Native Shrubs

We will expand our selection of shrubs gradually. We may be able to special order some varieties - please inquire. Most shrubs are in 1-3 gallon pots.

indicates host plants for butterflies and moths sighted recently in Berks County, PA

Amelanchier laevis, Serviceberry | PA Native | wide distribution

A large shrub or small tree with masses of small white flowers in spring, followed by delicious edible black berries that ripen in June - either you or the birds will love them, depending on who gets there first! Outstanding orange-red fall color. Genus (Amelanchier) is a host plant for Striped Hairstreak and Viceroy butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Tolerant of drier soils, as well. Height: 15'-20' h. Available: straight species.

Aronia arbutifolia, Red Chokeberry | PA Native | wide distribution

A shrub with an upright habit. Small, white flowers in spring are followed by dense clusters of showy red berries in late summer, which persist on the plant well into winter - since they only become palatable to birds after several frosts. Outstanding red foliage color gives this plant several seasons of interest.

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Prefers moist to wet soil, where it may sucker to form colonies, but also tolerates average to dry conditions. Height: 6-8' h x w. Available: cultivar 'Brilliantissima', with improved fruit set.

Aronia melanocarpa, Chokeberry | PA Native | moderate distribution

Small, white flowers in May are followed by clusters of purple-black berries in fall. Berries have an astringent taste that birds eat only after they've been hit with a few good frosts. Fall color can be good purplish red, but is most consistent on cultivars. Suckers to form thickets.

Culture: Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained, wet or dry soils; extremely adaptable. Develops best fall color in sun. Height: 3'-5'h x 3'-5'w. Available: straight species, and cultivar 'Autumn Magic', with more brilliant fall color.

Cephalanthus occidentalis, Buttonbush | PA Native | wide distribution

An essential species to include in natural wet areas. Fluffy, golf ball-like fragrant white flowers cover the plant in August and September, and are a magent for butterflies. Its loose appearance in the landscape is best suited to informal, natural gardens.

Culture: Plant in full sun to light shade in consistently moist areas; tolerates wet soil. Cut to the ground every few years to rejuvenate the plant. Height: 4' - 10' h. Available: straight species.

Clethra alnifolia, Summersweet | PA Native | limited distribution

Why plant butterfly bush when you could plant summersweet? Covered with fragrant spikes of flowers for a long period in the summer (white for the species, with cultivars offering different colors). Fall leaf color is yellow.

Culture: Plant in partial shade; will tolerate full sun for part of the day. Prefers moist soil, but also tolerates drier conditions. Height: species 5-8' h, cultivars from 2' h. Available: straight species, cultivar 'Ruby Spice' with rose-pink flowers, and '16 Candles', only 2-3' h.

Cornus amomum, Silky Dogwood | PA Native | wide distribution

A good shrub for moist to wet areas along streams, ponds, or bogs. Loose, rounded appearance is informal; flowers are yellowish-white in May or June, followed by ornamental blue berries in August, which are quickly eaten by birds. Genus (Cornus) is a host for Spring Azure and Summer Azure butterflies.

Culture: Plant in partial shade to full sun in moist to wet soils; will tolerate drier soils. Height: 6-10' h. Available: straight species.

Corylus americana, Hazelnut | PA Native | wide distribution

A multi-stemmed shrub with ornamental catkins in the spring, followed by 1/2" hazelnuts which mature in September and October. The fruits are often used in desserts. A good smaller tree for a property.

Culture: Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil with organic matter. May sucker from the base; suckers can be pruned to improve appearance. Height: 8' - 15' h. Available: straight species.

Hamamelis virginiana, Witchhazel | PA Native | wide distribution

Our native witchhazel blooms late in the fall, with yellow, strap-like, fragrant flowers. The fall color is often a beautiful clear yellow. Witchhazel has a striking architecture, with broad, coarse branches and a wide-spreading, open form, making it effective in the landscape even in the winter. Genus (Hamamelis) is a host for Striped Hairstreak butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to part shade in moist soil; does well in clay soil; does not tolerate high pH. Height: 20'-30'h x 20'w. Available: straight species

Hydrangea arborescens, Smooth Hydrangea | PA Native | wide distribution

Spherical clusters of white flowers turn shades of green and brown throughout the summer, providing for a long season of interest; the bleached flower heads are also extremely ornamental in the winter. An excellent cut flower.

Culture: Plant in partial shade  in moist, well-drained soil. Cut down to the ground in late winter for largest flowers. Height: 3-5' h. Available: cultivar 'White Dome', with large, pure white lace-cap flowers.

Hydrangea quercifolia, Oakleaf Hydrangea | US Native

This is a plant with fully 4 seasons of interest: strikingly large oak-shaped leaves, beautiful, showy panicles of white flowers in summer, outstanding violet fall foliage, and exfoliating bark in winter. A must-have in the garden.

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in a site protected from wind; best in moist, well-drained soils with organic matter. Height: species 6' h, cultivars from 4' h. Available: cultivar 'Pee Wee', compact habit to 4-5' h.

