Cape Cod Native Plant List
Eastern Bluestar
Amsonia tabernaemontana Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial • Soils: sandy, clay, loamy • Bloom Time: Blue flowers in May-June • Size: 2-3ft tall with 2-3ft spread Native to southern states and according to...
Silverrod / White Goldenrod
Solidago bicolor Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full to partial sun • Soils: poor, sandy, clay; dry to average moisture • Bloom Time: White to yellowish flowers July through October • Size: 1-3 feet tall; 1ft spread This is an east coast...
Green and Gold
Chrysogonum virginianum Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Partial to full shade • Soils: moist, well-drained • Bloom Time: Yellow flowers mostly in spring, with sporadic flowers into September • Size: 6 inches, spread 24 inches Low growing...
New York Ironweed
Vernonia novaboracensis Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun to part shade • Soils: Medium moisture • Bloom Time: Purple flowers late August through September • Size: 4-6ft in height A tall, coarse, and upright plant that creates beautiful...
Nodding Onion
Allium cernuum Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full to part sun • Soils: prefers moist, circumneutral pH soils, but is tough and adaptable to drier spots. • Bloom Time: June-September • Size: Up to 2 feet tall when flowering. Pompom-shaped,...
Beaked Hazelnut
Corylus cornuta Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Full, partial • Soils: Medium-dry to Moist, well-drained • Bloom Time: February, March • Size: 3-8ft tall A true Cape Cod native shrub. Foliage turns bright yellow in fall. Male catkins appear before...
Common Blue Violet
Viola sororia Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Part shade or light, filtered shade. Tolerates full sun in wetter soil. • Soils: Average to moist, well drained soils • Bloom Time: April, May, June • Size: 4-10 inches high A wonderful and easy to...
Northern Sea Oats
Chasmanthium latifolium Growing Information • Plant Type: Grass • Sunlight: Part shade to shade. Tolerates more sun in wetter soils but prefers shade. • Soils: Tolerates a wide range of soils. • Bloom Time: July-September. Seed heads appear in the fall and persist...
Virginia Wild Rye
Elymus virginicus Growing Information • Plant Type: Grass • Sunlight: Sun to part shade • Soils: Prefers heavy, rich, moist soils but will tolerate average sandy soils in shadier spots • Bloom Time: March, April, May. Seed drops end of spring/early summer • Size: Up...
Field Pussytoes
Antennaria neglecta Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full to part sun • Soils: Dry-Average, sandy or gravelly soils. Needs lean soils with good drainage. • Bloom Time: April, May, June • Size: 4-10 inches high. A cute, inconspicuous groundcover...
Wild Sundial Lupine
Lupinus perennis Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun to part shade. • Soils: Dry to Moist, well drained soils. Prefers light, sandy or gravelly soil. • Bloom Time: May-July • Size: Up to 2ft tall in bloom An excellent choice for barren areas as...
Eastern Prickly Pear
Opuntia humifusa Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun • Soils: Dry, sandy or rocky soil. Needs good drainage. • Bloom Time: June-August. Fruit in mid-fall. • Size: Up to 18 inches tall. Usually creeping. New England’s only native cactus!...
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Full to part sun • Soils: Moist to wet soils. Tolerates standing water • Bloom Time: Mid-Summer • Size: up to 12 ft Showy, pom-pom like flowers attract tons of butterflies and hummingbirds....
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Full sun to part shade or filtered shade • Soils: Moist, well-drained soils • Bloom Time: May, June, July • Size: 6-8 feet. Perfect size, low maintenance shrub for an informal hedge or as a...
Sensitive Fern
Onoclea sensibilis Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Part shade. Tolerates full sun in wet soils. • Soils: Moist to wet, acidic soils • Bloom Time: N/A • Size: Up to 3 feet tall Distinctive, coarsely lobed fern that spreads by rhizomes in wet...
Mayapple / American Mandrake
Podophyllum peltatum Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Part Shade, Shade • Soils: Average to Moist, acidic sandy loams. • Bloom Time: April/May. Fruit in mid-summer. • Size: 1-1.5ft tall. Spreads along the ground. A unique woodland plant that...
