![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Yellow-Coneflower.jpg\")
There’s a lot more to Detroit than just Comerica Park, the Eastern Market, and Mototown. From the Riverwalk to Belle Isle, the Motor City is also home to an amazing array of native plants that can add a touch of Michigan’s natural beauty to your yard. To help you incorporate them into your landscape design, […]
\n","content":"\nThere’s a lot more to Detroit than just Comerica Park, the Eastern Market, and Mototown. From the Riverwalk to Belle Isle, the Motor City is also home to an amazing array of native plants that can add a touch of Michigan’s natural beauty to your yard. To help you incorporate them into your landscape design, we’ve compiled a list of the best native plants for Detroit lawns.
\n\n\n\nThese native trees and plants won’t only improve the appearance of your yard but also come with a range of additional benefits:
\n\n\n\nWhether you prefer showy wildflowers, elegant trees, or a mix of both, these 10 best native plants for Detroit are sure to enhance your outdoor space and bring you closer to the natural beauty of the city.
\n\n\n\nHere’s what we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Frank Mayfield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs a member of the sunflower family, the yellow coneflower produces beautiful, bright yellow flowers that bloom from mid-June to September, providing a long-lasting burst of color in your garden. While it can endure some degree of light shade, it requires full sun conditions to thrive – so it’s not the best choice for heavily shaded yards.
\n\n\n\nYellow coneflower is also low-maintenance and resistant to many common plant pets, such as Lygus bugs, leafhoppers, aphids, and Japanese beetles. Plus, it’s a pollinator magnet, so you’ll be doing your part to support Detroit’s wildlife by planting it in your yard.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Mid-range soil moist; it can thrive in various soil types, including clay, sandy, and calcareous.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Mid-Season (June to August)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. If it grows tall stems, these may require support. To encourage new growth, prune back 1 to 2 inches above the ground during early to mid-spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Common-Boneset.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommon boneset is a versatile and attractive plant that can bring both aesthetic and practical benefits to your yard. This plant is known for its Detroit’s winter hardiness, beautiful clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in late summer and fall, and its medicinal properties.
\n\n\n\nIt can tolerate a range of soil conditions, from dry to moist, and it will reach around 3 to 4 feet tall under full sun conditions. Now, keep in mind that common boneset spreads via underground rhizomes. As a result, it’s best to avoid planting it in the same flower bed as other Detroit native plants.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organic-rich moist to wet sandy or clay soils; though it can also tolerate dry soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, floral scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer to early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. To shield the roots from the harsh effects of Detroit’s deep winter freezes, it’s recommended to apply a three-inch layer of mulch.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs a wetland species, swamp milkweed is commonly found along the edges of streams and rivers, wet meadows, and swamps. In fact, if you like to spend time outdoors around Detroit’s great lakes and rivers, you’re probably already familiar with it. The plant produces clusters of pink or purple flowers that are attractive to pollinators like butterflies and bees, and it serves as a host plant for the caterpillars of the Monarch butterfly.
\n\n\n\nThis species prefers full sun or partial shade, and it’s adaptable to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. It’s also a good idea to plant it somewhere that’s well-drained, because although it needs moist soil, it doesn’t like to sit in flooded areas.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Midsummer to fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals in large quantities
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is known for its cheerful yellow petals and dark center. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and thrive in various conditions, whether it’s full sun or partial shade, dry or moist soil – this plant will adapt and flourish.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, black-eyed Susan is a practical choice for erosion control and stabilization. Its deep root system helps to hold soil in place, preventing it from being washed away during heavy rain or wind. This means that if your lawn is already damaged or sloped, black-eyed Susan can help stabilize the soil and prevent further erosion.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun. Can tolerate some partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, moist, well drained soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual , Perennial, or Biennial depending on growing conditions
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early summer to early fall (Jun – Sept)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. During its first season, it should be irrigated with only one inch of water per week – once established, it’ll be drought-resistant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed gets its name from its ability to attract a wide variety of butterflies, including monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries. These butterflies are drawn to its bright orange and yellow flowers, which provide a rich source of nectar. It’s also a hardy and easy-to-grow plant. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but it can also grow in partial shade and tolerate drought once established.
\n\n\n\nNow, butterfly weed is not for impatient gardeners. If you choose to grow it from seed, it can take up to two years to bloom. Besides, it’s prone to aphids. You can control them through natural methods such as spraying the plants with a strong stream of water or applying insecticidal soap. Ladybugs and lacewings are also natural predators of aphids and can help keep their populations in check.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained dry to mid-range soil moist. Loam, sand, or clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet vanilla fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and pets
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Trembling-Aspen.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tewy / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nTrembling aspen (aka quaking aspen) is known for its striking white bark and shimmering leaves that flutter in the breeze, giving it its common name. This tree is a fast grower, reaching heights of up to 60 feet – way taller than the Spirit of Detroit statue! To get there, though, you’ll need to maintain it frequently. It requires at least four hours of daily sunlight as well as generous watering and fertilization.
\n\n\n\nOne potential issue to be aware of when growing trembling aspen is its susceptibility to insect pests such as tent caterpillars and aspen leaf miners. These pests can cause defoliation and damage to the tree. You can control them using natural pesticides or by encouraging natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 1 to 6
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry to mid-range, organic-rich, well-drained soil moist
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 60 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Midwest Region / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nNew England aster is a tall, elegant plant that produces masses of purple flowers in late summer and fall, providing a burst of color to your garden when many other plants are slowing down. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, and prefers slightly acidic pH levels.
\n\n\n\nWhile it can tolerate partial or light shade, this plant needs at least six to eight hours of daily sunlight to thrive. Detroit’s humidity during the summer can become an issue if you don’t provide adequate air circulation around your New England aster plants. To prevent fungal diseases, make sure to space them out properly.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sandy, loamy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer – early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ninebark.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nNinebark’s dense growth and multi-stemmed habit make it an excellent choice for creating a living privacy screen around your garden beds or lawn. This shrub is known for its striking bark, which peels away in layers to reveal a range of colors including red, brown, and orange. In addition to its attractive bark, ninebark produces clusters of small white or pink flowers in the spring and summer, which are followed by red or brown fruit in the fall.
\n\n\n\nOne of the great things about ninebark is that it is a low-maintenance plant that requires little pruning or special care. However, if you want to keep the plant looking its best, you can prune it in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry to moist clay and loam soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer (May – Jun)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Virgins-Bower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Melissa McMasters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVirgin’s Bower (also known as woodbine, the devil’s darning needles, and old man’s beard) is a vigorous climber that can grow up to 20 feet tall, making it perfect for covering a trellis, fence, or other vertical structure in your yard. This plant prefers well-draining soils that are moist but not waterlogged and produces feathery seed heads that persist into the winter months.
\n\n\n\nJust a heads up, though: Virgin’s Bower can be quite the go-getter. It spreads quickly by self-seeding and can take over other plants if not managed properly. So, if you want to keep it in check, be sure to prune it back in the spring and keep it away from delicate plants.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organic-rich, well-drained loamy or silty soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 12 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Little-bluestem.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alexschott / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nLittle bluestem is a warm-season grass that typically blooms in mid to late summer, producing fluffy seed heads that persist into the winter months. The plant’s foliage is a gorgeous blue-green color in the summer, turning to shades of orange, red, and bronze in the fall – it’s like having a mini autumn in your garden!
\n\n\n\nAnother great thing about little bluestem is that it’s low-maintenance. It’s drought-tolerant and can adapt to a wide range of soil types, making it a great choice for Detroit’s climate. Plus, it’s deer-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about pesky critters munching on your plants.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry to moist, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: August – February
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nBefore picking a native plant, the first thing you should do is take a look at your yard and think carefully about its conditions. Is it sunny or shady? Is the soil sandy or clay-based? Are there any areas that are particularly wet or dry? Choose plants that are well-suited to your yard’s conditions to ensure their success.
\n\n\n\nAnother thing to consider is maintenance. Native plants are generally low-maintenance, but it’s still important to think about your ability to care for them. Choose plants that fit your time and energy level, and consider factors like pruning and watering requirements.
\n\n\n\nAlthough we highly recommend the native plants mentioned earlier, there are many other options available (native and non-native) that might better align with your preferences. Detroit falls under USDA hardiness zone 6b, indicating that the region’s average minimum temperature ranges from -5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. When exploring alternative plants, make sure that they are suitable for the hardiness zone of Detroit.
\n\n\n\nDetroit’s winters can be quite challenging, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and heavy snowfall. That’s why, generally, the ideal time to plant is in the spring or early fall, when the weather is cooler and there is more moisture in the soil.
Most Detroit native plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. However, make sure you research the specific pH needs of your chosen native plants before planting them in your garden. If you don’t, it can lead to stunted growth, nutrient deficiencies, and even plant death.
In Michigan, it’s illegal to collect certain native species, such as club mosses and all trillium species. These plants play an important role in local ecosystems and are protected to ensure their survival. Additionally, there are some endangered native plants that you’ll want to avoid collecting to help preserve their populations.
If you’re a fan of walking along the Detroit Riverfront or taking a trip to Belle Isle Park, you’ve probably already seen most of these plants. These sites boast several native flowers, including Black-eyed Susans, New England asters, and yellow coneflowers.
\n\n\n\nBut if you want to bring some of that natural beauty into your own yard, you can check your locally-owned and operated nurseries to see whether they have Michigan native plants in stock. These are some recommended options:
\n\n\n\nFilling your garden with native plants is a great starting point to create your dream outdoor space. However, if you don’t take care of the other aspects of your landscape, your natural oasis won’t reach its full potential. Leave the lawn care to the experts and connect with a local pro to achieve your landscaping goals.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Swamp Milkweed at Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge / USFWS Midwest Region / Flickr / Public Domain
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Detroit, MI","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/3e1414b7a3a97b3009846af5a45b099f/1789c/swamp-milkweed-plant.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3e1414b7a3a97b3009846af5a45b099f/107df/swamp-milkweed-plant.jpg 320w,\n/static/3e1414b7a3a97b3009846af5a45b099f/293e9/swamp-milkweed-plant.jpg 500w,\n/static/3e1414b7a3a97b3009846af5a45b099f/f2cbb/swamp-milkweed-plant.jpg 800w,\n/static/3e1414b7a3a97b3009846af5a45b099f/1789c/swamp-milkweed-plant.jpg 960w,\n/static/3e1414b7a3a97b3009846af5a45b099f/c26c2/swamp-milkweed-plant.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3e1414b7a3a97b3009846af5a45b099f/1dd6e/swamp-milkweed-plant.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3e1414b7a3a97b3009846af5a45b099f/67b76/swamp-milkweed-plant.webp 320w,\n/static/3e1414b7a3a97b3009846af5a45b099f/8df11/swamp-milkweed-plant.webp 500w,\n/static/3e1414b7a3a97b3009846af5a45b099f/98a65/swamp-milkweed-plant.webp 800w,\n/static/3e1414b7a3a97b3009846af5a45b099f/1dd6e/swamp-milkweed-plant.webp 960w,\n/static/3e1414b7a3a97b3009846af5a45b099f/3cc96/swamp-milkweed-plant.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Detroit, MI | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Looking to add some native beauty to your yard? Check out the best native plants for Detroit, plus tips on where to find them at local nurseries."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"2c56fb20-6f4d-5425-a127-01cec8f5ca09","slug":"best-grass-types-kalamazoo","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/kalamazoo-mi/best-grass-types-kalamazoo/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Beck Carter","id":"3b38b422-934a-5aae-81e6-7a8844634ab1","path":"/author/beck-carter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/faa5e8711d89766a0fe69560b04f52b1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"53aa6d67-4558-57a4-9dbf-f80e223a4fcb","name":"Kalamazoo, MI","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/kalamazoo-mi/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"}],"date":"March 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"The Wolverine State, the Mitten State, the Great Lake State. Whatever you call it, Michigan is known for its natural beauty and unique geography. No city in Michigan is more unique than the city of Kalamazoo, known for its Potawatomi name, which has appeared in everything from Johnny Cash songs to Dr. Seuss books. It’s […]
\n","content":"\nThe Wolverine State, the Mitten State, the Great Lake State. Whatever you call it, Michigan is known for its natural beauty and unique geography. No city in Michigan is more unique than the city of Kalamazoo, known for its Potawatomi name, which has appeared in everything from Johnny Cash songs to Dr. Seuss books.
\n\n\n\nIt’s a great place to call home, especially if home – meaning your yard – is as attractive as the rest of the city. Don’t worry about going all the way to Timbuktu to learn what grass works for your Kalamazoo lawn. We cover the very best types below.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nIn Michigan, where each season is distinct and vibrant and winters are frosty, cool-season grasses thrive. Cool-season grasses grow actively in early spring and fall. These grasses stay green late into the fall season before going dormant.
\n\n\n\nHere is a closer look at each.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ty Haller / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a turfgrass that is native to Europe. It arrived in the United States in the 1800s. Now, this grass can be found all over the world.
\n\n\n\nThis grass is very popular because it requires little maintenance and is incredibly durable. Tall fescue is a good option for homeowners concerned with conserving water. It possesses strong resistance to disease and insects. Tall fescue is a coarse grass that grows rapidly. As a weed, it can be tough to manage when mixed with other turfgrasses, so it’s best to seed tall fescue in a pure stand.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: No higher than 3 inches
\n\n\n\nFine fescue grasses do well in shady locations. Chewings fescue, sheep fescue, and hard fescue are bunch-type grasses that grow slowly. Creeping red fescues, on the other hand, spread more rapidly because they have rhizomes.
