Native Connections
Plants have developed over millennia to grow and reproduce in synergy with other plants, across climatic cycles and alongside other living kingdoms. Each plant has a unique place it fills in the lives of other creatures and their ecosystem in a fascinating and intricately complicated network of connections.
The Appalachian range of mountains on the east coast of the USA is rich with plant diversity that creates beauty among the forests, meadows and wetlands of the region. Plant diversity that one could get lost in and find endlessly educational and interesting. Below, we provide a few different plants that you can grow to bring a bit more nativity to your property that will also support native wildlife.
Eastern Native Sweeties
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is native to the east coast and particularly notable in regions of Virginia, as the common name suggests. It grows up to 50 feet tall, creeping across tree trunks, boulders and along the ground. This deciduous vine grows rapidly and easily in average soil. It flowers in late spring or early summer with berries maturing at the beginning of fall as the leaves senesce.
A part of the Ecosystem: The berries of the Virginia Creeper are a popular food source for local birds and small mammals. These berries ripen mid fall creating an important food source for wildlife as the season progresses into winter. This vining perennial is also a larval host for many moth species that provide a food source for bats and other wildlife.
Plant this charming native next to a shed, or at the base of a trellis and enjoy watching it grow, producing lush foliage throughout the summer that transitions to vibrant red to orange tones in the autumn.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) is a rhizomatous perennial which emerges in early spring. It flowers in late spring with one singular flower that develops atop a short flower stalk at the base of the upper most leaf. Once pollinated, a bright red berry develops that are a wildlife favorite.
A part of the Ecosystem: The bright red fruit that Goldenseal produces are a valuable food source for small mammals, deer and birds. Since is emerges early in the season, this food source is an important and relied upon food source for wildlife. Additionally, it provides an early season source of nectar and pollen source Halictid bees, commonly known as Sweat Bees.
Goldenseal can be planted throughout forest canopies as they are a staple in understory ecosystems. Plant in well-drained, but moist soils across shaded environments. You will look forward to its emergence as a true harbinger that spring has arrived.
Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) are delightful woodland natives. They are perennial, low laying and lush with feathery foliage. Emerging from the ground in early spring before deciduous trees leaf out, they flower racemes of pendulous white and yellow flowers that resemble old-timey pants.
A part of the Ecosystem: Dutchman’s Breeches’ flower structure codeveloped with bees through the years in such a way that that long-tongued native bees are the most effective pollinators for of these precious dangling pantaloons.
Plant this sweet perennial at the base of deciduous trees such as oak trees. They will emerge in early spring and provide a early pollen and nectar source for bumblebees to kick off their summer season strong.
Running Cedar (Diphasiastrum digitatum) is a well-known lush and evergreen ground cover in deciduous forests across the east coast. They are rhizomatous and spread to cover expansive understory areas, creating an enchanting forest atmosphere.
A part of the Ecosystem: Running Cedar provides a unique evergreen ground cover that provides habitat and protection for small mammals. Its extensive root structure provides soil stabilization throughout the forest understory allowing for soil processes to occur without disturbance. It also relies on mycorrhizal symbiosis for its growth, unpinning its interconnectedness to the ecosystem.
This ground cover can be planted across an evergreen and deciduous forest environment. While it is slow to establish, it will provide a burst of green year round, adding color to the grey winter months of the year.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a unique small tree that flowers in early winter. It can reach 20 ft in height and naturally inhabits streambanks, woodlands and forest margins.
A part of the Ecosystem: Witch Hazel flowers late in the year, after all its foliage has senesced, which provides an important source of pollen and nectar for pollinators right before the harsh winter sets in. These flowers eventually develop into fruit that will be enjoyed by wildlife, providing sustenance when other resources are lean.
Plant Witch Hazel in full sun or part shade locations with well-drained soil. It will reliably flower year after year and is easy to grow. Due to its late flowering, it is likely that you will enjoy its bright yellow blooms while it is covered in snow.
Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus floridus) gets its common name from the spicey fragrance of its bark, flowers and foliage. It is a medium-sized shrub and persists throughout the Eastern USA. It grows naturally in shaded woodlands and blooms in early spring with flowers of maroon with leathery petals that gentle fold away from the flower’s center.
A part of the Ecosystem: Carolina Allspice has flowers that are particularly shaped to be pollinated by beetles. Flies and butterflies are also attracted to the nectar and pollen of the flowers. Its densely branched growth habit provides ideal nesting locations for native birds.
This shrub can tolerate periods of flooding, so it is an ideal option for wet areas of your garden. Plant along a woodland edge or as a part of a rain garden. It will bring a sweet scent to the air year after year, all the while supporting native wildlife.
Supporting the Native Plants that Support Us
There are countless native plants across the east coast that can be planted on your east coast property to make it a native haven for yourself. The above options just highlight only some fo delightful perennials, deciduous vines and shrubs, and evergreen ground covers that can bring a natural feel to your yard. Shop for more east coast natives at TN Nursery.