Indian Grass
Sorghastrum nutans Growing Information • Plant Type: Grass • Sunlight: Full to part sun • Soils: Dry to moist soils • Bloom Time: August-October • Size: Up to 8ft tall A beautiful, tall ornamental grass with a bronze, metallic sheen to the seedheads. Blueish green...
Virginia Bird-cherry / Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana Growing Information • Plant Type: Tree • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. • Soils: Dry-Moist. Prefers richer loams but is highly adaptable. • Bloom Time: May-June. Fruits in late summer. • Size: up to 30ft. Varies depending on light and soil...
Pussy Willow
Salix discolor Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Full sun • Soils: Moist to wet soils. • Bloom Time: February, March • Size: Up to 20ft tall, often shorter. Tolerates being cut back aggressively. Fast growing shrub. Appreciates being cut back every...
Bird’s Foot Violet
Viola pedata Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun to partial, filtered shade • Soils: Dry, acidic, sandy or gravelly soils. Needs good drainage. • Bloom Time: April - June • Size: 4-10 inches high Beautiful lilac-colored flowers, larger...
Tupelo/Black Gum
Nyssa sylvatica Growing Information • Plant Type: Tree • Sunlight: Full sun, part sun • Soils: Medium to wet soils. • Bloom Time: Small green flowers from April-May, producing a sour black fruit in fall. • Size: 20-50 feet in height. Spectacular fall colors and...
Rabbit Tobacco
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium Growing Information • Plant Type: Annual • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Medium to dry • Bloom Time: White flowers in August, September, October too? • Size: 1-3 feet in height Also called sweet everlasting the leaves give off a...
Pearly Everlasting
Anaphalis margaritacea Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Poor sandy, dry or average • Bloom Time: White flowers in July, August, September • Size: 1-3 feet in height; 1-2 foot spread Plant in rock gardens or to fill wide...
Common Sneezeweed
Helenium autumnale Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Average, moist to wet • Bloom Time: Yellow flowers in July, August, September • Size: 1-3 feet in height; 2-3 foot spread Plant this clump-forming perennial with...
Appalachian Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum flexuosum Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Average, moist • Bloom Time: White flowers in July, August • Size: 2-3 feet in height; 1-3 foot spread An aromatic, good soil stabilizer, it produces silvery white...
Sheep Laurel
Kalmia angustifolia Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Average, dry or moist • Bloom Time: Pink flowers in June, July • Size: 1-3 feet in height; 1-3 foot spread Adaptable to a variety of sites, plant in naturalized areas,...
Selfheal
Prunella vulgaris Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Moist, rich • Bloom Time: Purple flowers in July, August • Size: 6-12 inches in height Selfheal is easy to grow under most conditions and can be aggressive. The common...
Slender Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Average, dry • Bloom Time: White flowers in July, August, September • Size: 8-20 inches in height; 12-36 inch spread In addition to being a good garden...
Pale Purple Coneflower
Echinacea pallida Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part sun • Soils: Rich, dry to moist • Bloom Time: Pale purple to pink flowers in June, July • Size: up to 3 feet in height; 1 foot spread Low maintenance and resilient with lance shaped...
Purple Lovegrass
Eragrostis spectabilis Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Poor, average to dry • Bloom Time: Bronzy purple/red inflorescence in August, September • Size: 8-14 inches in height; 10-16 inch spread Plant this low, bunching...
Sourwood
Oxydendrum arboreum Growing Information • Plant Type: Tree • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Acidic, well-drained • Bloom Time: July, August • Size: 15 - 30 feet in height; 12 foot spread This deciduous tree, while native to southwest Pennsylvania and states south,...
Christmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Part to full shade • Soils: Medium to Moist, well-drained • Bloom Time: Not a flowering plant • Size: 1-2 feet in height This glossy green leathery fern is green year-round. It grows in...
