Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
Over 40 Years of Growing Gardens and Gardeners
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
This robust native perennial occurs frequently throughout the Mid-Atlantic in moist woods, swamps, and stream banks. With snapdragon-like flowers, which resemble turtle heads, the plant is named for Chelone (rhymes with “baloney”), a nymph of Greek mythology who was punished by being turned into a tortoise.
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
This stately perennial is native to wet areas such as marshes, swamps, riverbanks, and moist meadows and woods scattered around the eastern United States. While each of its flowers lasts only a day, it can be covered with up to 20 striking, saucer-shaped blooms at a time.
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
The tallest and showiest of the native lilies, Turk’s-cap frequents wet meadows and moist woods primarily in the Mid-Atlantic Region. A single plant can bear up to 40 individual flowers, which are noted for their stunning color, reflexed tepals, and prominent stamens.
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Sometimes referred to as False Sunflower, this hardy native of open woodlands, prairies, and fields is notable for its eight-week period of peak bloom. Its 2- to 3-inch, showy yellow flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators and make it a wonderful addition to a cutting garden.
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Although a number of plants share the common name Black-eyed Susan, it is Rudbeckia hirta, which was designated the “Floral Emblem” of Maryland in 1918. This familiar, cherished flower is at home in private gardens as it is in wildflower meadows or prairie restorations.
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic
Butterfly-weed is one of the showiest native wildflowers. Summer waves of orange blossoms brighten open fields, woods, and waysides. Later, spindle-shaped fruit (follicles) pierce the air in shades of green, yellow, brown. When follicles split open, the seeds’ silky threads glisten in the sun. The Virginia Native Plant Society selected Butterfly-weed as Wildflower of the Year in 1992.
