Winter landscapes lack the bright and varied color palette of spring and summer. Here are five native plants that will add life to your landscape in winter and year-round.
1. Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)
This large shrub can grow up to 20′ in height. It offers year-round interest and wildlife benefit.
Mustard-yellow flowers bloom in June and attract pollinators. In fall comes bright red foliage. Then, its crimson-colored fruit is on display throughout the winter. Birds feed on its seeds and fruit and enjoy its cover.
Staghorn sumac is easy to grow in varied soil and sun conditions. It grows best when it’s in areas receiving full sun or only partial shade.
2. Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia)
Red chokeberry’s flowers and berries add seasonal beauty and wildlife value. Its flat-topped, abundant, white spring blooms attract pollinators. Birds including wild turkey, eastern meadowlark, and cedar waxwing relish its red fruit.
Red chokeberry is adaptable to a wide variety of soils, including sandy, loamy and clay. It grows best in partial shade and can act as a hedge or screen, provide erosion control, or border a turf area. It grows especially well when planted under larger trees.
3. Deciduous Holly (Ilex decidua)
Deciduous holly grows to 15′ tall and is useful as a specimen or in groups. White flowers late spring give way to red berries on female plants in fall/winter. Fruiting requires pollination from a male plant. The berries persist through winter. The berries are an important food source for birds. Bluebirds and mockingbirds especially like the fruit. Deer and a variety of small mammals also enjoy it.
Tolerates a variety of sites but prefers well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Will naturalize and create thickets in full sun.
4. Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
Washington hawthorn occurs on open ground, thickets, and forest margins. Known for its attractive flowers and foliage, it also has bright red fruits and fall color. One of the showiest and most desirable hawthorns for planting.
Washington hawthorn trees grow to a height of 25 to 35 feet, with a spread also of 25 to 35 feet. They produce attractive white blooms in clusters, from late spring to early summer. Red berries follow the blooms and persist throughout winter. These berries are a favorite snack of wild birds, such as cedar waxwings.
5. Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)
Blue wild indigo is a large, bush-like perennial with year-round appeal. In spring, it has dense clusters of deep blue flowers on long upright spikes. Its bluish-green foliage provides a good backdrop to other flowering plants. In late fall, the foliage and pods turn gray and then darken to create a striking landscape accent.
Deer-resistant, it is a host plant for several butterflies. It also attracts hummingbirds.
Your Experts in Native
For over 75 years, Forrest Keeling has grown an exceptional selection of native species. Native plants aid in restoring natural habitats and ecosystems. Our plants have the added benefit of our patented RPM-production technology. Contact us today for guidance to find the right plants for your projects. Forrest Keeling Nursery… where the best natives begin!