The Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana), also known as the Scrub or Jersey Pine, is a medium-sized, robust conifer found throughout Appalachia from Alabama east to South Carolina, and north to Pennsylvania. Typically, this species grows in the poor soils of mountain ridges and rocky outcroppings, … [Read more...]
Species Spotlight: Red Pine
Pinus resinosa – Red Pine This native evergreen can tolerate dry, exposed sites, and is great for a windbreak. It reaches up to 50 feet in height and is native as far north as Nova Scotia, and south to Pennsylvania. Pictured above is a stand of Red Pine in Lackawanna County PA. Photo Credit: … [Read more...]
Species Spotlight: Pitch Pine
Pinus rigida Pitch Pine This native evergreen tolerates a dry site and occurs on poor, sandy, or salty soils. In fact, it will grow in almost any site as long as it has full sun. Pitch pine can reach height of 30 to 50 feet and a width of 15 to 25 feet. It grows a foot or more a year in youth, … [Read more...]
Species Spotlight: Sourwood
Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood) is a highly ornamental small tree in the same family as rhododendron and azaleas. Sourwood tolerates drought once established and prefers sun to part shade. It prefers moist to moderately dry soil. It flowers in weeping, creamy white panicles at the end of the … [Read more...]
Species Spotlight: Grey Birch
Dry soil is perfect for Gray Birch! It will grow in dry, sterile, sandy, rocky, and even wet soil. In fact, it will grow almost anywhere except highly alkaline (high pH) soil. Grey Birch needs full sun, and is considered a 'pioneer' species, in that it can quickly establish in difficult areas. … [Read more...]
Plants for Wet Areas – Part Two: Low Growing Perennials
Wet soil is not a problem -- it's an opportunity to grow some really great species. This is Part Two of our series on plants for wet areas. Part One highlights a few trees and shrubs. Part Two, below, highlights low-growing perennial plants (2 feet and under). Arisaema triphyllum -- Jack in … [Read more...]
Plants for Wet Areas – Part One: Trees and Shrubs
There are many plants that like being in the occasional puddle. In fact, they thrive on it. Wet soil is not a problem -- it's an opportunity! Sweetshrub (pictured above), Joe Pye Weed, Virginia Bluebells, Winterberry Holly, and others evolved to thrive in areas where water gathers. Check out our … [Read more...]
Nine Reasons to Plant an Oak
Oaks support hundreds of butterfly and moth species Five hundred and thirty-four to be exact. An oak tree supports more moths and butterflies than any other native tree species, and more than non-native species. Why is this important? Because we need insects for our ecosystem to function … [Read more...]
Goldenrods – They Don’t Make You Sneeze REALLY!
Goldenrods abound in late summer and early fall. And so does hay fever. But guess what? Goldenrod pollen does not float in the air so it can't get in your nose to make you sneeze. The real culprit is ragweed. And mugwort. And grasses. All of these have abundant windborne pollen. Here's a … [Read more...]
Trees for Butterflies
Pictured above: Question Mark, American Snout, and Mourning Cloak, which utilize Hackberry as a larval host plant. Did you know that trees are important butterfly host plants? Many are hosts for the larval (caterpillar) stage of the butterfly. The adult butterfly lays its eggs on the leaves. … [Read more...]
Summer Joys
Raspberries! Is there any berry that is synonymous with summer more than raspberries? Serve with ice cream, eat them out of hand -- however you do it – you know it's summer if you are snacking on fresh, locally-grown raspberries. And you can do that in your own backyard. Right now (August 2020) … [Read more...]
Bog Plants – Some of our most unusual and beautiful native species!
What is a “bog plant” ? In simplest terms, bog plants are plants species that grow in bogs! Well then, what is a bog? Is it a swamp? A bog is a specialized habitat, generally a wetland that has accumulated peat. Acidic low-nutrient water occurs at surface level of bogs. Because of this, plant … [Read more...]
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