Sassafras

This is a Sassafras leaf. The Sassafras tree has leaves of three different shapes. I moved two of these from a coworker’s property nearly two years ago and they both look very healthy.

Bee Balm

This is Bee-Balm (Monarda Fistulosa). It’s also called Wild Bergamot. As the name suggests, bees do use this native plant as a food source, as do butterflies. I have several of these plants growing next to the pond and in the new garden bed that was finished this spring.

False Sunflower

This is False Sunflower Heliopsis Helianthoides). I have several of these growing in a foundation border at the back of the house. Many of them are well over six feet tall. Every spring this plant gets red aphids on the stems. They don’t appear to harm the plant at all and the aphids will provide food for carnivorous insects.

Culver’s Root

Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum Virginicum). I have growing in a foundation border at the back of the house. Now in their third summer, this plant is over 5.5 feet tall.

Butterfly Weed

This is a photo of Butterfly Weed (Asclepias Tuberosa). This native plant is an important food source for several butterflies.

American Elder

This is a American Elder (Sambucus Canadensis). I have two of these native shrubs growing in a border near two Nannyberry (Viburnum Lentago) shrubs. After two years spent on root growth, they are progressing nicely.