Hyssop-leaved Boneset
Eupatorium hyssopifolium Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun to Part • Soils: Wet to dry soil conditions • Bloom Time: White flowers in August, September • Size: 2-4 feet in height This meadow plant is a vase shaped perennial. Foliage is narrow...
Black Cohosh / Bugbane
Actaea racemosa Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Partial sun, shade • Soils: Moist, average • Bloom Time: White spike flowers in June, July, August • Size: 4-5 feet in height; 2-3 foot spread Also known as black snakeroot with striking tall...
Smooth Sumac
Rhus glabra Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial, Shade • Soils: Medium to dry • Bloom Time: June, July • Size: 10-20 feet tall, spread 20 feet Colony-forming shrub – most noticeable for its brilliant fall color and bright red fruit....
Fragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial • Soils: Medium to dry • Bloom Time: June, July • Size: 2-6 feet tall, spread 6-10 feet Good fast growing ground cover for banks and slopes. Can be massed or used in wind breaks. It...
Spiderwort
Tradescantia ohiensis Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial • Soils: Medium to dry • Bloom Time: June, July • Size: 2-4 feet tall Its grass-like foliage grows in an upright form. The lavender blue flowers bloom from morning to...
Staghorn Sumac
Rhus typhina Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial, Shade • Soils: Medium to dry • Bloom Time: June, July • Size: 15-25 feet tall Colony-forming shrub – most noticeable for its brilliant fall color and bright red fruit. The plant is...
Turtlehead
Chelone glabra Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, Part Sun • Soils: Average, moist • Bloom Time: White flowers in August • Size: 2-4 feet in height White Turtlehead is named for its distinctive flowers which are said to resemble a turtle's...
Meehan’s Mint
Meehania cordata Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Part shade, shade, sun • Soils: Average, moist • Bloom Time: Lavender blue in May, June • Size: 4-8 inches in height; 4-32 inch spread This rare well-behaved mint, with its trailing stems, will...
Dense Blazing Star
Liatris spicata Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Average, moist • Bloom Time: Purple flowers in July, August • Size: 12-24 inches in height; 12-18 inch spread Also known as gayfeather it has an upright habit taking...
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Average, well-drained • Bloom Time: Purple in July, August • Size: 2-3 feet in height; 18-24 inch spread Plant this easy-to-grow, drought tolerant wildflower in the...
Spotted Joe Pye Weed – ‘Gateway’
Eutrochium maculatum Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun to part shade • Soils: Average • Bloom Time: August, September • Size: 4-5 feet in height Not indigenous to Cape Cod, but native to much of the rest of New England. Plants can be cut...
Aromatic Aster
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Prefers full sun • Soils: Prefers lean, medium-dry soil conditions • Bloom Time: Light purple flowers in September, October, sometimes into November • Size: 2 feet in height, stiff...
Blue Wood Aster / Heart-leaved Aster
Symphyotrichum cordifolium Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Partial shade, full shade, full sun • Soils: Medium to medium-dry soil conditions • Bloom Time: Light blue flowers in September, October • Size: 3 feet in height; 1-2 foot spread Blue...
Scarlet Beebalm ‘Jacob Cline’
Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’ Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Average, moist • Bloom Time: Red in July, August • Size: 3-4 feet in height; 3 foot spread Plant in a wildlife or cut flower garden or meadow and enjoy the...
Zigzag Goldenrod
Solidago flexicaulis Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, Part shade, shade, sun • Soils: Average, dry, moist • Bloom Time: Yellow in August, September, October • Size: 1-3 feet in height; 1-3 foot spread Compact pollinator plant that is shade...
Sundrops
Oenothera fruticosa Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, Part shade • Soils: Average, well-drained • Bloom Time: Yellow in May, June, July • Size: 12-24 inches in height; 24-30 inch spread Plant as a companion in a border or meadow. Also called...
Showy Aster
Eurybia spectabilis Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Shade, Partial • Soils: Medium to dry • Bloom Time: August, September • Size: 1-2 feet tall; 2 foot spread Extremely drought tolerant. Plants are somewhat unpalatable to deer and rabbits. This...
