Why natives? About one-third of plants in our landscapes are not native to that region. These exotic species from Europe and Asiadidn’t evolve with wildlife. Because of that, these plants don’t support insects and animals through their lifecycles.
Exotic plants also can be invasive and crowd out natives that support wildlife. The result is a decline in wildlife populations and less diverse plant communities. When you plant native species, you help restore the earth’s healthy ecosystem. This list provides ten native tree and shrub alternatives.
Eastern Wahoo
Native to eastern North America. This shrub grows in meadows, on slopes, along stream banks, and thrives in moist soils. Its bark is gray, and its smooth, reddish four-lobed pink fruit is eaten by several species of birds. Brilliant red fall foliage makes it an excellent alternative to invasive burning bush.
Shrubby St. Johns Wort
This medium sized shrub grows up to four feet high and wide. It maintains a mounded form of dense foliage. Bright yellow summer flowers attract scores of pollinators. Birds feed on the attractive brown seed capsules that persist through the winter. Adaptable and hardy, it grows best in full sun and tolerates any soil. It is drought tolerant, rabbit and deer resistant.
Spicebush
Named for its spicy, fragrant leaves and stems, this native shrub thrives in moist areas. Spicebush is an important larval host plant for the spicebush swallowtail. Dozens of songbirds relish its fruit.
Its rounded, multi-stemmed form offers fragrant yellow-green spring flowers. Fall foliage is golden.
Sumacs
Several species of sumac are native to North America. Three of our favorites are flameleaf, staghorn and smooth sumac. Sumac’s spring flowers attract pollinators. Its edible berries support small mammals, birds, and deer. Sumac is often found in wooded, swampy areas, upland forests, and fields.
Buttonbush
A common native shrub of moist sites and streambanks. Its handsome glossy, green leaves are deciduous. The plant can range from three to 20 feet in height. Round, dense clusters of tiny white or pale-pink flowers are a magnet to a wide array of pollinators. including butterflies. Buttonbush helps preserve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat. It is a useful for erosion control. Ducks and other birds consume the seeds.
Sweetspire
Suitable for sun or shade, this easy-care shrub grows to eight feet. Great for erosion control. Long-lasting white flower spikes cover the branches from late spring to early summer. Colorful foliage turns red to purple in the fall and persists into the winter. Bees, butterflies, and moths are all regular visitors to this plant.
Serviceberry
Serviceberry is a large genus of roughly 20 native species of shrubby trees. Adaptable for sun or shade. Its mature size of about 20′ makes it an ideal specimen for any landscape. Its form can be single-trunked tree or multi stemmed shrub. White spring flowers attract pollinators before giving way to abundant fruit. Great as a specialty crop, its summer berries are delicious raw or prepared. Birds also relish the fruits. Fall foliage is brilliant red.
Dogwoods
Flowering dogwoods are deciduous trees native to the eastern United States. These trees add year-round beauty to the landscape. Spring blooms are creamy white followed by brilliant red berries in winter. Rich green summer leaves turn reddish purple in fall. Grow in sun or shade, but some shade is best. In nature, dogwoods are understory trees, generally surrounded or protected by larger trees.
Redbud
Known for a profusion of rosy-pink spring flowers. Blossoms attract nectar-seeking insects, including several species of early-season butterflies. Quail and songbirds eat the seeds. Dark green, heart-shaped leaves change to yellow in fall. Its branching habit forms a spreading, graceful crown. Grows to 30′ in full sun or light shade.
Oaks
Adaptable and opportunistic, there are about 90 of species of native oaks. Oaks interbreed, hybridize, and diversify in response to changes in the landscape. Oaks are critical to our environment. They support more life-forms than any other North American tree genus.
Experts in Native
We’re here to help you provide your customers with expert advice and recommendations and an exceptional selection of native plants. We have hundreds of shrubs, perennials, and grasses, along with our revolutionary RPM oak trees.
Get in touch with a Forrest Keeling representative today to see how we can help you grow your native nursery.