American Beauties Plant Shopping List

The following plants have been added to your American Beauties plant shopping list. You can continue to browse our plants, or you can generate a printable version. Homeowners, please print your shopping list and take it into your closest authorized garden center to purchase your plants. Click here for a printable version of this list.

Acer rubrum 'Autumn Flame' Common Name: Red Maple Fast Growing Pleasing Rounded Shape Fabulous Red and Orange Fall Color Early to Turn Color in Fall Very Adaptable and Easy to Grow

Height: 45-50 Feet Spread: 35-50 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Remove from List

Acer saccharum Common Name: Sugar Maple Birds and other mammals eat the seeds Provides excellent cover and nest sites for all types of birds One of the best shade trees Outstanding fall color Sugar maple has a dense, rounded crown and is one of the trees responsible for giving New England its reputation for spectacular fall color, as the medium green leaves turn brilliant yellow or red-orange in autumn. The familiar two-winged "helicopter" fruit is a favorite food of chipmunks, and they store it away in winter larders. This is a long-lived tree that grows relatively slowly.

Height: 60-70 Feet Spread: 50-60 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Remove from List

Amelanchier canadensis Common Name: Shadblow Very early to bloom Nectar attracts butterflies and other pollinators Provides first crop of native berries for robins, bluebirds and other fruit eating birds Handsome landscape plant that grows well in moist soil Good fall color One of the first native trees with showy flowers to bloom, serviceberry has slightly fragrant, white flowers in drooping clusters that are quite conspicuous because they appear before the leaves emerge. The nectar attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Flowers give rise to very flavorful, purple-black, berrylike fruits relished by both songbirds and people. Edible berries resemble blueberries in size and color and can be used in jams, jellies and pies. The colorful fall foliage is a blend of orange, gold, red and green.

Height: 15-20 Feet Spread: 8-12 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 Remove from List

Amelanchier laevis Common Name: Allegheny Serviceberry Fragrant spring flowers Easy to grow and widely adaptable Edible berries in summer Gorgeous fall color Allegheny Serviceberry is a native tree for all seasons. In April and May it has beautiful white flowers that are delicately scented and provide nectar for the season's early bees and butterflies. In mid summer its fruits ripen to brilliant violet pink, aging to deep blue purple when fully ripe. Its leaves play occasional host to the larvae of viceroy, striped hairstreak, and Canadian tiger swallowtail butterflies. And the grand finale comes in fall with brilliant oranges, yellows and reds as the leaves prepare to drop. Amelanchier laevis is found in moist woods and meadows, but tolerates most any garden situation. It will bloom more in full sun, but have a more open and graceful habit in shade. It is drought tolerant once established, but will grow taller and faster in consistently moist soils. Amelanchier can be grown as a small tree pruned to become a densely branched shrub.

Height: 15-30 Feet Spread: 10-15 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Remove from List

Aquilegia canadensis 'Little Lanterns' Common Name: Wild Columbine / Eastern Red Columbine Attracts butterflies, bumblebees and hummingbirds One of the earliest wildflowers to bloom; 8 + weeks of bloom Thrives in sun or shade; will self sow and naturalize Great for pine shade Deer resistant Resists leaf miner 'Little Lanterns' is a compact columbine that only grows 10" tall. Deep red and yellow nodding flowers top blue-green foliage for many weeks in spring. This is a good choice for shade gardens, woodland gardens, rock gardens and naturalized areas.

Height: 12-18 Inches Spread: 10-15 Inches USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Remove from List

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts' Common Name: Common Bearberry Groundcover for difficult site Berries for birds Flowers for insects (and people!) Low maintenance Salt and Wind Tolerant Common Bearberry is an evergreen groundcover that is suited to sandy or other well-drained soils with acidic pH. It can be a marvelous solution for a difficult site since it grows where few other plants are happy. Artostaphyllos is lovely draped over the edge of a wall or large rock. Its small green leaves have silver grey backs and often appear to be edged in silver.'Massachusetts' flowers and fruits abundantly and is a disease-resistant selection with smaller leaves than the species. Introduced by west coast growers, but seed for this selection originated in Massachusetts.

