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A Land
Practice
Guide
For people
living and working
in the
Long Island Sound
Watershed
This booklet addresses some aspects of watershed protection.
It covers our landforms and resources,
the natural and human impacts on soil and water,
and our role in reducing some of the problems.
To protect water quality
we can plant native vegetation everywhere,
in backyards,
near freshwater wetlands,
rivers and streams,
or near tidal wetlands
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borderingLongIsland Sound. -/�: `
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Acknowledgments Author Planning Committee
Nancy Sterbenz,Retired Science Teach- Margie Strauss
er,Fieldston Ethical Culture Schools, Irma Volk
Riverdale,NY Mildred Wamecke
Beth Chase and Ellen Morse,Typists
Project Directors
Mary Ann Johnson Numerous people knowledgeable
Phyllis Wittner about environmental matters were
consulted during the planning years
Editor that it took to produce this work. A
Dianne Selditch special thank you is due them and
the organizations they represent.
Design&Layout The efforts of these groups are
Kim Guarnaccia, critical to the restoration of Long
Nantucket Advertising Island Sound, and to the implemen-
tation and success of"A LAND
Contributing Illustrators PRACTICE GUIDE."
Mary Ehbrecht
Susan Lawler Audubon Society(Scarsdale and
Ruth Merson Greenwich,CT)
Grace Pugh Coastal Zone Management
Dorothy Rainier Commissions(Mamaroneck Town
Jane H. Scott and Villages of Mamaroneck and
Larchmont)
Contributing Photographers Friends of the Reservoir
Stanley Bell&Paula Willey League of Women Voters
Photos,Front&Back Cover: (Larchmont-Mamaroneck)
Fern,by the author Larchmont Library,
Boat at salt marsh,by Stanley Bell Westchester Interlibrary Resources
L.I.F.E. Center
All those mentioned above are volun Long Island Soundkeeper Fund
teens with the exception of the editor Premium River-Pine Brook
The"neck"or peninsula Preservation Association(PPPA)
of Satanstoe contains just and designer.
River Watch,College at Purchase
463 acres of excellent
This project was initiated by the Save the Sound(formerly Long Island
Westchester land;and Conservation Advisory Commission Sound Task Force)
that, when the stone is SoundWatch
(C.A.C.)under its former Chairman,
hauled and laid into a Louise Perez,to celebrate a quarter SoundWaters
wall,is saying as much century of environmental education Westchester County,Dept. of Planning
in its favor as need be and action by the C.A.C. and the Westchester County Comell Extension
said of any soil on earth. local organization,Local Involvement Cooperative
-James Fenimore Cooper for Environment(L.I.F.E.Center). Westchester Land Trust
MI This booklet was funded by the Town
of Mamaroneck and Villages of Larch-
' 1` 1 r�' s�-I ti mont and Mamaroneck, and by the
Q � l; . ,1._. ,1 1.
` ' ��' r United WayofLarchmont.
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Introduction 4 Contents
Our Landscaping Treasure: Native Trees,Shrubs and Plants 5
Our Physical Environment 6
Major Dainage Basins of the Long Island Sound Watershed 7
Drainage Basins within Long Island Sound 7
An Ecosystem in Balance: Helping Nature Take Its Course 8
NATIVE SPECIES=An Ecosystem in Balance 8
What You Can Do to Assist Decomposers 8
Excess FERTILIZERS=An Ecosystem Out of Balance 9
The Story of Troutlily: Reducing Nutrient Loss 9
What You Can Do Under Maples and Other Deciduous Trees 10
What You Can Do Under Conifers(Cone Bearing Trees) 10
What You Can Do Under Oaks and Hickories 10
What You Can Do for Formal Garden Shapes and Flowering Shrubs 10
The Process is Normal 11
How to Apply Mulch 11
What You Can Do to Attract Songbirds 12
What You Can Do to Manage Insects 12
How Chemicals Harm the Long Island Sound Watershed 13
EXCESS PESTIutUES=An Ecosystem Out of Balance 13
How Native Species Prevent Streamside Erosion 15
What You Can Do to Reduce Water Consumption 15
What You Can Do to Protect Wetlands 15
How Different Surfaces Filter Water 16
How to Reduce the Quantity and Velocity of Runoff 16
How Exotics Harm the Watershed 17
What You Can Do to Care for the Lawn 17
Tables
Table 1 -Landscaping with Native Shrubs in Order of Flowering Periods 18
Table 2-Shrubs and Small Trees for Lowland/Wetland Sites 21
Table 3-Perennials for Lowland/Wetland Sites 22
Table 4-Coastal(Salt Marsh-Tidal Wetland)Plants 24
Table 5-Wildflowers&Ground Covers(Perennicrls)for
Sites Other than Wetlands 25
Table 6-Deciduous Trees for Yard Use
(Eastern Mixed Deciduous Forest Ecosystem) 27
Table 7-Native Plants that Attract Butterflies 29
Table 8-Native Trees that Provide Food for Songbirds 30-31
Table 9-Insect Diets of Songbirds 32-33
Table 10-Seasonal Diets of Songbirds 34
How to Acquire Native Species 35
Bibliography and References 36
Printed on recycled paper.
4 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE
Introduction ITIZEN PARTICIPATION IS CRITICAL TO PROTECTING LONG ISLAND SOUND
and its watershed from further degradation. The job is too big for gov-
ernment alone. We each contribute to the Sound's problems and we
each must participate in the solutions.
Because it has been here longer than we have, all of us are inclined to
take clean and abundant water for granted. However, if we do not make
changes at home, at work and at play that improve the quality of Long Island
Sound and the watershed,we may find that what remains available for our use
is not so clean and much less abundant.
Some of the stresses on Long Island Sound come from polluted runoff,
often referred to as nonpoint source pollution. This differs from point source pol-
lution where one actually can point to an outfall pipe and locate discharges
from a manufacturer or sewage treatment plant.Discharges of nonpoint source
pollution are less obvious. These pollutants reach Long Island Sound via rivers,
streams and storm drains, carrying rainfall that drains across yards and farms,
roads, driveways and parking lots and is contaminated with fertilizers, pesti-
cides, oil,gasoline, atmospheric deposits and other debris.
Before the end of World War II Long Island Sound was better able to
recover from such assault because large tracts of forest and marshland
absorbed and filtered polluted runoff before it reached the waterway. The
migration to the suburbs following the war required more housing and new
highways, bridges and parkways. Armed with the power of the bulldozer and
the awesome ability to flatten the land's natural contours and to uproot trees
and natural vegetation, we inadvertently interrupted and destroyed the natu-
ral ability of land and water to regenerate. Filling of freshwater and tidal wet-
lands exacerbated flooding, while improper land treating techniques caused
soil erosion,further increasing stress on Long Island Sound.
It is time to reverse the practices of the past and present.We can begin,
literally,in our own backyards.
With this booklet, you will discover how to reduce the use of fertilizers
and pesticides by planting native species and vegetation appropriate to our
region's physical environment: the Long Island Sound Watershed and the
Mixed Deciduous Forest ecosystem. Here,you will find several invaluable lists.
The booklet discusses how to take advantage of the beneficial work
done by insects and earthworms; how to protect wetlands; and how to control
erosion and conserve water.
Finally, the booklet demonstrates how to reduce pollution through
practices that respect and retain, rather than disrupt, this region's fragile envi-
ronmental balance. In the process, you will create landscapes that not only
attract songbirds and butterflies, but allow Long Island Sound, and the rivers
and streams that flow into it,to restore and regenerate.
A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE 5
xxatives" are plants that
N
evolved in this area and
are acclimatized to our Native Species. . . Our
Landscaping
topography and growing conditions. ' Reduce erosion,thus preventing Treasure
They survive our occasional extremes unwanted transport and build-up •.fiJ.
in weather, such as the '93 summer of sediments.
Native Trees.
drought followed by the bitter cold I Remove nutrients from surface Shrubs and Plants
and deep snows of that winter, as runoff and shallow ground water
well as the intermittent soaring rises and prevent excessive nutrients
and crashing declines of our native from reaching our waterways.
insect populations. S Retain and recycle the natural
As part of our mixed deciduous decomposed materials from the
forest,many of our local native plants land,as mulch and nutrients do not
are shade tolerant. The landscaping require constant watering,and do
choices are abundant and varied. not require additional chemical
One can find a native plant equiva- fertilizers for growth.
lent to a non-native species to substi-
tute in every design and site whether
the garden is casual or formal,Victori-
an or modem. �,�
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Mountain Laurel
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Elderberry
6 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE
Our Where We Live fewer pollutants,thereby preserving the
treet numbers and zip codes are no future health of Long Island Sound and
Physical longer sufficient to explain where its watershed.
we reside. We also live within the
Environment
domain of the physical and biological The Long Island Sound Watershed
world that surrounds us. Our neighbors he shoreline of Long Island Sound
go beyond the people next door; they meanders 600 miles and is sur-
include the communities of plants and rounded by almost 15 million peo-
animals that inhabit this region's physi- ple who live within five miles of the coast.
cal environment. Together we share a Yet the people who live near the coast-
common address, bound by the Long line are not the only ones who determine
Island Sound Watershed and character- the health of Long Island Sound. The
ized by a Mixed Deciduous Forest actions of people hundreds of miles
ecosystem. away can influence the Sound's water
quality,habitats,and marine plants and
Mixed Deciduous Forest Ecosystem animals.
Characteristics of NYC & Environs Approximately 8.4 million people
live within the Long Island Sound Water-
'S Latitude:41 degrees north of the equator in the prevailing westerlies.
shed, a 16,000-square-mile drainage
About 80 percent of our weather comes from the west. basin. From this vast area, surface and
ground water are drawn by gravity
'S Land elevation:Approximately 0'to 100'. toward Long Island Sound,carrying pol-
.
.
1 Precipitation:About 45 to 50 inches spread over 12 months lutants from as far north as the head
1 Temperature:Limiting extreme about 0 degrees F,or-10 degrees F, waters of the Connecticut River in 61ue
depending on the site. bec. The Long Island Sound Watershed
encompasses parts of Vermont, New
'S Natural Soil:Slightly acidic.
Hampshire and Massachusetts, nearly
1 Proximity to Water:Immediate,which modifies both summer and winter temp- all of Connecticut, and portions of New
eratures.It makes summers cooler due to evaporation,and winters shorter York City,Nassau,Suffolk and Westch-
and warmer due to the heat loss from the waters to the air from Long Island ester counties. In Westchester County,it
Sound,the ocean and other surrounding water bodies. includes the following municipalities:
Eastchester Port Chester
Harrison Pound Ridge
A Mixed Deciduous Forest Ecosystem Larchmont Rye Brook
Our region falls within a Mixed Mamaroneck Town Rye City
Deciduous Forest ecosystem. Mamaroneck Village Pelham
The characteristics of any Mount Vernon Scarsdale
ecosystem are determined by climate, New Castle Perham Manor
latitude, proximity to bodies of water, New Rochelle White Plains
geological site that dictates land eleva- North Castle
tions,and the natural soil chemistry spe- These municipal designations have
cific to an area. An ecosystem is not served society well in the collection of
related to political boundaries, but its taxes, governmental duties and distri-
viability is influenced by the activities of bution of services. But as gravity pulls
the humans who live there. For exam- water toward sea level,it takes no heed
ple: with the addition of paved surfaces of political boundaries or demographic
and roofs we are creating a heat island, distinctions. The quality of water that
thereby causing air masses to rise and enters the Sound reflects the habits and
cool, thus increasing precipitation on activities of neighborhoods, villages
the cities and decreasing precipitation and towns of the entire watershed.
on the rural areas to the east. While the Long Island Sound watershed
We could do better. By planting drains from over ten million acres, a
native species and integrating land- clean waterway begins with the sur-
scape practices with the natural cycle faces in our own small area: roofs, gar-
of this region's ecosystem, we produce dens,parks and streets.
