Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Learn About Specific Shrubs
Ilex verticillata ‘Red Sprite’ (Winterberry) with a northern mockingbird in February. Photo © 2013 Judy Funderburk
- Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry)
- Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry)
- Calycanthus floridus (Sweet-shrub) new 2020!
- Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush)
- Clethra alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush, Summersweet)
- Euonymus americanus ([American] Strawberry-bush)
- Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla, Witch Alder)
- Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel)
- Hydrangea arborescens (Wild or Smooth Hydrangea)
- Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)
- Ilex glabra (Inkberry)
- Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)
- Itea virginica (Virginia Sweetspire, Virginia-willow)
- Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel)
- Lindera benzoin ([Northern] Spicebush)
- Physocarpus opulifolius (Common or Eastern Ninebark)
- Spiraea tomentosa (Steeplebush) new 2020!
- Vaccinium corymbosum ([Northern] Highbush Blueberry)
- Viburnum nudum (Possum-haw)
- Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw)
Where to See These Shrubs in Our Demonstration Gardens
Many of these recommended plants can easily be seen in person at local public gardens. The following gardens feature native plants and are designed and maintained by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria.
Glencarlyn Library Community Garden
300 S. Kensington Street, Arlington, Virginia 22204
Features:
Native plants suitable for a container garden, shade garden, or scented garden
- Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry) in the 3rd Street Garden
- Clethra alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush, Summersweet) the Fence Garden, possibly C. acuminata
- Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla, Witch Alder) in the Woodland Garden
- Ilex glabra (Inkberry) in the 3rd Street Garden
- Ilex verticillata (Winterberry) on the patio and in the 3rd Street Garden
- Itea virginica (Virginia Sweetspire) on the patio and in the 3rd Street Garden
- Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) in the 3rd Street Garden
- Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry, Northern Highbush Blueberry) v. angustifolium ‘Top Hat’ in the Woodland Garden
Shade Demonstration Garden at Bon Air Park
850 N. Lexington Street Arlington, Virginia 22205 (near the shelter)
Features:
Native plants that thrive in morning shade and partial sun
- Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) in the top W
- Itea virginica (Virginia Sweetspire) in section 8C
Simpson Park Demonstration Garden
420 E. Monroe Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22301 (next to the YMCA parking lot)
Features:
Native selections for waterwise gardening and host plants for butterfly gardens
- Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush) in the Butterfly Garden
Sunny Demonstration Garden at Bon Air Park
850 N. Lexington Street, Arlington, Virginia 22205 (at the end of the parking lot)
Features:
Sun-loving perennials and shrubs that thrive despite excessive humidity or drought
- Ilex verticillata (Winterberry) near the parking lot by BonAir Rose Garden
- Itea virginica (Virginia Sweetspire) next to the fence under the White Oak
- Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) behind the mulch pile and bench
Other Local Public Gardens Where These Shrubs May be Seen
The Potomac Overlook Native Plant Garden, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA 22207, next to the demonstration Organic Vegetable Garden maintained by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, has a variety of shrubs. The garden is maintained by Audubon at Home, the Virginia Native Plant Society, and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists in collaboration with the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
- Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) in section 20
- Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) in section 7
- Physocarpus opulifolius (Ninebark) in section 8 and
- A relative of Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw) in section 9.