Height: 6-10 Inches Spread: 3-6 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-6 Remove from List

Aster divaricatus Common Name: (Eurybia divaricata) Woodland Aster Asters are the backbone of many late summer and fall landscapes. The white woodland aster is a terrific ground cover and is especially valuable because it grows so well in dry shade. Thin, nearly black stems are topped with clouds of white flowers in early fall. Benefits: Nectar plant for butterflies and other pollinators Seed source for songbirds Provides nesting material for birds Grows in sun or dry shade Great ground cover

Height: 18-24 Inches Spread: 18-24 Inches USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Remove from List

Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red' Common Name: Red-stemmed Lady Fern Easy to grow; tolerates a wide range of soil and light conditions Provides seasonal cover for birds and other wildlife Good ground cover in shaded areas Colorful fronds can be used in fresh arrangements 'Lady in Red' has sultry red stems surrounded by bright green, lacy fronds. New fronds arise gracefully from the crown all season long, keeping plants from getting worn looking. Clumps are dense and upright. This deciduous fern is vigorous and easy to grow. Ferns provide seasonal cover and hiding places for ground frequenting birds such as ovenbirds, waterthrushes, wood thrushes, robins and Carolina wrens.

Height: 2-3 Feet Spread: 1-3 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-8 Remove from List

Baptisia australis Common Name: Wild Indigo / Blue False Indigo If Filipendula is the queen of the prairie, Baptisia australis is king. This tough and long-lived perennial is a regal addition to the garden with its elegant spikes of blue flowers in early summer. Benefits: Show-stopping flower display in early summer Easy to grow in just about any sunny site Drought tolerant once established

Height: 3-4 Feet Spread: 3-4 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Remove from List

Betula nigra 'Heritage' Common Name: 'Heritage' River Birch 'Heritage' is a vigorous, fast-growing tree with layers of cinnamon, salmon and brown bark peeling back in big sheets to reveal creamy white inner bark. It can be grown as either a single trunk or multi-stemmed tree and is especially effective when multiple trees are placed together in a grove. Chickadees, song and white-throated sparrows, wild turkey, pine siskins, finches and other birds love the seed. Trees also provide great cover and nesting sites. Good yellow fall color and excellent disease and pest resistance. Benefits: Tolerates really wet soil but adapts to drier ground, too 'Heritage' is very fast growing and has outstanding, multi-colored bark for year round interest Larval food source for Mourning cloaks, Canadian tiger swallowtails and dreamy duskywing butterflies Birds and other mammals feed on seed in the winter Provides cover and nest sites for all kinds of birds Extremely resistant to bronze birch borer and leaf spot diseases

Height: 35-40 Feet Spread: 30-35 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 Remove from List

Bouteloua curtipendula Common Name: Side Oats Grama / Sideoats Grama Grass This native grass has graceful blue green foliage and attractive tiny flowers in bright purple and orange appear on tall spikes in late summer. Its name, Sideoats Grama, comes from the way the oat-like seeds all lean to one side of the stem, despite emerging on two sides. Bouteloua makes a wonderful drought tolerant groundcover for a sunny dry location. It combines well with other sun-loving natives like Butterfly Weed, Echinacea and Black-eyed Susans. This grass grows well in many kinds of soil, including those containing clay-loam, gravel, rocky material, and sand. It is very drought tolerant and works well on gentle or moderate slopes.

Height: 24-30 Inches Spread: 24-30 Inches USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 Remove from List

Carex pensylvanica Common Name: Pennsylvania Sedge This sedge forms short clusters and spreads slowly by rhizomes to form a lush carpet. This thick mat of growth provides excellent seasonal cover for foraging small songbirds and the insects and other small animals they love to eat. Reddish-brown, thimble-like flowers top the narrow, fine textured leaves in spring. A number of birds and small mammals feed on the seeds. Benefits: Excellent ground cover for dry shade Provides seasonal cover for birds and other woodland wildlife Birds and small mammals feed on the seed Semi-evergreen lawn alternative Deer resistant

Height: 6-8 Inches Spread: 6-8 Inches USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Remove from List

