and dark red stems in the winter. The flowers are great for butterflies and other pollinators and the seeds are eaten by vireos, warblers and orioles. Two outstanding selections that are readily available are ‘Henry’s Garnet’ and’ Little Henry’’. “Henry’s Garnet” grows 4 to 5 feet and will have consistently brilliant red fall color while Little Henry, at under 3 feet, is very suitable to smaller spaces and looks terrific massed on a hillside.

As for trees, one of my favorite native trees which should be used more often is Asimina triloba or paw-paw. Growing naturally along river banks and in moist forests, it also adapts well to average garden soil and moisture. Growing 15 to 30 feet it has a beautiful dark maroon flowers in early spring, tropical looking 6 to 12 inch leaves, delicious aromatic fruit and beautiful yellow fall color. If all of this was not enough reason to grow it, the paw-paw tree is also the sole food source of the larvae of the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly.

I hope this helps to inspire you to incorporate even more native plants into your garden to share with our native butterflies, bees and birds.

Thanks so much for your input, Peggy. I wonder if George Washington enjoyed the hummingbirds and butterflies as much as you and I do?

Link for more information on Mount Vernon Estate, Museum and Gardens.

Resources for native plant information: Native Plant Center and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflowercenter

Previous posts:

Posted by Betsy S. Franz at 7:44 AM 0 comments
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Wednesday, July 4, 2012

America the Beautiful – Native plant species add to the beauty of our country

black_eyed_susanI love using native plants whenever I can because I think they have many benefits to the environment. Native plants, when selected to work with your particular site conditions, usually require less water, less chemicals and less labor while providing food and habitat for native wildlife. Because of my love of native plants, my ears perked up when I heard this particular comment while watching The Victory Garden on PBS the other morning. During a short clip on native plants, Jamie Durie, a horticulturalist and international award-winning landscape designer, said “Over 30 of America’s state flowers and trees have been pushed out of their state natural habitat through urban sprawl and climate change.” Wow. That seemed like a pretty dramatic statement so I did some searching on the internet to see if I could find anything that verified that statement and I couldn’t. I also asked for more info about the statement on the Victory Garden website but have not, as yet, received a reply. I did, however, find some information on the U.S. National Arboretum website that seems to indicate that many state flowers aren’t actually native to the states that designated them as such, but “were chosen because of their beauty or importance, not because they represent the natural flora of the state they represent.” So, I think this just might be another example of “you can’t believe everything you hear.” In any case, it’s always a great idea to use native plants when you can. Here are some of the great native plants lists we have featured on the Metro DC Lawn and Garden Blog: Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July, enjoying the beauty of the world around you.
Posted by Betsy S. Franz at 7:29 AM 0 comments
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Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Brookside Gardens Native & Edible Plant Sale – May 5th

What: Native and Edible Plant Sale

When:  Saturday, May 5, from 9:00am-3:00pm

Where: Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902

Native plant lovers, do you want to get your paws on some Paw Paws; are you wild about Wild Ginger or a sucker for native Honey Suckle? We can service your berry. Visit the Brookside Gardens´ inaugural Native & Edible Plant Sale. Brookside Gardens and the Montgomery Parks Community Gardens will offer a tantalizing selection of native and edible plants for sale, including unusual and hard-to-find vegetables and herbs; native perennials, shrubs, trees, vines, pollinator host plants; and, plants that provide wildlife habitat.

For more information, including a list of plants that will be offered for sale, visit them online at www.brooksidegardens.org or call 301-962-1400.

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Posted by Betsy S. Franz at 8:59 AM 0 comments
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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Spring has Sprung! Along with the Native Plant Sales

The calendar has finally caught up with the weather and Spring has now OFFICIALLY sprung. If you are like me and always try to keep a personal calendar listing gardening events that will help you spruce up your green garden, here is a list of upcoming native plant sales planned for the area.
Posted by Betsy S. Franz at 8:28 AM 4 comments
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Thursday, February 23, 2012

10 Ways to Observe National Invasive Species Awareness Week

February 26 - March 3, 2012
Washington, DC

A week of activities, briefings, workshops and events focused on strategizing solutions to address invasive species prevention, detection, monitoring, control, and management issues at local, state, tribal, regional, national and international scales.
Full Description:
National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) includes activities, briefings, workshops, and events focused on strategizing solutions to address invasive species prevention, detection, monitoring, control, and management issues at local, state, tribal, regional, national and international scales. Visit the NISAW website for complete information and to register. Participants may attend some or all of the events. The total cost to participate is $85.