Wild Blue Phlox
Phlox divaricata Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Shade, Partial • Soils: Medium to dry • Bloom Time: May, June • Size: 1-2 feet in height This true native wild phlox has five petals and opposite leaves. It is a native to Connecticut, but not...
Groundsel Bush
Baccharis halimifolia Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Light shade to full sun • Soils: Sandy to loamy, moist to wet, well-drained • Bloom Time: August, September, October • Size: 3-10 feet in height Also called sea-myrtle or saltbush, inconspicuous...
Dwarf Witch Alder
Fothergilla gardenii Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun to part shade • Soils: Well-drained, Average • Bloom Time: May, June • Size: 1 to 3 feet in height A native to the southeastern states, this deciduous shrub does well on Cape Cod. The white...
Yellow Wild Indigo
Baptista tinctoria Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Full sun to part shade • Soils: Well-drained average to dry • Bloom Time: June, July • Size: 2-3 feet tall with 2-3 foot spread Yellow wild indigo is also called horsefly weed. It is an upright...
Black Huckleberry
Gaylussacia baccata Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun, Part Shade, Shade • Soils: Dry, moist • Bloom Time: Spring blossoms - April, May, June • Size: 1-2 feet in height Gaylussacia baccata closely resembles the native blueberry plants (Vaccinium...
Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum Growing Information • Plant Type: Grass • Sunlight: Full Sun, part • Soils: Dry, average • Bloom Time: Purplish in summer and early fall • Size: 2-5 feet in height; 2-4 foot spread A robust, warm season bunchgrass, switchgrass is best used as a...
Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii Growing Information • Plant Type: Grass • Sunlight: Full Sun • Soils: Dry, average • Bloom Time: Purplish in summer and early fall • Size: 2-5 feet in height; 2-4 foot spread A robust, warm season bunchgrass, Big Bluestem is best used as a striking...
Winterberry
Ilex verticillata Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun, part shade, shade • Soils: Moist, medium wet, medium, dry (once established) • Bloom Time: White flowers in June • Size: 6-10 feet in height Known for its stunning red berries in the late fall...
Red Maple
Acer rubrum Growing Information • Plant Type: Tree • Sunlight: Sun • Soils: Moist to average to dry • Bloom Time: April • Size: Tall Considered a keystone species because of its value to a diverse number of insect and animal species. Red maple is known for its...
Tulip Tree
Liriodendron tulipifera Growing Information • Plant Type: Tree • Sunlight: Sun • Soils: Average moisture • Bloom Time: June • Size: Tall Considered a shade tree, the tulip tree is one of the tallest hardwoods in North America. It gets its name from the shape of its...
Cutleaf Coneflower
Rudbeckia laciniata Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, Partial, Shade • Soils: Dry to moderate moisture • Bloom Time: Yellow flowers July, August • Size: 5-6 feet in height; 3 foot spread Also called green-headed coneflower. Because it...
Ox-eye Sunflower
Helianthus helianthoides Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, Part Sun • Soils: Average, Moist or Dry • Bloom Time: Yellow flowers in July, August, September • Size: 3-5 feet in height; 1-3 foot spread Useful for accent, mass or grouping....
White Wood Aster
Eurybia divaricata Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Part shade, Shade • Soils: Average, Moist or Dry • Bloom Time: White flowers in August, September • Size: 1-2 feet in height Plant as a groundcover, border, or accent plant—it is an especially...
King Solomon’s Seal
Polygonatum biflorum Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Shade, part shade • Soils: Average, moist • Bloom Time: White bell-shaped flowers in May, June • Size: 12-42 inches in height; 16-24 inch spread Arching stems and vertical character provide a...
Swamp Azalea
Rhododendron viscosum Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Shade, part shade • Soils: Average, moist • Bloom Time: White in June, July • Size: 3-5 feet in height; 3-5 feet spread Plant Swamp Azalea as a hedge, in a mixed border, native plant garden, or...
Virgin’s Bower
Clematis virginiana Growing Information • Plant Type: Vine • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Average, moist • Bloom Time: White in July, August, September • Size: 3-8 feet in height; 3-5 foot spread The most common clematis in New England, Virgin’s Bower, is a...