Cephalanthus occidentalis Common Name: Button Bush Hundreds of tiny, tubular creamy white flowers are packed into large showy flower heads, which dangle from the bush in August. Butterflies and other insects find the nectar irresistible. The fragrant flower heads mature into round fruits each containing hundreds of nutlike seeds that are eaten by waterfowl and other birds such as quail. Many birds use this deciduous shrub as a nesting site. Benefits: Tremendous source of nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators Waterfowl and other birds relish the seed Provides protective cover for all kinds of birds Adapts to many soil types, except dry ones Thrives in bogs and very wet conditions

Height: 5-12 Feet Spread: 4-7 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 Remove from List

Cercis canadensis Common Name: Eastern Redbud Leafless horizontal branches are smothered in small deep pink flowers in early spring. Its early nectar and pollen attracts a large number of specialized native bees and butterflies such as elfins. Red-purple, pea-shaped seedpods follow the flowers. The seedpods provide food for doves, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, quail and other birds. The heart-shaped leaves become a quilt of yellow and green in fall. Benefits: Very early to bloom; flowering branches can be used in spring table arrangements Nectar and pollen attracts butterflies and other pollinators Seeds in small pea-pods provide food for birds Good fall color Lovely as a single specimen or multi trunked specimen in masses

Height: 20-30 Feet Spread: 25-35 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 Remove from List

Chasmanthium latifolium Common Name: Northern Sea Oats Drooping seed heads hang in clusters from slightly arching stems topping an upright clump of bamboo-like foliage. Green leaves turn copper in fall and the seed heads emerge green but turn purplish bronze by late summer then dry to a straw color. Clumping grasses like this provide nest sites and winter cover for quail and sparrows. They also provide fall and winter seeds for a number of birds including cardinals, towhees, juncos, sparrows and finches. Benefits: Grows well in full sun to partial shade Provides nest sites, protective cover and food for birds Use foliage and flower in fresh or dried arrangements Good winter interest; very winter hardy Deer resistant

Height: 3 Feet Spread: 1-3 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Remove from List

Chionanthus virginicus Common Name: Grancy Graybeard / White Fringetree Easy to grow A small graceful tree Delightful fragrance Fruit attracts birds Flowers attract butterflies A carefree native, this small tree puts on a heck of a show in late spring with thousands of pendulous, delicately fragrant white flowers covering the tree before the leaves emerge. At the end of bloom season, the green leaf tips accent the snowy blooms for an impressive finale. It's no wonder the Fringetree has been a garden favorite and heritage plant for generations! The Grancy Graybeard is dioecious, meaning that there are male and female trees. The males are typically showier in bloom due to their longer petals, however, it is the female plants that are bedecked with dark blue fruit in late summer. Birds relish the fleshy fruit and will find it easily, even though the foliage sometimes hides it from view. The best way enjoy the graybeard is to have at least one of each, and to be certain you get a male and female, purchase them in late summer or early fall when fruit will be present on the female plants. Chionanthus virginicus is an wonderful specimen tree for residential and commercial landscapes. It can also be used in groups of three or more if adequate space is available, and it works well in a border with evergreen shrubs like azaleas. It is right at home in natural settings, surrounded by meadow or as part of a mixed grove. Better flowering occurs where the Graybeard can get a lot of sun, but it is still lovely in a slightly shadey spot, having a more open habit. It prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil of medium fertility, but is tolerant of a wide variety of soils, including red clay. Unfortunately, the Grancy Graybeard is not a tree that is often seen in the marketplace because it is seed propagated and rather slow-growing in its early years. That's a shame because it is a beautiful tree and an enduring landscape plant.

Height: 12-18 Feet Spread: 12-20 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Remove from List

Cornus florida 'Cloud 9' Common Name: 'Cloud 9' Flowering Dogwood Very early to bloom Nectar and pollen attracts butterflies and other pollinators Berries provide excellent food for birds such as robins, catbirds, mourning doves Provides nesting sites for a number of birds Good fall color Attractive winter form Flowering dogwood has spreading horizontal branches and distinctive white flowers in spring. The 3" diameter flower clusters bloom mid-April to mid-May, attracting a number of butterflies and other pollinators. 'Cloud 9' flowers profusely and has extra showy, overlapping white bracts. Clusters of glossy red fruit mature in fall and persist into winter when they are eaten by birds. The leaves turn scarlet red in fall.