\n\n\n\nUnlike tall fescue, it is best not to seed fine fescue in a pure stand due to its tendency to accumulate thatch. Fine fescue does well when blended with Kentucky bluegrass, however. Fine fescue can attract butterflies to your lawn but reists grazing animals like deer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type, rhizomes (creeping red only)
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nColonial bentgrass thrives in cool coastal regions but can be found in lawns and golf courses all over Michigan. This soft, fine-bladed, light green grass is great for picture-perfect lawns. But you can expect to spend more time maintaining colonial bentgrass due to its low tolerance to foot traffic and drought.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: ½ to 1 inch
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is the most popular turfgrass in Michigan and for good reason. This grass is known for being long-lasting and recovering well in areas with high traffic. Blended with other turfgrasses, Kentucky bluegrass thrives under a variety of conditions. It can be identified by its distinctive boat-shaped leaves which are dark green in color.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is great for use in lawns with heavy foot traffic because of how quickly it establishes. These grasses have long growing seasons and can also be used for grazing. Perennial ryegrass is very adaptable to a wide variety of soils but does best in fertile, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow actively in late spring and summer. While these grasses thrive better in southern states, they can be extremely low maintenance due to their drought tolerance. If you’re looking for alternative lawn options that require less mowing, grasslike perennials can be a good choice.
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UC-Verde-Buffalograss-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBuffalo grass is one of the most drought-tolerant grasses. While warm-season grasses such as this one may brown earlier in the fall than cool season grasses, this grass does well once established.
\n\n\n\nBuffalo grass has high seed and sod costs. However, buffalograss can be sustained with very little fertilizer, water, or mowing. It also resists weeds more than other varieties.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pennsylvania-Sedge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPennsylvania sedge is a grasslike plant that is a perfect ground cover alternative for lawns. When planted properly, this perennial functions like a lawn but requires minimal mowing or fertilizing. Good for areas with heavy shade, Pennsylvania sedge is perfect for a woodland garden.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Grass-like perennial
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 3 to 4 inches
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is not only low maintenance but a very durable grass type.
Perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass are the best options for lawns that get a lot of use.
Fine fescue grasses tolerate heavy shade very well.
Tall fescue, creeping red fescue, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass are all good grass types for homeowners with pets due to their high urine tolerance.
Each of these common Kalamazoo grass types has characteristics that make it suitable for certain lawn conditions. Homeowners should select the grass type that best aligns with their lawn’s conditions, aesthetic preferences, and the level of maintenance they prefer.
Other ways to make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood and help it thrive in Michigan’s weather is by incorporating native plants. Check out our list of native plants to find low maintenance options that can survive Michigan winters. For help with lawn maintenance in Kalamazoo, contact your local professional.
Main Photo Credit: Andrew Jameson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Kalamazoo, MI","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7391304347826086,"src":"/static/9b53cc7665781f914d2e746c925f5124/1789c/SouthStreetHistoricDistrictBKalamazooMI.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9b53cc7665781f914d2e746c925f5124/107df/SouthStreetHistoricDistrictBKalamazooMI.jpg 320w,\n/static/9b53cc7665781f914d2e746c925f5124/293e9/SouthStreetHistoricDistrictBKalamazooMI.jpg 500w,\n/static/9b53cc7665781f914d2e746c925f5124/f2cbb/SouthStreetHistoricDistrictBKalamazooMI.jpg 800w,\n/static/9b53cc7665781f914d2e746c925f5124/1789c/SouthStreetHistoricDistrictBKalamazooMI.jpg 960w,\n/static/9b53cc7665781f914d2e746c925f5124/c26c2/SouthStreetHistoricDistrictBKalamazooMI.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9b53cc7665781f914d2e746c925f5124/1dd6e/SouthStreetHistoricDistrictBKalamazooMI.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9b53cc7665781f914d2e746c925f5124/67b76/SouthStreetHistoricDistrictBKalamazooMI.webp 320w,\n/static/9b53cc7665781f914d2e746c925f5124/8df11/SouthStreetHistoricDistrictBKalamazooMI.webp 500w,\n/static/9b53cc7665781f914d2e746c925f5124/98a65/SouthStreetHistoricDistrictBKalamazooMI.webp 800w,\n/static/9b53cc7665781f914d2e746c925f5124/1dd6e/SouthStreetHistoricDistrictBKalamazooMI.webp 960w,\n/static/9b53cc7665781f914d2e746c925f5124/3cc96/SouthStreetHistoricDistrictBKalamazooMI.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass Types for Kalamazoo, MI","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Looking to refresh your lawn? Cool-season grasses thrive in Kalamazoo, and these five grasses are great options."}}},{"node":{"id":"af0ab3b1-589f-5ebb-b53b-eeca82d451bc","slug":"best-native-plants-southeast-virginia","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/southeast-virginia/best-native-plants-southeast-virginia/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"e3ae6f66-0bfc-57c1-9bb1-48a2124e6360","name":"Southeast Virginia","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/southeast-virginia/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"Southeast Virginia is blessed with a temperate climate where you can enjoy the outdoors all year round. From snapping pictures of seals in Blakeney Point to taking long walks in Buckroe Beach and Park, there are plenty of activities for nature lovers to enjoy. Wondering how you can give back to the local ecosystem? With […]
\n","content":"\nSoutheast Virginia is blessed with a temperate climate where you can enjoy the outdoors all year round. From snapping pictures of seals in Blakeney Point to taking long walks in Buckroe Beach and Park, there are plenty of activities for nature lovers to enjoy. Wondering how you can give back to the local ecosystem? With 10 of the best native plants for Southeast Virginia, you get to spruce up your backyard and support the local wildlife habitat.
\n\n\n\nNative plant gardens are generally low-maintenance, water-efficient, and essential to the survival of butterflies and pollinators. However, it is important to note that not all Virginia-native plants thrive in this part of the state. The following section will list some of the best plants for your native Southeast landscape, along with their characteristics.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis part of Virginia, east of Piedmont, lies in USDA Hardiness zones 7b and 8a. The temperature typically varies from 32 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit, with muggy summers and cold, windy winters. Hampton Roads and Chesapeake Bay are not prone to prolonged periods of extreme weather, allowing a variety of plant species to thrive.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Chokeberry-Aronia-arbutifolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mr.TinMD / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed chokeberry is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with green leaves that turn orangish-red in the fall. During this period, pear-shaped berries appear and may persist through winter. These fruits can be used in making jams, but can also be eaten raw!
\n\n\n\nRed chokeberry is an excellent addition to your native landscape with high wildlife value. It is a source of nectar to bees and butterflies. Additionally, this plant’s fruits are an excellent food source for a variety of birds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet-scented
\n\n\n\nBloom time: February – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Leaves, bark, stem, and stones (seed pit) are all toxic. Chewing on the stems and leaves could be fatal.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Common-Buttonbush-Cephalanthus-occidentalis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Cosmonaut / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCommon buttonbush is a hardy shrub with green leaves and round flower clusters. They tend to bloom during midsummer. This native plant species is a fast grower, making it useful to prevent erosion in wetlands or near rivers. Common buttonbush attracts more than 24 species of birds, as well as butterflies and pollinators. It is perfect for rain and cottage gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Dried flowers and leaves smell like freshly-mown grass
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average, high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 12 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Leaves are toxic to domesticated animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nAmerican beautyberry is a bushy, deciduous shrub that is easy to grow. In early summer, it bears clusters of small flowers that can be pink or white in color. These flowers are followed by bright violet fruits which encircle the plant’s woody stems. The best fruit production occurs when the shrubs are planted in groups. Unfortunately, American beautyberries may die back to the ground in areas with harsh winters.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Citrus
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low (one inch per week)
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-Witch-Hazel-Hamamelis-virginiana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nPlanted as a shrub or small tree, the American witch hazel boasts sweetly-scented flowers in fall and early spring. Each flower consists of 4 golden yellow petals. This native plant sports smooth oval leaves that turn golden yellow in the fall. No regular pruning is required for this plant, but you can always remove any damaged, dead, or weak shoots.
\n\n\n\nThe American witch hazel is the species from which medicinal witch-hazel extract is made. Overall, its smooth gray bark and colorful fall foliage make it a great addition to your native garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub, tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweetly scented
\n\n\n\nBloom time: September to December
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Prune in spring to control its shape and size.
\n\n\n\nCommon winterberry is a stunningly beautiful shrub that is native to the eastern United States. It is classified as dioecious, so the male variety planted close to the female plant will lead to the production of bright red berries. Unlike the classic Christmas holly, this species loses its leaves every autumn. However, you may still use the red-fruited branches to make lovely home decorations. Common winterberry is great as a specimen plant or in mixed shrub borders.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, moist, acidic
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 15 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazard: Fruit can be poisonous to pets and people
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Eastern-Redbud-Cercis-canadensis-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nEastern Redbud, also known as ‘Ace of Hearts’, is a deciduous tree with unique branching patterns. It does not tolerate root disturbance, so be sure to pick a proper permanent spot for this plant in your garden. The rose pink to light purple flowers mature in early spring, and attract scores of bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that this native plant is very sensitive to herbicides and other chemicals sprayed on lawns. Used for shrub borders or as a specimen plant, eastern redbud can provide your native garden with an elegant touch.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Any moist, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Keep the soil moist to a depth of 2 to 3 inches; watering schedule depends on your soil type, but you should water about once per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 30 feet tall with a 25 to 35 foot spread
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Requires little pruning
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is another species that can be used as a shrub or ornamental tree. This native plant produces showy, long-lasting fruits that are a valuable source of food for songbirds and small mammals. In hot and moist summers, you can add a layer of mulch to keep the roots cool.
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a perfect fit for shrub borders, woodland gardens, or naturalized gardens. Many landscapers and gardeners regard this plant as one of the best flowering trees native to the area.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Grows best in part shade but can tolerate full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: organically rich, moist, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Slightly fragrant
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet, sometimes reaching up to 40 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The fruit is poisonous to humans
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nBlack Huckleberry is a low-growing deciduous shrub, with a foliage that turns orange and crimson in the fall. Urn-shaped red to pink flowers appear in late spring to mid summer. These flowers are followed by edible purplish-black berries that humans, birds, and other wildlife can enjoy.
\n\n\n\nBlack huckleberry has a shallow-spreading root system that helps prevent erosion on rocky hillsides. This native plant is perfect for wildlife gardens, shrub borders, and foundation plantings.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet berry smell
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed is a bushy perennial that is native to most of the United States. It boasts clusters of yellow-orange flowers which bloom continuously throughout summer. These flowers are followed by seed pods in the fall. This native perennial performs quite well in poor, dry soils. More importantly, milkweed doesn’t handle transplanting very well and should be left undisturbed once established.
\n\n\n\nA great nectar source for birds and insects, butterfly milkweed is critical to the survival of monarch butterflies. Consider adding this plant to your native landscape and help reverse their fortune.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Can be lethal to horses, cats, and dogs
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Beebalm-Monarda.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alan Silvester / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBee balm is a clump-forming perennial that is a magnet for butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial pollinators. It is one of the showiest summer-blooming perennials you can get for your native garden. Bee balms have very distinctive tubular flowers that help you create visually stunning border displays. These Monarda species combine well with other summer perennials, such as phlox, and make excellent cut flowers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial plant
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Minty aroma when leaves are crushed
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Average
\n\n\n\nAll of the plants mentioned above are native to Southeast Virginia, and should grow properly under normal circumstances. However, there is another decisive factor that cannot be overlooked: your landscape.
\n\n\n\nBefore purchasing any of these native plants, you should double-check on your property’s soil type, exposure levels, and water availability as a starting point. Each of these factors can affect the plant’s growing ability in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nSeveral of the plants listed in this article are native to Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach Native Plants include:
• Butterfly Milkweed
• Cardinal Flower
• Inkberry Holly
• Fall Phlox
• Eastern Redbud
• Sweetbay Magnolia
• Trumpet Honeysuckle
• Smooth Alder
• Virginian Witch Hazel
• American Beautyberry
The purple fringeless orchid is one of the rarest orchid species in the state. It is a short plant with a cluster of pinkish-purple flowers, with a maximum height of 3 feet. The Department of Conservation and Recreation ranks it as ‘critically imperiled’, with estimates that less than 1,000 of these plants remain in Virginia.
Invasive plant species are unwanted for a reason. They harm native plants and basically threaten the entire state’s forests and landscapes. Invasive plants can include grasses, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.
Below are some of the non-native and invasive plant species in Virginia:
• Alligator weed
• Japanese sand sedge
• Chinese privet
• Marsh Dewflower
For more information on invasive plants, you can visit the Virginia Department of Forestry website.
The tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a deciduous tree that was introduced as an ornamental species. It has leaves that resemble native sumac and walnut species. Tree-of-heaven is originally from China and classified as invasive in the state of Virginia. Concerning the southeastern cities, it can be found in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Hampton.
Northern Virginia’s native plants include:
• Red columbine
• Common yarrow
• Yellow wild indigo
• White turtlehead
• Maryland golden-aster
• Spring beauty
• Eastern rose-mallow
• Turk’s-cap lily
Plants native to Virginia’s Capital Region include:
• Black oak
• Willow oak
• Sassafras
• Common partridge-pea
• Smooth oxeye
• Arrow arum
• Wild pink
• Red chokeberry
Plant species native to Southeast Virginia will grow naturally in forests, national parks, wetlands, and even near your own property.
