Flower of a native serviceberry. Credit: Emily Rojik, Penn State

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This article will highlight some species of plants native to Eastern North America that could be great additions to your garden or home landscape. Choosing suitable native plants for your landscaping, rather than exotic (non-native) plants, affords significant ecological benefits. Native plants provide the best resources for our native insects and wildlife.

While attention is most often given to flowers and fruits, keep in mind that a huge ecological benefit of native plants is that they host most of the native insects that feed on plant material, like caterpillars, beetles, aphids, etc., and these insects help form the base of the food chain. Furthermore, most species of native plant-eating insects are only adapted to feed on certain types or families of native plants, so increasing native plant diversity will help native insects even more (Marinelli, 2020). Many exotic plants do not support populations of these native insects that much of our wildlife depends upon, especially songbirds. Most exotic plants also do not support the larvae of many native pollinator species.

Additionally, reducing the use of exotic plants also lowers the risk of introducing and spreading potential invasive species. The native species highlighted in this article are a very small fraction of the abundant possibilities for native landscaping. Hopefully, you will be inspired to introduce some of these plants into your landscape and to search for other native plants that may be suitable for your property.

Trees

Common or Northern hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

Height: 40-70 feet

Soil: Wide range
Light: Full-sun to part-shade

USDA zones: 3-9

northern hackberry bark — *The unique bark of northern hackberry. (Credit: Kyle Port, Arnold Arboretum – Harvard University, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0)*

If you need a tree that is good for wildlife and is also tolerant of less-than-ideal growing conditions, the northern hackberry may be for you. In fact, hackberry can tolerate a wide range of soil types and can withstand drought, soil compaction, heat, salt, wind, ice, air pollution, and short-term flooding. These tough qualities make northern hackberry a good choice for urban and suburban yards. It grows best in full-sun to part-shade.

*The leaves of a young northern hackberry. Credit: Emily Rojik, Penn State*

This medium-sized tree typically grows to 40-70 feet high. It has aesthetically-interesting bark, developing bumpy ridges and deep furrows as the tree matures. In autumn, the berry-like drupes ripen to a dark purple or brownish color and provide an excellent food source for birds and mammals. The fruits will remain on the tree into the winter until they are eaten. Northern hackberry can be used as a replacement for the ill-fated American elm (Ulmus americana) due to its similar growth form and suitability for urban environments.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)

Height: 10-25 feet, species-dependent
Soil: Moist, well-drained, variable
Light: Full-sun to part-shade, variable

USDA zones: 2-8, variety-dependent

*Shadblow serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis). Credit: (Danny Schissler, Arnold Arboretum – Harvard University, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0).*

Looking for beautiful spring blossoms and excellent wildlife value? Consider the serviceberries, which can take the form of large shrubs or small trees (10-25 feet) depending on the species. Serviceberries provide plenty of aesthetic value with their springtime display of gorgeous white flowers, beautiful fall foliage, and attractive blue-purple fruits. Their showy white blossoms make serviceberries a great alternative to the invasive Bradford or callery pear (Pyrus calleryana).

*Downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea). Credit: (Meng Li, Arnold Arboretum – Harvard University, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0).*

Serviceberries tend to grow best in moist, well-drained soil in full-sun to part-shade, but site tolerance can vary somewhat by species. The most common species in the horticultural trade for the eastern/northern U.S. include Shadblow serviceberry or shadbush (Amelanchier canadensis), Downy serviceberry (A. arborea), Allegheny serviceberry (A. laevis), and Apple serviceberry (Amelanchier x grandiflora; a hybrid of Downy + Allegheny).

Native serviceberries are very beneficial to wildlife. The spring flowers attract many pollinators, the shrubs/trees provide nesting habitat for birds, and the fruits are enjoyed by birds and other wildlife. People also enjoy the fruit and can eat it fresh or make it into jelly, syrup, and baked goods.