7 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE
A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE 7
The Watersheds of River Watershed begins in the Adiron-
Westchester County dacks and includes the small water-
very square inch of land receives sheds of the western edge of Westch-
ILprecipitation and is part of a ester County, including the Croton,
watershed, or drainage basin that Amawalk,Cross River,Titicus and Wac-
is separated by topographical divides cabuc reservoirs.
(often an imperceptable contour line).
Many of the watersheds that concern I"
,��
us here flow into Long Island Sound, a
large estuary that connects us to the
Atlantic Ocean.
The eastern part and much of the
northern areas of Westchester County
consist of a number of independent VERMONT
watersheds, each of which drains and a
enters into the Sound through our
coastal communities.
0
Some begin and end in Long Island
Sound, including Stephenson Brook,
v
v
Pine Brook, East Creek, the Sheldrake ,�rA,��
River, the Mamaroneck River, Beaver d Major Drainiage
Swamp Brook and Blind Brook. , Basins of the Long
Others, including the Byram, Mianus, j Island Sound
Mill and Silvermine rivers, have head
Watershed
waters located in northem Westchesterfrill MASSACHUSETTS
and traverse and enter the Sound in tilli
Connecticut. Ii
3
The Bronx River Watershed of Central -
Westchester, including the Kensico and v s ?"f«
50,..0. ,;,.Grassy Sprain reservoirs and the smaller j I� t
Hutchinson River Watershed, which . � .� p
begins in lower Scarsdale, flow into the AA
ID"YORK a
western end of Long Island Sound. ".c:
The exception in Westchester County
AOVis the Hudson River Watershed, whichi'
y
flows into the Atlantic between Staten �, v
Island and Long Island. The Hudson `p
Drainage Basins within Long Island Sound
•
1 CT Quinnipiac �River�
NYR.,. co,�rf, i�, LN,,,
New River •
Hawn
Nowatonit ;Clinton
udron Rev, River
G=am his
i Is
)
Bridgeport• Orient Poing Plum
Island
Norval
'`.. c
`41 '.„. Stamford
e
a
a
oiasaroneck Matat -
« — e 'Mt. YSdinith, ..
Manafttan arrow • eo.Port Sines Rr�YROI* .
JcEfern
D hong Glen 9 Han4ngbn
"ti
N / Ne Cove Neck Long Island _
a_
Hell Gate
east RiverAtlantic Ocean
8 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE
/�„� Organic Waste Keeps Soil Acidic Plants Absorb Natural
L�Ll oil is a combination of weathered Minerals Gradually
Ecosystem rock and decomposed organic Thether in the compost bin or
matter. Rock is broken down by t \/ as mulch(woodchips, fallen
in. Balance
wind, rain, frost, thaw and organic leaves or grass clippings),
What Nature Needs chemicals. Plants, animals and their organic materials are gradually bro-
waste products decompose and pro- ken down into useable elements
to Keep Its Course vide the organic material. (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassi-
Each type of rock produces its own urn) by bacteria and other decom-
soil type. Metamorphic rocks and the posers, including fungi. As corn-
mixed deciduous forest weather very pounds of these elements form and
slowly and are generally chemically become available,they are absorbed
neutral(about pH 7).The decomposition by green plants.
of organic material lowers the pH of our Nitrogen promotes growth and
normal garden soil to about 6.5,slightly green color, although an excess caus-
acidic. It is this acidic soil type that our es rapid growth, making plants sus-
native plant species need to process ceptible to disease, insect damage
nutrients. and cold weather.
Phosphorous compounds promote
NATIVE SPECIES = Decomposers flowering, fruiting, maturation, root
An Ecosystem in Balance Produce development and some disease resis-
Nutrient-Rich Soil tance. In order for this mineral to be
Native Green Plants and Trees effective, the soil must be the proper
Provide food for I Decomposers pH. Using compost or mulch when
are tiny moving or disturbing a plant will help
Caterpillars Other Larvae organisms.
Billions of them maintain slightly acidic soil.
Potassium compounds aid in good
recycle dead and color development in leaves, flowers,
metamorphose into provide soft-bodied food natural wastes into p
butterflies and insects for baby songbirds and fruits.
humus and organ- Many chemical fertilizers cause
is compounds. This problems because plants cannot
produce natural waste products natural recycling absorb them all at once. In chemical
and natural death system promotes form, nitrogen and potassium, which
the success of our are water-soluble, enter the ground-
native flora and water system and end up in other
broken down by decomposers fauna. Decom- water bodies as major pollutants. The
posers do best in build-up of chemical phosphorous in
into nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium compounds warm, moist, loose soil prevents plants from absorbing
and other minerals necessary to and absorbed soil. They cannot other useful minerals.
by native green plants. survive in com-
- — pacted soil.
What You Can Do to Assist Decomposers
Aerate soils by poking with a pitch fork or pounding in,and pulling up,a piece of old pipe.
s-• Make bigger holes and dig in mulch everywhere you spot standing water.Mulching should
allow better water penetration.
Leave organic matter,such as fallen leaves and dead plants in place or in compost sites.
'-• Prepare the soil by turning it over.Since the local disintegrated rock is nearly neutral,
decomposed plant matter will maintain the proper pH for native plants with very little
or no fertilizer required.
40e�1 Look for earthworms and their castings.You are successful if many are present.
�j1�l1 Fungi(toadstools)do the same work.
Test the soil to determine its pH before applying additives.
Dorothy Rainier
A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE 9
Aquatic Plants Absorb
Fertilizers Rapidly EXCESS FERTILIZERS:
xcessive nitrogen and phospho An Ecosystem Out of Balance in chemical fertilizers can
harm the watershed by overstim Fertilized green plants
increase leaf production
ulating aquatic plant life, thereby
causing massive surface plant and
algal blooms in both fresh and salt explosion of caterpillars
water bodies. The plants eventually and other larvae
die, often from their own shade. The
dead plants create an explosion of butterfly and food for
decomposers which,due to their rapid insect explosion baby songbirds
reproduction and great numbers, 111110.
compete successfully against fish and an increase in waste products
shellfish for any oxygen produced.This
resultant low oxygen condition is
referred to as hypoxia. explosion in decomposers
Hypoxia is most prevalent in late
summer,when temperature and salin- 1 rapid increase in minerals and nutrients,
ity differences cause surface water to both naturally and artificially from fertilizers
become less dense than the colder
deeper water. The less dense warm some fertilizers are absorbed by
surface layer floats on the cooler bot- green plants,but much enters runoff and
tom layer with very little mixing contributes to water pollution
between the two layers, except dur- '
ing storms or cooler weather condi- are less fortunate. Oxygen breathing
tions. Even though surface oxygen is decomposers of both dead animal
produced by living plant material and plant life compound the situation
through photosynthesis, insufficient until aeration and mixing of severe
amounts reach the bottom level. Fish storms come to the rescue.
either leave the area or die. Shellfish
The Story of theTroutlily:
.‘, 4,,,,„,,,:,
Reducing Nutrient Loss
i n the early ecosystem: The troutlily runoff and into nearby streams
%....v.‘
i' • 11970s the becomes active when the during heavy rains.
IJfederal gov- snow begins to melt.It is pre- Instead,the troutlily plays
A ernment set aside sent when light is at its highest the role of a nutrient sink,
\t ,
several natural areas, intensity,before the trees leaf storing nutrients during the
to the public,for out in the warm,moist condi- runoff season.The leaves then
f/pen
Ithe scientific study of tions of early spring. decompose rapidly,returning
:iecosystems and the role of its A single troutlily leaf valuable potassium and nitro-
1'',. ,) s/ various members. An early appears at first.Then over the gen to the soil to nourish
study at Hubbard Brook course of two weeks,there is plants during the summer
if�! Experimental Forest in central a sudden increase in leaves (its growing season.Its work com-
:� New Hampshire involved the biomass),that coincides with plete,the troutlily disappears
�0 troutlily,Erythronium ameri- the period of greatest spring after the rainy season—coin-
c, canum,named for its speckled, runoff in the forest. The ciding with the time when
• • trout-like leaf pattern.It is also troutlily leaves contain high New Hampshire's deciduous
.4
'� called the dog-tooth violet or amounts of potassium and trees leaf out—to reappear
W yellow adder's tongue. nitrogen,both water soluble the following spring.
d The study revealed an minerals, of which 80-90%
T
E example of the dynamics of an could be carried off by spring
10 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE
r
What You Can Do Under Maples and Other Deciduous Trees " F7v•''`_
Early spring bulbs can How to Manage Bulbs r%
be successful covers `•' Cut bulb foliage only after it yellows so the bulb has time to absorb
\.
under all deciduous and store photosynthetic energy(food)from the leaves for the follow-
ing year,eliminating the need for fertilizer.Crocuses and daffodils,
trees,including the although not native,will multiply quickly.Daffodils are easily dug up
Norway maple,because and replanted to increase cover and bloom.Squirrels will spread the
they bloom before the crocuses.After the bulb foliage has yellowed,rake if you wish a tidier
t
trees leaf out appearance,add mulch and/or chips and walk away from it.Occasional- �
ly,a bit of grass or other weeds may appear,but they are easily pulled
from a mulched bed as you walk by.
What You Can Do Under Conifers (Cone Bearing Trees)
The Ericaceae family,especially How to Manage Conifers
the rhododendrons and the lou- ��' Prune conifers from the bottom,and trim dead branch-
' . A.. rets,do well under conifers if the es,always cutting flush with the bark of the trunk.
s -•�. L Mulch the entire Ericaceae familywith oak leaves and/or
• jf ;; t _ tatter's branches aren't too low.
,.r ��` ' pine needles.
��k: Another example is the eastern
'.`...t.�*� -�1 mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia, Prune the Kalmio lotifolia abit in winter to keep a fuller
� form,and use the greens for in-house decor.
1.g
�• , , . y which is nursery propagated for
/- 1: `` `''' "t'' its popular pink or white flowers
�k14 and its glossy leaves.
What You Can Do Under Oaks and Hickories l ti) /ti ... '-'601.11 111
These trees have a How to Manage Oaks and Hickories 114 ,1., `3y I'+� ii'
Plant the Ericaceae famil shrubs rhododendrons,azaleas and \ iideep,coarse root Y ( � ��%i���'�►)system and o high laurels),which are very successful under oaks.These shrubs require a r ! I
soil pH of about 5.0 to 5.5.If you see a yellowing of leaves followed - f• ;1 .' _.j /) 111:4 y
crown;consequently, by leaf drop in fall,an addition of iron (or magnesium) sulfate is need- / 1 A )��nlgi K. ,f1
their shade is less ed in February to lower the pH.Fertilize in January or February only. ,ii, I ��/j t'
dense which permits c Do not remove fallen oak leaves in fall.Instead,tidy up using last �!.•. It'1• O I .•
more groundcover year's mulched leaves or cover with wood chips. _ !' ,%%�1.
I
choices. r- Avoid putting Ericaceae shrubs under theJuglandaceae family—the a J �/I1 11,►► �
hickory,black walnut and related nut trees—which are toxic to the ,� f
shrubs.However,theJuglandaceae supports lawn grown to its trunk. +s.. )f �J II�f
�r What You Can Do for
°' .w�;i4"''f'' Formal Garden Shapes & Flowering Shrubs
BEST -- s•'i•' '"'• .1 re
For Pruning Formal Garden Shapes
L Use the diagrams shown for hedges,or single evergreen bushes,to better use
.• c
sunlight to developa thick green"shell"over the complete bush,and no bare
,11' ,. ,gt , 3,1..,,i,� .�,;1, bottoms.
t; .`. y :i:•;.
BETTER .4-..,,,..,,;." For Flowering Shrubs(Roses ore one exception)
F- Prune immediately and only after old flowers fade;this is the time the bush
•,;..,v'..t'i.+>> t!:.'`t1y,,•.v sets flowers for the following year.
rt. .4'• :4_0%1;4yi I L-' Thin bush into an open,graceful vaselike shape for maximum flowering.Light
{��ko;� �te,y;/y1' must be able to penetrate all along the flowering branches.To do this,remove
/„f 4,�, X�G.. r only the less vigorous,oldest branches after flowering and cut to the soil line.
UNACCEPTABLE ,2 Leave five or seven younger,more vigorous branches,or 2/3 of the bush.