\n\n\n\nFortunately, there are several nurseries and garden centers that sell native plants to help with your backyard transformation. Not only do they sell them, but they can provide answers to any of your questions regarding native species and how to grow them properly.
\n\n\n\nFor information on wildflowers, wildlife service, and native plant sales throughout the state of Virginia, visit the official webpage of the Virginia Native Plant Society.
\n\n\n\nBut why stop at native plants? With several low-maintenance landscaping ideas that include hardscaping features and Virginia grass types, you can design a unique and visually appealing outdoor space with minimal backyard chores.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn will still require the occasional upkeep. Whether you live in Virginia Beach, Newport News, or Suffolk, we can help you hire a local lawn care professional to handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, or edging.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Southeast Virginia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5009380863039399,"src":"/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/f2cbb/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.jpg","srcSet":"/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/107df/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.jpg 320w,\n/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/293e9/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.jpg 500w,\n/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/f2cbb/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/98a65/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/67b76/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.webp 320w,\n/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/8df11/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.webp 500w,\n/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/98a65/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Southeast Virginia | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Explore the best native plants for Southeast Virginia, and boost the local ecosystem by creating a visually appealing native landscape."}}},{"node":{"id":"6f008ac6-7680-52cd-887a-d701074f16be","slug":"best-native-plants-birmingham","path":"/lawn-care/al/birmingham/best-native-plants-birmingham/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Michelle Selzer is a web developer, technical writer, and Linux enthusiast from the hills of Tennessee. Her hobbies include collecting toys, hiking to waterfalls, and writing short fan-fiction stories.","name":"Michelle Selzer","id":"ce795c2b-f287-56e6-a311-f91628ed456a","path":"/author/michelle-selzer/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05a59712d75dec705cc9870b2f909e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f574154e-1209-591b-9c1d-0250dfe4c10b","name":"Alabama","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/"},{"id":"17db6bdd-4802-5368-a598-f1f632ae1e64","name":"Birmingham","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/birmingham/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"April 16th, 2023","excerpt":"Birmingham is a southern hub for music, art, and history and home to some of Alabama’s most desirable native plants. Many homeowners prefer native vegetation because it’s low-maintenance and beneficial to the ecosystem. In addition, native plants attract more birds and butterflies. But the best native plants for Birmingham are also favored for their beauty […]
\n","content":"\nBirmingham is a southern hub for music, art, and history and home to some of Alabama’s most desirable native plants. Many homeowners prefer native vegetation because it’s low-maintenance and beneficial to the ecosystem. In addition, native plants attract more birds and butterflies. But the best native plants for Birmingham are also favored for their beauty and utility.
\n\n\n\nIn this article
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Oakleaf-Hydrangea-Hydrangea-quercifolia-W.-Bartram-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAlabama’s beloved oakleaf hydrangea has been the state’s wildflower since 1999. Its white flowers bloom in the spring, then turn rose in the summer. Come fall, the native shrub’s green oak-shaped leaves turn a beautiful deep burgundy, and its flowers remain until mid-winter.
\n\n\n\nOakleaf hydrangea grows quickly, attracting deer and pollinators. It resists most pests but may get an occasional spider or aphid. Overall, the shrub is attractive and easy to care for.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Fertile, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey-vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Springa
\n\n\n\nWater needs: At least 1 inch a week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They resist pests, but sometimes get spiders or aphids and they are susceptible to leaf bright or powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, only prune if the plant gets damaged or becomes overgrown. You may remove dead flowers.
\n\n\n\nThe southern sugar maple makes an attractive street-side, specimen, or woodland tree. Its green leaves create a symmetrical oval that turns deep shades of yellow, orange, and red, making a spectacular fall display. Then, in early spring, the ends of its branches bloom clusters of small yellow-green flowers.
\n\n\n\nIt has a strong bark that resists breakage, but sometimes it develops shallow roots. Thus, it’s best to avoid mowing the grass beneath them. Although it is too small to produce maple syrup commercially, southern sugar maple syrup isn’t any less delicious than its commercial competitors.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to deep shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand (prefers rich loamy soil)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet and sometimes spicey, almond or cherry scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, High drought-tolerance
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They can attract aphids, borders, and scale insects and are susceptible to diseases including leaf spot, tar spot, and verticillium wilt.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, only prune if necessary and only water in times of drought.
\n\n\n\n![\"butterfly](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wavyleaf-Purple-Coneflower-Echinacea-simulata-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PickPik
\n\n\n\nWavyleaf purple coneflowers have showy pink and purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. Known for their beauty, the flowers feature long drooping petals with a dark center. Many gardeners use its freshly cut flowers in bouquets or dry the flowers to make tea.
\n\n\n\nThis native herb is a top pick for wildlife lovers. Its sweet nectar attracts butterflies, bumble bees, and other pollinators, while its fruit seeds attract various birds. Although wavyleaf purple coneflowers aren’t prone to insect damage or disease, they may attract the Japanese beetle and they occasionally get infected by leaf spot.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, calcareous, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light and sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Occasionally gets leaf spot and may attract the Japanese beetle.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Separate clumps when overcrowding occurs. Removing dead flowers isn’t required, but improves the plant’s appearance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Largeflower-Tickseed-Coreopsis-grandiflora.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nDue to its beautiful bright yellow flowers, largeflower tickseed is common in Birmingham’s butterfly, rock, and wildflower gardens. In wildflower gardens, they are a delightful companion to wavyleaf purple coneflowers or black-eyed Susans.
\n\n\n\nBecause butterflies, bumble bees, and hummingbirds love its nectar, largeflower tickseed is great for Biringham’s ecosystem. It is also the perfect plant for homeowners with small children or pets because it’s entirely non-toxic. Additionally, it’s low-maintenance, requiring minimal care.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, sand, loam, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, spicey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer and fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought tolerant, 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5 to 2.5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Some people are allergic to tickseed. They are susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. They may attract aphids, aster leafhoppers, or coreopsis beetles.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, fertilize and deadhead to encourage robust blooms.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe flowering dogwood is one of North America’s most attractive native trees. In early spring, it blooms small yellow-green flowers surrounded by magnificent pink and white petal-like leaves. When the weather cools, its breathtaking fall foliage includes bright red, scarlet, and purple leaves above its uniquely patterned trunk.
\n\n\n\nHowever, the flowering dogwood isn’t just coveted for its looks. You can use its hardwood to make household tools such as rakes and butcher blocks and its roots to make red dye. It’s also great for local wildlife, attracting birds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, moist, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet floral
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 – 30 feet, but can be up to 65 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Contact with its berries give some people rashes. It is susceptible to fungal diseases including powdery mildew and spot anthracnose.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Prune in early spring and fertilize during spring and fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pussytoes](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pussytoes-Antennaria-Gaertn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nConsider pussytoes if you’re looking for natural ground cover for a rock garden or pathway. The herb sprouts pollinator-friendly white and pink flowers in early spring. However, pussytoes don’t attract many pests and are left alone by most herbivores, including rabbits and deer. Although pussytoes resist most diseases, they may get root rot if overwatered.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium, Drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 9 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: If the soil is too moist, it can get root rot. You may get an allergic reaction if you are sensitive to ragweed, daisies, and marigolds.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, removing dead flower heads will improve the plant’s appearance.
\n\n\n\nThe American chestnut tree is a fast-growing, fruit-bearing tree with edible nuts. Although this native-American tree was once common, its population has dwindled since the introduction of the Chinese chestnut tree. When the Chinese chestnut tree came to North America, it brought a fungal disease called chestnut blight, killing billions of American chestnuts.
\n\n\n\nAlthough mature American chestnuts are almost extinct, several new seedlings flourish in Jefferson and Shelby. For centuries, indigenous people used its hardwood for building, its nuts for eating, and its leaves and bark for medicine.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun for nut production, but they grow fastest with 30% shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained and acidic sandy or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Organic
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant, but they benefit from weekly to bi-weekly watering in times of drought
\n\n\n\nMature height: 100 to 120 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Although they are non-toxic, its berries contain berberine which is known to cause stomach aches. It is susceptible to chestnut blight.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Remove damaged branches and portions that become infected by disease. Winter and summer are the best times to prune.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Yellow-Honeysuckle-Lonicera-flava-Sims-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nYellow honeysuckle is a native vine with showy sweet-smelling flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Its orange and red berries are harmful to humans but a welcome treat to many birds, including songbirds and robins. Additionally, it attracts many small mammals.
\n\n\n\nThis sometimes shrub-like climbing vine is often displayed on trellises, fences, and in bird gardens. In addition, yellow honeysuckle makes an attractive ground cover.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 10 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Its berries are mildly poisonous.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Bark mulch helps to keep the soil moist and weed-free, and applying compost and organic fertilizer in the spring keeps it healthy. Prune yellow honeysuckle each year, around summer, to inspire growth.
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing Alabamian native plants, please consider the following:
\n\n\n\n Native plants naturally grow and evolve in Birmingham, and there is typically evidence that they were here before European colonization. They are a fantastic low-maintenance landscaping Idea for Birmingham that also helps support the local ecosystem.
Pollinators like nectar producing native plants, including:
• Hydrangeas
• Coneflowers
• Tickseed
• Flowering Dogwood
• Pussytoes
• Honeysuckle
• Buttercups
• Sunflowers
Not all foreign plants are invasive. Invasive plants have the following qualities:
• Well adapted to the climate
• Quickly spreads
• Harmful to native plants and wildlife
Birmingham’s most poisonous native plants include:
• Eastern poison ivy
• Poison oak
• Hemlock
The best grass types for Birmingham are warm-season grasses including:
• Bermudagrass
• Zoysiagrass
• Bahiagrass
• Centipedegrass
You can purchase Alabama native plants at the following shops:
\n\n\n\nAnd you can view native plants at the following nature preserves and gardens:
\n\n\n\nIn addition, Birmingham Botanical Gardens has a native seed exchange program for its members.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help planning a native plant garden, consider hiring a landscaper. Experienced lawn care pros in Birmingham can help you maintain a lush lawn and flourishing garden beds. Instead of burdening yourself with lawn work, take that time to visit the McWane Science Center or take a stroll through Railroad Park.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pixabay
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\n","content":"\nBeautiful front yard landscaping creates an excellent first impression for your guests and increases your property value. Whether you hire a landscaper or choose to DIY your next project, these 11 front lawn landscaping ideas will boost your curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover flower beds, water features, outdoor lighting and much more – and highlight the pros and cons of each front yard landscaping idea.
\n\n\n\n![\"Rock](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_28452073635_931898775a_c.jpg\")
Whether you want to save water or you just have a brown thumb, rock gardens are a low-maintenance front lawn landscape design that can survive in harsh environments. Rocks and pebbles work as a lawn substitute or as a focal point for your front yard. Stone will complement flower beds, ornamental grasses, succulents, and herbs.
\n\n\n\nVertical gardens are perfect for small front yards with limited garden space as they allow you to maximize even the smallest of patios, balconies and front porches. There are numerous vertical garden designs to choose from, including shelves, window boxes, hanging pots, and stackable planters.
\n\n\n\n![\"Flower](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_garden-and-front-stoep.jpg\")
Flower beds add colors and curb appeal to your front yard. Researchers at Texas A&M found people associate colorful landscapes with a better quality of life and improved moods. You can also save on buying floral arrangements by cutting your own flowers.
\n\n\n\nGround covers prevent erosion, prohibit weed growth, and also provide greenery and pops of color. Ornamental grasses offer texture and greenery.
\n\n\n\nEdible landscaping creates a beautiful and functional yard. Add color by planting an assortment of herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Penn State University has numerous front yard landscaping ideas for edible landscaping. Many flowers like alliums, marigolds, and honeysuckles are edible.
\n\n\n\nAdds color – Fruit trees and squash provide flowers before producing mature fruits. Berries and peppers provide a pop of color. Salad greens and herbs provide greenery.
\n\n\n\nAdds interest – Beans and other vining plants grow on arbors and fences and create interest with differing heights.
\n\n\n\n![\"landscape-lighting\"](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/outdoor-landscape-lighting-hero-shot-1024x670.jpg\")
Highlight a focal point in your garden with landscape lighting. Small solar lights will accentuate your front lawn landscaping and won’t raise your power bill.
\n\n\n\nThere’s a wide array of water features available for front yard landscaping. You’ll find simple fountains online or in stores that you can place on the front porch or nestle in your flower beds. You can add a koi pond to your front lawn landscape, if you’re willing to spend anywhere between $5,000 to $20,000, but a DIY fountain won’t cost much.
\n\n\n\n![\"Our](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_concrete_retaining_wall_in_walnut_creek_ca_built_by_retaining_wall_experts.jpg\")
Sloped lawns are prone to erosion. Researchers at Oregon State University recommend retaining walls to help manage soil and water runoff. They can be built to accentuate a flower bed, to make sloping lawns usable, or as borders along homes and patios.
\n\n\n\nAdding a pergola to your front yard gives you additional living space. These lattice-topped structures come in a number of styles and provide a cover for your patio, without completely blocking out the sun. Pergolas range in price depending on whether you build it yourself or have it custom-built.
\n\n\n\nPatios are great at providing an outdoor living space. They can be made from various materials, including concrete, wood, or pavers.
