Grow Native Massachusetts Native Plant Sale Catalog 2020
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Grow Native Massachusetts
Native Plant Sale Catalog 2020
We must receive your order by 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Minimum order: $150
We are very excited to offer you this selection of 80 species of native plants, sourced from a variety of
wholesale nurseries in New England. Brief summary information is included here, but we encourage you to
utilize the many resources on our website as you choose the species appropriate to your site and needs.
What is “Native” in our sale? We emphasize species that are native to Massachusetts, New England, and
the Mid-Atlantic region. We also include just a few species native to the eastern United States for which the
native range is slightly beyond this core area, if we believe they have good ecological value. Native range
information is noted for each species. (MA=Massachusetts; NE=New England; Mid=Mid-Atlantic)
To send us your request:
1. Fill out the Native Plant Request Form (an Excel spreadsheet that totals your order).
2. Email your request to info@grownativemass.org
3. Fill out and submit our online Plant Sale Cover Form (a Google Form) to send us your contact info,
sign-up for your plant pick-up timeslot, and agree to our Terms & Conditions.
4. We must receive your request by 7:00pm on Wednesday June 3, 2020.
Questions: E-mail us at info@grownativemass.org.
Remember! The Plant Request Form will be updated daily to reflect plant availability. Please check our
website, grownativemass.org/Native-Plant-Sale-2020-Pre-Order-Process before you submit your request
to make sure you have the most current form, and to see if the plants you want are still available.
Plant requests are not finalized as completed orders until they have been confirmed by Grow Native
staff. If any issues arise with the availability of species in your request, we will be in touch with you by
email sometime between June 3 and June 10 to make adjustments. By June 10 you will receive an email
confirming your order (either as submitted or with adjustments) and specifying your designated pick-up
window. This email will include a link to a payment form so that you can pay for your plants by credit card.
You must submit payment as this time for your order to be fully processed.
All plant orders must be picked up at 240 Beaver St in Waltham, MA during your designated pick-up
time. You will be responsible for loading the plants into your own vehicle, to help ensure that our
volunteers and customers can maintain safe social distancing practices during this era of COVID-19.
Join Us! Any member at the Advocate/ Family level or above can participate in this sale.
If you are not yet a member, please make a gift on our website. Your contribution supports our mission and
programs throughout the year. Organizing this sale takes months of work and we cannot do it without your
generous support. Thank you!
Grow Native Massachusetts Plant Sale Catalog 2020 p. 1KEY
Latin Name (Common name) Purchase Size: $ Price
Native (MA, NE, Mid) Light conditions Soil conditions Mature height Bloom time/color
Indicates a Grow Native favorite!
Indicates a species from our custom grow order. These are plants we had not previously been able to source
for our sale, and which we are having specially grown by one of our nursery suppliers.
Indicates a species we are sourcing from a supplier that specializes in growing plants from New England
genotype seed.
Perennials
Actaea racemosa (Black cohosh/ Bugbane) Pot Size: 2 qt. $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Part shade/ shade Moist to well-drained Grows to 36– 48” Jul-Aug/white
An elegant structural plant, bugbane produces wand-like spires of white flowers that arch several feet above its
large, compound leaves. Does best in richer soils, but will thrive in a wide-range of shaded conditions. An
important nectar and pollen source for many insects in mid-summer.
Amsonia tabernaemontana (Common bluestar) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
**See description Sun/ light shade Moist to dry Grows to 36 – 40” Jun-Jul/ light blue
A large, carefree species that grows in bushy clumps. Adaptable to a wide range of soil and light conditions. Star-
like blue flowers are a good nectar source for the mourning cloak and other early butterflies. Native to the
southeastern US and midwest; grows well in NE and has good ecological value.
Anemone virginiana (Tall windflower/ Thimbleweed) Pot Size: 1 gal $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Moist to dry Grows to 12 – 30” May/white
A fairly tall anemone with distinctive tri-foliate leaves. Produces an ornamental thimble-shaped fruit that gives it
one of its common names. Adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, it is deer-tolerant and much less aggressive
than other Anemone species.
Antennaria neglecta (Field pussytoes) Pot Size: 1 gal $14.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part sun Dry, well drained Grows to 4 – 6” May/white
Limit of 5 As the common name suggests, the flowers of this diminutive but hardy perennial resemble tiny cat paws. It is a
per order groundcover with gray-green leaves that spread to form delicate mats. It does best in poor, dry soil—sand, gravel
or clay—with limited competition from taller plants. A host plant of the American painted lady butterfly.
Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Well-drained, acidic Grows to 15 – 24” May-Jun/red-yellow
Limit of 5 Unique red-yellow flowers with long nectar spurs that attract hummingbirds. Lacy foliage will persist well after
per order flower fades. Likes slightly moist and sandy soils, but is adaptable. Short-lived but reseeds readily if it is happy.