Height: 18-22 Feet Spread: 18-22 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 Remove from List

Cornus racemosa 'Geauge' Common Name: 'Geauge' Gray Dogwood Gray twig dogwood is a deciduous shrub bearing dome-shaped clusters of white flowers in late spring. The flowers give way to clusters of small white berries and the stems holding the flowers and fruit are licorice red which makes a distinct contrast. Gray-green leaves turn dusky purple-red in fall. This thicket-forming shrub is a good source of food, cover and nesting sites. Benefits: Host plant for spring azure butterfly Plentiful and nutritious berries for a wide range of birds Provides good nesting sites for birds and protective cover for wildlife Selected for lustrous foliage and a refined garden habit Tolerant of a wide range of conditions including poor or wet soils

Height: 7-8 Feet Spread: 4-5 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Remove from List

Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' Common Name: 'Cardinal' Red-Osier Dogwood 'Cardinal' is a fast-growing, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub with cherry red winter stems. The stems are especially showy against a snowy backdrop. Tiny white flowers appear in flat-topped clusters in late spring. Flowers give way to clusters of creamy white fruit in late summer. Fruit is very attractive to birds and is generally considered to have as much if not more ornamental interest than the flowers. Dark green leaves turn an attractive red-purple in autumn. Benefits: Bright red stems in winter; extremely winter hardy Host plant for spring azure butterfly Nutritious berries for a wide range of birds Provides good nesting sites for birds and protective cover for wildlife Tolerates a wide variety of conditions, including wet soils

Height: 6-8 Feet Spread: 9-10 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Remove from List

Geranium maculatum 'Espresso' Common Name: Geranium 'Espresso' (Cranesbill) Bold red-brown foliage keeps its color all season long. Pale pink flowers stand out against the handsome leaves in spring. This is a good ground cover in shaded areas with dry soil. Benefits: Good source of early season nectar for butterflies and native bees Provides cover for wildlife, especially toads Will grow in dry shade under hardwood trees Foliage holds its chocolate color all season Excellent ground cover

Height: 12-15 Inches Spread: 18-24 Inches Remove from List

Hamamelis virginiana Common Name: American Witchhazel Good source of nectar late in the season Fragrant, bright yellow flowers in late fall Great fall foliage color Provides nesting sites for many different birds A tough, adaptable plant suitable for a variety of garden uses A tall shrub or small tree with fragrant yellow flowers that open in late October or early November providing nectar for migrating insects. It takes a full year for the fruit to mature. When the seed capsule splits open in fall, 1-2 black seeds explode out of it, landing up to 30 feet away. Various birds and wildlife eat the seed after it falls to the ground. Upright spreading branches are perfect nesting sites for a variety of birds. Deep, golden yellow fall leaf color can be outstanding.

Height: 15-20 Feet Spread: 15-20 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Remove from List

Heuchera americana 'Dale's Strain' Common Name: 'Dale's Strain' Coral Bells 'Dale's Strain' has unique silver-blue marbled foliage that grows in handsome mounds. It is an excellent drought tolerant ground cover for shady areas. Long wands of white flowers attract native bees and hummingbirds when they bloom in spring. Benefits: Outstanding foliage display Nectar source for hummingbirds Provides cover for small wildlife Will grow in dry shade under hardwood trees Great deer resistant edging plant or ground cover

Height: 12-24 Inches Spread: 15-18 Inches USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-7 Remove from List

Ilex verticillata Common Name: Winterberry Winterberry is a deciduous holly that is slow growing, with an upright-rounded habit. In the wild, it often suckers to form large thickets or colonies but can be pruned to form a small tree. Inconspicuous greenish-white flowers appear in late spring and give way to a crop of bright red berries in late summer to fall. Berries are quite showy and persist through most of the winter, hence the common name. Benefits: Excellent year round interest, highlighted by showy red berries in winter. Nectar is especially attractive to small native bees. Cedar waxwings, bluebirds and robins savor the bright red berries that hold well into winter Gorgeous in winter floral arrangements Good nesting site for a variety of birds Tolerates a wide range of conditions including wet soils