\n\n\n\nDurable – A concrete patio will last from 20 to 30 years. A paver patio that expands and contracts in the winter and summer can last up to 50 years. Consider the cost of installation and maintenance when choosing materials for a patio.
\n\n\n\nAdds Value – A well-designed and built patio can add up to 10% to a home’s value.
\n\n\n\nNeed maintenance – Patios are an additional space that will need routine cleaning via power-washing. If not properly installed, patios can easily crack.
\n\n\n\nCost – A patio for the average home runs about $4,000, depending on its size. The price can go up to as much as $8,000 for higher-end stone and pavers.
\n\n\n\n![\"landscape-path-pathway-grass-lawn-walkway\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_landscape-path-pathway-grass-lawn-walkway-1149050-pxherecom.jpg\")
Paths and walkways allow access to different areas of your yard without trampling on grass or flower beds. If these walkways are well-lit, you don’t have to worry about stepping on any critters at night – or breaking your ankle or leg in a fall.
\n\n\n\nCreate paths and walkways throughout your front lawn using pavers, concrete, stones, bricks, gravel, or mulch.
\n\n\n\nAdds to front yard design – A pathway will accentuate your front yard landscaping, leading people to the focal points.
\n\n\n\nMost are easy to install – Gravel, stepping stones, and mulch pathways are easy DIY projects that you can complete in a day. Poured concrete paths are harder to install but make it easier to shovel snow in the winter.
\n\n\n\nWeeds – Weeds grow between bricks and stepping stones. Concrete and pavers are more labor intensive, but it’s easier to remove weeds between sections.
\n\n\n\nErosion – Mulch and gravel may wash away in heavy rains. Pavers and stone are more durable but sometimes become slippery when wet.
\n\n\n\nCan Crack – Fluctuating temperatures in the winter can cause concrete and some brick pavers to crack.
\n\n\n\nThese 11 front-yard landscaping ideas will boost your property value, but they will require upkeep and maintenance.
\n\n\n\n1. Does front lawn landscaping increase my home’s value?
\n\n\n\nYes. Researchers at Virginia Tech found that landscaping significantly increases the value of homes, resulting in a higher selling price, anywhere from 5.5 to 11.4% These increases varied by geographic location and landscaping projects.
\n\n\n\n2. When is the best time of year to begin front lawn landscaping?
\n\n\n\nPlanting trees, shrubs, and perennial plants in the fall allows them to establish their roots before spring. Installing non-organic landscaping, such as hardscaping, can take place any time during the year. Winter isn’t a good time to install retaining walls because ice and snow may affect the integrity of structures like retaining walls.
\n\n\n\n3. Will my front yard provide curb appeal only in spring and summer?
\n\n\n\nNot necessarily. Choose plants with different bloom cycles and foliage colors to create front lawn landscaping that’s visually stimulating year-round.
\n\n\n\nEvergreens like boxwood provide greenery year-round. Tulips, daffodils, zinnias, roses, and hydrangea bloom in the spring and summer. Aster, begonias, pansy, and hellebores bloom at different times in the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nNeed more ideas to increase your curb appeal? We can help you find a landscaping professional near you to help.
Main photo credit: pxHere | CC0 1.1
Cats and dogs are curious by nature and will sniff or lick the chemicals you spray on your lawn. That’s why you need to know how to choose pet-safe weed killers. Rather than worry about an emergency trip to the vet, we’ll tell you how to select the safest weed killers for your lawn. Contents: […]
\n","content":"\nCats and dogs are curious by nature and will sniff or lick the chemicals you spray on your lawn. That’s why you need to know how to choose pet-safe weed killers.
\n\n\n\nRather than worry about an emergency trip to the vet, we’ll tell you how to select the safest weed killers for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nMany weed and grass killers contain toxic chemicals, which can cause serious harm to your pet. Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine found that using lawn chemicals, like glyphosate, increases a dog’s chance of developing cancer by up to 70%.
\n\n\n\nWhen looking for a pet-safe weed killer, pay close attention to the labels and check the active ingredients, certifications, types of weeds the product treats, and whether it’s a weed killer or weed preventer. Even if a product is labeled as “organic” or “pet-safe,” you still need to check what’s in it.
\n\n\n\nSome ingredients commonly found in animal-friendly herbicides include:
\n\n\n\nIf a product says it’s certified, do a little research and verify the organization or governing body that issued the certification. Some reputable organizations include Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), which are private, non-profit groups.
\n\n\n\nYou should avoid using any chemical weed killers containing:
\n\n\n\nSeveral companies like Get Sunday, Preen, Green Gobbler, and Dr. Kirchner specialize in effective pet-safe weed killers that won’t harm your grass or flowers.
\n\n\n\nYou can make several homemade weed killers and avoid exposing your dog or cat to harsh chemicals. Make sure your homemade weed killer doesn’t contain anything that could harm your pet. Safe options include:
\n\n\n\n1. What are the symptoms of weed killer poisoning in pets?
\n\n\n\nThe signs to watch for include:
\n\n\n\nIf your pet displays these symptoms and you suspect they were exposed to toxic chemicals, contact your vet immediately.
\n\n\n\n2. How long should I wait to let my dogs on the lawn after applying a weed killer?
\n\n\n\nWait at least 24 hours to make sure the product has completely dried before letting your kids, cats, and dogs play on it. Watering your lawn the next day will help the products dissipate.
\n\n\n\n3. What do I do after spraying weed killer to keep my pet safe?
\n\n\n\nWait a couple of days and pull up the pesky weeds. Make sure you get the root. If the roots are intact, the weeds can grow back. Wait at least two days after applying weed killer to mow.
\n\n\n\n4. Are there any downsides to pet-friendly weed killers?
\n\n\n\nYes. They don’t work as quickly, can be less effective on certain weeds, and vinegar-based solutions can increase the salt levels in your soil.
\n\n\n\n5. How do pet-safe weed killers work?
\n\n\n\nMost ingredients like vinegar, salt, and soap, dry out the plant, and corn gluten meal prevents seeds from sprouting.
Got a yard full of weeds but little time to get rid of them? We can help you find an eco-garden pro or lawn care professional who can handle the problem while you and your furry friend relax.
Main photo credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"How to Choose Pet-Safe Weed Killers","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5018773466833542,"src":"/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/1789c/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/107df/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 320w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/293e9/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 500w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/f2cbb/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 800w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/1789c/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 960w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/c26c2/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/1dd6e/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/67b76/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 320w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/8df11/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 500w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/98a65/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 800w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/1dd6e/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 960w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/3cc96/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Choose Pet-Safe Weed Killers | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"You can avoid an expensive trip to the vet if you know how to choose pet-safe weed killers for your lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"bc6f4b80-29c4-5bfd-8d5a-484243599b65","slug":"best-native-plants-louisville","path":"/lawn-care/ky/louisville/best-native-plants-louisville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Rela Catucod, a journalism graduate, nurtured her love for gardening while admiring her grandmother's vibrant orchids. When she's not writing about lawn care, Rela indulges in reading, traveling, and playing with her two dogs.","name":"Rela Catucod","id":"14e95666-6df4-5827-8d17-081d01b8ce99","path":"/author/rela-catucod/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c4741d869f47268640f525e2135c701c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"bf9d3d3b-daa0-503e-afcb-a4dbbfdca111","name":"Kentucky","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ky/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"375b515d-eb5e-5e24-b5e8-f6cd7d6c2e83","name":"Louisville","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ky/louisville/"}],"date":"April 1st, 2023","excerpt":"Louisville, famous for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Fried Chicken, is home to many native plants as well. The city’s hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters, along with the fertile soil of the Ohio River Valley, create a perfect environment for these plants to thrive. This combination makes Derby City a wonderful place […]
\n","content":"\nLouisville, famous for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Fried Chicken, is home to many native plants as well. The city’s hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters, along with the fertile soil of the Ohio River Valley, create a perfect environment for these plants to thrive. This combination makes Derby City a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of the best native plants in Louisville.
\n\n\n\nGrowing native plants in Louisville offers numerous benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nChoosing Kentucky native plants lets you have a biodiverse, balanced ecosystem right in your backyard. If you’re interested in embracing native plants, here are 9 options for your Louisville garden.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"Trumpet](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Trumpet-Honeysuckle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrumpet Honeysuckle is a versatile, native, semi-evergreen to deciduous vine featuring showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from March to June. This native plant is a favorite among hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for a wildlife-friendly garden. Trumpet Honeysuckle is a low-maintenance option that tolerates various soil types and is resistant to pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist soil. Clay, sandy, loam, slightly acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10 to 15 feet long
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Trim after blooming to maintain its shape and manage growth. Remove any new growth and damaged buds to keep it healthy, and wash off aphids that appear in spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"Cardinal](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cardinal-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCardinal Flower, a captivating perennial, showcases tall spikes adorned with beautiful red flowers from midsummer to early fall. With its unique long tubular flowers, most insects struggle to access its nectar, making hummingbirds the primary pollinator for this stunning plant. Its common name is inspired by the vivid red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to wet, humus-rich soil. Sandy, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals if ingested in large quantities.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Keep the soil moist or wet at all times for the plant to thrive.
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Eastern-Redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEastern Redbud is a small deciduous tree with a short trunk, heart-shaped leaves, and showy pink flowers that bloom in early spring. This native tree attracts pollinators, such as hummingbirds and butterflies, and provides nesting sites for birds. Eastern Redbud is adaptable to various soil types and is relatively low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, fertile, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15 to 30 feet tall with a 25 to 35 foot spread
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Contains a toxic saponin, but is not typically considered toxic as ingestion generally does not cause harmful effects.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: A weekly deep watering is beneficial during prolonged periods of heat and drought. It’s also advisable to fertilize the tree in early spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple Coneflower is a perennial wildflower native to the Louisville area. It’s known for its vibrant, daisy-like blooms, and hardy, low-maintenance nature. This popular plant has large, purple-pink petals, which would give a touch of color to your garden. In addition to its striking appearance, this native plant also attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and native bees.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Northern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Northern-Spicebush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: R. A. Nonenmacher / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNorthern Spicebush is a deciduous shrub with fragrant greenish-yellow flowers in early spring and bright golden yellow foliage in the fall. It is adaptable to various soil types and moisture levels.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies use this plant as a larval host, providing a crucial habitat for their caterpillars to thrive. A tea can also be made from its leaves and twigs, and its fruit, once dried and powdered, can be used as a spice.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soils. Sandy, loamy, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8 to 15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Keep the soil moist and fertilize it twice a year
\n\n\n\n![\"Swamp](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed is a perennial with clusters of rose-purple flowers that bloom from June to October. This native plant is an essential host for queen and monarch butterfly larvae and attracts other pollinators, such as hummingbirds. It is well-suited for rain gardens or areas with moist soil.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 6
Duration: Perennial
Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
Soil preferences: Thrives in mucky clay soils. Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil.
Water needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous when ingested raw and can be lethal to animals
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: This native plant performs well in poor soils. It does not need fertilization.
\n\n\n\n![\"Spotted](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spotted-Geranium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpotted geranium is a woodland perennial with showy, lavender-pink, five-petaled flowers that bloom from March to July. It is a low-maintenance option for a woodland garden, as it tolerates various soil types and moisture levels.
\n\n\n\nThis native plant attracts pollinators, such as hummingbirds, and its seeds appeal to Mourning Doves, Bobwhite Quail, and White-tailed Deer. It can also be used medicinally for diarrhea, inflamed gums, sore throat, thrush, and mouth ulcers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 11
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, silt, high organic matter, or sandy soil that’s well-drained, moist, or somewhat wet
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nWild hydrangea is a deciduous shrub with large, flat-topped clusters of greenish-white flowers that bloom from late spring to late summer. This native plant attracts pollinators and provides a habitat for hummingbirds. Wild hydrangea is a low-maintenance option that tolerates various soil types, making it a versatile choice for Louisville landscapes.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, well-drained, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Needs supplemental watering in hot, humid summers
\n\n\n\n![\"Sensitive](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sensitive-Fern.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Under the same moon… / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSensitive fern is a hardy, deciduous fern known for its delicate, bright green fronds. It is often found in moist, shady areas near streams or woodlands. It thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil. Its name is derived from its sensitivity to first frost, as the plant’s fronds tend to wither with the first signs of cold weather.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Fern
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Various loose, acidic, moist to wet soils. Sandy, loamy, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to High
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Can be toxic to humans in ingested in large quantities
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Needs consistent moisture to thrive
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting native plants for your Louisville garden, it’s essential to consider the specific needs and conditions of your outdoor space. Follow these steps to assess your garden and choose the right plants:
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, it’s best to note that Louisville falls on the border of USDA Hardiness Zones 6 and 7. This zone classification can guide you in selecting plants that can tolerate our local climate. By carefully considering these factors, you can create a thriving, low-maintenance garden filled with Kentucky native plants that enhance the beauty of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer numerous benefits, including supporting local ecosystems, being adapted to the local climate, and generally requiring less maintenance. They require less water, fertilizers, and pesticides. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can contribute to the preservation of Derby City’s botanical heritage.
While native plants offer many advantages, they are not inherently better than non-native plants in every situation. The key is to choose plants that are non-invasive and suited to your specific garden conditions and goals. In some cases, mixing native and non-native plants can provide the ideal landscape that fits your preferences.
