Lindera benzoin Common Name: Spicebush Spring is here for me when Spice Bush is displaying its delicate yellow flowers. I have been fascinated with this native PA shrub because it is the host plant for the spicebush swallowtail caterpillar which is the coolest looking caterpillar ever! The design of the caterpillar resembles a tiny snake. The “eyes” are actually a design. Spicebush does best in moist soil but I have been moving my shrub around the yard for the past…
Rudbeckia triloba This is a short-lived native perennial but it self-seeds so that you never know it’s gone! Covered with small daisy like flowers with brown centers it can grow up to 5′ tall and will brighten the garden for several weeks during mid-summer. Plant in full sun in average soil. Cut back after flowering to encourage rebloom or if you do;t want it to seed (you want some of course!). You can learn more here. This plant will be…
Onoclea sensibilis The native Sensitive Fern is called sensitive because it shrivels up at the first sign of frost. It is well adapted to wet or moist soils, where it spreads out happily (and quickly) by rhizomes. In slightly drier areas it spreads more slowly though it does not tolerate completely dry soil and will dry up until next Spring if it is too dry. It’s rather coarse texture is a welcome addition to a shady rain garden or along…
Lobelia siphilitica If you’ve got a wet spot Great Blue Lobelia (also called the Blue Cardinal Flower) is the plant for you. A native of Pennsylvania Great Blue Lobelia attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and is an exceptional plant for bumble bees and other pollinators we count on. It’s happy in sun or part shade, grows 2′ to 3′ tall and provides blue blooms for late Spring. It’s been around a long time. Iroquois used it for a cough medicine. The Meskwaki…
Lonicera sempervirens Common Name: Trumpet Honeysuckle This was the plant that I was most excited to purchase this past spring. Lonicera sempervirens is a Pennsylvania native vine that is tame enough for use in a home landscape. I planted my 12” young vine after relocating a struggling Clematis that had never fulfilled my vision for the trellis next to the patio. Trumpet Honeysuckle will grow to approximately 15 feet and can be trimmed back as necessary. Attracts hummingbirds! Although my…