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Sweet Gale
Deciduous shrub growing 1-2 m tall. Features aromatic, leathery leaves and inconspicuous catkins in early spring. Prefers wet, acidic soils and full sun to partial shade. Nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil. Tolerates flooding and salt spray. Important for wetland ecosystems. Suitable for bog gardens, wetland restorations, and shoreline plantings. Native to northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Read MoreNorthern Bayberry
Semi-evergreen shrub reaching 1.5-3 m tall with aromatic, leathery leaves and waxy gray berries persisting through winter. Tolerates sandy, infertile soils and salt spray. Features nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Male and female plants needed for berry production. Excellent for coastal landscapes, dunes, and poor soils. Berries important for winter bird food.
Read MoreWild Bergamot
Herbaceous perennial reaching 60-120 cm tall. Features aromatic, lance-shaped leaves and whorls of lavender to pink tubular flowers blooming in mid to late summer. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established. Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Resistant to deer browsing. Suitable for prairies, meadows, and herb gardens. Native to North America.
Read MoreSquare-stemmed Monkeyflower
Herbaceous perennial growing 30-90 cm tall. Features lance-shaped leaves and snapdragon-like, lavender-blue flowers blooming from mid-summer to early fall. Prefers consistently moist to wet soils and full sun to partial shade. Attracts bees and other pollinators. Self-seeds readily in favorable conditions. Suitable for rain gardens, wetland edges, and stream banks. Native to eastern and central North America.
Read MoreOstrich Fern
Deciduous fern reaching 90-150 cm tall. Features large, vase-shaped clumps of sterile fronds and separate, dark brown fertile fronds. Prefers moist, rich soils and partial to full shade. Spreads by underground rhizomes, forming colonies. Provides shelter for wildlife and adds architectural interest to shaded areas. Suitable for woodland gardens, shaded slopes, and naturalized areas in moist sites. Edible fiddleheads in spring.
Read MoreCanada Mayflower
Rhizomatous perennial reaching 8-20 cm tall. Features heart-shaped leaves and small spikes of white flowers followed by red berries. Prefers acidic, moist woodland soils and shade. Spreads aggressively by rhizomes to form extensive groundcover. Adaptable to various woodland conditions. Suitable for naturalizing in acidic shade gardens and woodland groundcover. Native to northern North America.
Read MorePale Spiked Lobelia
Herbaceous perennial reaching 30-60 cm tall. Features narrow leaves and slender spikes of small, pale blue to white flowers. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun. Drought-tolerant once established. Attracts small native bees and other pollinators. Suitable for dry prairies and meadows.
Read MoreGreat Blue Lobelia
Herbaceous perennial reaching 60-120 cm tall. Features lance-shaped leaves and tall spikes of brilliant blue flowers in late summer. Prefers moist to wet soils and partial sun to partial shade. Forms clumps through basal renewal. Important late-season pollinator plant. Suitable for rain gardens, pond edges, and moist meadows. Native to eastern and central North America.
Read MoreGreat Blue Lobelia
Herbaceous perennial reaching 60-90 cm tall. Features lance-shaped leaves and spikes of bright blue, tubular flowers. Prefers consistently moist to wet soils and full sun to partial shade. Attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. Excellent for rain gardens, stream banks, and wet meadows.
Read MoreCardinal Flower
Herbaceous perennial growing 60-120 cm tall. Features lance-shaped leaves and brilliant red, tubular flowers blooming in late summer to early fall. Prefers consistently moist to wet soils and full sun to partial shade. Attracts hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies. Suitable for rain gardens, stream banks, and pond edges. Short-lived but self-seeds in favorable conditions. Native to Americas.
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