Black gum or black tupleo (Nyssa sylvatica)

Height: 30-50 feet
Soil: Wide range
Light: Full-sun to part-shade

USDA zones: 3-9

*The brilliant fall foliage of black gum (Nyssa sylvatica). Credit: (Kyle Port, Arnold Arboretum – Harvard University, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0).*

Another medium-sized tree (30-50 feet tall) with unique aesthetic features is the black gum, also known as black tupelo. This tree is most notable for its dark green glossy leaves, interesting bark texture (often compared to alligator skin) that can be quite variable, and stunning fall foliage (probably its best-known feature).

Black gum bark — *The unique bark of black gum. Credit: (Danny Schissler, Arnold Arboretum – Harvard University, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0).*

While the flowers of black gum are small and non-showy, they are nonetheless a good resource for pollinators. Bees are especially attracted to this tree and, in fact, honey made from black gum nectar (tupelo-honey) is world-renowned. The fruit of black gum is a good food source for birds and mammals, though several black gum trees may need to be planted in the same vicinity for fruit production to occur.

*Black gum leaves and unripe fruit. Credit: (William (Ned) Friedman, Arnold Arboretum – Harvard University, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0).*

Plant black gum in sites with full-sun to part-shade (fall color is best in full-sun), preferably in medium-to-wet soil that is well-drained, though it will tolerate poorly-drained sites as well as drought. This tree is not tolerant of high environmental pollution, so may not be suitable for urban areas. There are many cultivars of black gum available on the market.

Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Height: 30-60 feet
Soil: Dry-to-moist, well-drained
Light: Full-sun to part-shade

USDA zones: 2-9

For an evergreen option, the eastern red cedar can make a nice yard or landscape specimen and is also used for windbreaks or privacy screens. Many cultivars are available. This is a tough low-maintenance species that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including those generally inhospitable to many other tree species. Eastern red cedar will grow just fine in dry soils and withstands soil compaction, air pollution, and salt, making it another promising option for urban/suburban locations. This tree is not very tolerant of wet/poorly-drained soils. For optimum growth and health, plant eastern red cedar in full sun, though it should be okay in part-shade.

*Eastern red cedar berries are popular among many bird species. Credit: (William (Ned) Friedman, Arnold Arboretum – Harvard University, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0).*

Eastern red cedar can reach 30-60 feet in height. This tree provides wildlife value, especially when planted in groups. The small blue berries are eaten by many birds and other animals, and the dense evergreen foliage offers excellent cover for birds and small animals. This tree may be browsed by deer, especially in winter months. An important note is that red cedar can be a host for cedar-apple rust, a disease that can negatively impact other related species, including apple trees, crabapples, and hawthorns. Therefore, it may be best to avoid planting eastern red cedar near these other species, and extra caution should be exercised near apple orchards.

Shrubs

Red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia)

Height: 6-10 feet
Soil: Wide range
Light: Full-sun to part-shade

USDA zones: 4-9

*Red chokeberry. Credit: (Kyle Port, Arnold Arboretum – Harvard University, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0).*

If you would like a shrub that provides visual appeal throughout the year plus a main ingredient for homemade jelly or baked goods, give red chokeberry a try. This attractive medium-sized (6-10 feet tall) shrub puts on a beautiful autumn display of orange-red foliage, along with bright red edible berries that persist through the winter. The berries attract birds and mammals, but can also be enjoyed by people (as the name "chokeberry" may imply, these berries are best enjoyed in cooked form, rather than raw). The flowers of this shrub are used by pollinators.

*Striking fall color and ripe berries of red chokeberry. Credit: (Bob Mayer, Arnold Arboretum – Harvard University, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0).*

Red chokeberry grows very well in medium-moisture soils, but it also tolerates a wide range of conditions including wet soil, drought (once established), compacted soil, and urban environments. Plant this shrub in full sun (for best flowering/fruiting) or part-shade. It also tends to form colonies over time. Due to its bright fall foliage and urban tolerance, red chokeberry may be a good alternative to the invasive burning bush (Euonymus alatus).