If you can’t attend the events, here are TEN WAYS TO OBSERVE NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS WEEK (from the the February 26 – March 3, 2012
1. Do Some Research:  Get on the Internet and find out what’s invasive in your area, region or state. Identify which species might be growing in your backyard or neighborhood.  Visit http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/unitedstates/main.shtml to get started.
2. Join in an Eradication Effort: Many parks and nature reserves manually remove invasive plants (and sometimes animals) with the help of local volunteers. These outings are a great way to get some exercise, enjoy time outdoors, meet new friends, and gain the satisfaction of knowing that you're helping to protect your natural heritage.
3. Become a Citizen Scientist:  Whether you are collecting scientific data to be used by local, state, or national agencies and organizations or actually helping get rid of the invasive plants and animals, you will be able to see up close and personal the impacts of invasive species and the results of your efforts. Visit Citizen Science Central (http://www.birds.cornell.edu/citsci/) to learn more.
4. Visit a Garden, Park or Nature Center: Spend an afternoon at a botanic garden, park or natural area and familiarize yourself with the native flora and fauna in your area. See if a guided tour is offered.
5. Read a Book: Not an outdoor type?  Find a book and read up on the threats posed by invasive species.
6. Donate: If you can’t give time, you might be able to give money. Even small amounts can help local invasive species organizations with control and management and other costs.
7. Start a Garden: Replace your invasive landscape plants with native alternatives. Unlike many non-­‐native plants, native plants are hardy, less susceptible to pests and diseases and are unlikely to escape and become invasive.  They help conserve water, reduce mowing costs, provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife, protect the soil and save money on fertilizer and pesticides. (bloggers note: and save the planet in the process)
8. Legislate: Write a letter to your local state representative or get involved with an activist group. Let your lawmakers know your opinions about the impact of invasive species on our natural heritage.
9. Take the Invasive Species Challenge: One of the most effective ways to manage invasive species is for recreationalists such as boaters, fishermen, pet owners, and gardeners to not be unknowing vehicles of dispersion. Download the pdf for more info.
10. Spread Awareness: Take your National Invasive Species Awareness Week commitment beyond this week. Tell your friends, family, neighbors and others about invasive species!
Posted by Betsy S. Franz at 8:00 AM 0 comments
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Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Think Outside the box and Plant This, Not That

PASSIO~4 Native plants are very popular in eco-friendly landscapes. Some people like them because of their drought tolerance and low-maintenance requirements. Others like them because of their wildlife value or their pure, unadulterated beauty.

I recently ran across a list entitled Plant This, Not That on the Garden Club of Virginia website that was created for their 2011 annual meeting. A paragraph at the top of the list explained how the list was compiled.

Garden club members from around the state were asked for suggestions for native plants that had wildlife value, but not in the traditional sense of providing seeds or berries for wildlife. Instead, they were asked to list plants that attract butterflies, which in turn, produce caterpillars which are used as food for many native bird species.
For our GCV Annual Meeting we are focusing on good garden practices that encourage the growth cycle of our native birds and butterflies. Many of you may know that our native birds are in decline because of loss of native habitat for the specific caterpillars that feed our young birds. Non-native plants do not offer breeding ground for any native butterflies, and 97% of our birds require insects-not seeds-to feed their young. Therefore we are asking each club to bring in a cutting or small plant that is native and attracts butterflies, and a picture of a non-native landscape plant that may be replaced by your specimen in a backyard landscape. The display will be titled "Plant this, not that!"

It’s a great list, because it helps us “think outside the box” when recognizing the wildlife value of native plants. I mentioned many of the plants on the list, including paw paw, sweet bay, milkweed and passion vine, in a post that I did on butterfly gardening. But from now on, I’ll remember to mention their value for attracting birds, as well.