Asarum canadense (Wild ginger) Pot Size: 1 qt $10.00
MA, NE, Mid Part shade Humusy soil Grows to 6 – 8” May/reddish brown
Large, heart-shaped satin leaves. Good groundcover in shady gardens. Mixes well with other wildflowers. Flowers
are not showy but tucked discreetly under the leaves.
Grow Native Massachusetts Plant Sale Catalog 2020 p. 2Asclepias incarnata (Swamp milkweed) Pot Size: 1 gal $14.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun Moist to dry Grows to 36 – 48” Jul-Aug/ pink
Limit of 5 This plant is an important food source for monarch caterpillars, and its rose-colored flowers are very attractive
per order to butterflies. Despite its name, it grows well in typical garden conditions and grows neatly in clumps.
Asclepias syriaca (Common milkweed) Pot Size: 1 gal $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun Moist to dry Grows to 36 – 48” Jul-Aug/ pink
Our common roadside milkweed has tremendous ecological value, supporting a huge variety of insects in
addition to monarch caterpillars. It spreads aggressively, often sending out rhizomes several feet from the
original plant, so give it plenty of space.
Aster linariifolius (Stiff-leaved aster) Pot Size: 2 qt $14.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun Dry Grows to 12 – 24” Sept/ light blue
A small aster with short, narrow leaves, unbranched stems, and a compact habit. Does best in open, sunny spots
and in acidic, sandy, or rocky soils. Many native bees are pollinator specialists of asters— meaning they need
pollen from asters or similar species to reproduce.
Aster macrophyllus (Bigleaf aster) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Part shade/ shade Moist, well-drained Grows to 12 – 24” Sept/ white-violet
A woodland aster with very broad (4-5 in.) heart-shaped basal leaves. In favorable conditions, will spread by
rhizomes to form a loose carpet of these leaves, with the plants in the sunniest spots blooming. A good choice to
cover a shady hillside.
Aster novae-angliae (New England aster) Pot Size: 1 gal $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part sun Moist to average Grows to 3 – 6’ Sept/ purple–pink
Limit of 5 Our classic and beautiful aster with a showy meadow flower that blooms in the fall. Will grow in thick clumps if
per order placed in a moist spot. Very attractive to bees and other pollinators. Plant in sun for best flowering.
Aster novae-angliae ‘Purple Dome’ (New England aster) Pot Size: 1 gal $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part sun Moist to average Grows to 18” Sept/ deep purple
A lovely compact, low-growing cultivar with dark purple flowers.
Baptisia australis (Blue false indigo) Pot Size: 1 gal $12.00
Mid Sun/ part sun Moist to dry Grows to 3 – 5’ Jun-Jul/ violet blue
Bushy long-lived perennial with grey green foliage and lovely violet flowers similar to those of a pea plant. Grows
several feet wide, especially in full sun. Used by early Americans to make blue dye as substitute for tropical indigo.
Chelone glabra (White turtlehead) Pot Size: 1 gal $16.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Moist to wet Grows to 36” July/white
Limit of 5 Unique spires of white flowers truly resemble tiny turtleheads, and are very attractive to bumblebees and other
per order pollinators. It is also a host for the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly. Grows naturally in wetland margins, but
adaptable to typical garden conditions.
Clematis virginiana (Virginia virgin’s bower) Pot Size: 1 gal $16.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Moist to average Grows to 15-20’ Aug/white
The most common native clematis in New England is a twining vine with clusters of fragrant white flowers. Its
compound leaves are typically in groups of three, and female vines of this dioecious species bear plumes of
feathery achenes (fruits) at the end of summer. Very vigorous, but can be cut back heavily each fall.
Grow Native Massachusetts Plant Sale Catalog 2020 p. 3Coreopsis tripteris (Tall tickseed) Pot Size: True gal $14.00
Mid Sun/ part sun Moist to well-drained Grows to 4 – 8’ Aug-Sep/yellow
Living up to its name, this coreopsis gets much bigger than its more familiar relatives, and would be an eye-
catching component of any meadow. Its large flowers are yellow with maroon centers, and its finely-divided
foliage fades to purple bronze in the fall. Valuable to a range of native pollinators.
Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry) Pot Size: 1 qt $10.00
MA, NE, Mid Part sun/ shade Moist, acidic Grows to 3 – 6” Jun-Jul/white-yellow
Limit of 2 Beautiful groundcover with white flowers and classic dogwood leaf form. Needs moist soil and chilly nights to
per order thrive, so not suited to urban gardens. Recommended for cooler climates north and west of Boston.