Native plants typically require less maintenance than non-native species, as they are already adapted to local soil and weather conditions. To care for native plants, provide them with a suitable growing environment, such as the appropriate sunlight exposure and soil type. Water them as needed, especially during their first year of growth, and use organic mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Are you ready to transform your Louisville garden into an oasis of native plants? From vibrant wildflowers and lush ferns to hardy grasses and low-maintenance groundcovers, the local flora offers something for every garden design and aesthetic. To get started, explore these local native plant suppliers listed on the Kentucky Native Plant Society’s website:
\n\n\n\nNative plants are perfect for homeowners that are looking for low-maintenance landscaping ideas for their outdoor space. You should also consider the best grass types in Louisville that would perfectly complement your new native plants.
To keep your native plants looking their best, connect with local lawn care pros for outdoor maintenance services, such as mowing, trimming, and edging. With the help of these pros, your outdoor space can stay green and lush, ensuring that your native plants thrive year-round.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Winchester House, Louisville / w.marsh on Flickr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Native Plants for Louisville","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2022c116282b3a2a984585f132c763a1/1789c/Winchester-House-Louisville-KY.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2022c116282b3a2a984585f132c763a1/107df/Winchester-House-Louisville-KY.jpg 320w,\n/static/2022c116282b3a2a984585f132c763a1/293e9/Winchester-House-Louisville-KY.jpg 500w,\n/static/2022c116282b3a2a984585f132c763a1/f2cbb/Winchester-House-Louisville-KY.jpg 800w,\n/static/2022c116282b3a2a984585f132c763a1/1789c/Winchester-House-Louisville-KY.jpg 960w,\n/static/2022c116282b3a2a984585f132c763a1/c26c2/Winchester-House-Louisville-KY.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2022c116282b3a2a984585f132c763a1/1dd6e/Winchester-House-Louisville-KY.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2022c116282b3a2a984585f132c763a1/67b76/Winchester-House-Louisville-KY.webp 320w,\n/static/2022c116282b3a2a984585f132c763a1/8df11/Winchester-House-Louisville-KY.webp 500w,\n/static/2022c116282b3a2a984585f132c763a1/98a65/Winchester-House-Louisville-KY.webp 800w,\n/static/2022c116282b3a2a984585f132c763a1/1dd6e/Winchester-House-Louisville-KY.webp 960w,\n/static/2022c116282b3a2a984585f132c763a1/3cc96/Winchester-House-Louisville-KY.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Native Plants for Louisville | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn about the best Jefferson County native plants for your garden in Louisville, Kentucky, plus find out where to buy native plants locally."}}},{"node":{"id":"74fdcb3d-908c-5838-a639-4fb8832d0297","slug":"best-native-plants-colorado-springs","path":"/lawn-care/co/colorado-springs/best-native-plants-colorado-springs/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Austin Geiger is an avid reader and writer. He has loved to read and write from a young age, and does both daily. His favorite subjects are fantasy and comedy, and he despises run-on sentences.","name":"Austin Geiger","id":"69bc552e-2c03-5c38-acc7-562e86f2a201","path":"/author/austin-geiger/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5baab15ab5786cfd4d2372bb580f441c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"be8bb3a1-b40c-57ba-87f7-ff69490271a0","name":"Colorado","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/co/"},{"id":"253dba4d-dac0-5b2a-b00c-9b16e649ac14","name":"Colorado Springs","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/co/colorado-springs/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"April 1st, 2023","excerpt":"Native plants are an important part of the local ecosystem. They’re a great benefit to pollinators and thrive in the conditions you’ll find right in your own backyard and areas like Pikes Peak. If you’re looking for new flora to fill your outdoor space with, there are no better candidates than the ones that call […]
\n","content":"\nNative plants are an important part of the local ecosystem. They’re a great benefit to pollinators and thrive in the conditions you’ll find right in your own backyard and areas like Pikes Peak. If you’re looking for new flora to fill your outdoor space with, there are no better candidates than the ones that call your state home, including these 8 native plants for Colorado Springs.
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/39770128425_b31bd4bee4_k-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David Prasad / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed twig dogwood is a deciduous flowering shrub native to Colorado. Its name comes from its distinctive red branches. This shrub likes a lot of sun and water, so make sure it gets plenty of light and give it supplemental water if you don’t get a lot of rainfall. It makes a great border plant for either paths or the landscape itself and prefers low elevations.
\n\n\n\nPlat type: Flowering shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist yet well-drained, slightly acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Floral
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 6 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRubber rabbitbrush is a drought-tolerant deciduous native shrub with tubular yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to autumn and that pollinators love, hummingbirds in particular. Its name comes from the scent its leaves have when crushed, which some have described as rubbery.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to grow rubber rabbitbrush in your Colorado Springs landscape, it makes a great border hedge for your backyard or an ornamental plant by itself. It is mildly toxic, so make sure to keep pets and small children away.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained clay, sandy, or loam soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Described as pineapples by some and rubber by others
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 4 to 7 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Do not consume. Slightly toxic to livestock.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"mahonia](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/46305790921_55d5e82fc2_k-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCreeping mahonia is a Colorado native evergreen shrub and a great low-maintenance choice for your backyard. Its beautiful yellow flowers bloom in spring and grow edible berries that can be made into a delicious sour jelly. It can tolerate some shade and grows in a variety of soil types and pH balances, making it a good hardy plant that can grow where others can’t.
\n\n\n\nIn the winter, creeping mahonia’s green leaves turn from their usual color to a striking red hue that can vary from mauve to rose. It’s a great ornamental plant for garden beds or containers and can be used as a ground cover.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Evergreen shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers a moist yet well-drained chalk, loam, or sandy soil with an acidic or neutral pH balance
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late spring to summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Opuntia.compressa\"](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Opuntia.compressa.7689.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Olaf Leillinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t mind a few sharp needles, the prickly pear cactus is a great addition to a Colorado Springs landscape. Like most cacti, it loves the sun and doesn’t need a lot of water. The flowers it grows in the summer are beautiful and attract many pollinators, bees in particular.
\n\n\n\nPrickly pear makes a great ornamental plant, either in a bed or individually. As cacti, they’re wonderful for xeriscaping, but can still fit right in no matter what kind of landscape you have. Just make sure not to walk barefoot around them.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Cactus
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained loam or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late spring to summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 0.5 to 1 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: The plant’s spines can cause irritation, pain, or infection if they splinter and lodge in the skin.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/black-eyed-susan-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is one of the most common wildflowers in the United States. It has moderate water needs but won’t need too much extra once it’s established, and it does best in an area with full sunlight. It grows well in acidic soil and can tolerate many soil types, making it a hardy, low-maintenance plant that’s good for areas of your landscape that can’t support other blooms.
\n\n\n\nIf you grow black-eyed Susan, keep in mind that it can spread, so you’ll need to take precautions to keep it away from your other plants. Planting them in a container will keep them isolated. If you plant them in a bed, separating clumps every few years should keep them from encroaching on other flowers. You can also deadhead them to keep them from reseeding.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9, though this can vary by species
\n\n\n\nSun: Full Sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers a moist yet well-drained clay, sandy, or loam soil with an acidic pH balance
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial/short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer to August
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Colorado-Blue-Columbine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for native plants for a Colorado Springs landscape, there’s no better candidate than Colorado’s state flower. Colorado blue columbine, also known as the Rocky Mountain Columbine, is a perennial wildflower with star-shaped purple and white flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. It can tolerate some shade and has moderate water needs.
\n\n\n\nBlue columbine prefers a well-drained soil that still has some moisture. It’s a great ornamental plant for a container, a flower bed, or bordering a path. This plant is poisonous, but not dangerously so, and is ignored by common garden pests such as rabbits and deer.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist yet well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Slightly poisonous. Do not consume.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Colorado-Blue-Spruce.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe blue spruce is Colorado’s state tree, making it the perfect choice for a tree for your landscape. It’s an evergreen that prefers full sun, requires a moderate amount of water, and likes a well-drained soil. Its season of interest ranges from late summer to early fall.
\n\n\n\nBlue spruce is best used as a centerpiece for your landscaping. At 30 to 60 feet fully grown, it tends to dominate the space, so an open area is best whether you put it in your front or back yard. If you need to prune it, do so carefully to avoid harmful stress on the tree.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist yet well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soil with an acidic or neutral pH balance
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Pine
\n\n\n\nSeason of Interest: Late summer to early fall
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 30 to 60 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Pollen can set off allergies
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ponderosa-Pine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPonderosa pine is another Colorado native tree, one that can live for hundreds of years. It’s an evergreen that stays lush and beautiful year-round, and grows even bigger than a blue spruce. Ponderosa pine prefers full sun and has moderate water needs, but it is still a low-maintenance tree that can make a great addition to a Colorado garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full Sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Pine
\n\n\n\nSeason of Interest: Year-round
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 60 to 100 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Pine nuts and pollen can set off allergies
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nAlthough native plants will thrive in their local habitat, they still have their individual preferred growing conditions. Before planting anything, make sure you understand your outdoor space’s soil, sun, and precipitation so that you can pick the plants that will do the best in it.
\n\n\n\nColorado Springs lies in USDA hardiness zone 5, which means that its lowest temperatures can reach between negative 20 and negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Many native plants can tolerate this zone comfortably, but some other native plants may not do as well in these temperatures.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that some plants may also be native to only certain parts of the state, in which case they may have a harder time than you would expect. For example, a flower that’s native to areas like Denver or Aspen may not be native to your Colorado Springs garden.
\n\n\n\nIt varies depending on the exact plant, but generally, yes, native plants require much less maintenance than non-native ones since they’re already in their natural habitat.
Unfortunately, yes. Under the right conditions, even a native plant can become invasive and push out the other flora in your garden. The smooth sumac is a good example of this, as even though it’s a Colorado native, it can take over your landscape if you don’t control it properly.
It depends on the plant. Different flowers and trees will have ideal planting seasons. Do some research to find out what time of year is best for planting the native plants you have in mind.
If you need ideas for native plants to put in your Colorado Springs property, there’s no better place to look than its natural areas. Take a hike through areas like the Garden of the Gods park and make note of good-looking flora that you’d like in your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nHowever, in order to make sure your plants are sourced ethically and so as to not disrupt a sensitive ecosystem, never take them directly from the wild. The Colorado Native Plant Society recommends several retailers you can purchase native plants from.
To give your native plants the admiration they deserve, surround them with a landscape that’s well maintained and in tip-top shape. Hand your yard maintenance chores over to a local lawn care professional who can mow the turfgrass, edge the lawn, and trim the hedges.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Monarda menthifolia (horse mint) (Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA) / James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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\n","content":"\nVirginia homeowners are no stranger to the natural beauty of the Old Dominion State. One of the best ways to complement the scenic landscapes in Virginia’s capital region is by planting the best native plants for Richmond, which provide numerous benefits to both the environment and local wildlife.
\n\n\n\nWhy plant native plants in Richmond? Here are a few reasons:
\n\n\n\nChoosing to plant native plant species in your garden ensures you’ll create a stunning and vibrant environment for your family and the local community.
In this article, we’ll cover:
![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Virginia-Bluebells-Mertensia-virginica.jpg\")
Virginia bluebells are charming woodland wildflowers that are perfect for shady areas in your home garden. They display delicate bell-shaped, blue-violet blooms that create a serene atmosphere. As a spring ephemeral, Virginia bluebells bring early-season color and joy to your garden, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Their graceful presence adds a touch of Richmond’s natural beauty to your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand; acid, alkaline, neutral; moist but well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light and Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans, dogs, horses, and cattle; can be fatal when consumed in large amounts
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Columbine-Aquilegia-canadensis.jpg\")
Whether you’re admiring the landscape along the Virginia Capital Trail or in your own backyard, the red columbine is a showstopper. Its vibrant red and yellow flowers add a touch of bold color to your garden, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThis native perennial is a delightful addition to any Richmond garden, thriving in woodland edges and rock gardens. As a low-maintenance plant that tolerates various soil types, red columbine makes it easy to add a splash of color to your outdoor haven.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained, moist, dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: February to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Weekly or whenever soil is completely dry
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderately flammable/risk of fire
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; deadhead blooms as needed, cut back in late summer
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/American-Witch-Hazel-Hamamelis-virginiana.jpg\")
If you’ve ever visited the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, you may have encountered the enchanting American witch hazel. This large, deciduous shrub features fragrant, ribbon-like yellow flowers that bloom in late fall to early winter when most other plants have lost their leaves. Witch hazel not only adds year-round interest to your garden but also provides essential habitat for birds and other wildlife.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub/Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: September to December
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 20 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Large doses may cause liver problems in humans
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; prune in spring to control its shape and size
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sweetbay-Magnolia-Magnolia-virginiana.jpg\")
Sweetbay magnolia is a magnificent native perennial that looks right at home in the scenic gardens of Richmond’s historic neighborhoods. This medium-sized, semi-evergreen tree showcases creamy-white, lemon-scented flowers in late spring and early summer.