Plant This, Not That – complete list (pdf format)

Here are some Favorite Native Plant Lists from our archives:

And don’t forget to take our native plant poll and check out the other lists of native plants listed under Our Most Popular Pages, both of which can be found in the blog’s sidebar.
Posted by Betsy S. Franz at 11:00 AM 0 comments
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Sunday, December 18, 2011

Naughty or Nice – how to have a natural landscape without annoying your neighbors

weedwarriors Let’s face it. Gardening is all about choosing what we do and don’t want to grow on the chunk of land that surrounds our home.

It is up to us to decide what is welcome and what is not. We define what is a weed and what isn’t….what forms of wildlife are a nuisance and what forms are welcome. We usually even decide what areas the plants and animals must remain in, setting up garden borders and designated feeding stations for wildlife.

Other people may not agree with or even understand our gardening style. A front yard full of vegetables may fill your heart with joy and your refrigerator with fresh food, but may earn only raised eyebrows from your neighbors. The same is certainly true of a yard that welcomes birds, bunnies, squirrels and deer. You may look at these visitors with awe and wonder and your neighbors may be having visions of venison and rabbit stew. And a yard left to “go wild” with native wildflowers and shrubs may be called weedy and unkempt by those with a penchant for a more manicured look.

“Green”, eco friendly gardeners may face additional challenges when it comes to being accepted by the rest of the neighborhood, as they integrate rain barrels and compost piles into their landscape design.

But eco-friendly gardening has many benefits. The use of native plants, the elimination of chemicals, the capture and re-use of rainwater and garden waste all do their part to help protect not just one garden, but every interconnected piece of property and, eventually, the entire planet.

So how do you keep peace with your neighbors while you are creating a more eco-friendly landscape? Just remember that it is all about R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

R – Recognize the right of other people’s opinions. Remember that although you have a right to your coneflowers and native grasses, your neighbor has the right to a manicured lawn, plastic geraniums, and cement lawn deer if they want.
E -  Educate. You have good reasons to create an eco-friendly landscape -- let others know them before you start. If you tell your neighbors why you're tearing up the lawn, or planting native plants, or constructing a rain garden, chances are that they will be more likely to accept it. Share the Metro DC Lawn and Garden Blog with them so they can learn more.
S – Set it apart. Something as simple as keeping a neutral zone between your eco-friendly landscape and the property of others can go a long way in keeping the peace. A simple border of lawn, hedge or fence provides a nice transition area between landscapes.
P – Personalize it. Add interest to your yard with paths, benches, sculptures and other human elements, letting your neighbors know that your yard is as much your own personal sanctuary as it is a place for environmental stewardship. Decorate or disguise rain barrels and compost piles to make them less obtrusive.
E – Ease into it. You will reduce expense, increase the effect of your learning curve, enjoy your efforts more, and engender less resistance from neighbors if you start in small steps.
C – Certify it. Once your eco-friendly landscape is established, it may easily qualify as a National Wildlife Federation certified habitat. Applying for certification and displaying the Certified Habitat sign will let everyone know that your yard is a special place, deserving of recognition and admiration, not contempt.
T – Trim, tend and primp. Although eco-friendly landscapes often require less care, that doesn’t mean they should be neglected. Keeping your plants pruned and your flowerbeds weeded and mulched will help to give “green” gardens the neighborhood seal of approval.

Remember, your eco-friendly landscape is a great gift to the planet. Taking a few extra steps to make sure that your landscape fits in will help your efforts earn the recognition and respect that it deserves.
For more information, visit the Wild Ones Handbook on the EPA website.
Posted by Betsy S. Franz at 8:18 PM 0 comments
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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Seeds Bombs: For or Against?

packet As a garden blogger, there are a couple of topics I tend to shy away from because opinions on both sides of the topic are so strong. Cats, for instance. Many gardeners love cats in the garden. Others feel just as strongly against them. Same thing with deer.

And a third topic, and one that has been getting a little bit of “news play” lately, is seed bombs and guerilla gardening. Normally, I would stay away from this controversial topic, too. Except for the fact that I think that seed bombs can be harmful to the environment.