A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE 11
Long before man existed,
the land was, in fact, regularly The Process is Normal
plowed and still continued to a have to have the macrobio- adapt. And it might be nice to save a
be thus plowed, by earth- ta,the earthworms that pull well-pruned,but aged apple tree for
apple blossom petals under- nesting bluebirds.
WOIIIIS. ground for dinner.We have to have the
—Charles Darwin mesobiota of nematodes,small worms, Q Q o Q Q Q 0�%'
tiny insect larvae and microarthropods Q , 0 ', 0 ,ba xi 4!
to put these nutrients through another • -' �P . `) .i*'_4 step of decomposition. We have to 1Mulch Benefits Trees and Shrubs have the final recycling acts of the J►•r •. - r - I
microbiota,the decomposers such as ° 0
o improve the habitat for native d �-
Ttrees, shrubs and many herba-
ceousalgae,bacteria,fungi and protozoans e b �� '��
that change the last stage into the basic, �,
plants, the soil under a tree necessary life-giving chemicals of the :-W-:-.N11" • ,. ;.;12.2tY; w ,
snould be a lower H than the surround • �• c•• :_4' .--7•' -. 7.-6:."•''',•-'-f-.`-
,P natural fertilizer.The entire process is _ 4 ,
ing lawn. This can be accomplished by normal. It is humans who have to --._.•° C. ' - -'.�."c.; c.-'
mulching areas under trees and shrubs,
preferably with leaf mulch and wood-
chips, providing a supply of organic Pruned Shrubs Allow Maximum
matter and nutrients. These mulched Light for Photosynthesis
circles provide the added benefit of common misconception is that
absorbing and retaining precipitation, fertilizers are foods. Even profes
reducing watering requirements,reduc-
ing excessive runoff and preventing plants."In fact, green plants produce
flooding elsewhere. their own food through photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is a process whereby
plants absorb carbon dioxide and
Native Groundcovers water to manufacture carbohydrates
Require Little Care in the green pigment, chlorophyll,
lanting under trees with native using sunlight as energy. Plants then
pplants, which are adapted to the release oxygen as a waste product and
habitat, controls groundwater pol store starch in their roots. Correctly •
lution by reducing fertilizer and Pesti pruned shrubs maximize the process.
cide use, aids water absorption, and From the soil, plants get physical
support(from their roots which anchor
reduces runoff problems. Local native �-,-,-._7the plant), water(a key ingredient to `'
flowers are good groundcovers because �,..
they do not require special care,except make their food), and minerals(includ- ifi� ,s . `1\-,an occasional addition of compost, ing nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, �'- ; -s•
calcium and iron), which are absorbed "4:;...1%111! .."7.::::_
leaves and/or wood chips.
from the soil and used bythe growing •',f •✓ -
For native plants/groundcovers, see • "i,r t • e .+e4� r•:,^ -
Table 5. plants. :, �:: �+ '.
pH` tea:e: i,''sf::1"r 'AVIir .,/ s
{- :,v. ;Y�.i sem_ �•
How to Appy Mulch ` �:
r
-- Cut a circle around your tree(s),then remove and compost the sod for future mulch.In
theory,the circle should have the same diameter as the crown of the tree,or that of the
root base.If this action greatly reduces your lawn size,make the circle as close to this
optimum as you can tolerate.
Cover the circle with about 8 inches of compost and add a layer of wood chips for a tidy
appearance and leave it that way if you wish.This treatment can be seen at Wave Hill in
Riverdale,NY and other parks.
E- Fertilize the area the first time you mulch because decomposers also use the energy from
this environment.Once this energy cycle is started,it is usually not necessary to add fertil-
izer with future mulchings.
--- -i �-
L-• Add mulch and/or chips yearly,as needed. T-=_ e -
12 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE
Non-Toxic Methods Can Despite our technological weaponry,
Manage Insect Populations we appear to be losing the battle
nsects and decomposers play an against our personal antagonists, the
important role in gardens and farms. insects.
In a dry season, insects help protect Insect management provides an
the health of trees.By eating leaves,the alternative to pesticides, using non-
caterpillars and other insects reduce the toxic,natural methods to allow different
amount of water needed, thereby species of plants and insects to live
reducing stress on the trees. Just as we together in harmony.
pinch back leaves to stimulate growth,
insects encourage trees to grow succes-
sive sets of leaves. Songbirds Control Insects
Caterpillars,which are butterfly andsongbird is more than just a pret-
moth larvae, also provide a source of tyAface with a pretty voice.
soft-bodied food for young birds. Butter- Songbirds also provide a non-
flies provide beauty in the garden and toxic method of insect control. All baby
pollinate flowers,thus providing our fruit songbirds must have an insect diet,usu-
and seeds. Plants and insects have ally larvae such as caterpillars, aphid
evolved and survived together over lions and cutworms because plant mat-
millions of years. ter and seeds lack some essential amino
Humans have existed many thou- acids that are necessary for their growth
sands of years, and have been agricul- and development. Some species of
turists only hundreds of years. We have adult songbirds require as much as 100
''` used chemistry for perhaps a century percent insect diets during some sea-
d''00,;,-"-A, t and pesticides for about half that time. sons. (See table 9)
,.'illti\Itt„
r.,
What You Can Do to Attract Songbirds{.,
r� L Encourage insect-eating songbirds to visit your property with appropriate plantings.
}' t Create wildlife habitats that provide nesting sites,food sources and water,if possible.
ii K 't;( L • Put crushed egg shells on your compost pile for the many songbirds that need extra
t calcium,especially blue jays.
f See Table 8 for native trees that attract songbirds
P f
What You Can Do to Manage Insects" ` r . ,�
Build a healthy soil by digging in compost. ' j Mill / / /fl
4 Employ and purchase predatory organisms,if necessary,such as ladybugs for garden ---------•I 1 '� f 1//`/, /rte
pests,and nematodes that attack lawn grubs such as those of the Japanese beetle, f'
to aid in keeping other insects under control.(Both starlings and skunks attack —
lawns with grubs.) .;F"
Use physical methods in your vegetable garden,such as paper collars at the base of - ,+-. a;,,,
plants,fine netting to cover young plants and berry bushes,and mulches and ground — •:'-i.
covers to cover the soil. �: i.•'••
a
-- dry
Hand-pick larger herbivores(Japanese beetles,tomato horn worms). n„ `� !�
Use a forceful spray of water to clean shrubs of mites,etc.
Create hiding spots with overturned pots for attracting toads(our best insecti- At • ,i(,, ;
vores)and for attracting and then removing slugs by hand. >
r
See Table 9 for insects that birds eat ,'1 /,
A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE 13
Pests Build Resistance to Pesticides reduced workload of leaves and
. esticides have the potential to stems, thus producing hardier and How L'hBIIliCa1.S HarmJJ
contaminate surface or ground sometimes more seeds. Other plants the Long Island
water and soil. Though much produce new sets of leaves that are Sound Watershed
has been learned,we still cannot cal- toxic to an invading insect, and still
culate all of the long-term effects of others produce a substance that is
accumulated pesticides. transmitted, perhaps by root contact, Synthetic pesticides destroy
We seriously began the use of to neighborig plants of the same beneficial insects,or"pests."
chemical pesticides in the '50s species, temporarily increasing their 1 Pests often quickly develop
because the pests were taking 5%of leaf toxicity to a specific pest. resistance to the pesticide and
our cash crop. In the ensuing years, CONSIDER THIS: A crop plant
little is gained.
scientists noted such problems as species that is commonly attacked 1 Pesticides become dissolved in
reduction of fruit due to lack of pollina- by a spider mite has been shown, in our groundwater and absorbed
tors, too few insect predators such as alternate years,to be resistant to wilt, by our food.
praying mantises, lacewings and a disease that causes the plant to be 1 Pesticides cause death to many
ladybugs and more recently, an unattractive to the spider mite. The birds,butterflies,ladybugs,cater-
alarming decrease in favorite song- naturally alternating wilt-disease pillars and other life,which may
birds. years and mite-attack years are now interrupt the natural cycle of an
Today, in spite of the increasing thought to build the necessary vigor ecosystem.
use of expensive pesticides, the pests of the plant species to outwit both
are now getting about one-fifth of our attackers.
cash crop. We must focus our collec-
tive attention on divising better ways
to reduce this waste and to increase
our production of food to feed an EXCESS PESTICIDES:
ever-increasing human population. Al Ecosystem Out of Balance
Green plants and pesticides
Natural Cycles Keep Pests in Check
ONSIDER THIS: The Blue Jay has
adapted to a partial diet of Fewer or no caterpillars
Gypsy moths which may help f and other larvae 1
keep the moth population in check.
Recently,a virus suddenly decimated Fewer or little or no food
the Gypsy moth population in our no butterflies for baby songbirds
area. Today many believe that many
la
previous insect population crashes 1110.
Toxic waste products
may have been virus-related due to
overpopulation of a species. f
CONSIDER THIS: Some plants Death to decomposers
whose green leaves are thinned by Possible termination of recycling system,
leading to unacceptable conditions
herbaceous grazers, such as caterpil for all forms of life both on land and in water
lars, have increased vigor from the
14 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE
Native Plants Require No Watering Native Buffers Protect Wetlands
What we do in our yards or sur atural wetlands (freshwater
soundings influences the quail and tidal) are the best protec
of our drinkingwater,which tors of our waters because they
tY
•
affects our quality of life. Hundreds of filter out pollutants and sediment. A
thousands of homes and gardens in the buffer created by vegetation provides
watershed consume far more water than stability to the soil, keeps excess nutri-
is necessary. Excess water flows across ents from entering the waterbody, pro-
lawns and paved areas, carrying soil, tects the area from extreme tempera-
chemicals or nutrients into storm drains ture or wind changes and thereby
or nearby streams, ending up in Long provides safeguards for the entire
Island Sound. aquatic habitat. Buffer areas should be
One of the simplest methods to maintained to protect wetlands.
reduce water consumption is to plant Acquiring, retaining and maintaining
native species and eliminate or reduce natural areas is a far less expensive
yard and garden use. Water that sits method of flood and drought control
on foliage may cause disease; water than private and government insur-
that evaporates too quickly is wasted. ance and intervention.
Water is best applied when it seeps
slowly into the soil.
1 : r
A ( S r x t '
t}y4. i y. �, tom. '1...,,� ! Cq '',-4.P.:-'/:'
,� "„-, v i y
i� st9 ., t " ;dam 'IS aR`d ,_ r
*. . t Ak, / " ' .:1' 'Ira . - , 44
. , , ,: ,, r,..6.8... .... ;0,1 flop
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....„, 101 ,,, .45,2 i
‘...;:illi i%.... ,
: - - '
Vs't i ,
... a _..� ,x Sn� t "" '@� ta"7 m
: ,, s ,
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.a � ���
:\ . :• *`,,,: --...,. •'.--.-4,' ' -. ".. " :...,.- .:,, . ,'-.,- - . ,e,„
+ �► -.* .. 14.
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:mfr '-'` w •`Y rt
fi'fI" 4 Y`.. l..4..,,,,'
1 a ?, , Fi; �y �P(" ti4�n*'y'.
.�y� k• > ..„ , y;,Ai ._` � , t .` ` What a piece of wonder a river is.
41,
,1� � '':e. d�,,4 „..
,....„...........„... .........,„„.. .......„. .x.,.. . .,.tv1 —HenryDavid Thoreau
�:.„,' '' "' , 'm
A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE 15
How Native Species Prevent Streamside Erosion Pollution is a fact of life—
controlling it should be
an act of life."
1 Wetland plants,with the constant bending and twisting of thousands of their
leaves,are able to absorb the physical force of moving water and,as part of the —Peter Goldberger,Friends of the
buffer in drier times,overcome soil damage in a reasonable amount of time. Larchmont Reservoir Stewardship
Streamside tree planting on both sides of a bank keeps erosion at a minimum. Committee,Larchmont,NY
'
During high water and storms,trees encourage the water to move rapidly
downstream.The twisted exposed roots of trees cause the flowing water to
swirl,forming eddies,which move to the center of the channel,scouring and
loosening the impeding silt deposits.The higher water may spread,slowing its
flow and depositing silt among the higher roots,thus building up the bank;or
if the water reaches flood height,some silt may even be redeposited on top of
the bank.In winter the trees act as bumpers,preventing floating ice from
damaging the banks.