Foam Flower
Tiarella cordifolia Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Shade, part shade • Soils: Average, well-drained • Bloom Time: White in May, June • Size: 3-12 inches in height; 12-24 inch spread Foam Flower makes an excellent ground cover, border, or...
Trumpet Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens Growing Information • Plant Type: Vine • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Average, moist • Bloom Time: Red in May, June • Size: 4-15 feet in height; 4-8 foot spread Also called Coral Honeysuckle, the twining vine is a good choice for a trellis...
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum Growing Information • Plant Type: Tree • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Average, dry to wet • Bloom Time: Yellow in April, May • Size: 6-15 feet in height; 6-15 foot spread Plant or save Sassafras for texture and to attract wildlife. It has a...
White Pine
Pinus strobus Growing Information • Plant Type: Tree • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Average, dry • Bloom Time: Insignificant • Size: 60-90 feet in height; 25-40 foot spread Commonly found, White Pines grow reasonably rapidly, are tall, and have soft evergreen...
Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun, part shade, shade • Soils: Average, wet • Bloom Time: Yellow flowers in late October, November, December • Size: 6-15 feet in height; 6-15 foot spread Witch Hazel works well as a border...
Lowbush Blueberry
Vaccinium angustifolium Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Full sun, part shade • Soils: Dry to moist, Average • Bloom Time: White flowers in May, June • Size: 1-2 feet in height; 1-3 foot spread Grow lowbush blueberry in a rock garden or...
Cinnamon Fern
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Shade, part shade • Soils: Moist, rich to average • Bloom Time: Non-flowering • Size: Size: 2-4 feet in height; 2-3 foot spread A vase-shaped clump of green leaves provides height and...
Ostrich Fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Shade, part shade • Soils: Moist, rich • Bloom Time: Non-flowering • Size: Size: 2-3 feet in height; 2-4 foot spread Ostrich Fern fronds look like ostrich feathers and provide a striking...
Evening Primrose
Oenothera biennis Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun to shade • Soils: Dry, sandy • Bloom Time: Yellow in July, August, September • Size: Size: 2-6 feet in height; 3 foot spread The lemon-scented large yellow flowers open in the evening and...
Wild Strawberry
Fragaria virginiana Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Dry, average • Bloom Time: White flowers in April, May, June • Size: Size: 2-5 inches in height; 12-24 inch spread A fast-spreading ground cover which suppresses the...
Beach Plum
Prunus maritima Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun • Soils: Dry, average • Bloom Time: White flowers in April, May • Size: Size: 3-6 feet in height; 3-6 foot spread Plant in a sunny, sandy site as a shrub border, wild hedge, foundation planting,...
Rose Mallow
Hibiscus moscheutos Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun • Soils: Wet, average • Bloom Time: White to pink with dark centers in July, August, September • Size: 3-6 feet in height; 2-4 foot spread Shrub-like growth, mallow can be planted as a...
Royal Fern
Osmunda regalis Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Wet • Bloom Time: Non-flowering • Size: 24-42 inches in height; 24-36 inch spread Plant Royal Fern as a visual attraction in a moist to wet woodland or native shade...
Woodbine
Parthenocissus quinquefolia Growing Information • Plant Type: Vine • Sunlight: Full sun, part shade • Soils: Acidic, well-drained, average • Bloom Time: May, June, although flowers are inconspicuous • Size: 30 feet in height Also called Virginia Creeper and American...
Baptisia
Baptisia australis Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun, part shade • Soils: Acidic moist, well-drained, average • Bloom Time: Blue flowers in May, June • Size: 3-5 feet in height; 2-4 foot spread In the legume family, also called Wild Blue...
Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Average to dry moisture • Bloom Time: White to pinkish bell-shaped flowers in April, May • Size: 12 inches tall, spreading to 15 feet Woody plant that is slow...
Arrowwood
Viburnum dentatum Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Acidic moist, well-drained, average • Bloom Time: White flowers in May, June • Size: 6-10 feet in height; 5-10 foot spread Upright growing shrub that turns shades of yellow,...