I wrote about guerrilla gardening back in February of 2011. I admit that part of my problem with both guerrilla gardening and seed bombs are the words, themselves. (Back in my hippy days, I used to get together with a group of people that discussed things like words that brought violent thoughts to mind, and those two words just do, to me.)

Anyway, Frederick Maryland resident Brian Slagle has been in the newspaper and even on TV lately because of the seed bombs that he makes and sells online and at local stores. Apparently, they are a hot item for Christmas.

I was ALMOST swayed to change my opinion about seed bombs when I was reading the article about him on CBS Baltimore.com. I read about how these bombs of wildflower seeds, thrown into vacant lots and bare land, can attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. ‘Ahhhh,’ I thought. ‘More hummingbirds and bees and butterflies!’

But here is my concern with seed bombs. The whole point of seed bombs are to grow things on other people’s property. The online video on TBD.com even shows a picture of Slagle’s kids throwing the bombs onto a piece of property bearing a sign that says Private Property – No Dumping Allowed. WHAT IF THE PEOPLE WHO OWN THAT PROPERTY DON’T WANT THE PLANTS THERE AND USE CHEMICAL HERBICIDES TO KILL THEM? Even using a gas mower to mow the plants down puts pollutants into the air. And if the local government comes in to mow or clean up the property, who do you think pays for that?

I do understand the principle behind taking over a vacant lot and planting vegetables or other plants, IF YOU TAKE responsibility for the care and maintenance of the plants. But seed bombs are something else all together.

My suggestion for seed bombs is this: Plant native plants on your property to attract birds. They will eat the berries and seeds and create their own seed bombs when they poop them out across the city.

And if you want to spread the joy and beauty of flowers, by giving seed bombs or other seed packets, encourage people to plant them in their own yard. If they want to know more about the joys or gardening for bees, butterflies or hummingbirds, I’ll be happy to tell them.
Posted by Betsy S. Franz at 10:17 AM 5 comments
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Monday, December 5, 2011

12 Days of Christmas for Eco-Friendly Gardeners

greensanta

Written by Betsy S. Franz

On the first day of Christmas my garden gave to me
An eco-friendly native tree – (Native plants are often excellent choices for eco-friendly gardens, since they require less chemicals and less water to maintain)

On the second day of Christmas my garden gave to me
Two new loves – (when you look closely enough, every day in your eco-friendly garden will bring you something new and wonderful to love.)
And an eco-friendly native tree.
On the third day of Christmas my garden gave to me
Three full bins - (kitchen scraps, leaves and garden discards keep my compost bins full)
Two new loves
And an eco-friendly native tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas my garden gave to me
Four hummingbirds – (planting the right plants and eliminating chemicals make hummingbirds regular visitors to my garden)
Three full bins
Two new loves and
An eco-friendly native tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas my garden gave to me

Five less wat-er-ings - (eco-friendly gardens conserve water with adequate mulch, drought tolerant plants, and rain barrels)
Four hummingbirds
Three full bins
Two new loves and
An eco-friendly native tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas my garden gave to me
Six trees a swaying - (Trees protect water quality, clean the air and provide wildlife habitat.)
Five less wat-er-ings
Four hummingbirds
Three full bins
Two new loves and
An eco-friendly native tree
On the seventh day of Christmas my garden gave to me

Seven barrels brimming - (rain barrels not only conserve water, but help keep harmful pollutants out of our waterways)
Six trees a swaying
Five less wat-er-ings
Four hummingbirds
Three full bins
Two new loves and
An eco-friendly native tree
On the eighth day of Christmas my garden gave to me

Eight monarchs milking - (Okay. Monarch butterflies don’t really “milk” milkweed, but their tiny caterpillars need these native plants to grow into beautiful butterflies)
Seven barrels brimming
Six trees a swaying
Five less wat-er-ings
Four hummingbirds
Three full bins
Two new loves and
An eco-friendly native tree
On the ninth day of Christmas my garden gave to me