5 Trees shade the stream water and along with other wetland plants provide
organic material to feed insects and other life at the base of an aquatic food chain.
See tables 2,3 and 4 for wetland plants
Native Species Hinder then lead to increased flooding and
Streamside Erosion degradation of the original site and
any mistakes are made trying adjacent areas.
M
to control streams and rivers Our native swamp(or red) maple,
with the use of stone walls, Acer rubrum is the most common large
dams, or rip-rapping banks(reinforced tree used for controlling streamside ero-
with rocks or cement). These man- sion. Native willows and poplars serve
made structures may work temporarily the same purpose and can be assisted
in dry years. In flood times, however, by planting native wetland herbaceous
they do not provide permanent protec- plants.One should consider other shade
tion against the increased physical and moisture retentive plantings for the
physical energy of moving water or the upper bank and bordering area of the
erosional blasting force of the sand and stream or sea edges since these adjoin-
rock the water can carry. The erosion ing areas benefit from the use of wet-
caused by artificial banks and rede- land-tolerant shrubs and tall plants,
positing of sand, soil and stone often which slow the flow of water.
leads to the need for dredging. This can
What You Can Do to Reduce Water Consumption
L-. Use native plants adaptable to the local precipitation extremes.
L Shrink areas,such as lawns,that require sprinkling for cosmetic reasons.
L Mulch all flower and vegetable gardens,as well as shrubs and trees,thus creating soil con-
ditions that hold and store precipitation.
What You Can Do to Protect Wetlands
L.- Leave a natural area between your home and the water or wetland. /
Do not plant lawn to the water's edge. \( 7 A I
Demand 100-to 200-foot minimum buffer areas for all new _ !1i
developments adjacent to wetlands and waterbodies. ,\I / \ , '��lJf,,
16 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE
How Different Surfaces Filter Water for infiltration of water into the soil
because some surface downhill flow
develops quickly. The infiltrated water
1 Urban areas with impervious hard surfaces may remove only four or five eventually reaches the underlying slop-
inches of water a year by transpiration and evaporation through leaves. ing bedrock and may reappear hours,
5 Tramped and mowed lawns allow water infiltration of about 1/100th of an or even days,later.In areas of sedimen
inch per minute,and even less with the use of a blower,which increases soil tary rock, water may travel along the
compaction by removing organic matter such as mulch and fine grass clip- top of rock layers and down through
pings. the cracks, coming into view later on a
5 Woodland areas with humus/mulch,one of our best flood control systems, cliff, appearing as a"spring."
have a large amount of pore space with the ability to absorb and hold large PRECIPITATION. The erosion process
quantities of water.This is dissipated over a period of days either by evapo- starts with falling rain or the action of
transpiration or by very slow movement through the groundwater system garden sprinklers moving minuscule soil
to streams. particles.Water then soaks into the soil to
1 Acre-for-acre,forests contribute less pollution than any other land use in
the water table. During storms,the rising
the watershed.Forested areas remove up to two feet of water every year water table appears in depressions and
in the process of evapotranspiration,and the humus of the forest floor can ponds, and flows in gullies and streams
hold between 100 and 200 percent of its weight in water at any one time. down the slopes formed by the underly-
Deciduous trees are more efficient than conifers in our ecosystem. ing rock base. The force of gravity
moves soil down a slope, sometimes
slowly when loosened by frost,or some-
Native Vegetation Mitigates times rapidly from heavy rain or melting
Flooding and Soil Erosion snow, and very quickly over frozen
ihe amount of water that natural ground in early spring. Over time soil is
ground can absorb depends upon carried by streams and deposited in
the type of soil, the degree of flood plains or in other bodies of water,
slope, the type of precipitation, and the eventually causing damming sedimen-
nature of the surface. tation and increased future flooding, a
SOIL: Pulled by gravity, water sinks change in aquatic habitats and, per-
into the ground through available pore haps,a change or decline in species.
space. The infiltration rate is highest in SURFACE: Rain that falls on roofs,
gravel, less in loose soil, and least in walks, driveways, parking lots and
clay. As water moves downward, it streets becomes puddles or rapid, pol-
clings to all surfaces wetting them by luted runoff after these impervious sur-
capillary action. Gravel may have the faces are dampened. On the other
greatest pore space, but has the least hand, trees and other plants remove
surface area to wet, whereas fine clay water and nutrients from surface runoff
particles have the greatest wetting sur- and shallow ground water,thereby pre-
face;and because the tiny grains swell, venting excessive water and nutrients
they leave no pore space for percola- from reaching our waterways.
tion. During unusually heavy storms or As residents, we have no control
long rainy periods,soil can become sat- over precipitation, and little effect on
urated, causing groundwater levels to soil type or slope. We can, however,
rise,possibly to heights of overland flow. add vegetation to our urban land-
SLOPE: A steep slope allows less time scape.
How to Reduce the Quantity and Velocity of Runoff
Disturb as little land as possible at any one time.
Retain the natural topsoil.
L. Leave the land protected with its vegetation.
e=1 Add groundcovers to exposed soil to increase water absorption by both the ground and
the plants.
A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE 17
Exotic Plants Can Cause Problems How Exotics May Harm the Watershed =
Eceotics are plants from other parts
of the world. They may be vani-
ties of desirable native plants 1 Exotics may adapt and become aggressive weeds,covering the landscape in
(such as Asian rhododendrons,azaleas, ways that are beyond our control.Some examples are the dandelion and the
or lilies)or have been purchased to add ailanthus and Norway maple trees.
a new or different color, shape, or -I Exotics may not survive because the soil may be the wrong texture,contain
growth pattern.They may be attractive the wrong moisture content,pH or mineral content;or the climate may be
because they appear to be one of a incompatible with insufficient season lengths.
kind, completely unknown to us in any 1 Exotics can be hosts for insects,fungus or disease,with the pests surviving
other form, but exotics behave unpre- and moving about even though the plant may be discarded.The Japanese bee-
dictably and can harm the watershed. tle,and,most recently,the daylily blight moving down our coast are acciden-
tally imported hitchikers.
Sound Land Practice 1 Exotics may form vast monocultures and have detrimental impacts on
Can Begin with Lawns wildlife habitats,recreation and our other uses for land and water.Those that
any grasses used to plant are of immediate concern are the multiflora rose(Rosa multiflora),Japanese
1\4
honeysuckle(Lonicera japonica),Common reed (Phragmites australis),Purple
lawns are not compatible loosestrife(Lythrum salicaria),Kudzu (Pueraria Iobata),Water-chestnut(Trapa
with the natural ecosystem natans),and Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum),an escape from
and may require chemical fertilizers home/hobby fish tanks.
and pesticides to maintain our vision of
perfection. Since lawns are the land-
scaping feature seen everywhere in
this area, they provide a readily avail-
able opportunity to try new land prac-
tice strategies.
What You Can Do to Care for the Lawn
Mow it once a week in spring,maybe even more often in wet springs,and then cut back to
every other week in the hotter months of July and August.
Keep the mower set at two inches or more to discourage weed growth.
Do not remove clippings unless they are very long and heavy.The decomposers will
recycle clippings,thus preventing thatch (dead roots),and will supply the lawn with mulch
and nutrients for new growth.
Resist heavy watering during severe drought.Grasses have deep roots if you have
deep-watered them to encourage root growth.Since their leaf surface area is ,a..
small compared to their root surface area,grasses may temporarily brown,but ta'' _
turn green quickly when the rain returns.
Make friends with weeds.Violets and other weeds remain green during drought .`, Ili
It. 14.4
conditions,and clover is a nitrogen fixer which is a plus to soil health and helps 11re-, r!
reduce air pollution. "lbfps - i, '. - '_
Test soil,always,before adding fertilizer.The wrong amount applied at the wrong 0.;.F�'
time can cause disease and weed problems,poor root growth,and/or excessive -'
top growth.Incorrect fertilization can reduce your lawn's ability to withstand �t' - s.. ' �
extremes of temperature and moisture.Remember,lime is detrimental to many e•*
of your other plantings. `'
18 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE
TABLE I .
LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVE SHRUBS „,,--J,;`
IN ORDER OF FLOWERING PERIODS .-+' +_
(See following tables for more plant information) % `11 `•”
Mo.in Flower Scientific and Common Names Flower Color Fruit Color Sun/Shade Site Conditions Comments
Mid April Epigaea repens small fragrant full sun/shade Sandy to peaty Small evergreen,prostrate shrub with
Trailing Arbutus white/pink woods or clearing. creeping stems;difficult to grow or
transplant.
Lindero benzoin delicate yellow scarlet half sun/full shade Male and female on separate shrubs.
Spicebush May be pruned to small tree.
Late April Amelanchier aborea,var.Laevis showy half sun/full shade This family tends to cross-breed.
Shadbush,Serviceberry white Berry color varies.
Early May A.canadensis white partial sun/shade Open woods to Flower before leafing.
Shadbush river banks.
A.sanguinaria white mostly sun/shade Acid,dry rocky See above.
Round-leafed Juneberry sites.
Andromeda polifolia pink/white balls full sun/mostly Wetlands. Evergreen ground cover with needle
var glaucophylla shade like leaves.
Bog Rosemary
Ledum greenlandicum showy white full/mostly sun Cool, peaty, Low evergreen shrub with pointy
Labrador Tea boggy soil. leaves.
Myrica pensylvanica white gray,waxy full sun Wet,dry,sandy. Good ornamental;semi-evergreen.
Bayberry berries Tolerant of wide variety of soils,
including seaside.
Rhus aromatica small,yellowish bright red full sun Open woods or Good for massing in corners,in
Lemon Fragrant Sumac heads dry rocky sites. front of taller shrubs and on banks.
Easy to control its low form.
Mid May Rhododendron canadense pink,rose or full/half sun Cool,acid,moist Small rhododendron with delicate,
also var.albiflorum white sites. exquisite flowers appearing before
it leafs out.Grows to about 2'to 4.'
Sambucus racemosa var.pubens creamy white showy red full/half sun Tolerant,including Use on large lots.Can be cut to ground
Red Elderberry berries all moist sites. if desired.Coarse yet spectacular with
summer brilliant yellow fall color.
Late May Aronia arbutifolia showy white brilliant red full sun/partial Dependable in any Grown for its attractive,persistent
Red Chokeberry w/pink/red shade soil,wet or dry. fruit,a favorite of birds and butterflies.
stamens Excellent red/purple fall color;6'to 8';
Can colonize for massing,prune to
ground for rejuvenation.
A melanocarpa white black full sun/partial Especially good on Smaller shrub(to 3');with the same fall
Black Chokeberry shade woodland slopes& foliage as above.
edges.
A.prunifolia white purplish/ mostly sun Woodland edges. Not as popular as the brilliant red-
Purple-Fruited Chokeberry black fruited Red Chokeberry.Grows to 12.'
Consult your local nursery.Since all sites are not the same,blooming times may vary.
A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE 19
TABLE I -,1
ill'�I 1
LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVE SHRUBS t �, /
continued �`�
---
0 4644
Mo.in Flower Scientific and Common Names Flower Color Fruit Color Sun/Shade Site Conditions Comments
Cornus sericea var alba flat white white to full sun/partial Good yard Chosen for red stick color in winter
or stolonifera clusters blue shade landscaping and red fall color.To maintain red
Red Osier or Red Twig berries shrub because it twigs,prune out all old wood.
Dogwood tolerates most sites.
Leucothoe racemosa white racemas full sun/partial Moist thickets Flowers are fragrant.
Sweet bells,Fetterbush shade and shores.
Mid June Ceanothus americanus small,white full sun Open,dry and This bush is very difficult to move
New Jersey Tea,Red Root cluster rocky sites
Cornus amomum creamy white blue to half sun/mostly Damp or swamp Good red fall color.Not as dynamic as
Silky Dogwood,Red Willow pale blue shade areas. C.sericea.