American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Height: 9-12 feet
Soil: Average to somewhat wet; not dry or saturated
Light: Full-sun to part-shade

USDA zones: 4-9

Another shrub with great edible potential is the American elderberry. In fact, there is an industry in which elderberry is cultivated for its fruits, and many native cultivars have been selected over the years for improved fruit production. However, this shrub also makes a wonderful plant for home landscapes or natural/habitat areas. American elderberry generally grows 9-12 feet tall, produces showy white flowers in early summer which attract pollinators, and yields large clusters of small fruits that turn deep-purple when ripe. These fruits are enjoyed by wildlife as well as people. It should be noted that all parts of the plant are somewhat poisonous to people when ingested, including the seeds inside raw fruit. The ripe fruit should only be eaten cooked, as cooking neutralizes the toxins in the seed. The fruit is often used in jelly, syrup, wine, and baked goods.

American elderberry can be grown in full-sun to part-shade and prefers moist, slightly acidic soil. It can handle average to somewhat wet soil, but won't do well in very dry or saturated soils. This shrub spreads through root suckers but can be pruned to maintain smaller dimensions. When purchasing elderberry, be careful to avoid the non-native European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), which is common in the horticultural trade and produces less-palatable fruit.

Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana, H. vernalis, and H. ovalis)

Height: 10-25 feet, species-dependent
Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates some drought
Light: Full-sun to part-shade

USDA zones: 3-9, species-dependent

*A common witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) in a Pennsylvania understory. Credit: Emily Rojik, Penn State*

The native witch-hazels provide a somewhat unique visual interest to the landscape, especially during the fall and winter. There are three species native to North America, the most common one being the aptly-named common witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) which is often found in forest understories throughout eastern North America. It generally grows as a small tree (up to 25 feet high), often multi-stemmed, and is prone to root-suckering. It enjoys moist, rich, well-drained soil but can also tolerate clay soil and some drought once established. Most sources recommend planting in full-sun to part-shade, but its common natural forest-understory habitat indicates that common witch-hazel is decently tolerant of shade.

*The leaves of common witch-hazel. Credit: Emily Rojik, Penn State*

*Unique, fall-blooming flowers of common witch-hazel. Credit: Emily Rojik, Penn State*

Aside from the generally attractive leaves, growth form, and fall leaf color, a prominent feature of common witch-hazel is its distinctive, fall-blooming, yellowish flowers. They have a somewhat scraggly appearance individually, but collectively they produce a lovely and unique display that adds much late-season visual interest to a landscape from October through December. These unusual flowers provide a late-season nectar source and are pollinated by some moths, flies, beetles, and bees. The seeds are consumed by birds and mammals. Witch-hazel may be browsed by deer but generally tolerates browsing.

The Ozark witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) is only found naturally in the Ozark region of the southern-midwestern U.S., but it is reportedly hardy to USDA zone 4 or 5 and can therefore be used in landscaping much further north than its natural range. Ozark witch-hazel is similar to common witch-hazel, but it takes the form of a medium-to-large shrub (6-10 feet tall) and blooms in late-winter or very early-spring. The third native witch-hazel, Hamamelis ovalis, is not common in the nursery trade. The witch-hazels have a long history of medicinal use and extracts are still used in some ointments, soaps, and lotions today.

Beware of the two exotic witch-hazel species, Chinese (Hamamelis hollis) and Japanese (Hamamelis japonica) as well as hybrid cultivars of the two (Hamamelis x intermedia), which are very popular in the nursery trade.

Northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Height: 6-15 feet
Soil: Moist, rich, or wet; not dry
Light: Part-shade

USDA zones: 5-9

A personal favorite of mine, northern spicebush can grow as high as 15 feet but more commonly reaches 6-10 feet. This shrub is well-suited to more shady sites where it prefers moist, rich soil or even wet soil. It also tolerates clay but it is not tolerant of drought or heat. Spicebush grows uniquely oval-shaped, smooth leaves and tends to grow in an attractive graceful form with several smooth stems. In early spring, before growing leaves, spicebush blooms with unique, small, yellowish-green flowers that provide an early-season food source for pollinators.