Nine ladies dancing - (Painted ladies are another beautiful butterfly that you can attract to your DC area garden by planting the right plants for them)
Eight monarchs milking
Seven barrels brimming
Six trees a swaying
Five less wat-er-ings
Four hummingbirds
Three full bins
Two new loves and
An eco-friendly native tree
On the tenth day of Christmas my garden gave to me

Ten worms a creeping - (Worms help aerate the soil while producing valuable nutrients)
Nine ladies dancing
Eight monarchs milking
Seven barrels brimming
Six trees a swaying
Five less wat-er-ings
Four hummingbirds
Three full bins
Two new loves and
An eco-friendly native tree
On the eleventh day of Christmas my garden gave to me

Eleven pipes a piping - (we direct all excess rainwater, and overflow from our rain barrels, into the grass and other permeable surfaces)
Ten worms a creeping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight monarchs milking
Seven barrels brimming
Six trees a swaying
Five less wat-er-ings
Four hummingbirds
Three full bins
Two new loves and
An eco-friendly native tree
On the twelfth day of Christmas my garden gave to me

Twelve weeds succumbing - (chemical free weed control helps keep our weeds under control)
Eleven pipes a piping
Ten worms a creeping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight monarchs milking
Seven barrels brimming
Six trees a swaying
Five less wat-er-ings
Four hummingbirds
Three full bins
Two new loves and
An eco-friendly native tree
Posted by Betsy S. Franz at 11:46 AM 1 comments
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Saturday, June 11, 2011

Beneficial, drought tolerant native plants for the Metro DC area - trees and shrubs

The following is a list of native plants which are designated as drought tolerant by local sources. Additional benefits such as value for birds, butterflies, and humans are listed. Please see index to abbreviations at end of list.
Beneficial Native, Drought Tolerant Plants for the Metro DC Area
Plants marked with an * were selected as Favorite Native Plants by local experts
See code to abbreviations at bottom of list
Scientific Name Common Name Type Light DT Bi Bu Hu Fl Fr
Acer negundo Box elder Tree Su X X X X - -
Acer rubrum Red maple Tree Su-PS X X - - - -
Amelanchier canadensis Shadblow serviceberry Tree/Shrub Su-PS X X - X X -
Amelanchier laevis Smooth serviceberry Shrub Su-PS X X - X X X
Betula lenta Cherry birch, Sweet birch Tree Sh, PS X X X X - -
*Betula nigra River birch Tree Su-PS X X - - - -
*Callicarpa Americana Beautyberry Shrub Sh X X - - X -
Carya alba Mockernut hickory Tree PS-FS X X X - - -
Carya glabra Pignut hickory Tree PS-FS X - - - - -
Carya ovata Shagbark hickory Tree Su-PS X - - X - -
Ceanothus americanus New Jersey tea, Redroot Shrub Su-PS X X X X X -
*Cercis canadensis Redbud Tree Su-PS X X - X X X
Cornus Florida Flowering Dogwood Tree Su-PS X X X X X X
Diospyros virginiana Persimmon Tree Su-Sh X X X X - -
Fraxinus americana White ash Tree Su-PS X X X X - -
Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green ash, Red ash Tree Su-PS X X X - - -
Hamamelis virginiana Witch hazel Tree Su-PS X - - X X X
Ilex glabra Inkberry Shrub PS X X - - - -
Ilex vomitoria Yaupon holly Shrub Su-Sh X X X X - -
Juniperus virginiana Eastern red cedar Tree SU-PS X X - - - X
Liriodendron tulipifera Tuliptree, Tulip poplar Tree SU-PS X H X X X -
*Nyssa sylvatica Black tupelo, Sourgum Tree Su-PS X X - - - -
*Oxydendrum arboreum Sourwood, Sorrel tree Tree Su-PS X - - - X -
Pinus echinata Shortleaf pine Tree Su-PS X - - - - -
Pinus strobus Eastern white pine Tree Su-PS X X - - - -
Pinus taeda Loblolly pine Tree Su-PS X X X - - -
Pinus virginiana Virginia pine Tree Su X X X - - -
Prunus serotina Wild Black cherry, Rum cherry Tree Su-PS X X - X X -
*Quercus alba White oak Tree Su-PS X X X - - -
*Quercus coccinea Scarlet oak, Red oak Tree Su-PS X - - - - -
Quercus falcata Southern red oak, Spanish oak Tree Su X - - - - -
Quercus palustris Pin oak Tree Su-PS X X X - - -
Quercus rubra Northern red oak Tree Su-PS X X - - - -
Quercus stellata Post oak Tree PS X X X - - -
Rhododendron prinophyllum Early azalea, Rose azalea Shrub Su-FS X - - - X -
Rhus aromatica Fragrant sumac Shrub Su-PS X X X - X X
Rhus copallinum Winged sumac Shrub Su X X - - - -
Rhus glabra Smooth sumac Shrub Su-PS X X X X X -
Robinia pseudoacacia Black locust, Honey locust Tree Su X H X - X X
Rosa Carolina Pasture rose Shrub Su-Sh X X - - X X
Rubus allegheniensis Alleghany blackberry Shrub Su-Sh X X - - X -
Sambucus canadensis Common elderberry Shrub Su-PS X X - X X -
Sassafras albidum Sassafras Tree Su-PS X X X X - X
Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Tree Su X - - - - -
Tsuga canadensis Eastern hemlock Tree Su-PS X X X - - X
Vaccinium angustifolium Northern lowbush blueberry Shrub Su-Sh X X - X - -
Vaccinium stamineum Deerberry Shrub Su-PS X X - X - -
Vaccinium corymbosum Highbush blueberry Shrub Su-Sh X X - X X -
Viburnum dentatum Southern arrowwood Shrub Su-PS X X - - X -
Viburnum rufidulum Rusty blackhaw Tree Su-PS X X - - - -
** Note: this list was created for the Metro DC Lawn and Garden Blog and may not be copied without permission. However, please feel free to link to this page and to subscribe to the blog for future lists.