Ilex glabra, Inkberry | PA Native | native populations now extinct; formerly v. limited distribution

This is a real workhorse of a plant. Evergreen foliage stays attractive throughout the year. Rounded habit does not require pruning. Dark black fruit appears in fall. Over time, lower leaves fall away. Adaptable to many different garden conditions.

Culture: Plant in full sun; tolerates shade, but will be less dense. Best in moist, acidic soils, but adapted to wet soils and tolerates dry soils. Height: species 6' h, cultivars from 4' h. Available: cultivar 'Densa', with improved ability to hold lower leaves.

Ilex verticillata, Winterberry | PA Native | wide distribution

An excellent plant for fall and winter interest, with striking displays of red berries on female plants that persist through winter. Cultivars offer a wide range of heights.

Culture: Plant in full sun to light shade in soil that is consistently moist. NOTE: a male plant is needed for fruit set. Height: species 6-10' h, cultivars from 3' h. Available: cultivar 'Berry Nice', 6-8' h, with improved fruit set, and male pollinator 'Jim Dandy', 7-10' h.

Itea virginica, Virginia Sweetspire | PA Native | native populations now extinct; formerly v. limited distribution

A very attractive shrub with lightly fragrant, white spikes of flowers in early summer, on a shrub with a dense, rounded habit. Fall color is excellent, especially on cultivars, which exhibit shades of red, orange, and purple.

Culture: Plant in full sun to full shade in moist to wet soils; tolerates drier soils, as well. Plant is denser and showier in sun. Height: species 3-10' h, cultivars from 3' h. Available: cultivar 'Little Henry', with mature height of 3-4', consistently excellent fall color.

Kalmia latifolia, Mountain Laurel | PA Native | wide distribution

The state flower of PA, mountain laurel delights with its white to pale pink blooms against glossy, evergreen foliage. Many cultivars are available in a variety of flower colors and patterns. Attractive branching habit makes a nice silhouette even in winter. Genus (Kalmia) is a host for Brown Elfin butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun for densest growth; has a more open habit in shade. Needs excellent drainage. Prefers moist, acidic soil; tolerates drier soil. Mulch well. Height: species 7-15' h, cultivars shorter. Available: straight species

Lindera benzoin, Spicebush | PA Native | wide distribution

A much-beloved understory plant in our woods, emitting a spicy fragrance when the leaves or bark are brushed up against. Flowers before the leaves, in early April. Produced attractive red berries in the fall that are quickly eaten by birds. Genus (Lindera) is a host for Spicebush Swallowtail and Tiger Swallowtail butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to full shade in moist, slightly alkaline soil. Tolerates drier conditions, as well. Height: 6-12' h. Available: straight species.

Physocarpus opulifolius, Ninebark | PA Native | wide distribution

Pinkish-white flowers in May and June, preceded by attractive bud clusters. Exfoliating bark adds interest in winter. The cultivars of ninebark have extremely showy foliage - ranging from lime green to dark purple - and make a real splash in the garden.

Culture: Plant in full sun to light shade. Tolerates poor, dry soil, but often found in the wild in moist to wet conditions. Height: species 5-10' h, cultivars from 4' h. Available: cultivar 'Summer Wine', with fine-textured dark foliage.

Rhododendron maximum, Rosebay Rhododendron | PA Native | moderate distribution

This large, beautiful rhododendron has long, broad evergreen leaves and trusses of white, pink, to rose flowers in early to mid-summer. Appreciates a partly shady, cool site, and is often found along streambanks or the ponds' edge. Genus (Rhododendron) is a host for Brown Elfin and Striped Hairstreak butterflies.

Culture: Plant in partial shade to full shade in moist, acidic, well-drained soil; tolerates occasional flooding and wetter soils. Mulch to keep roots cool. Height: 4'-15'h x w. Available: straight species

Rhododendron periclymenoides, Pinxterbloom Azalea | PA Native | wide distribution

A native azalea which blooms when the leaves come out, in late April or early May. Flowers are usually light pink, but may be white to dark pink. Fall foliage color is an outstanding orange-red. Attractive growth habit. Genus (Rhododendron) is a host for Brown Elfin and Striped Hairstreak butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained, acidic soil. Adaptable to moist or dry soils. Do not prune. Height: 3-6' h. Available: straight species.

Rhododendron viscosum, Swamp Azalea | PA Native | limited distribution - Eastern and Southern PA only

This deciduous native azalea blooms later than many, in late May to early June, in clusters of white flowers with a spicy, clove-like scent. Loose, open habit. Does not naturalize to form colonies in a garden setting, although this is common in the wild. Genus (Rhododendron) is a host for Brown Elfin and Striped Hairstreak butterflies.