Dodecatheon meadia (Eastern shooting star) Pot Size: 1 qt $12.00
Mid Part shade Moist Grows to 12” May/white-pale pink
Unusual flowers resemble tiny badminton birdies on top of slender stalks. Goes dormant in mid-summer, so
interplant with later blooming flowers. Good for shady rock gardens. A fun plant!
Echinacea purpurea (Purple coneflower) Pot Size: 1 gal $14.00
Mid Sun/ part shade Moist to average Grows to 18 – 24” Jul-Aug/ lavender
This prairie wildflower attracts a wide range of pollinators, from long-tongued bees to butterflies. A larval host
for the silvery checkerspot butterfly and several moths, and goldfinches feed on its seeds. Cultivars of echinacea
are abundant in horticulture, but have diminished ecological value— try these “wild-type” plants instead!
Eupatorium maculatum ‘Gateway’ (Joe-Pye weed) Pot Size: True gal $16.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun Average to wet Grows to 4 – 7’ Aug-Sep/ pale pink
A tall, striking perennial with huge domed clusters of rose-pink flowers. Important source of nectar for many
pollinators and especially attractive to swallowtail butterflies. ‘Gateway’ cultivar is smaller and more compact
than the wild type.
Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen) Pot Size: 2 qt $16.00
MA, NE, Mid Part sun / shade Moist to dry, acidic Grows to 3 – 6” Jul-Aug/ white-pink
Low-growing and shrubby evergreen groundcover. Glossy green oval leaves hide delicate drooping flowers, and
later red berries that taste of wintergreen. Hard to grow if you have earthworms!
Gillenia trifoliata (Bowman’s root) Pot Size: 1 gal $12.00
Mid Shade/ part sun Dry to moist Grows to 24 – 36” Jul-Aug/ white-pink
A sturdy woodland plant with a loose open texture, and delicate white flowers that resemble a swallow in flight.
Effective when grown in a mass. Foliage turns a lovely red color in the fall.
Iris versicolor (Blue flag iris) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Moist to wet Grows to 12 – 24” June/ blue
Flowers are blue with gold splashes. Grows naturally in marshy areas, and will get quite tall in standing water.
Loves moist soil but is somewhat adaptable.
Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Moist to wet Grows to 2 – 4’ Aug-Sep/ scarlet
Limit of 5 A striking wildflower that is perfect for a wet spot. Brilliant red flowers are hummingbird pollinated. Not a true
per order perennial, but re-sprouts from root axils, and re-seeds prolifically. Seeds need light to germinate, so disturbing
the soil slightly (i.e. with a rake) can facilitate germination.
Grow Native Massachusetts Plant Sale Catalog 2020 p. 4Lobelia siphilitica (Great blue lobelia) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Part sun/ shade Moist to wet Grows to 2 – 3’ Aug-Sep/ blue
An adaptable, clumping wildflower with light blue, tubular flowers that bloom gradually along a raceme. Needs a
wetter spot to thrive in full sun. An important source of nectar for long-tongued bumblebee species.
Mimulus ringens (Allegheny monkeyflower) Pot Size: 1 gal $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Wet to moist Grows to 12 – 36” Jun-Sep/ light purple
A long-blooming plant with lilac flowers that resemble snap dragons. This is a wetland species that needs
consistently moist soil. It is a larval host for several butterflies including the Common buckeye, and is pollinated
by bumblebees, some of the few insects strong enough to pry open its tightly furled petals.
Monarda fistulosa (Wild bergamot/ beebalm) Pot Size: 1 gal $14.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Moist to well-drained Grows to 24 – 48” Jul-Aug/ lavender
An adaptable wildflower with eye-catching lavender flowers that are a valuable nectar source to long-tongued
bees, hummingbird moths, hummingbirds, and more. A member of the mint family, its aromatic leaves can be
used to make tea. Spreads somewhat through runners, particularly in moist spots.
Packera aurea (Golden ragwort) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ shade Moist to average Grows to 12” May/ yellow
A highly adaptable groundcover with semi-evergreen basal leaves and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. Tends to
spread quite vigorously, and makes a good replacement for ivy or Vinca. It is a larval host to 17 species of
Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), and a source of nectar and pollen to many species of small bees and flies.
Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple) Pot Size: 2 qt $16.00
MA, NE, Mid Part sun/ shade Wet to dry Grows to 8 – 16” May-Jun/ white
Unique, eye-catching plant with huge umbrella-like leaves. A fantastic groundcover that is quite tough once
established. Drooping white flower hides under leaves, and fruit is eaten by box turtles.