Light: FS=Full Su, S=Su, Sh=Sh
Su Full Su: direct sunlight at least six hours a day.
PS Partial Sh: direct sunlight between three to six hours.
Sh Sh: less than three hours of direct sunlight a day.
Benefits: W=Wildlife Value; Bi=Attracts birds; Bu=Attracts Butterflies; Hu=Human Value, edible or medicinal; Fr=Fragrant, Fl=Fowers

H in bird column signifies Hummingbirds. Plants which an X in the butterfly column are ofter HOST plants for specific butterfly species.

Sources: Xeriscaping and Conserving Water in the Landscape (PDF) – Maryland Cooperative Extension

Drought Tolerant Plants for the Mid-Atlantic Region (pdf) download from Charlottesville Water

Plant lists from: Native Plants for Conservation, Restoration and Landscaping, Virginia DCR

Most of the plant benefits were obtained from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Org. Native Plant Database
Posted by Betsy S. Franz at 3:46 PM 0 comments
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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Beneficial, drought tolerant plants for the Metro DC Area - Perennials, grasses, etc.

Beneficial Native Plants for the Metro DC Area
Plants marked with an * were selected as Favorite Native Plants by local experts
See code to abbreviations at bottom of list
Scientific Name Common Name Type Light DT Bi Bu Hu Fl Fr
Achillea millefolium Common yarrow Perennial Su X - X X X -
Amsonia tabernaemontana Blue star Perennial PS X - - - X -
Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem Grass Su-PS X X X - X -
Andropogon ternarius Split bluestem Grass Su-PS X X - - - -
*Aquilegia canadensis Wild columbine Perennial Su-FS X H X - X -
*Asclepias tuberosa Butterflyweed Perennial Su-PS X - X - X -
Baptisia tinctoria Wild indigo Perennial Su X - X - X -
*Campsis radicans Trumpet creeper Vine Su X H X - X -
Chamaecrista fasciculata Partridge Pea Annual Su-PS X X X - X -
Cimicifuga racemosa Black cohosh Perennial PS-Sh X - X - X -
Clitoria mariana Maryland butterfly pea Vine Su-PS X X - - X -
Coreopsis lanceolata Lanceleaf coreopsis Perennial Su- PS X - X - X -
Coreopsis verticillata Tickseed Perennial Su-FS X - X - X -
Delphinium tricorne Dwarf larkspur Perennial PS X - X - X -
Echinacea purpurea Purple coneflower Perennial Su-PS X - X X X -
Eragrostis spectabilis Purple lovegrass Grass Su X X - - - -
Eupatorium hyssopifolium Boneset Perennial Su X X - - X -
Gaillardia pulchella Firewheel, Indian Blanket Perennial Su-PS X - X - X -
Geranium maculatum Wild geranium Perennial PS-Sh X X - X X -
Helianthus divaricatus Woodland sunflower Perennial Su-Sh X X X - X -
Heliopsis helianthoides Oxeye sunflower Perennial Su X - X - X -
Heuchera Americana Alumroot Perennial PS-Sh X - - - X -
Iris Cristata Dwarf crested iris Perennial PS-Sh X H - - X -
Liatris spicata Gayfeather Perennial Su X - X - X -
