Virginia’s Native Shrubs - Backbone of Our Landscape
Cephalanthus occidentalis, Buttonbush, Button Willow. Image above by Trista Imrich, Wild Works of Whimsy. Image in banner by Dot Field, Virginia DCR/Natural Heritage Program.
Viburnum prunifolium, Black Haw by Jan Newton
Vaccinium pallidum, Early Lowbush Blueberry by Janis Stone
What is special about our native shrubs?
Native shrubs often form the backbone of our landscapes. They are the transitional zone between lower growing perennials and ground cover and the taller tree canopy.
Native shrubs provide significant habitat for resident and migratory bird populations, especially along the edges of fragmented forests, and also in places that may not be appropriate for larger trees.
It is important to introduce biodiversity into your shrub selections to provide multi-season habitat, as well as multi-season visual interest. For example, some shrubs, like Spicebush (Lindera benzoin - pictured), may begin flowering very early in spring, providing early color in the landscape and a source of pollen for pollinators when they emerge on warmer days.
Summer brings a plethora of blooms, and birds and mammals also need the shade offered by shrubs to escape from the heat on warm, sunny days.
Fall starts to bring berries and seeds, many of which persist into winter, like the beautiful native Winterberry (Ilex verticillata - shown below), which provides food for resident mammals and birds and fuel for migrating species.
As woody plants, native shrubs can provide overwintering locations for insects, and shelter for birds. Evergreen shrubs in particular can function as living screens in a hedgerow or provide birds respite from harsh winter winds and low temperatures.
Invest some time in landscaping this fall and enjoy a beautiful display all year!
The native plant guide for your region highlights the wonderful variety of shrubs for your property.
Callicarpa americana, American Beautyberry by Trista Imrich, Wild Works of Whimsy.
Vaccinium stamineum, Deerberry by Irvine Wilson/DCR Natural Heritage Program.
Lindera benzoin, Northern Spicebush by Jan Newton
Kalmia latifolia, Mountain Laurel by Jan Newton
Learn More About the Value of Native Shrubs in Our Landscape
Let’s Grow Native in Virginia Wildlife Magazine
Shrubs in Fall (Sep - Oct 2019)
Leaves and Mulch (Nov - Dec 2019)
Shrubs and Berries (Jan - Feb 2020)
Bring Me a Shrubbery!
Article by Steve Living, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
Shrubs have been on my mind lately… perhaps the result of watching too much Monty Python in my youth. More so because the importance of this part of the habitat puzzle has been obvious over the last couple of weeks around my house.
Read full article - https://www.einpresswire.com/sources/dgif.virginia.gov
Hamamelis virginiana, Witch Hazel by Jan Newton
Ilex verticillata, Winterberry by Jan Newton