C.racemosa creamy white white on full sun/half Dry to moist An attractive shrub barrier between
Gray Dogwood clusters red stems shade conditions. lots.Purplish fall color. Can be cut back
harshly as needed.
Ilex glabra not noticeable black full sun/partial Adaptable to yards, A popular shrub due to its lustrous,
Inkberrry berries shade acid soil.Usually evergreen foliage.Requires separate
found in swamps male and female bushes to ensure fruit.
Ilex vertioriata not noticeable bright red mostly sun/full Wet,acid soil, Chosen for its showy red berries from
Black Alder,Winterberry (rarely shade but adaptable. Sept.to spring;Can grow tall.Good
yellow) summer green and yellow fall color.
Male and female bushes to ensure fruits.
Kalmia angustifolia rosy and large full sun Usually moist,acid A narrow-leafed evergreen laurel with a
Dwarf or Sheep Laurel clusters soil but adapts to slender form.
drier barren sites.
K latifolia large clusters full sun/full shade Acid,pine/oak mulch A popular,spectacular native shrub for
Calico Ivy or Mountain pink/white and moisture. large sites.Leathery evergreen leaves.
Laurel Used for massing borders and gardens.
Lyonia mariana small pink/white half sun Pinelands,open A handsome plant in the right site.
Stagger Bush woods,or low ground. Tolerates boggy sites.
Rhododendron arborescens fragrant,white half sun Swamps and river Attractive in the right site.
Smooth Azalea banks&open woods.
Symphoricarpos alba very small conspicuous full sun/half shade Compatible to lawns. Although not on the bird list,the white
Snowberry pink bells white berries Tolerates dry,lime berries are a favorite.Deciduous bush
conditions. often placed in front of evergreens,i.e.
yews.
Viburnum acerifolium creamy white black fall mostly sun/ Moist,to dry rocky Although often smaller,it can grow
Maple Leaf Viburnum clusters berries half shade sites,shade and to 5'.The purplish pink fall color is
open woodlands attractive in a group of several bushes.
Very adaptable.
Late June Rhododendron maximum white/rose/ half shade Needs acid soil of The hardiest of all rhododendrons.This
Rosebay,Great or purple swamp,woodlands. evergreen may grow tall if not pruned
White Laurel in winter.
20 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE ':'*` A.
4, !
TABLE I t0��
LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVE SHRUBS
continuedOf,1, .
Mo.in Flower Scientific and Common Names FlowerColor Fruit Color Sun/Shade Site Conditions Comments
Rhus typhina light yellow- crimson full sun Tolerates dry soil Very colorful in fall but not for a small
Staghorn or Fragrant Sumac green heads and is used for garden.Should be used in masses and
bank control. cut to the ground every spring.
Sambucus canadensis small,flat white blue/black full sun Sunny site. A shrub for large lots.Can be cut to
American Elderberry clusters the ground when needed.
Hydrangea arborescens large,white mostly sun/half Adaptable to A popular,easily grown shrub.
grandifolia.Snowballs clusters shade garden sites. Occasionally winter killed.Prune to
ground immediately after flowering for
next year's buds.
Potentilla fruticosa bright yellow full sun Prefers cool,moist Forms a I'to 4'mound,therefore,
Bush Cinquefoil soil. often used as a foundation planting.
Early July Rhododendron viscosum fragrant full sun/full shade Does best in damp Blooming time varies.(See Table 2 for
Swamp Azalea sites. R periclymenoides).Consider also R.
nudiflorum,which grows on drier sites.
Rhus glabra Light yellow/ bright red full sun Dry sites with Use for mass planting where needed.
Smooth Sumac green heads sandy or rocky See planting for birds.
soil.
Rosa setigera pink red full sun Tolerates all sites Needs space;grows in large areas.
Prairie Rose but is not a A fenced covered with these is bird
wetlands plant heaven.
Cephalanthus occidentalis creamy white mostly sun,half Swamps,stream If it appears naturally,keep it.
Buttonbush round heads shade banks or pond edges
are a necessity
Clethra alnifolia fragrant spikes full sun/full shade Seashore or inland A summer favorite available from
Sweet Pepperbush, sites with damp, nurseries.A good border shrub(to 8'),
Summer Sweet organic soil and dense shiny leaves and spreads slowly.
good light
Hypericum prolificum bright yellow full sun/full shade Sunny sites. This has a nice shape and is available in
Shrubby St.John's Wort most nurseries.
Early August Rhus copallina greenish white full sun/half shade Dry sand or soil; An ornamental that can stand alone.
Shining or Dwarf Sumac tolerates slopes Grows to 15'and has a deep red fall
and sea sites. color.
September Baccharis halimifolia yellow(male) full sun/full shade Salt marshes and Need both male and female shrubs.
Groundsel Bush,Sea Myrtle white heads(female) edges of thickets. Late fall white tassels of the female are
attractive.
October Hamamelis virginiana yellow full sun/full shade Dry or moist soils. Popular,often planted among ever-
Witch-Hazel Do not prune.It greens.A full-crowned small tree(or
may not heal. shrub).Witches hats(insect irritation,
but no problem for the tree)can be
seen on leaves around Halloween.
A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE 21
TABLE 2 ��
SHRUBS AND SMALL TREES
FOR LOWLAND/WETLAND SITES1;;
Scientific&Common Name Site Conditions Height Season/Flower/Color Comments ,'
Amelanchier ssp.and var. Varied. Upland woods, 2'-25' Early bloom of pink or white flowers Desirable native shrubs,valued for
Juneberry,Serviceberry, coastal wetlands. Red to black berries. their early bloom.Berries are
Shadbush Adaptable species to every site. enjoyed by native song birds.
Good fall color.
Andromeda polifolia Boggy areas to watery edges, 6"-18" White to pinkish Evergreen.
(glaucophylla) or damp sites sun or shade. drooping bells in June.
Bog Rosemary
Amnia arbuti folia Ordinary soil,moist site an 3'-5' Early spring:white flower Excellent for wildlife. Showy
melanocarpa) advantage.Salt tolerant. with red stamens. through winter.Excellent fall
Red Chokeberry,also Black color becomes showy red berries.
Chamaedaphne calyculata Wet places. 2'-4' White flowers in April—May. Low,dense semi-evergreen.
Leatherleaf,Cassandra
Cephalanthus occidentalis Borders,streams,swamp. 3'-8' White button-like flower clusters Jasmine-like fragrance.
Buttonbush in midsummer.
Cornus sericea Wet places. 3'-6' White flowers in white clusters Brilliant red branches in winter.
Red Osier Dogwood in June.
Gaylussacia frondosa Swampy or rocky acid woods. 1'-3' White flowers(red,purple),black Popular bird-food source.
Dwarf Huckleberry edible berry.
Ilex opaca Medium fertility,acid soil.Tolerates 8'-30' Red fruit in 3-4 years. Grows about I foot per year. Food
American Holly poorly drained soil and some salt. Needs male bush to get berried &cover for many species of birds.
bushes. Evergreen.
I.verticillata Low grounds. Shrub Red berries. Deciduous,showy if pruned low in
Winterberry or Black Alder front of taller evergreens.
Juniperus virginiana Almost everywhere. 25'-30' Aromatic,bluish-white berries. Evergreen.Dense screen,food for
Eastern Redcedar Salt-tolerant. songbirds,nesting site for robins
&mockingbirds,roosting cover
for juncos.
Kalmia latifolia Tolerates poorly drained,acid soil. 12'-20' May-June,showy pink Evergreen.Very shade and flood
Mountain Laurel or whitish flower. tolerant.
Lindero benzoin Moist woods. 4'-20' Honey yellow flowers More delicate than forsythia.Can be
Spicebush March—April. pruned into a small tree form.
Magnolia virginiana Swampy areas,rich,moist soil. 4'-20' Creamy white flowers May June Semi-evergreen.
Sweet-Bay,Swamp-Bay
Nemopanthus mucronatus Damp woods. Shrub White flowers. Red/coral berries. Does not tolerate hot sites.
Mountain Holly,Catberry
Rhododendron periclymenoides Swampy area,moist woods. 2'-4 Variable,showy,fragrant pink Delicate form.Once covered lower
Pink Azalea,Pinkster-Flower flowers in May. Manhattan.
Spirea latifolia(septentrionalis) River banks,low meadows. 2'-3' White pyramid shaped clusters Also popular pink varieties.
Meadow Sweet appearing like feathery spikes.
Vaccinium corymbosum Swamp,low thickets. 5'-10' White(reddish)flowers, Often grouped with other shrubs
Highbush Blueberry black edible berry. around patios.
Viburnum dentatum Wet to dry places, 5'-15' White flower clusters,dark Brilliant red fall color.
Arrowwood sun or shade. blue fruit
22 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE ` �
TABLE 3 _ %i
PERENNIALS FOR LOWLAND/WETLAND SITES r '
Scientific&Common Name Soil Sun/Shade Ht Site Conditions Season/Color Comments
Arisaemb triphyllum var. Acid Full shade 2' Marshy areas. Spring. Almost tropical in appearance.A.
atrorubus triphyllum,a smaller species,does
Jack in the Pulpit(large) well under normal woodland conditions.
Asclepias incarnata Salinity Full sun 2'-6' Tolerates wet feet.Tidal, June—Aug. pink. Does not spread.Also tolerates drier
Swamp Milkweed 0-5+ fresh,brackish areas& sites,i.e.butterfly garden.
inland marshes.Full sun.
Caltha palustris Humus,mulch Sun/part I' Wet spring flood,drier Early April—June Plant clumps in early summer. Self
Marsh Marigold, in winter shade Large summer. striking yellow. seeding.Grass blending into cowslip
Cowslip,King Cup leaves to orange. meadow is a striking landscape.
Chamaelirium luteum Acid,rich loam, Deep shade I'-2' Tolerates wet edges that Early summer. Pretty accent plant.
Blazing Star,Devil's Bit add humus drain late. Cluster of tiny
white flowers.
Chelone glabra Humusy Shade/sun I'-2' Moist areas. Late summer.White. Good as background plants.
Turtle Heads,Snake Heads Some color varieties.
Erythronium albidum Neutral,humus, Part sun/shade 5"-8" Moist bottom lands. Spring.White. Flower a bit larger than yellow species.
White Trout Lily marble chips. March—May.
E.americanum Acid,rich Part sun/shade 5"-8" Wet woodlands. Spring.Yellow Produces more leaves than flowers.
Yellow Trout Lily Stones encourage flowering.
Eupatorium purpureum spp. Lime Full sun 2'-7' Marshy,low lying fields. July—Sept. Flat topped flowers.
Joe Pye Weed Tidal fresh&inland Rose to misty purple. Nectar plant for butterflies.
marshes,open woods.
Gentian°andrewsi pH 6 or below, Part sun/shade I'-2' Constantly moist,open Aug.—Sept.blue. Beautiful in colonies.
Bottle or Closed Gentian acid,deep cool, woodlands. Plant in fall or start seeds.
humusy
Hibiscus moscheutos Not too rich Sun or shade 3'-6' Irregularly flooded salt, Late July—Sept. Showy,bush-like.Easily transplanted in
(H.palustris) brackish&tidal fresh Pink,rarely white. the small seedling stage.
Swamp or Rose Mallow marshes,inland river banks.
Hedyotis caerulea pH 5.5 to 7.0 Sun/part shade 2"-8" Amount of moisture varies, Blue&yellow Grows in grass.
Quaker Ladies,Bluets acid but never dry. tiny flowers. Creeping root stocks.
Iris prismatic° pH 6.0 to 7.0 Sun 2' Especially good tor beaches. Blue. Narrower leaves,flatter flowers than
Slender Blue Flag Iris I.Versicolor.
I.versicolor pH 6.0 to 7.0 Sun 2'-3' Fresh&slightly brackish Blue,sometimes Most desirable.
Blue Flag Iris marshes.Inland marshes, white May-July.
wet areas.
