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
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- Fringe Tree – This native has slightly fragrant fringe-like white flowers. They literally dance in a breeze.
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- 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.
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- 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
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- Ilex verticillata – A deciduous member of the Holly family known for its bright red berries in winter. Birds will thank you!
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- Ilex glabra – Another member of the Holly family with olive green foliage and light open form.
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- 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
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- Eutrochium maculatum – if you want butterflies, plant this plant.
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- Packera aurea – A robust groundcover where happy and an excellent cut flower. Self seeds and naturalizes.
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- Lobelia cardinalis – This hummingbird favorite puts on a show in late summer with tall, vivid red flower spikes that add bold color to the late-season garden.
Ferns
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- Osmundastrum cinnamomeum – One of our favorite ferns. Very dependable.
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- Polystichum acrostichoides – Very easy to establish and grow where conditions are right. It requires cool, moist, well-drained soil in shade.
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- Dryopteris marginalis – With grayish-green leathery fronds, a great addition to any woodland garden.
Allentuck Landscaping Co. is Your Residential Landscape Company
Phone: 301-515-1900 Email: info@allentucklandscaping.com
At Allentuck Landscaping Company, our mission is to create beautiful environments for people to enjoy. We see landscaping as a way to improve people’s lives.
The Allentuck Landscaping Company team has been a leading landscape company in Montgomery County, Maryland for over 28 years with our turnkey approach to landscape design, installation, construction and maintenance. Most companies try to serve many types of customers at the same time; homeowners, shopping centers, office buildings and the list goes on. At Allentuck Landscaping Co., we focus on one customer, you, the homeowner. We have a singular focus on bringing you the best landscape practices, the best customer service, and the best value for your home.
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