Height: 8-10 Feet Spread: 8-10 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Remove from List

Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet' Common Name: 'Henry's Garnet' Virginia Sweetspire Fragrant, white flower spikes, 3-6" long, cover the shrub with bloom in early summer. Dark green leaves turn scarlet and crimson in fall, sometimes persisting on the shrub until December. 'Henry's Garnet' is noted for larger flowers and superior fall color to that of the species. Benefits: Fragrant white flowers attracts butterflies and other pollinators Stunning fall color for many weeks Provides protective cover for wildlife Tolerant of a surprising range of conditions from boggy to dry soils

Height: 3-4 Feet Spread: 5-6 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 Remove from List

Juniperus virginiana Common Name: Eastern Red Cedar This evergreen conifer is the best bird attracting tree in Eastern North America. Its 25' pyramidal form provides dense cover year round, and its shredding bark is used by many birds for nest construction. Female trees produce round, gray or bluish berry-like cones which 80 species of birds adore. Cedar waxwings earned their common name because of their reliance on the fruit. Benefits: Dense evergreen provides year round cover and nesting sites for many birds 80 species of birds feed on the fruit Host plant for olive hairstreak butterfly Fragrant foliage and wood Adapts to almost any growing condition and makes a good windbreak

Height: 25-30 Feet Spread: 10-12 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 Remove from List

Lindera benzoin Common Name: Spicebush This is a wonderful broad, rounded multi-stemmed shrub covered with fragrant yellow flowers in early spring. The flowers open before the leaves emerge and are held close to the branches. Aromatic light green leaves turn yellow-gold in fall. Birds feed on the brilliant red fruits available in late summer on female plants. These berries are one of the best sources of energy for long distance migratory birds. Benefits: Excellent source of nectar for butterflies and other pollinators in early spring Host plant for spicebush and tiger swallowtail butterflies Fragrant flowers and foliage Provides cover, nesting sites and red berries for various birds Deer resistant Ideal plant for damp shade situations

Height: 6-10 Feet Spread: 6-10 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 Remove from List

Lonicera sempervirens Common Name: Trumpet Honeysuckle When it comes to providing nectar for hummingbirds, trumpet honeysuckle is one of the earliest and longest blooming plants you can grow. Hummers flock to the tube-shaped deep red flowers with yellow throats as soon as they begin to bloom. Whorls of bright red fruit form in late summer. The fruit is eaten in fall by waxwings, bluebirds and other birds. The slender twining stems provide cover and nest sites for a variety of birds. Oval, blue-green leaves are evergreen in warmer winter climates. This is the host plant for the day-flying hummingbird clearwing moth. Benefits: Excellent nectar source for hummingbirds Showy clusters of fragrant flowers Birds dine on the red berries in fall Provides great cover and nesting sites for a variety of birds

Height: 30 Feet Spread: 30 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 Remove from List

Magnolia virginiana 'Moon Glow' Common Name: 'Moon Glow' Sweetbay Magnolia 'Moon Glow' is a vigorous grower with a distinctly upright growth habit and lemon-scented, creamy white flowers bloom well after the last frost. Plants flower heavily in mid-spring then continue sporadically through summer. The foliage is shiny green on top with silver on the lower side. Foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen, depending on where you live. The cone-like fruits contain bright red seeds and are an important source of food for birds in the fall. Benefits: Waxy, white fragrant flowers for many weeks Evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage Seeds are good source of food for birds in fall Vigorous grower Grows in wet soil

Height: 30-35 Feet Spread: 30-35 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10 Remove from List

Nyssa sylvatica Common Name: Black Gum Black gum is a stately, slow-growing, deciduous tree with a straight trunk and rounded crown (more pyramidal when young). Small, greenish-white flowers appear in spring and are not showy, but they are an excellent nectar source for honey bees, native bees and other pollinators. Insect-eating birds such as kinglets, phoebes, pine warblers and others visit the tree to feed on the small insects it attracts. Flowers give way to oval, 1/2" long, dark blue fruits that are attractive to a variety of birds. Foliage turns spectacular scarlet, yellow and orange in the fall. Benefits: Heavy nectar producer, drawing all kinds of pollinators Insect eating birds visit the tree to feed on pollinators Excellent fruit for a number of birds Beautiful in the fall with multiple foliage colors on one tree Will grow in wet as well as dry soils

