Gray birch (Betula populifolia) is a common species that has a lot of potential for managed landscapes. It is a fast-growing tree that can thrive in poor soil and a valuable host plant for Lepidoptera.
American witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) blooms late in the fall just as most other plants are going dormant. These delicate blossoms remain in flower for a month or more, but just who are its pollinators?
Mayflower or trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens) is much beloved for its fragrant flowers, which bloom early in spring. But did you know that our state flower was once in danger of disappearing from the Commonwealth?
Goldenrods are among our most ecologically beneficial perennial wildflowers— and no, they aren’t causing your allergies! Fall in love with the beautiful and diverse genus Solidago.
Clubmosses (also called lycophytes or lycopods) are part of an ancient lineage of plants that has been extraordinarily resilient through time but is now vulnerable to the excesses of the Anthropocene.
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a native biennial wildflower that frequently pops up in newly disturbed soil. Easily disregarded as a weed, it deserves a second look for its ecological value.
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) and northern bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) are quite different in habit and typical growing conditions, but both have tremendous potential in designed landscapes.
While largely known for its eye-catching velvety catkins in late winter, the pussy willow (Salix discolor) and its fellow members of the genus Salix, are also ecological dynamos.
The very first wildflower to bloom in New England is the aptly named skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), whose highly distinctive flowers begin to emerge in March.
Looking to replace the non-native lilac or forsythia hedge in your yard? Consider chokeberry (Aronia spp.), one of the many beautiful native shrubs that we greatly underutilize in landscaping.
Winter landscapes in New England have a quiet elegance all their own. Learning how to distinguish tree species from the mass of leafless limbs can open up an entirely new layer of beauty.
Put those leaf blowers down, and ease up on your rakes! When we remove fallen leaves from our gardens we are taking away an important ecological resource.