Lilium canadense Acid Sun 2'-5' Wet,swampy,damp Summer. Showy orange bloom.
Canadian or Meadow Lily meadows,woods.
L superbum Acid Sun 3'-8' Low lying wet soil or wet Late July—early fall. Recurved petals,good with green back-
Turk's Cap or Swamp Lily meadows. Showy orange. drop of trees and shrubs.
Lobelia cardinalis Peat moss,acid Part sun/shade 2'-5' Brook or stream banks, July into Oct. Temperamental,may disappear and
Cardinal Flower, wet soil but drained,spreads. Vermillion, then appear elsewhere,self-sowing.
Indian Pink Mulch in dry weather&fall. sometimes white. Attracts hummingbirds.
L siphilitica Rich soil Sun/part shade I'-3' Moist or wet spots. Mid/late summer Not as temperamental as red cardinal
Great Lobelia,Blue &fall.Blue, flower.Self-sows.
Cardinal Flower sometimes white.
Mertensia virginica Rich loam, Sun/part shade I'+ Moist bottomlands,along Pink buds to Easy to grow under tall trees
Virginia Bluebell mulch streams&moist woods, bluebells. with filtered shade. Foliage
excellent woodlands. Spring bloom. disappears in summer.
A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE 23
TABLE 3 Y
PERENNIALS FOR LOWLAND/WETLAND SITES
continued c
Scientific&Common Name Soil Sun/Shade Ht Site Conditions Season/Color Comments
Physostegia virginiana Sun/shade to 3' Moist areas. Late June to Sept. Showy,spreads by stolons.
False Dragonhead,Obedient Plant Purple,rose or white.
Sagittaria latifolia Part shade 6"to 4' Muddy edges of freshwater July through Sept. Plant tubers submerged in mucky soil.
Duck Potato,Arrowhead marshes,streams. White.
Sanguisorba canadensis Acid,peat or Sun but cool 3'-6' Forms stately patches along Dense spikes of Blooms late summer.
American Burnet sphagnum. site. stream banks in wet white flowers.
places&marshes.
4. — —
Saururus cernuus Part sun 2'-4' Regularly&irregularly June-Sept. white. Rapid growth,fragrant spikes.Valued
Swamp Lily,Lizard's Tail flooded marshes,along by wood duck.Showy at night with
streams.Roots hold banks vanilla-like odor.
during floods.
Sisyrinchium augustifolium 6-7pH Sun 4"-20" Moist,well-drained but may Spring/summer. Only for those who inspect their yard
Blue-eyed Grass tolerate wet meadows. Blue,tiny flowers. daily to appreciate a clump of tiny
grass-like blue flowers.
Thalictrum pubescens Rich loam+humus Sun/part shade 3'-6' Irregularly flooded fresh June-July fluffy, Graceful asset,makes a dainty bouquet
Tall Meadow-Rue but not fussy. marshes,forested wetlands. tiny white bloom. filler,like baby's breath.
Grows well along streams.
Typha augustifolia Salinity 0±15 Sun Up to 6' Marshes Flowers:June-July Rapid growth,forms dense stands. Food,
Narrow-Leafed Cattail cover&nesting sites for waterfowl.
T latifolia Salinity<0.5 Sun 4'-9' Holds soil,brackish&fresh Late May-July See T.augustifolia above
Broad-Leafed Cattail marshes,regularly&
irregularly flooded zones.
Viola macloskeyi(blanda) Shade 2"-4" Moist shade White Goes well with partridge berry&moss—
Sweet White Violet a short stemmed or stemless violet.
Viola sororia Sun/shade Marsh species,needs moist soil.
Marsh Blue Violet
Ferns
Scientific&Common Name Soil Sun/Shade Ht Site Conditions Season/Color Comments
Adiantum pedatum Humusy,rich Part shade 8"-20" Prefers moist,rocky Airy,delicate look Can spread,not unruly,deciduous.
Maidenhair banks,ravines. Use as groundcover under oaks,etc.
Matteuccia struthiospteris Part shade 2'-5' Wet soil.Excellent for Stately,tall,graceful, Deciduous.
Ostrich Fern controlling bank erosion. leathery fronds.
Rapid spreader in wet shade.
Osmunda cinnamomea Acid Part shade 2'-6' Constantly moist areas along Fertile fronds Not a spreader. Deciduous.
Cinnamon Fern stream banks,edges of become tight
swamps,lakes&ponds. cinnamon-colored stalks.
0.claytoniana Tolerates less 2'-3' See Cinnamon fern. Fertile frond Grows well in drier,shady areas if soil
Interrupted Fern acid soil than cinn. interrupted by is humusy&moisture retentive.
groups of spores. Deciduous.
0.regalis Acid,oak leaf Part shade 11/2'-6' Wetlands,along streams, Light reddish-green Not a spreader. Dramatic accent.
Royal Fern mulch must have moisture. stalks.Almost Deciduous.
Low areas. locust leaf-like fronds.
Polystichum acrostichoides Rich,limy, Shade to sun 12"-30" On rocky slopes,along Light green changing Not a spreader. Evergreen.
Christmas Fern humusy if kept moist. wooded stream banks, to dark green.
ravines,damp,well-drained
sites, beside stone walls.
24 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE
/1, ;1
TABLE 4 '� j� I \\\\\I i
COASTAL (SALT MARSH—TIDAL WETLAND) PLANTS `��j.
Scientific&Common Name Marsh Zone Description /'"
Agalinis spp. Pannes(depressions), Blooms mid July.
Purple or Pink Gerardia open spots.
Ahhaea of ficinalis Irregularly flooded salt 2'-4'tall.July through September,pink flowers.
Marsh Mallow and brackish marshes.
Aster tenuifolius Scattered in areas of White to lavender flowers in August into fall.
Slender Saltmarsh Aster Spartina patens.
Distichlis spicata High marsh. Looks somewhat like Spartina altemiflora,but it has paler stems and larger flowering stalks.A
Spikegrass good plant to hold peat for marsh stabilization.
Juncus gerardii Upper marsh. Not found Appears in early spring,and turns brown in early fall.Floweringspikes look like they contain
Black Grass in the saltiest areas. seeds;not fluffy like Spikegrass.
Limonium carolinianum High marsh(irregularly Beautiful pale flowers,almost baby's breath in appearance.Blooms late summer. Listed on most
Sea Lavender flooded area). conservation lists and should not be picked.
Panicum virgatum Brackish shores. Grass with an irregular,loose florescence.
Switchgrass
Plantago maritima High marsh in pannes. Looks somewhat similar to the lawn weed,but has narrow leaves.
Seaside Plantain
Pluchea odorata Brackish marshes Blooms July to September. May occur in sizable patches.
(purpurascens)
Saltmarsh Fleabane
Sabatia dodecandra Irregularly flooded salt 1-2.5'tall. Sometimes white flowers with yellow center. Flowers July into September.
Perennial or Large
Marsh Pink
Salicornia europaea Irregularly flooded areas. Leafless appearing stems.Gives the salt marsh a rosy pink appearance in fall.
Glasswort,Samphire Inland saline soils.
S.virginica Same. Woody,solitary(unbranched)stems—bushy appearance.
Saltwort,Glasswort,
Leadgrass
Scirpus robustus Brackish sites in high Food and good cover for ducks and other birds.Also S.maritimus,S.americanus,S.pungens.
Saltmarsh Bulrush marsh.
Solidago sempervirens Brackish coastal sites Has stouter stems than some goldenrods.
Seaside Goldenrod
Spartina ahemiflora Low marsh-sea edge. Grows on the banks of the bay or inlet among the ribbed mussels.
Cordgrass,Saltgrass Contributes to the food chain.Important food for black ducks.
S.patens Inland from low marsh. Has appearance of fine hay.Often occurs in pure stands that have cow-licked appearance.
Saltmeadow grass, Harvested as hay by colonists.Important food supply for black duck,seaside and sharp-tailed
High-water grass sparrow.
Triglochin maritimum Pannes. Similar to Seaside Plantain but taller.
Arrow Grass
A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE 25
AI
TABLE 510,4%
WILDFLOWERS &GROUND COVERS (PERENNIALS) fib
FOR SITES OTHERTHAN WETLANDS
Scientific&Common Name Soil Sun/Shade I-It Site Conditions Season/Color Comments 11
Aquilegia canadensis pH 5.0-7.0 Full sun/ 6'-I8" Rocky,adaptable. Damp to June.Orange- Good accent color.Attracts humming-
Wild Columbine, light shade seasonably dry. yellow. birds. Grows from seed. Looks good
Rock-Bells with Dutchman's-Breeches.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Acid Sun Acid slopes. Red-berried ever- Creeping,shrub-like groundcover.
Bearberry,Mountain Box green.Pink flowers.
Arisaema triphyllum pH 5.0-6.5 Half to 3/4 12" Rocky,moist,add compost. Late spring.Green Fruit consumed by birds.Gender
Jack-in-the-Pulpit rich,acid shade spathe,red fruit. determined by last year's plant size.
Asarum canadense pH 5.0-7.5 Half to full 6"-8" Limestone rock,heavily May. Flower not Creeping ground cover.
Wild Ginger shade mulched to keep soil damp. noticeable,brown.
Dicentra cucullaria pH 5.5-8.0 Part sun to 6"-8" Humus,rich soil,moist. Early to mid- Does well under oaks and sugar maple.
Dutchman's Breeches 3/4 shade spring.White. Nice with'columbine and trout lily.
Epigaea repens Acid Part sun to Sandy to peaty woods. White to pink Fragrant creeping evergreen.
Trailing-Arbutus, half shade flowers.
Ground Laurel
Gaultheria hispidula Acid Prefers shade creeps Moist,coniferous woods, White berries. Small creeper,mossy.Good under
Creeping Snowberry bogs.Acid soil. pines.
G.procumbens pH 4.0-6.5 Half shade to 3" Wet to moderately wet, Summer.White Small creeping evergreen,good
Wintergreen,Teaberry full sun rich organic soil. flower,red spreader and ground cover.
berries.
Maianthemum canadense pH 4-6.5 Full to 3/4 sun 2"-5" Very damp to moderately Late spring.White, Adaptable ground cover in
Wild Lily-of-the-Valley shade wet.Must be mulched. foam-like flower. mulches under oaks,spreads well.
Color varies Good with Solomon's Seal.
spotted green to red.
Mitchella repens pH 4-6 3/4 sun to Creeps Cool shade,humus, Late spring—early Glossy evergreen with white veining,
Partridge Berry, full shade damp to moderate. summer.White birds eat berries,good with trillium.
Twin Berry flower fuses to Mulch with pine needles.
single red berry.
Monarda didyma pH 5-7.5 Full sun to very 1 I/2' Rich bottomlands and Summer. Good background for low-growing ever-
Bee Balm,OswegoTea light shade 2 I/2' woods,moist. Vermillion green shrubs.Attracts hummingbirds
to scarlet. &butterflies.Easily divided and shared.
M.fistulosa pH 5-7.5 Full sun to very I I/2'- Moist to normal soil, Summer.Lavender Fuzzy gray/green leaves.
Wild Bergamot, light shade 2 1/2' open grasslands and woods. to pinkish. Attracts butterflies.
Horsemint
Phlox divaricata pH 5-7.5 3/4 sun 10"-I S" Open woods,rocky April-June.Light Popular garden flower with spring
Blue Phlox slopes,damp to blue to lavender. bulbs.
dry.
P.subulata variable Full to 3/4 sun 3"-4" Dry,gravelly or rocky April-July pink Forms evergreen mat,has been hybrid-
Mountain Phlox,Moss Pink soil,rocky slopes. (see Comments) ized into many colors;very popular.
Polygonatum biflorum pH 4-7 Full sun, I'-2 1/2' Damp to moderate, Late spring. Flower bells along leafy stalk.Good
Small Solomon's Seal full shade humus,mulch. White to accent with groundcover of
yellow green. violets,wild lily of the valley.
Sanguinaria canadensis 5-7 Full sun,full 6"-I' Rich woods,moderate Late March/May. Looks good with many flowers.
