Native trees are essential to restoring and preserving habitats for surrounding wildlife like bats, birds, bees, and other pollinators. Invasive plants are named because they take over the environment and do not leave space for the native plants that animals rely on for food and shelter. When we are considerate of what we plant, we are doing our part to protect our natural landscapes. There are many tree species native to Maryland, each with their own unique look and coloring!
We love the pawpaw tree not only for its large, edible fruit, but also because it alone feeds the zebra swallowtail butterfly. Pawpaw trees can grow to be 20 feet tall, and in the springtime, its leaves shift to a nice purple color. The fruit, which emerges in the summer, has a delicious tropical flavor.
White Oak’s distinct peeling bark and changing leaf color—blue-green in the summer and red-orange in the fall—earned this tree the title of Maryland’s official state tree. Its vast amount of round acorns, which emerge later in its life, act as a food source for surrounding wildlife. White Oak is wind-pollinated, which means it receives its pollen as it’s carried through the air and not with the help of insects or other flying pollinators. Because of White Oak’s super sealing properties, it is often used to make wine barrels.
Did you know that the tallest Red Maple stands at a whopping 141’ feet tall and lives in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? This tree’s vivid colors—deep red in the winter and red-yellow in the fall—make it a popular choice to accentuate yards and garden areas. Red Maple’s seeds, known as samaras or “maple keys,” can be found fluttering, helicopter style, towards the ground in late spring.
Often used as a Christmas tree, Eastern White Pine’s soft needles and height (up to 80 feet tall) also make this tree a great privacy screen option, especially if you’re hoping to create a wind barrier surrounding an outdoor area. This evergreen’s dense foliage and seeds from long brown cones serve as both a nesting area and a food source for birds.
The tulip poplar offers splendid blooms that resemble another popular flower, the tulip! This tree attracts all sorts of pollinators, which are drawn in by the flowers that adorn its branches. In autumn, the tulip poplar transforms into a golden color, making this the perfect tree for year-round color.
Let’s explore five native trees and five native shrubs that bring stunning fall color and learn how to seamlessly incorporate them into your garden!
Let’s explore how to design a fall garden by planting in the summer, ensuring your landscape is ready to burst into color when autumn arrives.
This article explores the importance of planting native plants in the home landscape, highlights examples of common native plants by season, and provides cultural requirements for each to help you make informed choices for a vibrant, sustainable garden.
