Native Plants For Maryland Gardens

Native Plants Have Many Benefits

A native plants is a plant that originate in and is native to a geographical region. In other words, it naturally occurs in the area and can be found in nature.

Why Use Native Plants

Using native plants in the landscape makes sense for a whole host of reasons. Because they are native, they are used to our conditions.
Native plants are programmed to survive our winters and summer droughts.
Native plants are tolerant of local pests. This is not to say they will not sustain some damage, but far less than introduced plants. They do, however, run the risk of being damaged by pests that have been introduced to the area.
Native plants, once established need less on going care.
Native plants provide food and habitat to wildlife.

Selecting The Right Native Plants

There are a lot of native plants available on the market these days. Just like when selecting non-native plants for the garden, consider site conditions such as light exposure, soil moisture and soil quality. In this regard, native plants are no different than any other plant. They only thrive where the conditions are right for them.

Some Of Our favorite Native Plants For Maryland Gardens

Trees

Fringe Tree flowers — Fringe Tree – This native has slightly fragrant fringe-like white flowers. They literally dance in a breeze.

Amelancier canadensis next to a steel fence — Amelancier canadensis – Usually a multi-stem tree, it has something for all seasons. White flowers in spring, blue edible berries in summer, brilliant fall color.

American Dogwood flowers — American Dogwood – A true workhouse of the garden. Not only do we get to enjoy the white blooms in the spring, the red berries and maroon fall leaves make the American Dogwood a garden favorite.

Shrubs

Ilex verticillata plants — Ilex verticillata – A deciduous member of the Holly family known for its bright red berries in winter. Birds will thank you!

Ilex glabra bush — Ilex glabra – Another member of the Holly family with olive green foliage and light open form.

Physocarpis opulifolius shrub — Physocarpis opulifolius – Excellent shrub choice for year round interest. Five petaled flowers appear in dense, Spirea-like clusters in spring, giving way to a multitude of reddish berry clusters. its leaves turn yellow in the fall.

Perennials

Eutrochium maculatum bush — Eutrochium maculatum – if you want butterflies, plant this plant.

Packera aurea plant — Packera aurea – A robust groundcover where happy and an excellent cut flower. Self seeds and naturalizes.

Ferns

Osmundastrum cinnamomeum fern — Osmundastrum cinnamomeum – One of our favorite ferns. Very dependable.

Polystichum acrostichoides fern — Polystichum acrostichoides – Very easy to establish and grow where conditions are right. It requires cool, moist, well-drained soil in shade.

Dryopteris marginalis – With grayish-green leathery fronds, a great addition to any woodland garden.

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