*Attractive autumn foliage of northern spicebush. Credit: Emily Rojik, Penn State*

During the summer, this shrub grows numerous berries that turn bright red as they ripen in late-summer and fall. The berries remain on the plant through winter until they are consumed, and are enjoyed by many birds and other wildlife. To have fruit production, male and female shrubs will need to be planted in the same vicinity. Spicebush also provides attractive fall color, gradually turning bright yellow so there is often a mixture of green and yellow leaves along with red berries. The most distinctive characteristic of spicebush is its unique spicy fragrance, which I often compare to a Christmas tree, produced when the leaves are crushed or the stems/twigs are broken (hence the name "spicebush"). This 'spiciness' actually helps the plant resist browsing by deer or rabbits. In eastern forests with significant deer impact, it is common to see lots of spicebush in the understory because deer preferentially browse many other plants and tend to avoid spicebush when possible.

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Height: 6-15 feet
Soil: Moist to wet
Light: Full-sun to part-shade

USDA zones: 5-9

If your property has a low-lying area with very wet soil, or if you have a stream or pond, the buttonbush is certainly worth considering as a possible addition to your native plant community. This shrub is extremely water-loving and wants to be planted in a site that will keep its feet wet. It will even grow in standing water! Conversely, it does not tolerate drought so if you plant it in soil that gets somewhat dry in the hotter months, it will need frequent supplemental watering. When its moisture requirements are met, buttonbush will grow well in full-sun to part-shade. It does not tolerate salt.

*Many birds and animals eat the seeds of buttonbush. Credit: (Meng Li, Arnold Arboretum – Harvard University, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0).*

Buttonbush generally reaches heights of 6-8 feet but can grow as tall as 12-15 feet. It spreads by root suckers but can be pruned to maintain smaller dimensions if desired. Because of its affinity for water and spreading habit, buttonbush can be a great shrub for erosion control on stream banks. This shrub is also an excellent wildlife plant, attracting many pollinators and hummingbirds to its very unique, spherical white flowers. Birds, including waterfowl, and small animals also consume the seeds and find shelter in/under the plant. If growing over or in a water body, buttonbush can also provide habitat for aquatic organisms. A variety of native buttonbush cultivars are also available in the nursery trade.

Forbs

Goldenrods (Solidago spp.)

Height: Variable, up to 7 feet
Soil: Dry to moist, species-dependent
Light: Full-sun to part-shade

USDA zones: Species-dependent

Most people in North America are familiar with the gorgeous late-summer/autumn meadows awash in golden hues, thanks to our lovely goldenrods. Contrary to popular belief, goldenrod does not cause hay fever (the very showy goldenrod often gets blamed for allergies actually caused by ragweed, which blooms inconspicuously during the same time period).

There are many different species of goldenrod, but the majority of them reach peak bloom in late-summer and through fall. This bloom time is very beneficial for our pollinators, who still need food when most other plants are done flowering. Their beauty and pollinator-benefits make goldenrods a wonderful addition to any home landscape. Goldenrods also support the larvae of many beneficial native insects.

*Rough Canada goldenrod. Credit: (Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution, Richard A. Howard Photograph Collection, United Kingdom, England, Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens. USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database).*

Most goldenrods are hardy, deer-resistant plants adapted to sunny sites with dry soils, but many will tolerate a range of conditions. There are many native goldenrod species and cultivars, so research different ones to find something suitable for your site and planting objectives. Some goldenrods spread more aggressively through rhizomes and are probably suited for meadow plantings or larger pollinator gardens. Other species/cultivars are less aggressive or are more clump-forming and would work better in smaller gardens. Goldenrods are well-complemented by native fall-blooming asters, which bloom during the same time frame and tend to be shades of purple, blue, or white.

Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)

Height: Variable
Soil: Wide range, species-dependent
Light: Full-sun to full-shade, species-dependent

USDA zones: Species-dependent

The native fall-flowering asters are another great late-season resource for our pollinators and, because there are many species and cultivars, you should be able to find ones that suit your planting site. Like I mentioned above, fall asters look especially lovely when planted with goldenrod for a beautiful fall pollinator garden or meadow. When shopping for asters, keep in mind there are many exotic species/cultivars on the market.