Bloodroot shade to damp mulch. Stunning white.
26 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE
TABLES �`• ��
WILDFLOWERS&GROUND COVERS PERENNIALSAl* -
s,
FOR SITES OTHER THAN WETLANDS,continued ,'`
Scientific&Common Name Soil Sun/Shade Ht Site Conditions Season/Color Comments
Smilacina racemosa 5.0-6.5 Full sun,full I'-3' Very damp to moderately Late spring.White Has red berries eaten by birds.
False Solomon's Seal shade moist woods, clearings, flower, plume at
bluffs,gravelly shores, end of stem.
thickets, open meadows, •
bogs,mossy woods,peat shores.
S.stellata Sun/shade low Moist to dry.Sun/shade Tiny,white Along seashores.
Starflower woods,peat shores. flowers,April June.
Green-striped
blackberries.
Tiarella cordifolia 5.0-7.5 Almost full sun 6"-I' Very damp to moist, Late spring, Commonly used in colonies
Foamflower to full shade cool,woodlands. white plume or borders.
Trillium cernum Acid I/4 sun to Damp,peaty woods Late April July. Dark red fruit.
NoddingTrillium full shade and thickets. White to pale pink
hidden flowers.
T.erectum Acid same 6"-I' Rich woods,moist soil, April—early June. Sessile leaves.Also comes in yellow.
Stinking Benjamin 4.5-6.5 deep leaf mold. Crimson Dark red fruit.
PurpleTrillium to dark purple.
A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE 27
TABLE 6JO
:-..4..
DECIDUOUSTREES FORYARD USEh,,, .
(EASTERN MIXED DECIDUOUS FOREST ECOSYSTEM)
.A
Scientific& Soil&Site Season,Color/ Average Attributes and Wildlife -
Common Name Requirements Flowers/Assets Mature Ht Drawbacks Comments
Acer rubrum Grows best in moist Soft red in spring. +100' Spreading surface roots,aggravating Seeds for songbirds.
Red or Swamp Maple lowland sites.Mulch Brilliant yellow to mowing,causes sidewalk cracks.
or woodchip area. red in fall.
A.saccharum Tolerant of range of Spectacular rainbow +115' Spreading surface roots(see above). Seeds for songbirds.
Sugar or Rock Maple conditions,usually in fall:yellow,orange, State Tree of N.Y.
requiring light. red.
Carpinus caroliniana Acid,woodland soil. Chosen for its +30' Wide spreading branches and an Host to Tiger Swallowtail butterfly.
American Hornbeam, Does well in lowlands. smooth,muscle-like open crown.Taproot tree. Important food source for baby
Blue Beech, or Understory tree. gray/bluish bark. songbirds and squirrels.Seed
Musclewood a favorite of adult songbirds.
Carya ovata Suitable to drier sites Yellow color +100' Grows quickly,straight and tall. Attracts squirrels(nuts).
Shagbark,Shellbark with forest soil(loam). in fall. Difficult to transplant.Taproot.
Hickory Acclimated to lawn Flexible during storms.
conditions up to the trunk. Developes shaggy bark at maturity.
Cornus florida Acid soil.Best planted Brilliant white(or +30' Keep dead branches pruned flush Host to Azure Blue butterflies,
Flowering Dogwood under mulched oaks. pink)bracts in spring. to trunk.Remove moldy or which in turn feed baby songbirds.
Soil conditions Yellow to red leaves spotted leaves and discard to Noticeable red fruits(seeds)are a
important to com- in fall. discourage fungus dieback. favorite of songbirds and squirrels.
bating fungus dieback.
Fagus grandifolia Prefers level,well- Yellow fall turning +100' Broad,round-topped crown. Seeds said to attract 86 species
American Beech drained sites. Develops to healthy brown. Smooth gray bark.Splendid lawn of songbirds.
suckers in damp sites. Very popular tree. specimen.Not easy to transplant.
Fraxinus americana Flat,damp,organic Fall sequence: +125' Beautifully shaped and straight trunk. Host to Tiger Swallowtail.Food
White Ash site.Easy to grow. yellow to purple. Fungus problems at this time. for baby songbirds.
Juglans nigra Grows best in deep, Yellow in fall. +150' Toxic to Ericaceae family. Nut Food for songbirds.
Black Walnut well-drained,organic Nuts decorative hulls should be handled with care
soil.Acclimated to while on tree. because they stain.Wood used for
lawn soil. fine furniture.
Liquidamber styradflua Prefers cool,moist Beautiful fall color +125' Brown,spiny golf ball like seed cases Seeds for songbirds.
Sweet Gum sites,but will grow in (yellow to red)if are considered winter litter to some
ordinaryy soil in full sun. grown in sun. and wreath decoration to others.
Liriodendron tulipifera Best in sunny site with Large tulip-like +160' Not for small garden.At maturity, Host to Tiger Swallowtails.
Tulip Tree deep,rich,damp soil. flowers in May/June. almost as wide as tall.Very tall, Food for baby songbirds.
Leaves yellow in fall. straight trunk.Yellow salt and Hummingbirds like flower nectar.
pepper color in fall.
Ostrya virginiana Not fussy about soil, More attractive in +50' Medium sized trees with horizontal,
Hop-Hornbeam but does well on flat, fruit than in flower. tough branches.Rounded head.
or Ironwood sunny,well-drained sites. Slow growing.
Platanus occidentalis Deep,but not damp No autumnal color. +140' Lawn can be planted up to its patchy
Sycamore soil on level land. and flaky barked trunk. Seed cases look
Acclimated to lawn pH. like light brown golf balls.Not suited for
narrow street lawns.
28 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE
TABLE 6 =-:;;.
•
DECIDUOUSTREES FORYARD USE s':Pt.... .
(EASTERN MIXED DECIDUOUS FOREST ECOSYSTEM),continued y.
r.
Scientific& Soil&Site Season,Color/ Average Attributes and Wildlife +.-
Common Name Requirements Flowers/Assets Mature Ht Drawbacks Comments
Quercus alba Prefers flat,sunny site Deep red in fall. +120' Crown has good spread.Acorns Squirrels are attracted to all oak
White Oak with damp soil,neither Rounded lobes on every year. Long-lived tree, species.
too dry nor to damp. leaves. majestic.All oaks need growing
space.
Q.borealis(or rubra) Best on flat,damp site. Dark red in fall. +60'-80' Quick growing.Frequently used as a
Red Oak street tree.Acorns mature in 2 years.
Q.coccinea Similar to above. Superb brilliant red +50'-80' Deep taproot.
Scarlet Oak autumnal foliage. Acorns mature in 2 years.
Q.palustris Grows in any soil.Will Scarlet fall color. +80' Good for yard or street use. Lower
Pin Oak tolerate moister site branches tend to sweep downward,
than most oaks. eventually dying. Should be pruned
flush with the smooth barked trunk
when needed.
Q.velutina Grows in ordinary soil. Inner bark yellow- +100'-I25' Stately lawn specimen.Deep taproot
Black Oak orange. makes transplanting difficult.
Salix nigra Grows along streams. Shrub appearance, +35' Twigs tend to break off during storms Favorite host to many of our but-
Black Willow multiple trunks giving it an open crown.Black bark. terflies.Food for baby songbirds.
Sassafras albidium Acid soil. Orange to red fall +75' Leaves vary in shape.Shorter life Host to Spicebush and Swallow
Sassafras color. Produces blue/ span than most trees on this list. Tail butterflies.Food for baby
black berries. birds.
Tilia americana Site does not depend Chosen for its +120' Good shade tree.
American Linden on soil quality. Needs symmetrical shape and
or Basswood good humidity. scented spring flowers.
TABLE 7
t• ' NATIVE PLANTSTHATATTRACT BUTTERFLIES
Q &. , TREES SHRUBS COMPOSITE HERBACEOUS OTHER HERBACEOUS PLANTS
' : 11)
!1.-i-
` b PLANTS _
N U/ L ~O E �O t
0 w iE m E a. _o b E LL r E
T O lL = E di
d y, H ,^ O .� C
W Y b `w a v v U- N w v c° o v y m , a F w E y �n
U Common a = , u 3 0 0 = v o b y a; °' o 2 a .' ; E LL E H
F Eastern L b b a o tp b a ;, o d b oo 1 .0 ; 20 0 g o :
o Butterflies � m 2 O .P 3 0 o d w` ;Pc ,A Q m LE w l7 0 a F m U 0 E 2 3 E 13 > 6
Q Monarch N N N N N H HN HN N
a' Viceroy HN H N N N N N N
Q
z Baltimore H N N H
" Mourning Cloak H : : H : : N :HN : N N
Q Swallowtails
Eastern Black N HN N N N
Giant N N N
Spicebush H HN H N N N N N N N N
Pipevine N H N HN N N N N N
Tiger H H H H H H H N N N N N N N N
Admirals(Red-White) H N H H N N N N N N N N N N
Red Spotted Purple HN H H N N
Fritillaries H N N N N N N N N N H
Aphrodite N N H
Question Mark/Commas H ! H ! N H N N N N N
t
Tortoiseshells H N H N N N N
Painted Ladies N HN N H N HN HN HN N N N HN H HN N
Buckeye N H N N N N
Coppers N H N N H
Spring Azure/Little Blues HN HN H N H N N HN N
Sulphurs N N N N N N N HN N
Orange,Gray Hairstreaks HN HN HN N N N N N H HN
Crescentspots HN N N N N N
Satyrs/Wood Nymphs N N N N N H
Skippers/Dusky Wings H N N N NNN N N H HN H
Harvester Carnivorous butterfly;Aphids are both its caterpillar food source and butterfly nectar source.
H:Caterpillar Host;N:Butterfly Nectar Mud Puddles provide moisture and minerals for butterflies.DO NOT USE PESTICIDES ON THESE PLANTS
Note:A large percentage of songbird diet is insects,and caterpillars are a major percentage of the insect diet
NATIVETREES THAT PROVIDE FOOD FOR LESS-COMMON SONGBIRDS
NATIVE SHRUBS NATIVE UNDERSTORYTREES ; NATIVE CANOPYTREES NATIVE EVERGREENS
° (MIXED DECIDUOUS) ai
Cb L
.; ' ` L `
L 0 U O m 0 C C
> 2 L a , d 0
d
y` 1 4 m f:5 E C E 0 a tct, u a d (5 t, .
v 0 - E2 v > > 0 2 O try6 3biii �' = y „ s
Songbirds A m w w O c ,. 5 m 0 x I E 5 nE nn m m m E O n i
U it ‘5',-
Bluebirds
n
Bluebirds XX X X XX Y X X X X X X X X X
Cedar Waxwings X X X Y X X XX X X ZX X X X X X X X
Crossbills X X X X Z
Goldfinches X X X X X
I I
Kingbirds XX X X X X X X X X
Phoebes X X XX X X X
: :
Tree Sparrows X X X Y X
, I :
W
Q Towhees X X X X X X X X X X X X
Vireos X X X X X X X X X X
w ScarletTangers X X X X X X Y Y X X X
U_
F
U
Q Note:X comprises a larger part of the diet
P-.
z
Q
a
Q
0
co
co TABLE 8
NATIVE TREESTHAT PROVIDE FOOD FOR COMMON SONGBIRDS
'4 bit .P_
C? NATIVE SHRUBS NATIVE UNDERSTORYTREES NATIVE CANOPYTREES NATIVE EVERGREENS
v
Oo
d v UW c itic
o .;
1 i L L L
L w O N L C C L N N E E d N C
U v r w a v .� E o b2co o d - ; a u a .c d w d FE,..