\n\n\n\nIts elegant, glossy leaves provide a lush backdrop for other plants in your landscape. As a versatile and adaptable species, the sweetbay magnolia thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it a beloved choice for Richmond gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub/Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Lemon
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 10 to 35 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nSwamp azalea produces fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white that are sure to captivate visitors to your garden. This native shrub is an excellent choice for wetter areas of your landscape, such as rain gardens or pond edges, where it can help prevent erosion. This stunning plant adds a touch of Southern charm to your outdoor space while supporting local pollinators.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-draining, moist soil; loam and sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Spicy and Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals if ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Butterfly-Weed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Butterfly weed is a favorite among both butterflies and homeowners alike. With its brilliant orange flowers and upright growth habit, Butterfly Weed makes a bold statement in any Richmond garden. In addition to its beauty, this drought-tolerant plant is an essential host for Monarch butterflies, helping to support their declining populations while adding a touch of beauty to your landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and livestock
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nMountain laurel is a perennial shrub often found in forests and mountain tops. It features intricate, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white that bloom in late spring. Its leathery, dark green leaves provide year-round interest, and its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hedges or privacy screens. Bring the charm of Virginia’s mountainous landscapes to your Richmond garden by planting mountain laurel.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Cool, moist rocky or sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to about 35 feet tall when growing as a tree; usually shrub-like and much shorter
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic and may be fatal to humans if eaten
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida.jpg\")
As Virginia’s state tree, the flowering dogwood holds a special place in the hearts of Richmond residents. With its showy, white or pink blooms in spring, this native tree is a beloved sight in historic neighborhoods and public parks alike.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its stunning springtime display, the flowering dogwood offers year-round interest with its red berries in the fall and vibrant red-purple foliage in winter. By incorporating this elegant tree into your landscape, you’ll be celebrating Virginia’s rich heritage while creating a garden retreat that attracts birds and other wildlife.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Grows best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, moist, acidic soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet floral scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet, sometimes reaching up to 40 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Fruit is poisonous to humans
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/rsz_11wild_hydrangea_hydrangea_arborescens.jpg\")
Wild hydrangea produces clusters of creamy-white flowers throughout the summer, creating a delightful contrast against its deep green foliage. Wild hydrangea is a low-maintenance and adaptable plant and it’s the perfect addition to woodland gardens or mixed borders in your Richmond landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rich, well-draining, moist soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Fruity
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: May cause dizziness, chest pain, gastrointestinal distress if ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Coral-Honeysuckle-Lonicera-sempervirens.jpg\")
Coral honeysuckle features vibrant, trumpet-shaped, red-orange flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden. Its twining habit makes it a versatile choice for covering fences, trellises, or arbors, adding vertical interest and lively color to your landscape. With its long bloom period, coral honeysuckle adds a touch of artistic flair and natural beauty to any Richmond garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Acclimates to many soil types; clay, sand, loam, slightly acidic, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and humans
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nInterested in planting native plants in your garden? To properly choose the right plants for your Richmond landscape, consider the following factors:
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, consult resources like the Virginia Native Plant Society (VNPS) and plantvirginianatives.org for expert advice and recommendations tailored to your specific region. Richmond falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 7, so it’s essential to select plants that are well-suited for this zone.
\n\n\n\nYes, you can mix native and non-native plants in your garden. However, it is essential to select non-native plants that are compatible with Richmond’s climate and aren’t recognized as invasive in the region. Furthermore, prioritize planting native plants in your garden to promote biodiversity and support local wildlife.
\n\n\n\nYes, many native plants can be successfully grown in containers or small spaces in Richmond. When selecting native plants for container gardening or limited spaces, consider species with smaller growth habits or those that can be pruned to maintain a compact size.
\n\n\n\nNative plants in Richmond are generally low-maintenance but still require basic care for optimal health and appearance. Ensure proper watering during dry periods or establishment phases, prune to remove dead or damaged branches and maintain shape, and apply organic mulch to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. Research specific care requirements for each native plant species to tailor your approach accordingly.
\n\n\n\nPlants native to Virginia’s Capital Region include:
\n\n\n\nIncorporating native plants into your landscape offers numerous benefits, such as promoting local ecosystems, supporting pollinators, and providing low-maintenance landscaping options. To achieve an even more stunning garden, consider integrating the best grass types for your region alongside native plants.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re ready to include native plant species in your outdoor oasis, visit the VNPS website to locate the closest native plant nursery to you.
\n\n\n\nFor a lush, green landscape year-round, let WikiLawn connect you with local lawn care professionals who can expertly handle pruning, trimming, mowing, and edging to keep your yard looking its best.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Richmond, VA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.391304347826087,"src":"/static/738fd48db7bf623bd1a01555dd1c735a/1789c/Best-native-plant-for-richmond.jpg","srcSet":"/static/738fd48db7bf623bd1a01555dd1c735a/107df/Best-native-plant-for-richmond.jpg 320w,\n/static/738fd48db7bf623bd1a01555dd1c735a/293e9/Best-native-plant-for-richmond.jpg 500w,\n/static/738fd48db7bf623bd1a01555dd1c735a/f2cbb/Best-native-plant-for-richmond.jpg 800w,\n/static/738fd48db7bf623bd1a01555dd1c735a/1789c/Best-native-plant-for-richmond.jpg 960w,\n/static/738fd48db7bf623bd1a01555dd1c735a/a2a79/Best-native-plant-for-richmond.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/738fd48db7bf623bd1a01555dd1c735a/1dd6e/Best-native-plant-for-richmond.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/738fd48db7bf623bd1a01555dd1c735a/67b76/Best-native-plant-for-richmond.webp 320w,\n/static/738fd48db7bf623bd1a01555dd1c735a/8df11/Best-native-plant-for-richmond.webp 500w,\n/static/738fd48db7bf623bd1a01555dd1c735a/98a65/Best-native-plant-for-richmond.webp 800w,\n/static/738fd48db7bf623bd1a01555dd1c735a/1dd6e/Best-native-plant-for-richmond.webp 960w,\n/static/738fd48db7bf623bd1a01555dd1c735a/7aa54/Best-native-plant-for-richmond.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Richmond, VA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Explore the top native plants for Richmond, Virginia landscapes and find the right plants for your garden, front yard, or outdoor living space."}}},{"node":{"id":"99a8a8a1-0eee-5669-b635-4a59bfaa7e90","slug":"how-to-prevent-repair-rock-salt-damage-on-lawns","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-prevent-repair-rock-salt-damage-on-lawns/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"6fc58ffa-eaae-56a2-a670-d6f84e2bb962","name":"Cold Climate","count":4,"path":"/category/cold-climate/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 21st, 2019","excerpt":"The debate over rock salt is a slippery slope. More than 25 million metric tons of rock salt are dumped onto roads, sidewalks, and driveways every year to de-ice them. While these de-icing salts make life safer for motorists and pedestrians, they have the unintended consequence of damaging lawns. Most of the time, salt damage […]
\n","content":"\nThe debate over rock salt is a slippery slope. More than 25 million metric tons of rock salt are dumped onto roads, sidewalks, and driveways every year to de-ice them. While these de-icing salts make life safer for motorists and pedestrians, they have the unintended consequence of damaging lawns. Most of the time, salt damage is not apparent until spring, when snowmelt and warming temperatures reveal the dead grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NjGOu8zuJtv1iLsWaOawKFZkMeM88I6RMbT39KNWxyyP4HtkKpZ3FaM3z-QvKFOfPq_ruGVeQvxM4VYlm51XL_BWd4oUJp_7-eKeEKNVLH5FYFx7YXLEebmoYGqR3_sKplyNOfVl\")
If you live on a major roadway where crews use salt as a road de-icer, consider a little preventive and remedial lawn care to safeguard your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhen rock salt is applied to icy surfaces, it melts the ice and then runs off or is sprayed by the tires of cars driving through the slush. That overspray can travel up to 150 feet, which means even if your yard isn’t directly affected, some mist may still reach your yard. Salt spray can cause injury to plant buds, leaves, and stems.
\n\n\n\nSalt draws moisture out of leaves, leaving them brown and dry. It also pulls moisture out of the soil, causes soil compaction, and exposes grass roots to chlorides. When chlorides build up to a toxic level, plants lose the ability to produce chlorophyll and eventually die.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/eMqSKQJMlPHs_fovZyFU86BptGtpjXzfRSIJMS6h5y6pAMvBZrj4YuQ9mChNNaxemCHLuKi8jEmxVrM6PsA9_4yeacUeQQgx6VnTAL1L6UlHuHOHT3ZraXxc6OK9hfElPEz_GXzZ\")
Rock salt has a corrosive effect on hard surfaces, often leaving white spots on natural stone walkways and patios. Concrete that isn’t sealed is porous and will soak up the briny water left behind from a de-icing treatment. That absorbed water will refreeze when the temperature dips below freezing, causing expansion. This process will eventually cause chipping, cracks, and flaking in concrete structures. The least expensive de-icing salts tend to be the most corrosive. Pricier de-icing agents are less harmful to grass and less corrosive to concrete and stone. Even if you use a cheaper, more corrosive de-icer, you can cut it with sand to reduce the volume of harsh chemicals.
\n\n\n\nSalt remains in the soil for years, and it accumulates over time until it creates an environment where grass can no longer thrive. Salt is leached out by rainfall, but it can take a while for this process to be complete. Speeding this process by irrigating deeply once the weather warms up will help. But the best solution is to avoid the accumulation of salt in the soil in the first place.
\n\n\n\nGenevieve Schmidt, owner of Genevieve Schmidt Landscape Design and Fine Maintenance in Humboldt County on California’s northern coast, recommends using calcium or magnesium acetates rather than chlorides to de-ice areas around yards and landscapes. She cautions, “When you see dieback and browning or yellowing of leaves, it’s evident there’s been salt damage. If you suspect salt has leached into your landscaping, it’s wise to rinse plants and soil with water as soon as the snow melts. Apply 2 inches of water over a two- to three-hour period, then repeat a few days later.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mzr4JokmArjex8fONGsriVGdlk7rogYtVDYn7Jn2p9p6dkkmm55B4mFZ5yBYIdX2jHnqwOIigim53_JN9OnlWXt497yNnHHE5MD4LtQ7cYwWqutEXbn5L5y8Ku7xq5axXtgrLMwm\")
There is little point in reseeding or overseeding a lawn that has a high level of salt buildup. Without flushing out the salt beforehand, the new grass will absorb the chlorides in the soil and eventually suffer the same fate as the grass you’re replacing. Once you’ve adequately flushed salt out of your lawn in the spring, take your time to reseed your lawn the right way. While salt damage in your yard is nothing to shrug off, it also isn’t the end of the world. With a little foresight and prevention, you can protect your lawn and treat the damage before it’s irreversible.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Michael Pereckas, CC by 2.0
\n","title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8311874105865522,"src":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/107df/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/293e9/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/f2cbb/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/356ef/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/67b76/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/8df11/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/98a65/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/93f70/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"e99b4fc3-3956-50c5-9d8c-a84f4139678a","slug":"best-native-plants-pittsburgh","path":"/lawn-care/pa/pittsburgh/best-native-plants-pittsburgh/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"2d317bbd-578b-5162-8946-7b230bb15f85","name":"Pennsylvania","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/pa/"},{"id":"df1e282b-b8dd-56e2-b231-44dc03e8950d","name":"Pittsburgh","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/pa/pittsburgh/"}],"date":"April 1st, 2023","excerpt":"Steel City is known for its cold winters and hot summers. So, when dreaming about your perfect backyard landscape, consider the best native plants for Pittsburgh that can withstand the change of seasons. By choosing native species, you save time and money and help the ecosystem. There are several advantages of planting native species in […]
\n","content":"\nSteel City is known for its cold winters and hot summers. So, when dreaming about your perfect backyard landscape, consider the best native plants for Pittsburgh that can withstand the change of seasons. By choosing native species, you save time and money and help the ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nThere are several advantages of planting native species in your Pittsburgh backyard:
\n\n\n\nNative plants help to promote and preserve Pittsburgh’s ecosystem. Consider these 10 native plants for Pittsburgh to create a stunning backyard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll see:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe eastern redbud is a deciduous tree that typically grows 20 to 30 feet tall. The tree is known for its striking pink or purple flowers, which bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge. It is a famous ornamental tree because of its early spring blooms and attractive heart-shaped leaves ranging from green to blue-green. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow before dropping from the tree. The bark of the eastern redbud is dark brown and slightly rough.
\n\n\n\nLike many plants, it is susceptible to insect pests and diseases like leafhoppers, caterpillars, borers, japanese beetles, treehoppers, scales, and webworms. Possible diseases that can affect it include canker, dieback, leaf spots, verticillium wilt, blights, and mildew. However, with proper care, the eastern redbuck can be a beautiful and resilient addition to a landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Any moist, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Keep the soil moist to a depth of 2 to 3 inches; watering schedule depends on your soil type, but you should water about once per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 30 feet tall with a 25 to 35 foot spread
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Since this tree is not meant to transplant, it should be planted when young and left undisturbed. It needs little pruning.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is a flowering plant known for its bright yellow petals and dark brown center. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet and blooms during spring, summer, and early autumn. Black-eyed Susan is often grown as an ornamental plant in cottage and butterfly gardens and landscapes. It is also an essential source of pollen and nectar for pollinators.
\n\n\n\nWhile Black-eyed Susan is generally a hardy plant, it can be vulnerable to powdery mildew, slugs and snails.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, acidic, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Depending on growing conditions can act as a biennial, annual, or short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring, summer, early autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium. It has moderate drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Can self-seed freely. Black-eyed Susan can become aggressive if given too perfect an environment and insufficient competition.
\n\n\n\n![\"Virginia](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Virginia-Bluebells.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVirginia bluebells is a herbaceous perennial plant that produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers that are pink in bud and then gradually turn to a beautiful sky blue color. The flowers bloom in early spring and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nIt grows from seeds in the fall, overwinters as small rosettes of leaves, and then rapidly grows and flowers in the spring before going dormant in the summer. The plant spreads by self-seeding and can form large colonies over time.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Part shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average. It does its best when moisture is abundant and will decline when the soil is too dry
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. This plant self-seeds, but is not easy to propagate. It should be cut back after flowering.