Inkberry
Ilex glabra Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Moist to Average • Bloom Time: May, June – flowers called cymes are inconspicuous • Size: 3-8 feet tall, 3-6 foot spread, depending on cultivar As like other hollies, Inkberry is...
White Oak
Quercus alba Growing Information • Plant Type: Tree • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Dry, average • Bloom Time: April, May – pollen is windblown • Size: 60-80 feet in height; 30-40 foot spread Plant the majestic, long-lived White Oak for shade and stately...
Sweet Pepperbush
Clethra alnifolia Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Wet, average • Bloom Time: White to pinkish flowers in July, August • Size: 4-8 feet in height; 4-6 foot spread Plant Sweet Pepperbush where you are able to smell the spicy,...
Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana Growing Information • Plant Type: Tree • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Dry, average • Bloom Time: Non Flowering • Size: 15-30 feet in height; 3-10 foot spread Long-lived Eastern Red Cedar can be used for screening with its conical or columnar...
American Holly
Ilex opaca Growing Information • Plant Type: Tree • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Moist, well-drained, average • Bloom Time: White flowers in April, May, June • Size: 12-30 feet in height; 8-14 foot spread Plant American Holly as an evergreen specimen, massed, or...
Pitch Pine
Pinus rigida Growing Information • Plant Type: Tree • Sunlight: Sun • Soils: Dry, average • Bloom Time: May, June • Size: 30-60 feet in height; 15-25 foot spread The hardy Pitch Pine is suitable for planting in dry soil that other plants don’t tolerate. It grows...
Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Shade • Soils: Dry to moist • Bloom Time: Inconspicuous, burgundy-colored flowers in May, June • Size: 1-2 feet in height, spreads by rhizomes Also called American Ginger, Asarum canadense...
Heath Aster
Symphyotrichum ericoides Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun • Soils: Dry, average • Bloom Time: White flowers in August, September, October • Size: 1-3 feet in height; up to 1.5 foot spread Colony forming Heath Aster provides profuse, bloom...
Scrub Oak
Quercus ilicifolia Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun • Soils: Dry, average • Bloom Time: Insignificant • Size: 12-20 feet in height Scrub Oak is also called Bear Oak and is one of the smaller and more gnarled oaks in New England. It recolonizes...
Spicebush
Lindera benzoin Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun to shade • Soils: Wet, average • Bloom Time: Yellow flowers in April, May • Size: 6-12 feet in height; 6-12 foot spread Plant in naturalized woodland gardens with both male and female plants for...
Pennsylvania Sedge
Carex pensylvanica Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun to shade • Soils: Average, dry • Bloom Time: Non-flowering • Size: 6-12 inches in height; 12-18 inch spread Plant fine-textured Pennsylvania Sedge as a shade ground cover, border, or...
Shadbush
Amelanchier canadensis Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Acidic moist, well-drained, average • Bloom Time: White flowers in April, May • Size: 10-18 feet in height; 5-10 foot spread Also called Serviceberry, it is good for...
Prairie Dropseed
Sporobolus heterolepis Growing Information • Plant Type: Grass • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Dry, sandy, average • Bloom Time: Pink and brown tints in June, July, August • Size: 1-3 feet in height; 1-3 foot spread Plant as a groundcover, border, or accent plant...
Bayberry
Morella caroliniensis Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade • Soils: Moist to dry • Bloom Time: Inconspicuous flowers appear in early spring- May • Size: 5-10 feet in height Ubiquitous on Cape Cod, it is adapted to the Cape’s...
New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade • Soils: Well-drained, moderate to dry • Bloom Time: White flowers in June, July, August • Size: 2-3 feet in height; 2-3 foot spread This low growing shrub can serve as...
Culver’s Root
Veronicastrum virginicum Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Moist, average • Bloom Time: Flowers light pink to white in July, August • Size: 3-5 feet in height; 1-3 foot spread Candelabra-like flower spikes top an erect...