-` 6 a
Q b w v g O .c a v > > V °6 is O 5 - n _c y i b �a b ; FE 32 y i a
L
• Songbirds m m w i, x a > Q a m o x x E F v, ,n Q m m m E o ,n P 3 V LL N 3
a
Blue Jays X X X X X X X X X x X Y X X Y
Q
Z Cardinals X X X X X X X Y Y Y X X X X X X
d
'-a Catbirds X Y Y Y X X X XXX X X X X X X
Q
Chickadees Y X X Y X XX XX X X X X
Flickers Y X X X X X XXX XXX X X Y Y X
Juncos X X X X X X
Mockingbirds X X X X X X X X
Nuthatches X X X X X Y
Orioles X X X X X
Fox Sparrows XX X X X X X X X
Song Sparrows X X X X X
White Throat Spar. X X X X X X x x x
Brown Thrashers X Y Y X X Y X Y X X x x x
Thrushes X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Tufted Titmice X X X • X X X X X X X X
Warblers Y X Y Y X X X X Y X
Woodpeckers X X X X X : X X X X X X X ; x x x x x X
Wrens X X X X
Note:Y comprises a larger part of the diet
INSECT DIETS OF LESS COMMON SONGBIRDS
b
aa
() J
,. d
b h b d G) d
E " b a U"p , n 2 d n Lei
o f i :n w V'f d p '^ o -o .D o ft o CI) V.
Less Common 2 y t'i r v n Y a°e L c v o - w d = B.
It °' o c n m d Kb f; o �' w @ o F, b v S = as 3 ro i
Songbirds W N m U 5 f Q Q rt at m U u u it: 0 U Y J I- E f F ii N in 1n
Bluebirds Y Y Y Y Y Z X X X X
Cedar Waxwings X X X X X Y X Y
Crossbills X X X X X X
Goldfinches X X X
Kingbirds Y Y X X X X X
Phoebes X X Z Z Y X X X X X X Z X
Tree Sparrows X X X X X X
w Towhees X X X Y X X X X X X X
Q
• Vireos X Y X Y Y X X X X
U
w Scarlet Tanagers X Z Z X X X X X Z
U
H
U Baby Songbird diets consist of only soft-bodied forms of insects such as larvae,grubs,caterpillars and occasionally flies.
Q Y=comprises o larger part of general diet Z=comprises a major food source of the species
a
Q
z
Q
a
Q
N
co
c TABLE 9
co INSECT DIETS OF COMMON SONGBIRDS
ci6-b_ J>
J v
D N N
a' > 5 a . n ai vc0 , a`, J
o.
W O W a, . N 0 (j O m y al C �n
d Y - 5 'O L d 2 d H `y
_ t s b d O C c E ami E. g O u v .&..' 0 .. w ai b - O u O b C a
H Songbirds w >2 m" u - E a a m m m u u u L u Y 3 1—` z E F , 8 N ,:i-
0 0
Q Blue Jays X Y X X X Y X X
a Cardinals Y Y X Y X
Q
z Catbirds Y Y Y X Y Y
a Chickadees X X Y X X X X X X X X X X X X Y
Q Flickers X Z Z X X X X Z
Juncos Y Y Y X X X X
Mockingbirds Y Y Y Y Y X
Nuthatches Y Y Y Y Y
Orioles Z X X X X X X
Fox Sparrows Y Y
Song Sparrows X X X Y X X X
White Throat Spar. X X X X . X X X X
Brown Thrashers X X Y X X X
Thrushes X X Y Y X X X X X Y
Tufted Titmice Z X X Y X
Warblers Z Y Y X Z X X X X Y
Woodpeckers Y X Z X Y X X X X X X Y X X X
Wrens X Z Z Z Y
Baby Songbird diets consist of only soft-bodied forms of insects such as larvae,grubs,caterpillars and occasionally flies.
Y=comprises a larger part of general diet Z=comprises a major food source of the species
34 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE11Ilitik-
TABLE 10
SEASONAL DIETS OF COMMONLY SEEN SONGBIRDS ` `
--,...0
Common WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL
Songbirds Plant Insect Plant Insect Plant Insect Plant Insect
Blue Jays 90% 10% 60% 40% 50% 50% 75% 25%
Cardinals 90% 10% 40% 60% 60% 40% 75% 25%
Catbirds Southern U.S. 20% 80% 60% 40% 80% 20%
Chickadees 50% 50% 10% 90% 10% 90% 20% 80%
Flickers 65% 35% 5% 95% 20% 80% 50% 50%
Juncos 75% 25% Northern U.S.&Canada 90% 10%
Mockingbirds Southern U.S. 20% 80% 40% 60% Southern U.S.
Nuthatches 70% 30% 50% 50% 0% 100% 30% 70%
Orioles South America 10% 90% 20% 80% South America
Fox Sparrows 75% 25% 50% 50% Canada&Alaska 90% 10%
Song Sparrows 85% 15% 50% 50% 60% 40% 90% 10%
White Throat Spar. 90% 10% 50% 50% Canada 85% 15%
Brown Thrashers Southern U.S. 30% 70% 50% 50% 70% 30%
Thrushes 60% 40% 5% 95% 25% 75% 70% 30%
Tufted Titmice 75% 25% 10% 90% 20% 80% 40% 60%
Warblers South America Close to 100%insect diet in our area South America
Woodpeckers 30% 70% 20% 80% 15% 85% 25% 75%
Wrens 10% 90% Close to 100%insect diet in our area
Many songbirds need extra calcium,especially bluejays.Putting crushed egg shells on your compost pile is helpful.
SEASONAL DIETS OF LESS COMMON SONGBIRDS
Less Common WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL
Songbirds Plant Insect Plant Insect Plant Insect Plant Insect
Bluebirds 40% 60% 10% 90% 20% 80% 40% 60%
Cedar Waxwings Southern U.S. 75% 25% 80% 20% 90% 10%
Crossbills Occasional Appearances Residents of Northern conifer forests:100%plant diet;some insects in summer.
Goldfinches 100% 0% 50% 50% 95% 5% 100% 0%
Kingbirds Mexico and South America 10% 90% 40% 60%
Phoebes Southern U.S. 5% 95% 5% 95% 10% 90%
Tree Sparrows 95% 5% Canadian resident
Towhees Southern U.S. 50% 50% 40% 60% 80% 20%
Vireos South America 0% 100% 10% 90% 20% 80%
Scarlet Tanagers South America 5% 95% 5% 95% 15% 85%
A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE 35
ative plants SHOULD NOT beN
sources of plants. Many landscape Ho to Acquire
dug from the wild. It is often professionals are well-trained and will How
illegal to do so. Nurse ro a work with you when they know whatNative Species
g rY p p
gated native plants are grown under you are trying to accomplish.
favorable conditions and are health- Always send a post card to nurs-
ier because of compact, vigorous eries and suppliers to ask about cata-
root systems. Ask the nursery about logue fees before ordering. Inquire
the plants' origins and cultivation about propagation. Avoid nurseries
requirements. that collect from the wild areas.
Consult your local library for other
Sources that Grow Farmer Seed&Nursery Co. Sources for
and Sell Native Plants Dept.M Wetlands Plants
Bluestone Perennials Faribault,MN 55021 Environmental Concern,Inc.
7211 Middle Ridge Rd. 210 W.Chew Avenue
Madison,Ohio 44057 J.W.Jung Seed Co., P.O.Box P
Dept.MN St.Michaels,MD 21663
Busse Gardens Box 385
Rte.2,Box 238 Randolph,WI 53956 Roth Bros.Nursery
Cokato,MN 55321 1341 King Street
Greenwich,CT 0683 I
The Primrose Path Sources for Butterfly
R.D.2,Box 110 Eggs and Pupae Southern Tier Consulting,Inc.
Scottsdale,PA 15683 John Staples, 2677 Route 305
Breeder of Lepidoptera P.O.Box 30
White Flower Farm 389 Rock Beach Rd. W.Clarksville,NY 14786
Rte 63 Rochester,NY 14617
Litchfield,CT 06759 Eggs of Black Swallowtail and Sprainbrook Nursery,Inc.
Red Admiral Pupae of Spicebush 448 Underhill Road
Swallowtail,Individual or Special Scarsdale,NY 10583
Sources for Perennial School Cocoon Collection
and Wildflower Seeds
Chiltern Seeds Nasco Wholesale
Bortree Stile 901 Janesville Ave.
Ft.Atkinson,Wl 53538 (ask your favorite nursery
Ulverston,Cumbria to request a catalog)
Canada LA I 27PB Rearing kits for individuals or
North Creek Nurseries
classes.Painted Lady Larvae RR2 Box 33
Far North Gardens Landenburg,PA 19350
16785 Harrison Ward's National Science Est.
Livonia,MI 48154 5100 W.Henrietta Rd.
P.O.Box 92912 Pinelands Nursery
Rochester,NY 14692 RR I
The Seed Source Box 12 Island Road
Balsam Grove,NC 28708 Painted Lady Larvae for
individuals or classes Columbus,NJ 08022
W.Atlee Burpee Seed Co.
Dept.MN
Burpee Bldg#2
Warminster,PA 18974
36 A LAND PRACTICE GUIDE
Bibliography MOSTLY BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES
Allen,James,How to Photograph Butterflies,Terra 1985.
and References Ernst,Ruth,The Naturalist's Garden.Globe Pequot Press,Old Saybrook,CT. 1993.
Howe,Wm.H.,Butterflies of No.America,Doubleday and Co.,NY, 1975
Loewer,Peter.The Wild Gardener,Stackpole Books, 1991.
Opler,Paul A.And Krizck,George 0.,Butterflies East of the Great Plains,Johns
Hopkins Univ.Press.Baltimore, 1984.
Schneck,Marcus,Butterflies:How to Identify and Attract Them to your Garden,Rodale
Press,Emmaus,PA 1990.
Schneck,Marcus,Garden Bird Facts,Barnes and Noble, 1992.
Tekulsky,Matthew,The Butterfly Garden,The Harvard Common Press,Boston,MA, 1985.
Xerces Soc.Smithsonian Institute,Butterfly Gardening:Creating Butterfly Magic in
Your Garden, 1990.
MOSTLY WILDFLOWERS AND LANDSCAPING
Art,Henry W.,The Wildflower Gardener's Guide,Garden Way Publishing, 1992.
Blumer,Karen,Long Island Native Plants for Landscaping:A Source Book,Growing
Wild Publications,Brookhaven,NY, 1990.
DuPont,Elizabeth N.,Landscaping with Native Plants in the Middle Atlantic Region,
Brandywine Conservancy,Chadsford,PA,1978.(see illustrations,pages 5, 18-20)
Tenenbaum,Frances,Gardening With Wildflowers,Charles Scribner and Sons,NY, 1973.
MOSTLY LONG ISLAND SOUND
Eco-Log,A SoundWaters Publication.Summer 1993.Stamford,CT.
Exotic Plants with Identified Detrimental Impacts on Wildlife Habitats in NY State.The
Exotic Plant Committee of the NY Chapter—the Wildlife Society, 1987.
The Long Island Sound Study:The Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan,US EPA,
NYS,DEC,CT DEP,March 1994.
Mianus River Watershed Project.Westchester Land Trust,Bedford Hills,NY, 1992.
The SoundBook,The Long Island Soundkeeper Fund,Inc.,P.O.Box 4058,Norwalk,CT
06855, 1992.
Weigold,Marilyn E.,American Mediterranean,Kennekat Press,Port Washington,NY, 1974.
MOSTLY WHO'S WHO AND WHAT'S WHAT
The Audubon Society Nature and Pocket Guides,Alfred Knopf,NY c. 1985-86.
(see illustrations pages 21 and 25)
Britton and Brown,An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada,
Dover Publications,NY. 1970 ed.
The Brooklyn Botanical Garden Bulletin Series,Brooklyn,NY.
The Connecticut Arboretum Series:Connecticut College,New London,CT.
Fernald,M.L.,Gray's Manual of Botany, 1950 ed.,American Book Co.,NY
Golden Nature Guides,Golden Press, 1950s to 1990s.
Headstrom,Richard,Nature in Miniature,Knopf, 1968.
Mitchell,Richard S.,A Checklist of NewYork State Plants,University of the State of NY,
State Education Department, 1986.
The NewYork Botanical Garden Bulletin Series,Bronx,NY.
Sierra Club and National Wildlife Federation Publications.
Peterson Field Guides,Houghton Mifflin Co., 1970s-I990s.
Stevens,William K.,Miracle Under the Oaks,Pocket Books, 1995.
Stanley Bell
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