\n\n\n\n![\"Wild](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Geranium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild geranium is a herbaceous perennial plant known as wood geranium, spotted geranium, or cranesbill. It typically grows 1 to 2 feet tall and produces showy, five-petaled, pinkish-purple flowers in late spring to early summer. Its leaves are deeply lobed.
\n\n\n\nIt is a popular garden plant and is often used as a ground cover due to its ability to spread through rhizomes. Ground covers help to prevent soil erosion, outcompete and suppress the growth of weeds, and help to retain moisture in the soil.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Clump-forming flowering plant
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Semi-evergreen perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Citrus and fruity accents with a hint of rose smell
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring, early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium. Recently planted geraniums should be kept in moist soil during the first growing season.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Remove flower stems and old leaves to encourage the production of new leaves and flowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Columbine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWild columbine is a beautiful wildflower that grows 2 to 3 feet tall and has distinctive, bell-shaped flowers with red and yellow petals. The leaves of wild columbine are delicate and fern-like, and the flowers are borne on long, thin stalks that rise above the foliage. Because of their nectar, the flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Semi-evergreen perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring, early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average. It prefers moist soil, so don’t let the soil dry out.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. Be careful of overwatering in summer because the crowns can rot. Remove faded flowering stems to promote additional bloom.
\n\n\n\n![\"New](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/New-England-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Cosmonaut / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5 CA
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe New England aster is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 6 feet tall and has numerous purple, pink, or violet flowers with yellow centers. The plant blooms in late summer to fall, making it a valuable late-season food source for bees and other pollinators. The New England aster is a beautiful and beneficial plant for its aesthetic and ecological qualities.
\n\n\n\nNew England aster can be susceptible to powdery mildew and aster wilt. To prevent aster wilt, it is important to plant New England aster in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer, autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium. It prefers medium moisture, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. If the plant is tall, it may require staking or other support. Pinch back stems before midsummer to promote bushiness, produce more flowers, and control the plant height.
\n\n\n\n![\"Butterfly](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Weed-Entire-Flower-Head.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is a perennial herb that can grow up to 3 feet tall and produces clusters of bright orange or yellow flowers in the summer. The plant gets its name from its ability to attract a wide variety of butterflies, which are attracted to the nectar produced by its flowers.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is relatively easy to grow but requires well-drained soil and full sun. Butterfly weed is essential to monarch butterfly survival; planting it in your garden can help preserve this beautiful insect.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Prefers well-drained sandy soils. Performs well in poor, dry soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, vanilla, candy-like fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring, summer.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low. It thrives in dry to moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates drought.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to pets, livestock, and people when ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Plants can grow fast from seed but are slow to establish and may take 2 to 3 years to produce flowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"American](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/American-Holly.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dcrjsr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmerican holly is a species of evergreen tree known for its glossy green leaves, which are often used in holiday decorations. It can grow up to 50 feet tall and produces small, white flowers during spring. Bright red berries follow flowers in the fall and winter. American holly provides food for many species of birds, including cedar waxwings, robins, and blue jays. In contrast, the dense foliage provides shelter for animals such as deer and rabbits.
\n\n\n\nIt is a slow-growing tree that requires well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be prone to insect pests like holly leaf miners, spider mites, whitefly, and scale. It may also suffer from diseases like leaf spots, rot, tar spot, and powdery mildew, causing leaf discoloration, wilting, and overall decline. Proper care and maintenance are essential to keep it healthy.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium. It will occasionally tolerate wet or dry soil but not flooding. For optimum growth, avoid poorly drained soils.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet. In moist regions, it can occasionally approach up to 60 feet.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: It may be toxic if ingested by people, cats, or dogs. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Supplemental water may be necessary for drier sands.
\n\n\n\n![\"Marsh](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Marsh-Blazing-Star.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Drew Avery / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarsh blazing star is a herbaceous perennial commonly known as dense blazing star or button snakeroot. It produces tall spikes of pink to purple flowers in the summer, highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nThe plant grows to a height of 2 to 5 feet and has narrow, grass-like leaves that grow up from the base of the plant. It is relatively low-maintenance and easy to grow from seed or transplants. It can tolerate a wide variety of soil types.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous flowering plant
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Faint smell of vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium. Intolerant of wet soils in winter.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Tall plants may need staking or other support.
\n\n\n\n![\"Aromatic](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Aromatic-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAromatic aster is a herbaceous perennial that produces clusters of small, daisy-like flowers in the late summer and fall, which range in color from pale blue to violet. The plant grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are highly aromatic when crushed.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its beauty, aromatic aster is valued for its ecological value. It is an important nectar source for pollinators, and its seeds are eaten by many species of birds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand. Alkaline, neutral, acidic soil. Well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Balsam-like aroma when flowers are crushed
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer, autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low. It can tolerate drought
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: If the plant gets top-heavy, you can keep it thick by pruning it back by no more than half in June. After it goes dormant, wait to cut back to the basal rosette in late fall or early winter. Some support may be needed for taller plants.
\n\n\n\n![\"Black](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-birch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bruce Marlin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlack birch can grow up to 80 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet. Black birch is known for its distinctive black, scaly bark that peels off in thin, curly strips. The leaves are dark green and oval-shaped with a pointed tip.
\n\n\n\nIn the fall, leaves change their color to a beautiful golden-yellow tone. The tree produces catkins in the spring, clusters of tiny flowers hanging from the branches. These flowers are an essential food source for bees and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: The inner bark of the tree has a strong wintergreen scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium. Perform best in moist soils. The use of soaker hoses and bark mulches keeps the roots moist.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. It needs little pruning. It tends to drop a lot of twigs, making it better suited for rustic areas of the landscape.
\n\n\n\nGrowing native plants in the landscape and garden can help support local biodiversity, reduce water usage, and create a beautiful and sustainable landscape. However, not all native plants are suitable for your garden, be sure to select plants suitable for the soil, sun exposure, and watering capabilities of your backyard.
\n\n\n\nPittsburgh sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6, indicating cold winters and warm summers. Keep your zone in mind when selecting non-native plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nA native plant is a species that naturally occurs and evolves in a specific geographic region or ecosystem. They are adapted to that region’s climate, soil, and other environmental conditions and have often co-evolved with local wildlife. They are essential to a healthy ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nIn contrast, a non-native species is a plant that has been brought from another part of the world. These plants can negatively impact the environment, out-competing native plants, reducing biodiversity, and altering the ecological processes of the ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nThe Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has included Ravenna grass, glossy buckthorn, and common buckthorn in a list of noxious weeds. These plants cannot be legally sold or grown in the state.
\n\n\n\nIt’s not recommended to gather native plants from the wild, and in some cases, you aren’t legally permitted to. Transporting native plants is a delicate process, so experts recommend that you purchase them from a nursery certified in dealing with and handling native plants.
\n\n\n\nOther native plants of Pennsylvania include:
\n\n\n\nIf you want to enrich your Pittsburgh backyard with native plants, there are several places you can find them; local nurseries, garden centers, online nurseries, and seed companies, for example.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these plant nurseries recommended by the Native Plant Society of Pennsylvania:
\n\n\n\nConsidering native plants as the main beauty of your garden is one step closer to a final landscaping design project. Be sure to consider low-maintenance landscaping ideas and the best grass types for Pittsburgh for a healthy lawn.
If you would like to have a beautiful backyard lawn and need the help of a professional, connect with a local lawn care pro in your area.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh / GPA Photo Archive / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"11 Best Native Plants for Pittsburgh","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4962593516209477,"src":"/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/1789c/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg","srcSet":"/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/107df/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 320w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/293e9/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 500w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/f2cbb/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 800w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/1789c/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 960w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/c26c2/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/1dd6e/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/67b76/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 320w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/8df11/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 500w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/98a65/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 800w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/1dd6e/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 960w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/3cc96/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Best Native Plants for Pittsburgh","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Choose from these 11 beautiful and eco-friendly native plant species for your Pittsburgh landscape. Discover buying locations and care tips."}}},{"node":{"id":"77f97ce0-b4a4-5be4-950b-fc96540e55b2","slug":"best-grass-types-grand-rapids","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/grand-rapids-mi/best-grass-types-grand-rapids/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"438713f2-daf7-5a75-a66f-7741f7e2b4cb","name":"Grand Rapids","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/grand-rapids-mi/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"}],"date":"April 17th, 2023","excerpt":"From the beautiful array of greenery at the Frederik Meijer Gardens to the many parks and festivals in Grand Rapids, there’s no shortage of reasons why you wouldn’t want to be out enjoying the city’s sites. When you come home, you want to return to a landscape as well-kept and inviting. That’s why we’ve compiled […]
\n","content":"\nFrom the beautiful array of greenery at the Frederik Meijer Gardens to the many parks and festivals in Grand Rapids, there’s no shortage of reasons why you wouldn’t want to be out enjoying the city’s sites. When you come home, you want to return to a landscape as well-kept and inviting. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best grass-types for the cool Grand Rapids fall and spring weather, warm summers, and freezing and snowy winters.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of grasses to choose for your lawn: warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. Cool-season grasses thrive best in Grand Rapids.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in hot, humid climates and go dormant during the cold winter months. When the temperatures drop below freezing, the grass turns brown. Because warm-season grass thrives best in areas with hot summers and short, mild winters, they are found in the southern regions of the United States.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses also go dormant in freezing temperatures, but cool-season grasses go dormant later in the season than warm-season grasses. Cool-season grass also goes dormant in hot summer temperatures. Since cool-season grass grows best in cool to mild weather, when air temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, they are usually found in the northern regions of the United States.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are ideal for Grand Rapids. The grass is equipped for the cool spring and fall Grand Rapids weather, humid summers, and freezing winters.
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Kentucky bluegrass is a popular choice for Grand Rapids homeowners. It has a dark green color and is a lush, dense grass. It expands and germinates new grass, so homeowners with dead spots or bald patches gravitate towards Kentucky bluegrass. There is a tradeoff, however. It needs regular mowing and watering to keep it healthy, and it has high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass has low shade tolerance and grows best on properties that get a lot of sun. If your property has many trees or buildings blocking the sunlight, you may want to go with fine fescue or tall fescue, as they are more shade tolerant.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass has a soft texture, moderate foot traffic tolerance, and the ability to recover quickly from damage. This grass is right at home for those who love to host outdoor events or who have children engaged in kickball games a few times a month.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate; Requires proper irrigation during hot months or it will go brown.
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate; It quickly recovers from damage.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5 – 3.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6 – 7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Blending two to four cultivars will give the best performance. Keep in mind that seeding in late spring or early summer may cause a weed problem. But you can sod or seed Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Fescue-a-species-of-fine-fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFine fescue has a striking blue-green look. It grows early and is a viable option if you’re looking to blend grasses. You may have a yard that is more colorful than some, as fine fescue sometimes has a green color lighter than other grasses.
\n\n\n\nIf Kentucky bluegrass doesn’t work for you because your property doesn’t get a lot of sun, fine fescue may be calling your name. It’s the most shade-tolerant cool-season grass. For the best results, plant the chewings variety. It is the most shade-tolerant fine fescue variety.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue’s fine texture welcomes bare feet, but tread lightly. It has low to moderate traffic tolerance. A few trips across the grass to the mailbox are okay, but this is not the grass for children having regular jump rope challenges.
\n\n\n\nFine fescue has low watering, mowing, and fertilization requirements. Sheep and hard fescue are most revered in the Grand Rapids area for how easy they are to maintain.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Creeping red Fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewing, hard, and sheep fescues.
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High, depending on species
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to Moderate, depending on species
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer and mowing needs.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4.0 inches, depending on species.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. It prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Hard fescue, chewings, and creeping red are frequently mixed with perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass for shady, dry areas.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re not really into all of the work of Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue requires less maintenance. Like Kentucky bluegrass, it requires frequent mowing, but it does not produce significant thatch and it has lower fertilization needs. If you prefer to have more time enjoying the Grand Rapids Art Museum than maintaining a lawn, you may gravitate towards tall fescue.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue will also grow better in the shade than Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue stands out with its wide leaves and glossy, dark green color. It thrives in the cooler weather and freezing winters of Grand Rapids because it’s cold-tolerant. It’s also drought-tolerant and retains its green color through most Grand Rapids summers without needing additional watering. But extensively long, dry months will require you to quench tall fescue’s thirst with plenty of water to avoid stress and damage.
\n\n\n\nThe coarsely-textured grass may encourage you to keep your shoes on. It’s also not the best choice if your yard is home to regular block parties and barbeques. It has moderate foot-traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when the grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Retains its green color during the winter, depending on the variety. The Juvenile variety is not cold-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGrand Rapids homeowners take to perennial ryegrass when they need a quick cover. It germinates and develops faster than some other gasses, like Kentucky bluegrass. So ryegrass may be a better choice if you have bare spots, need to overseed, or are establishing a lawn.
\n\n\n\nRyegrass is recommended if you are seeding in the summer, but with the caveat of never using more than 50 percent of it in a mixture. Perennial ryegrass has poor resistance to extreme conditions like heat, cold, and drought. While the freezing Grand Rapids winter temperatures may be a challenge for ryegrass, the typical cooler non-summer months provide the right conditions for better performance.