Culture: Plant in partial shade to full shade in moist to wet soil. Height: 4-6'h x 3'-5'w. Available: cultivar 'Summer Eyelet'

Rhus aromatica, Fragrant Sumac | PA Native | limited distribution

A shorter, spreading shrub with orange to red fall color. The stems are fragrant when bruised. Low-growing cultivars make excellent groundcovers. Fragrant sumac is excellent for stabilizing stream banks or sloping areas. Genus (Rhus) is a host for Red-banded Hairstreak and Summer Azure butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in acidic, well-drained soil. Height: species 2'-6' h, cultivars from 2' h. Available: straight species.

Rhus glabra, Smooth Sumac | PA Native | wide distribution

A low-maintenance, thicket-forming plant that takes a variety of difficult soil conditions with ease. Beautiful fall color is yellow, orange or red. The fruit, which is produced in the fall, is scarlet red and lasts into the winter. Genus (Rhus) is a host for Red-banded Hairstreak and Summer Azure butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in average soil. Height: 10-15' h. Available: straight species.

Rhus typhina, Staghorn Sumac | PA Native | wide distribution

This is the shrub that makes the fall glow! Fiery red to orange fall color is consistently brilliant. Staghorn Sumac has a very distinct, bold branching pattern which is notable even in the winter. Scarlet-red fruit is ornamental; branches are covered with red hairs. Thicket-forming. Genus (Rhus) is a host for Red-banded Hairstreak and Summer Azure butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in average, well-drained soil.Tolerant of very poor, dry soils. Cut to ground in late winter to rejuvenate plant. Height: 15-25' h. Available: straight species.

Sambucus canadensis, Elderberry | PA Native | wide distribution

A great plant for naturalizing in wet areas. Has a high value for wildlife. White flowers in June and July cover the plant, followed by purple-black berries. Plant multiple plants for best fruit set. Suckers to form large colonies.

Culture: Plant in full sun in moist soil, but also tolerates drier soils and poor conditions. Height: 5-12'. Available: straight species.

Spirea latifolia, Meadowsweet | PA Native | moderate distribution

Bluish-green leaves are a backdrop for pyramidal, white to pink flowers in long panicles late in the summer. Tan seedheads persist into winter. Good wildlife value. Genus (Spiraea) is a host for Summer Azure butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun in average soil. Height: 2'-4' h. Available: straight species.

Spirea tomentosa, Steeplebush | PA Native | moderate distribution

Long, 3-8" panicles of dark rose-colored flowers open from the top down in July, looking a bit like steeples. This is our only native, pink-blooming spirea! Tan seedheads remain on plant into winter. Valuable for late summer bloom and attractiveness to wildlife. An under-utilized shrub. Genus (Spiraea) is a host for Summer Azure butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun in moist soil. Height: 2-4' h. Available: straight species.

Vaccinium corymbosum, Highbush Blueberry || PA Native | wide distribution

Just a fruit plant? Think again! Blueberries are one of our most attractive native plants, with many seasons of interest - from the white, bell-shaped flowers in spring, to the blue berries in summer, to the excellent orange-red fall color. Plant two plants for best fruit set. Genus (Vaccinium) is a host for Brown Elfin, Red-spotted Purple, and Striped Hairstreak butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to light shade in acidic soil. The acidity is extremely important for best fruit production. Height: species 6-12' h, cultivars from 4' h. Available: straight species, several cultivars selected for fruit production.

Viburnum prunifolium, Black-haw | PA Native | moderate distribution, only southern PA

A large shrub or small tree with a horizontal branching pattern. White, flat-topped flowers in May are followed by edible rose-colored fruit in September. Excellent dark purple or red fall color. Bark is mottled on mature plants. Genus (Viburnum) is a host for Baltimore, Spring Azure, Summer Azure butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to full shade in average soil. Tolerates very poor conditions, including dry soil. Height: 12-15' h. Available: straight species.

Virburnum nudum, Smooth Witherod | PA Native | v. limited distribution, only in SE PA

Cultivars of this plant, most notably 'Winterthur', have a uniform, rounded growth habit that fits right into the front yard. Pretty white flowers in June may be followed by berries which change color from green, to white, to pink, to black. Excellent burgundy to red fall color. Genus (Viburnum) is a host for Baltimore, Spring Azure, Summer Azure butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained to moist soils. NOTE: A viburnum of another species, or a V. nudum straight species or different cultivar, which blooms at the same time as 'Winterthur', is needed for fruit set; this can be hard to achieve! Height: species 5-12' h, cultivars from 5' h. Available: cultivar 'Winterthur', with outstanding berry set (see note) and fall leaf coloration.

Wisteria frutescens, American Wisteria | PA Native | v. limited distribution, but several sites in SE PA

Our native wisteria is much more restrained than the more commonly used Japanese and Chinese wisterias: ours flowers after the leaves have emerged, the lilac-purple flower spikes are fragrant, and shorter (4-6" long), and it doesn’t try to take over the world. Genus (Wisteria) is a host for Baltimore, Horace's Duskywing, Long-tailed Skipper and Silver-spotted Skipper butterflies.

Culture: Plant in full sun in moist soil. Flowers on current season's growth, so only prune right after flowering - not in the spring. Height: 20-30' h. Available: cultivar 'Amethyst Falls', with improved flowering.