Lobelia siphilitica Great blue lobelia Perennial Su-FS X H - - X -
Lonicera sempervirens Coral honeysuckle Vine Su, PS X H X - X -
*Mertensia virginica Virginia bluebells Perennial PS-FS X - - - X -
*Monarda didyma Red bergamot, beebalm Perennial Su-FS X H X X X -
*Monarda fistulosa Wild bergamot Perennial Su-PS X H X X X X
*Monarda punctata Horsemint Perennial Su X H X X X -
Oenothera biennis Evening primrose Biennial Su-Sh X H X X X X
Oenothera fruticosa Sundrops Perennial Su X X X - X -
*Panicum vigatum Switchgrass Grass Su X X - - - -
Passiflora incarnata Passionflower vine Vine Su-PS X X X X X -
Phlox divaricata Wild blue phlox Perennial Su-PS X - X - X -
Pityopsis graminifolia Golden aster Perennial PS X - X - X -
Polemonium reptans Jacob's Ladder Perennial Su-FS X - - - X -
Polygonatum biflorum Solomon’s seal Perennial PS-Sh X X X X X -
Pycnanthemum incanum Hoary mountain mint Perennial Su-PS X - X - X X
*Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan Perennial Su-PS X - X - X -
Salvia lyrata Lyre-leaved sage Perennial Su-Sh X H X - X -
Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem Grass Su-PS X X X - X -
Silphium perfoliatum Cup plant Perennial Su X H X - X -
Solidago rugosa Goldenrod Perennial Su X X X - X -
Tradescantia virginiana Virginia spiderwort Perennial Su-Sh X - X - X -
Trillium grandiflorum White trillium Perennial Su-Sh X - - X X -
Vernonia noveboracensis Ironweed Perennial Su X X X - X -
Viola pedata Bird’s foot violet Perennial PS-Sh X X X - X -


** Note: this list was created for the Metro DC Lawn and Garden Blog and may not be copied without permission. However, please feel free to link to this page and to subscribe to the blog for future lists.

Light: FS=Full Su, S=Su, Sh=Sh
Su Full Su: direct sulight at least six hours a day.
PS Partial Sh: direct sulight between three to six hours.
Sh Sh: less than three hours of direct sulight a day.
Benefits: W=Wildlife Value; Bi=Attracts birds; Bu=Attracts Butterflies; Hu=Human Value, edible or medicinal; Fr=Fragrant, Fl=Fowers

H in bird column signifies Hummingbirds. Plants which an X in the butterfly column are ofter HOST plants for specific butterfly species.

Sources: Xeriscaping and Conserving Water in the Landscape (PDF) – Maryland Cooperative Extension

Drought Tolerant Plants for the Mid-Atlantic Region (pdf) download from Charlottesville Water

Plant lists from: Native Plants for Conservation, Restoration and Landscaping, Virginia DCR

Most of the plant benefits were obtained from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Org. Native Plant Database

Drought tolerant native plants for Virginia

Drought Tolerant Perennials (PDF) – Clayton Virginia Native Plant Society
Posted by Betsy S. Franz at 3:43 PM 0 comments
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