Many asters grow best in moist, well-drained soil with full-sun, including New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii), New England aster (S. novae-angliae), and flat-topped aster (Doellingeria umbellata) as some common examples. Other asters prefer moist soil but will also handle dry soil and full-shade (although they bloom better in part-shade). Examples include blue wood aster (S. cordifolium), Drummond's aster (S. drummondii), white wood aster (Eurybia divaricata), and big-leaf aster (Eurybia macrophylla).

*White-wood aster (Eurybia divaricata). Credit: Emily Rojik, Penn State*

The short-statured aromatic aster (S. oblongifolium) tolerates a range of soils and can be used as a groundcover. The smooth blue aster (S. laeve) blooms in September-October and likes some shade. These are just some examples of a large genus of plants, so do some research to find the right asters for your property. Note that asters may be damaged by deer and rabbits.

White turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

Height: 2-3 feet
Soil: Moist to wet
Light: Full-sun to part-shade

USDA zones: 3-8

For a unique wildflower to plant in moist-to-wet sites, look no further than white turtlehead. This clump-forming perennial grows 2-3 feet tall, blooms in late-summer to early-fall, and grows naturally in riparian areas, open woods, wet meadows, and similar sites. It prefers part-shade but will do fine in full-sun as long as the soil remains moist. White turtlehead can be a great choice for rain gardens and can be grown in average-moisture soil with supplemental watering. It does not tolerate salt.

*A bumblebee enjoying a white turtlehead flower. Credit: Emily Rojik, Penn State*

Turtlehead derives its unusual name from the shape of its unusual 2-lipped flowers, which somewhat resemble…you guessed it…a turtle's head. The flowers are mostly white, often tinged with pink, and are especially well-liked by bumblebees, though they also attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This plant is also a larval host for several native butterflies, including Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) and Common buckeye (Junonia coenia). The bitter leaves help turtlehead to be generally deer- and rabbit-resistant. White turtlehead is also available as a cultivar called 'Black Ace.’'There are other species in the genus Chelone that are also native to North America, though white turtlehead (Chelone glabra) is the only one that is commonly found in the wild in the northeastern United States, and several of the species only naturally occur in the South or Midwest.

Wild ginger (Asarum spp. and Hexastylis spp.)

Height: Up to 10 inches
Soil: Moist, well-drained; clay tolerated
Light: Part-shade to full-shade

USDA zones: 3-8, species-dependent

*Canadian wild ginger (Asarum canadense). Credit: (Meng Li, Arnold Arboretum – Harvard University, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0).*

If you need a native, low-growing groundcover that can handle shade, wild ginger might be for you. The three main native wild ginger species are Canadian wild ginger (Asarum canadense; zones 3-7), arrowleaf ginger (Hexastylis arifolia; zones 4-8), and large flower heartleaf (Hexastylis shuttleworthii; zones 5-8). There are also other native wild gingers that are less common in the horticultural industry. In North America, wild ginger in the genus Asarum is deciduous while those in the genus Hexastylis are evergreen. Watch out for exotic European and Asian wild gingers, which are common in horticulture.

*The unique, inconspicuous flower of wild ginger. Credit: (Jennifer Anderson, United States, Iowa, Muscatine Co., Muscatine, Wild Cat Den State Park. USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database).*

Native wild gingers are in a different family than culinary ginger, but they do have a similarly spicy aroma and taste, and were used by Native Americans as a food seasoning. Wild gingers have dark green, heart-shaped, kidney-shaped, or arrow-shaped leaves and inconspicuous, maroon-colored, triangular flowers that are generally on the ground, hidden beneath the leaves. They are pollinated by ants, beetles, and other ground-dwelling insects. Plant wild ginger in full-shade to part-shade (the leaves may burn if they get too much sun), preferably in moist, well-drained, organic soil but clay is also acceptable. Space individual plants 12-24 inches apart and allow them to gradually spread out and form a mat.

Wild ginger is generally not bothered by deer, but it may be damaged by snails and slugs, especially in the spring.

Summary

I hope you’ve been thoroughly convinced to try at least one of these plants in your home landscape or naturalized area. However, whether you are sold on any of the above plants or not, I do hope you will continue your quest for native plants that suit your property and objectives. Our native insects and wildlife will thank you!

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