Pasture Rose
Rosa carolina Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Average to wet • Bloom Time: Showy pink flowers in June, July, August • Size: 2-4 feet in height; 3-4 foot spread Plant the low maintenance native rose shrub in borders, mass...
Sweet Fern
Comptonia peregrina Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun, part shade • Soils: Sandy, acidic, dry to moist • Bloom Time: Inconspicuous yellowish green flowers in April, May, June • Size: 1-3 feet in height; 4-8 foot spread Plant the nitrogen-fixing...
American Elderberry
Sambucus nigra L. ssp. canadensis Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun to part shade • Soils: Wet to dry • Bloom Time: White flowers in May, June, July • Size: 5-8 feet in height; 3-8 foot spread Plant this native as a hedge or alone. Berries and...
Highbush Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun - Shade • Soils: Moist to dry • Bloom Time: White flowers in May, June • Size: 3-12 feet in height; 3-7 foot spread Highbush Blueberry is excellent for naturalized landscaping. Provides...
Black Chokeberry
Aronia melanocarpa Growing Information • Plant Type: Shrub • Sunlight: Sun, Part Shade • Soils: Moist to dry, average • Bloom Time: White flowers in May, June • Size: 3-10 feet in height; 3-6 foot spread Plant this multi-stemmed shrub in a wildlife or mixed shrub...
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium Growing Information • Plant Type: Grass • Sunlight: Sun, Part Shade • Soils: Average, dry • Bloom Time: Non-flowering • Size: 1-3 feet in height; 8-24 inch spread This ubiquitous Cape Cod grass makes a beautiful native choice for an ornamental...
Teaberry
Gaultheria procumbens Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Shade, Part Shade • Soils: Average, dry • Bloom Time: White flowers in June, July, August • Size: 1-4 inches in height; 6-12 inch spread Plant evergreen Teaberry as a low, woody, ground...
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, Part Shade • Soils: Average to moist • Bloom Time: Deep violet to pink flowers appear in August, September • Size: 3-4 feet in height Two adaptations of being a meadow plant are...
Barren Strawberry
Waldsteinia fragarioides Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun, Part Shade • Soils: Sandy, well-drained to clay and medium loam, dry to moist • Bloom Time: Yellow flowers in May, June • Size: 3-6 inches in height; 6-12 inch spread Plant the...
Seaside Goldenrod
Solidago sempervirens Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Sun • Soils: Sandy, average moisture to dry • Bloom Time: Yellow flowers in August, September, October • Size: 2-6 feet in height; 2-3 foot spread Perennial with low maintenance is perfect...
Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Part Shade, Shade • Soils: Well-drained soils, moist to dry • Bloom Time: Non-flowering • Size: 1-2 feet in height; 12-18 inch spread Plant low maintenance Lady Fern in perennial borders,...
Partridge Pea
Chamaecrista fasciculata Growing Information • Plant Type: Annual • Sunlight: Sun, Part Shade • Soils: Sandy, well-drained, dry to moist • Bloom Time: Yellow flowers in July, August, September • Size: 1-3 feet in height; 6-12 in spread This is a native annual. Plant...
Golden Groundsel
Packera aurea Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to shade. • Soils: Moist to dry • Bloom Time: Spring blossoms - April, May, June • Size: 1 foot in height Also called Golden Ragwort and Butterweed, this rugged plant can handle...
Blue Vervain
Verbena hastata Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full to part sun • Soils: Medium to Moist • Bloom Time: July, August • Size: 3-4 feet in height Short-lived, doesn’t compete well with more aggressive vegetation. It self-seeds readily and is easy...
Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun, partial shade • Soils: Well-drained sandy soils • Bloom Time: Pink to purple flowers in June, July, August • Size: 3-4 feet in height Drought tolerant. Fragrant flowers! Plant in area...
Common Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full to part sun • Soils: Sandy to clay, needs consistent moisture • Bloom Time: White flowers from June, July, August • Size: 3-6 feet in height, 2 foot spread Use in border and wildflower...
Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Partial to full shade • Soils: Dry to moist • Bloom Time: Lavender or pink flowers in April, May, June • Size: 1-2 feet Also called Cranesbill. Its seed capsule is explosive. As a woodland...
Mistflower
Conoclinium coelestinum Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part shade. • Soils: Prefers medium to wet soils, rich in organic matter which do not dry out. • Bloom Time: Lavender-blue flowers in July, August, September • Size:...
Golden Alexanders
Zizea aurea Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part shade. • Soils: Moist to average moisture • Bloom Time: Spring blossoms - April, May, June • Size: 1-2 feet in height Tolerates drier summer soils, provided it receives moist...
Wild Quinine
Parthenium integrifolium Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade • Soils: wide range of soil types • Bloom Time: Summer- June, July, August – dense clusters of pure white flowers • Size: 3-5 feet in height Makes a great cut...
Great Blue Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part shade. • Soils: Moist, well-drained soils • Bloom Time: Late summer blossoms – July, August, September; vivid blue flower • Size: 1-3 feet in height, 1 foot spread In...
Wild Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Part shade to full shade • Soils: Well-drained and average moisture • Bloom Time: Spring blossoms - April, May, June; flower is bell-shaped red spurs with a yellow center • Size: 1-2 feet in...
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun to part shade • Soils: A wide range from moist to dry, organically rich, well-drained sand, loam, clay. • Bloom Time: Lavender flowers bloom in July, August, September • Size: 1-3 feet...
Spotted Bee Balm
Monarda punctata Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun to part shade • Soils: Dry to moist soils, does well in poor soils • Bloom Time: Summer blossoms – July, August, September; interesting flower! • Size: 2-3 feet in height Also called...
Smooth-leaved Aster
Symphyotrichum laevis Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun, partial shade • Soils: Well-drained sandy soils • Bloom Time: Late summer - August, September, lavender flowers • Size: 2-3 feet in height A non-aggressive rhizomatous root system...
Foxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun, partial shade • Soils: Average to moist, well-drained sandy soils • Bloom Time: Early summer – June, July with white to pink flowers • Size: 3-4 feet in height Drought tolerant....
Rose / Swamp Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun to part shade • Soils: Prefers moist soil, but does well in well-drained garden soil • Bloom Time: Rose-pink; bloom time is June, July • Size: 3-4 feet in height; 2 foot spread One of...
Obedient Plant / False Dragonhead
Physostegia virginiana Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun to part shade • Soils: Moist, well-drained soils • Bloom Time: Late summer – August, September; white to pink • Size: 2-5 feet in height Unlike its name implies, this plant root...
Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum muticum Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun to full shade • Soils: Dry to moist soils, does well in poor soils • Bloom Time: Summer blossoms – July, August, September; flower is diminutive bell-shaped red spurs with a yellow...
Coastal Plain Joe Pye Weed
Eutrochium (formerly Eupatorium) dubium Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun to part shade • Soils: Moist, well-drained soils • Bloom Time: Summer – July, August, September; mauve-purple flower • Size: 2-5 feet in height Moist areas in...
Butterfly Milkweed
Asclepias tuberosa Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun • Soils: Poor, well-drained • Bloom Time: Orange to yellow flowers in June, July, August • Size: 1-2 feet in height; 1-2 foot spread Plant Butterfly Milkweed in mixed borders, meadows,...
Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod
Solidago caesia Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Partial shade, full shade • Soils: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of poor, dry soils • Bloom Time: Late summer - August, September, yellow flowers • Size: 2-3 feet in height Drought tolerant,...
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia fulgida Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun, partial shade • Soils: Dry, well-drained soils • Bloom Time: Yellow-orange flowers in July, August, September • Size: 2-3 feet in height Drought tolerant, once established. Self-seeds....
Anise-scented Goldenrod
Solidago odora Growing Information • Plant Type: Perennial • Sunlight: Full sun, partial shade • Soils: Well-drained sandy soils • Bloom Time: Late summer - August, September, yellow flowers • Size: 2-3 feet in height Drought tolerant. Fragrant leaves have the scent...