Height: 30-40 Feet Spread: 20-30 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 Remove from List

Panicum virgatum 'Haense Herms' Common Name: 'Haense Herms' Switchgrass A clump-forming grass that grows 4-5' tall with flower heads rising another 1' above the foliage, 'Haense Herms' offers steely blue foliage with red-tinged tips that become more prolific as the season progresses. Flower heads turn beige in fall with the seed plumes persisting well into winter. This bunch grass provides excellent cover and food for ducks, upland game birds, and songbirds. Benefits: Provides nest sites, protective cover and food for birds Showy red foliage and compact form Great winter interest Use flowers in fresh or dried arrangements Tolerates a wide range of growing conditions, including poor or wet soils

Height: 4-5 Feet Spread: 2-3 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9 Remove from List

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' Common Name: 'Northwind' Switchgrass 'Northwind' is a tall, clump-forming warm season grass with steel blue foliage. The wide, thick leaf blades and great upright form make this cultivar a real standout in the garden. Fine textured yellow flowers float over the foliage in summer. This bunch grass provides excellent cover and food for ducks, upland game birds, songbirds and small mammals. Benefits: Provides nest sites, protective cover and food for birds Stands erect all growing season exhibiting beautiful blue foliage Upright, wind-resistant form offers great winter interest Use flowers in fresh or dried arrangements Tolerates a wide range of growing conditions, including poor or wet soils

Height: 6 Feet Spread: 2-3 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9 Remove from List

Parthenocissus quinquefolia Common Name: Virginia Creeper Virginia creeper is a deciduous, woody vine that climbs vigorously. Attaching to walls and other surfaces with adhesive disks, handsome, five-fingered leaves emerge purplish in spring, mature to green in summer and change to purple or crimson-red in fall. Clusters of small green-white flowers give rise to dark blue or black berries, which are a bountiful source of food for migrating songbirds in late summer and early fall. Benefits: Good source of berries for birds in late summer and early fall Provides cover and nesting sites for a variety of birds Larval food for a number of hawk moths Good fall color Fast grower adapted to a wide variety of conditions

Height: 40-50 Feet Spread: 40-50 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 Remove from List

Pinus strobus Common Name: Eastern White Pine Eastern white pine is a rapid-growing, long-lived, needled evergreen that is pyramidal in its early years but matures to a broad oval habit with an irregular crown. Blue-green needles are soft to the touch and make a soothing sound when wind passes through the branches. The evergreen needles provide good year round cover for all types of birds, including hawks and owls (raptors). Brown, 4-8" long cones are produced when trees reach (about) 10' tall. The seeds, bark and foliage are eaten by wildlife. Benefits: Fast growing tree with evergreen needles Good year round cover for birds Provides nesting sites for owls, hawks, bald eagles and other raptors Seeds in cones provide food for birds and other wildlife Larval food for eastern pine elfins

Height: 60-80 Feet Spread: 30-40 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Remove from List

Quercus bicolor Common Name: Swamp White Oak Swamp white oak is a deciduous tree with a broad, rounded crown. The dark, shiny green leaves are silver on the bottom side. Fall color is usually yellow, but sometimes reddish purple. Though ornamentally insignificant, flowers bloom in April attracting pollen-seeking insects that attract migrating vireos, tanagers and warblers in search of a meal. Large acorns mature in early fall providing food for deer, wild turkey, black bear, fox and gray squirrels. Indigenous to moist, bottomland locations, this oak has surprisingly good drought resistance. Benefits: Grows relatively fast for an oak Pollen and emerging leaves attract a long list of pollinators and other insects Insect-eating migrating birds visit the tree looking for pollinating insects at work Acorns are a major food source for a variety of critters Larval food source for many of the dusky wings and hairstreak butterflies Will grow in low, moist areas

Height: 50-60 Feet Spread: 50-60 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Remove from List