\n\n\n\nSpeaking of performance, if you have children that like to show off their athletic abilities by regularly running, playing, and tumbling across the grass, perennial will be well-suited for your home. The fine-textured grass blades offer some cushion and comfort for stumbles and falls, too.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is a rich green color with a glossy look on one side of the leaf. This grass loves to sunbathe. It has low shade-tolerance. It takes less to maintain perennial than tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, as perennial only requires moderate mowing and fertilizing. If you’d rather spend time in the yard playing with the children instead of pushing a lawn mower and laying down fertilizer, you’ll appreciate perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch buildup isn’t significant.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spots, red thread, and leaf spot/melting-out.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8 but prefers between 6 and 7.
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers good drainage and fertility but can tolerate some poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: It mixes well with other grass types like Kentucky bluegrass, bentgrasses, and fine fescues. Mixing it with Kentucky bluegrass creates a lawn more tolerant of disease and high traffic.
\n\n\n\nCreeping bentgrass takes a lot of time and money to maintain. For example, it’s highly vulnerable to diseases and needs to be treated with fungicides and other chemicals. In Michigan, it’s primarily used on golf courses. If you do see this bentgrass creeping in someone’s lawn, it’s usually not intentional. Creeping bentgrass found in Michigan homes are considered weeds.
Cool-season grasses go dormant in the summer when the air temperature is more than 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Long periods of dryness can also cause the grass to go dormant. To manage summer dormancy from drought, water the grass. Cool-season grasses also go dormant when the soil temperature is consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
No. It depends on the species. Sheep fescue is bluish-green. Chewings fescue and creeping red fescue have a medium to dark green color. Hard fescue has a gray-green appearance.
When choosing the right grass for your property, consider your area’s climate and soil conditions. Make sure you understand which grass types are best for mixing, what grass types they’re best for mixing with, and how combining different types will affect the overall performance of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSelect a grass type that fits well with your family’s outdoor activity frequency and your availability for maintenance.
\n\n\n\nNative plants are another way to enhance your yard and give back to the ecosystem. Native plants provide food and habitat for butterflies, birds, and wildlife while adding color and variety to your landscaping design.
\n\n\n\nWe understand that you want to get back to the touring and taste testing of the 40 plus craft breweries that await you. They don’t call Grand Rapids Beer City, USA for nothing. Hire a Grand Rapids lawn care professional so they can mow while you sip.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Meyer May House / WMrapids / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Grand Rapids, MI","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6876fe74dc6f3af9a73f56bd3b3b216c/1789c/Meyer-May-House.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6876fe74dc6f3af9a73f56bd3b3b216c/107df/Meyer-May-House.jpg 320w,\n/static/6876fe74dc6f3af9a73f56bd3b3b216c/293e9/Meyer-May-House.jpg 500w,\n/static/6876fe74dc6f3af9a73f56bd3b3b216c/f2cbb/Meyer-May-House.jpg 800w,\n/static/6876fe74dc6f3af9a73f56bd3b3b216c/1789c/Meyer-May-House.jpg 960w,\n/static/6876fe74dc6f3af9a73f56bd3b3b216c/c26c2/Meyer-May-House.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6876fe74dc6f3af9a73f56bd3b3b216c/1dd6e/Meyer-May-House.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6876fe74dc6f3af9a73f56bd3b3b216c/67b76/Meyer-May-House.webp 320w,\n/static/6876fe74dc6f3af9a73f56bd3b3b216c/8df11/Meyer-May-House.webp 500w,\n/static/6876fe74dc6f3af9a73f56bd3b3b216c/98a65/Meyer-May-House.webp 800w,\n/static/6876fe74dc6f3af9a73f56bd3b3b216c/1dd6e/Meyer-May-House.webp 960w,\n/static/6876fe74dc6f3af9a73f56bd3b3b216c/3cc96/Meyer-May-House.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Grand Rapids, MI","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"This guide explores the properties of the four best grass types for Grand Rapids. Find out which cool-season grass fits your yard and lifestyle."}}},{"node":{"id":"9d256264-8504-58ac-af46-368e0f705194","slug":"native-plants-seattle","path":"/lawn-care/wa/seattle/native-plants-seattle/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"c6d9bd8a-28b0-5293-8a0f-89910712d2d9","name":"Seattle","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/seattle/"},{"id":"7987b7f7-662d-55d4-9011-4af5647aa2dd","name":"Washington","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/"}],"date":"April 17th, 2023","excerpt":"Some may say Seattle has two seasons: wet and dry. You can enjoy the multiple walking trails at Washington Park Arboretum, or, when the relentless drizzles kick in, duck inside and explore the retail shops at Pike Place Market. But unlike you, your yard cannot duck inside to avoid the humidity, rain, or summer drought-like […]
\n","content":"\nSome may say Seattle has two seasons: wet and dry. You can enjoy the multiple walking trails at Washington Park Arboretum, or, when the relentless drizzles kick in, duck inside and explore the retail shops at Pike Place Market. But unlike you, your yard cannot duck inside to avoid the humidity, rain, or summer drought-like conditions that define Seattle. You need plants that can handle these conditions. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best native plants for Seattle.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll want a yard full of plants that are adapted to the Pacific Northwest climate. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of plant types native to Seattle.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-marek-kupiec-10178701-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nPacific bleeding heart’s trademark is its delicate-looking, heart-shaped pink or white flowers. It’s also called fern-leaf bleeding heart because of its fern-like foliage.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard is visited by local forest dwellers, these hearts are a good idea; they’re rabbit and deer resistant. Pacific bleeding hearts are a great choice for borders and cottage or shade gardens. But be careful if you have skin allergies, the leaves can cause irritation.
\n\n\n\nWith that caveat in mind, cover up with gloves and other protective gear, plant these bleeding hearts, and watch as they attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other birds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade. Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full shade, but less flowers will bloom.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals. Causes sickness when ingested and is a possible skin irritant.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Mahonia_aquifolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Meggar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you have pets or small children, the toxic properties of the pacific bleeding heart may cause concern. No worries. The tall Oregon grape is not only deer-resistant and low maintenance like the bleeding heart, it’s non-toxic and has medicinal uses, too. It treats skin diseases and is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
\n\n\n\nThe tall Oregon grape, also called the Oregon grape holly, adds color to any home. Its bright yellow flowers greet you in the spring and its purplish-blue berries beckon you in the summer. Pollinators feast on the flowers, while wildlife and birds come around for a taste of the edible berries that look like small grapes. Plant the tall Oregon grape in groups in woodland or shade gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/15037160035_4ed81031c8_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAre you undecided on whether you want a bushy shrub or a small tree? Vine maple is a people-pleaser. On one hand, it can be a large spreading shrub. On the other, it sometimes develops into a moderately-sized tree. Remove branches close to the ground to promote tree-like growth.
\n\n\n\nThe vine maple will even offer you a variety of colors. Its bark is reddish-green with bright green leaves. The fall ushers in orange and red-hued foliage. Small purple and white flowers arrive in the spring. The berries that soon follow draw mammals and songbirds.
\n\n\n\nVine maple thrives in moist and cooler climates like that of Seattle. If your yard is shaded, vine maple will be a loyal companion. This shrub is a wonderful choice for a shady border or patio tree.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Small tree, shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, clay, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet, sometimes reaching up to 40 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8090352658_f3dbbefe27_c-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: brewbooks / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWild ginger is a Seattle favorite because it thrives in wet winter conditions. It has glazed, heart-shaped leaves and deeply red-colored, three-pronged flowers that emerge around late spring and early summer. The flower’s end forms a tail. Although wild ginger smells like ginger when crushed, it’s not the spice you find on the racks at the grocery store.
\n\n\n\nWild ginger loves shade, so it will work well on a property that doesn’t get much sun – that is, if you don’t mind a few extra creepy crawlers in your yard. Wild ginger is pollinated by ground beetles and ants. This ground cover is often used in woodland gardens and under shrubs.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Evergreen ground cover
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 – 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full or partial shade, no direct sunlight
\n\n\n\nSoil: Fertile, organic matter
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Leaves when crushed have a lemon-ginger smell
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Must stay moist
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6-10 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Caution is advised. Do not ingest.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/48267568732_29cdb6a664_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mount Rainier National Park / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSalal is also called Shallon, and is a great choice if you love to see color in your plants in the winter. The leaves turn a red-purplish color when it’s cold. Salal is an attention-seeker, as it is high maintenance and needs pruning immediately after it flowers. But its edible and medicinal properties may make it well worth the effort.
\n\n\n\nHumans and birds can eat the deep blue berries that emerge near the end of summer. And although salal’s medicinal uses are not well known, it has been used for medicinal purposes. It has anti-cramping and anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves can be applied externally to soothe insect bites and stings. Salal has been used in jams, baked goods, and as a sweetener.
\n\n\n\nUse this attractive shrub as a ground cover or border, along slopes, or in rain gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Smells like wintergreen
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Grows up to 5 feet in shade and up to 3 feet in full sun.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/30284962355_651a2441c9_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bureau of Land Management / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCommon camas is usually called by the short version of its common name, camas. The leaves are long and grass-like. Around the end of spring to the beginning of summer, sky-blue petaled flowers blossom. For best results, plant camas in the fall and give it plenty of water while it’s growing.
\n\n\n\nThis wildflower attracts beetles and bumblebees, and is perfect when planted in groups in cottage gardens and borders.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering plant/wildflower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, very little shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: High organic matter with good drainage; tolerates seasonally moist soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Spicy; Smells like molasses when boiled
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average /(Natively found in moist, spring meadows that dry by late spring)
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 30 inches
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry showcases reddish leaves that emerge in the spring, and white flowers that sit underneath the leathery foliage. The blue or black colored berries come around in the late summer, bringing with them wildlife and birds that nibble on them for nourishment. One of the best things about this evergreen is that the berries serve as a buffet for humans, too. The berries have been used in pies, jellies, and syrups.
\n\n\n\nEvergreen huckleberry makes a great shrub border or hedge. It’s also a good choice for rain gardens. It’s considered high maintenance, but it may save you a trip to the grocery store.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Needled Evergreen
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Sun or shade; prefers partial or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerates sand, clay, and soils low in organic content; requires acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Musky
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Feb to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, Medium to wet
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 10 feet tall; grows taller in shade
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: High
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/52704209231_8c892efc77_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Knight / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou may have noticed these growing alongside the Cascades. The red flowering currant is also called the blood currant. Drooping, small red-petaled flowers appear and take over the shrub in the spring.
\n\n\n\nThe red flowering currant produces dark blue berries that are appreciated by humans and animals alike. The fruit has been used to make juice, pies, and jam. The red flowering currant shrub thrives well in yards with lots of sun or a little shade. This sweet, sage-rosemaryish-smelling plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers well-drained, rocky soil but tolerates poor soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet sage-rosemary
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water the first two summers of establishment
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nAll plants are not created equal. Some may look and sound attractive, but not be suitable for most homes even if they are native plants of the Pacific Northwest, like the douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Others should not be planted close to your home because they’re highly flammable, like the eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Make sure you’re aware of the potential hazards of a plant before purchasing it.
\n\n\n\nThe best plants are those that fit well with your property’s conditions, your maintenance expectations, and your family’s lifestyle. Some questions you can ask yourself are:
\n\n\n\nAlso, consider whether you want to spend your time pruning shrubs or if you have the budget to pay someone. If you’re too busy for high-maintenance plants, salal may be a deal breaker, while the pacific bleeding heart may be a must-have.
\n\n\n\nIf you have small children or pets that may get into the vegetation, you may want to stay clear of pacific bleeding heart and indulge in a medley of red flowering currants or evergreen huckleberry.
\n\n\n\nIf you have pets, you may have concerns about plants that will make them sick. According to the Washington Native Plant Society, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (APSCA) lists several plants that can be harmful to pets. Here are five native plants harmful to dogs and cats that are most commonly found in the Seattle area:
\n\n\n\nMany plants are native to Washington, including:
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones identify which plants grow best in which areas of North America. The U.S. Department of Agriculture divides zones by average lowest winter temperatures. Knowing your area’s hardiness zone helps you identify the right plants that will thrive in Seattle.
\n\n\n\nKing County is a bit confusing, as it’s in two zones. Most of the county is in zone 8. The eastern part of the county is in zone 7. If you don’t know which zone you’re in, ask your local nursery.
\n\n\n\nUsing native plants can make your life easier. These plants already thrive in their current environment, so they take less maintenance. This saves resources and money.
\n\n\n\nNative plants need less water and require fewer pesticides and fertilizers if any. This means fewer hazardous chemicals running off into creeks and other water-supply sources.
\n\n\n\nBy choosing Seattle native plants, you can enjoy bonding with nature as you see a beautiful display of various insects, butterflies, and native wildlife flocking to a diverse buffet of vegetation.
\n\n\n\nIf you’ve been to Carkeek Park, you’ve seen some native plants. You’ve probably also seen plenty of native plants while you were out walking in your neighborhood or driving around the city. Adding native plants to your home will create a colorful and diverse environment that gives back to the ecosystem. The Washington Native Plant Society highlights community events and sites where you can see native vegetation and take advantage of plant sales.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local nurseries in the Seattle area recommended by the King Conservation District:
\n\n\n\nSoaking in the sunshine and fresh air by spending time working in the garden or around the yard can be calming. But everyone deserves a break. When you’re ready to let someone else do the work, call your lawn care professional.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Oregon Grape / Kirt Edblom / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
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