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Milkweed, Common

Scientific Name: Asclepias syriaca

Family: Apocynaceae

Height: 2-3 ft

Spread: 1-2 ft

Bloom Time: July-August

Native Range: Throughout North America except west coast, Pennsylvania

Ecological Value: Larval host for monarch and queen butterflies. Nectar plant.

Human Value: Flowers are exceptionally fragrant. Seed pods are edible.

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Milkweed, Butterfly

Scientific Name: Asclepias tuberosa

Family: Apocynaceae

Height: 1-2.5 ft

Spread: 1-2.5 ft

Bloom Time: July-August

Native Range: Eastern and Southwestern North America, Pennsylvania

Ecological Value: Larval host for monarch and queen butterflies. Nectar plant.

Human Value: Native American used it medicinally. The stringy fibers were used to make twine and rough textiles.

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Milkweed, Swamp

Scientific Name: Asclepias incarnata

Family: Apocynaceae

Height: 4-5 ft

Spread: 2-3 ft

Bloom Time: July-August

Native Range: Throughout North America except west coast, Pennsylvania

Ecological Value: Larval host for monarch and queen butterflies. Nectar plant.

Human Value: Native American used it medicinally. The stringy fibers were used to make twine and rough textiles. The seed parachutes are six times more buoyant than cork and 5 times warmer than wool so large quantities were used to stuff pillows and life jackets during World War II.

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Columbine

Scientific Name: Aquilegia canadensis

Family: Ranunculaceae

Height: 2-3 ft

Spread: 1.5-2 ft.

Bloom Time: May

Native Range: Eastern North America, Pennsylvania

Ecological Value: Excellent nectar plant for insects and hummingbirds.

Human Value: Flowers and young leaves are edible. Native Americans used it medicinally.

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Viburnum, Possumhaw

Scientific Name: Viburnum nudum ‘Winterthur’ and ‘Bulk Brandywine’

Height: 5-12 ft

Spread: 5-12 ft

Bloom Time: April-May

Native Range: Eastern North America, Pennsylvania

Ecological Value: Larval host. Nectar for beneficial insects. Berries for birds.

Human Value: Edible berries.

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Blueberry, Highbush

Scientific Name: Vaccinium corrymbosum

Family Name: Ericaceae

Height: 4-8 ft

Spread: 4-8 ft

Bloom Time: May-June

Native Range: Eastern North America, Pennsylvania

Ecological Value: Nectar for insects. Fruit for birds.

Human Value: Blueberries appear in mid to late summer.

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Rose, Virginia

Scientific Name: Rosa virginiana

Family: Rosaceae

Height: 4-6 ft.

Spread: 4-6 ft.

Bloom Time: June

Native Range: Eastern North America, Pennsylvania

Ecological Value: Rose hips are eaten by birds and mammals. The suckering growth creates hedges of good cover.

Human Value: Petals are edible and may be distilled for rose water. Rose hips, with seeds removed, may be made into jams or dried and used in teas. The rose hips are high in Vitamin C and fatty acids. The seeds are high in Vitamin E. The red hips provide good winter interest.

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Azalea, Flame

Scientific Name: Rhododendron calendulaceum

Family: Ericaceae

Height: 6-12 ft

Spread: 6-12 ft

Bloom Time: May-June

Native Range: East Coast from New York to Georgia, Pennsylvania

Ecological Value: Nectar for bees.

Human Value: The plant is toxic. Honey made with large amounts of nectar from it may be toxic as well.

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Sumac, Fragrant

Scientfic Name: Rhus aromatica

Family:  Anacardiaceae

Height: 1.5-2 ft

Spread: 6-8 ft

Bloom Time: April-May

Native Range: Eastern North America, Pennsylvania

Ecological Value: Larval host. Berries.

Human Value: Native Americans used leaves and bark for medicines. Both could be used for tanning of leather. The berries soaked in water can be used to make sumac-aide.

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Winterberry Holly

Scientific Name: Ilex vericillata

Height: 3-12 ft

Spread: 3-12 ft

Bloom Time: June-July

Native Range: Eastern North America, Pennsylvania

Ecological Value: Larval host. Berries for birds.

Human Value: Winterberry is poisonous. It is used for winter interest.