Rudbeckia triloba Common Name: Three-lobed Coneflower Hundreds of small deep gold flowers with brown centers bloom for almost three months. This plant is very resistant to drought, heat and pests. Butterflies and other pollinators like the nectar and songbirds eat the seed, which forms as flowers age. Benefits: Loaded with flowers for three months Great nectar source for butterflies and other pollinators Produces lots of seeds for songbirds Easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of conditions

Height: 36-42 Inches Spread: 24-30 Inches USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Remove from List

Salix discolor Common Name: Pussy Willow Silvery flowers, resembling 1" long bottlebrushes, bloom in late winter. The flowers provide pollen for native bees very early in the season and are conspicuous because they bloom on bare stems, before leaves appear. Finches, grouse and cardinals find the flower buds tasty. Several different butterflies use the blue-green leaves as a larval food source. If planted in dense clumps, this multi-stemmed shrub provides good cover and nesting sites for a variety of birds. Benefits: Provides pollen for native bees Food source for game and song birds Host plant for a large variety of butterflies Provides cover and nest sites for a variety of birds Cut branches can be forced to flower for winter arrangements

Height: 20-25 Feet Spread: 18-20 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-7 Remove from List

Sambucus canadensis 'Adams' Common Name: 'Adams' Elderberry American elderberry is a thicket-forming shrub with large flat-topped clusters of small, fragrant white flowers in spring. The flowers are a good source of nectar for small insects. Big clusters of dark purple to black, berry-like fruits follow in late summer to fall. The fruit is an outstanding source of food for birds and other wildlife. The old stems provide over-wintering sites for insects. Birds such as woodpeckers then forage in the clumps for the insects. Benefits: Flowers provide nectar for pollinators The fruit is favored by birds and other wildlife Old stems provide habitat for over-wintering insects Excellent for naturalizing in moist soil

Height: 8-10 Feet Spread: 8-10 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Remove from List

Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues' Common Name: Little Bluestem This is an excellent native grass for the garden. It is an upright, clump-forming grass with slender, blue-green leaves. The foliage turns a striking red-orange in the fall, excellent in massed plantings or mixed with other native grasses and wildflowers. Fluffy silver seed heads bloom in late summer or early fall and are ornamental through winter. Benefits: Fine-textured blue-green foliage Provides nest sites, protective cover and food for birds Outstanding fall color and great winter interest Drought tolerant; additional water of fertilizer is unnecessary

Height: 2-4 Feet Spread: 2-2 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Remove from List

Sisyrinchium angustifolium 'Lucerne' Common Name: 'Lucerne' Blue-eyed Grass Bright blue, star-shaped flowers with gold centers rise above fine, semi-evergreen, iris-like foliage from May to June. Use it at the front of a border, in rock gardens, to line pathways or at the woodland's edge. Excellent for edging. Benefits: Important nectar source for pollinators Provides good cover for small wildlife Cardinals, song sparrows, house finches and other songbirds eat the seed. Bright blue flowers with gold centers are good cut flowers Deer resistant plant that thrives in full sun

Height: 8-10 Inches Spread: 8-10 Inches USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Remove from List

Sorghastrum nutans Common Name: Indian Grass Upright clumps of slender, blue-green leaves turn golden yellow in fall. Stiff, vertical flowering stems topped with 12" long, narrow, auburn flower heads rise well above the foliage in late summer. Indian grass is a good vertical accent in borders and is also effective en masse. This bunch grass provides excellent cover and food for ducks, upland game birds, and songbirds. Benefits: Provides nest sites, protective cover and food for birds Flower heads are used in fresh or dried arrangements Great fall and winter interest Very drought tolerant and winter hardy Tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including poor, dry soils

Height: 3-4 Feet Spread: 1-2 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9 Remove from List

Vaccinium angustifolium 'Brunswick' Common Name: Lowbush Blueberry Clusters of bell-shaped, white flowers tinged with red bloom in spring. Flowers are followed by tasty blue berries, which ripen in summer. The fruit is a favorite among humans as well as birds, small mammals and box turtles. Lowbush blueberry has lustrous blue-green leaves that turn bronze, scarlet and crimson in fall. It grows well in dry, acid, nutrient poor soil. Benefits: Fragrant flowers provide nectar for butterflies and other pollinators Larval food source for several butterflies The fruit is relished by birds and other wildlife after it ripens in summer Plants provide good nesting sites and cover for birds Very cold tolerant ground cover that grows well in dry, acid soil

Height: 8-12 Inches Spread: 2-3 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-5 Remove from List

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Northland' Common Name: 'Northland' Highbush Blueberry Clusters of dainty, waxy, bell-shaped, white flowers bloom in spring. Flowers are followed by tasty blue berries, which ripen in summer. The fruit is a favorite among humans as well as birds, small mammals and box turtles. 'Northland' has bright green leaves that turn orange in fall. It is also well adapted to a variety of growing conditions. Reddish stems can be attractive in winter. Benefits: Flowers provide nectar for native bees, butterflies and other pollinators Larval food source for several butterflies The fruit is relished by birds and other wildlife Plants provide good nesting sites and cover for birds 'Northland' is well adapted to a variety of growing conditions Plant more than one variety to insure best fruit set Great fall color and a good replacement for burning bush, Euonymus alatus

Height: 4 Feet Spread: 4 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Remove from List

Veronicastrum virginicum Common Name: Culver's Root Culver's root is a graceful perennial typically reaching 4-6' tall when in bloom. Slender flower spikes are densely packed with small white flowers that open from the top down in mid-summer. Butterflies and other pollinators visit the flowers for nectar. The tall stems provide good winter cover for all kinds of hibernating insect wildlife. Benefits: Nectar source for butterflies and other pollinators Seeds benefit game birds like quail or pheasant, and finches Old stems provide winter cover for beneficial insects Blooms for 4 to 6 weeks Good cut flower

Height: 4-6 Feet Spread: 2-4 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Remove from List

Viburnum dentatum 'Blue Blaze' Common Name: 'Blue Blaze' Arrowwood Flat-topped clusters of white flowers, 4" across, bloom in spring. The flowers are a good source of nectar for butterflies, native bees and other pollinators. Flowers give way to blue-black, berries, which are loved by birds and other wildlife. This upright, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub has glossy, dark green leaves. The leaves turn yellow, orange or red in fall. 'Blue Blaze' is a compact arrowwood growing half the size of the species with fruit that tends to stay on longer in the season. Benefits: Fragrant flowers provide nectar for butterflies and other pollinators Larval food source for spring azure butterfly Plants provide good nesting sites, berries, and cover for birds Excellent fall color Grows well in moist soil

Height: 5-6 Feet Spread: 5-6 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Remove from List

Viburnum prunifolium Common Name: Blackhaw Viburnum Blackhaw is a large, upright, multi-stemmed, densely twiggy deciduous shrub that can be pruned to grow as a small tree. Creamy white flowers in flat-topped clusters to 4.5" across appear in spring. Flowers provide nectar for butterflies, native bees and other pollinators. Flowers give way to blue-black, berry-like fruits, which are a good source of food for birds and wildlife in fall and early winter. This handsome plant has glossy dark green leaves changing to shades of red and purple in fall. Benefits: Flowers provide nectar for butterflies and other pollinators Plants provide excellent nesting sites and cover for birds Red-purple foliage contrasts with blue-black fruit in the fall Berries are a great source of food for birds and other wildlife in fall Grows well in dry soil

Height: 10-12 Feet Spread: 6-8 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Remove from List

Viburnum trilobum Common Name: American Cranberry Viburnum Flat-topped clusters of white flowers up to 4" across bloom in May, providing nectar for butterflies, native bees and other pollinators. Flowers are followed by clusters of brilliant red fruit staying on the plant into late winter when they are finally eaten by birds. New leaves have a reddish cast while fall foliage is yellow through red-purple. Benefits: Flowers provide nectar for butterflies and other pollinators Plants provide good nesting sites and cover for birds Red-purple foliage contrasts with blue-black fruit in the fall Berries are a great source of winter food for birds and other wildlife Good plant for screening or a large hedge

Height: 8-10 Feet Spread: 8-10 Feet USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-7 Remove from List