Polygonatum pubescens (Downy Solomon’s seal) Pot Size: 2 qt $14.00
MA, NE, Mid Shade/ part sun Moist to dry Grows to 12 – 28” May-Jun/white-green
A smaller and more delicate Solomon’s seal, distinguished by delicate hairs on the undersides of its leaves. An
adaptable plant with bell-shaped white flowers that hang under the stem. Pairs well with ferns.
Potentilla tridentata (Three-toothed cinquefoil) Pot Size: 2 qt $14.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun Well-drained, acidic Grows to 2 – 6” May-Jun/ white
Hardy groundcover that does best in poor, sandy soil. Beautiful, delicate flowers. Grows naturally on rocky shores
and mountaintops. Can be good for difficult spots and is a favorite for rock gardens.
Pycnanthemum muticum (Mountain mint) Pot Size: 1 gal $16.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Moist to average Grows to 24 – 36” Jul-Aug/white-violet
A vigorous meadow plant with nectar that attracts butterflies and pollinators in huge numbers. Oval leaves turn
silver in late summer. Spreads aggressively on long rhizomes so it needs a lot of space.
Rudbeckia laciniata (Cutleaf coneflower) Pot Size: 1 gal $16.00
MA, NE, Mid Part shade/ sun Well-drained to wet Grows to 3 – 8’ Jul-Sep/ yellow-green
This tall member of the Black-eyed Susan family has drooping yellow rays and prominent green centers. The
name ‘cutleaf’ comes from its large and deeply lobed leaves. Will spread by rhizomes in wet spots. Valuable
nectar and pollen source to many pollinators, particularly because of its long bloom time.
Grow Native Massachusetts Plant Sale Catalog 2020 p. 5Sanguisorba canadensis (American burnet) Pot Size: 1 gal $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Well-drained to wet Grows to 2 – 5’ Aug-Oct/ white
An eye-catching unusual plant with spikes of white, bottlebrush flowers that arch above clusters of coarsely-
toothed compound leaves. A wetland plant that does best in moist spots, it produces abundant pollen that is
attractive to bumblebees.
Scutellaria incana (Downy skullcap) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
Mid Sun/ part shade Well-drained to dry Grows to 24 – 36” Aug-Sep/ blue-violet
Limit of 2 The hooded, tubular flowers of this skullcap will bloom for a month or more, and are primarily pollinated by
per order bumblebees. An adaptable species, it thrives in dappled sunlight and is happy to a range of soil conditions from
acidic, sandy spots to clay.
Senna hebecarpa (Wild senna) Pot Size: True gal $14.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part sun Dry to moist Grows to 3 – 5’ Jul-Sep/ yellow
A highly adaptable plant that can thrive in range of sites, from poor, dry, sandy soil to rich, moist areas. It
tolerates salt and regular disturbance. Clusters of yellow flowers are stacked along the stem, and hum with
pollinators. A member of the pea-family, it has pinnate leaves and long seed pods. Can get quite tall in moist soil.
Sisyrinchium angustifolium ‘Lucerne’ (Blue-eyed grass) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part sun Moist Grows to 8 – 10” May-Jul/ blue
Delicate, grass-like leaves and starry blue flowers that open with the sun. Good for rock gardens or edging; tends
to grow in clumps. This cultivar has larger flowers and doesn’t seed itself as vigorously as the straight species.
Solidago flexicaulis (Zig-zag goldenrod) Pot Size: 1 gal $14.00
MA, NE, Mid Part shade/ shade Well-drained, rich Grows to 12 – 24” Aug-Oct/ yellow
Limit of 5 One of our most shade tolerant goldenrods. Small clusters of flowers bloom along the top of the zig-zagging stem.
per order Leaves are large, tear-drop shaped, and sharply toothed. A clumping perennial that is a good fit for a small
garden. Like all plants in the genus Solidago, it has tremendous ecological value to a range of insect species.
Solidago odora (Sweet goldenrod) Pot Size: 1 gal $14.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part sun Dry to average Grows to 36 – 48” Jul-Aug/ yellow
Limit of 5 This wildflower is typically found in open, sandy woodlands, and blooms earlier in the summer than most
per order goldenrods. Anise-scented leaves make a tasty tea. A loosely clumping perennial that doesn’t spread as
aggressively as other goldenrods.
Thalictrum dioicum (Early meadow rue) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Part shade Well-drained Grows to 12 – 36” May/ yellow-green
A common woodland plant with fine-textured foliage and a bushy shape. This dioecious species blooms early in
spring, and the prominent, hanging anthers of the male flowers make them more showy. The larval host for
several species of noctuid moths. Will re-seed itself around if both male and female flowers are present.
Tiarella cordifolia (Foam flower) Pot Size: 1 qt $10.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Moist to average Grows to 6 – 12” May-Jun/ white
Woodland plant with maple-leaf shaped leaves and foamy flower spikes. Excellent groundcover for a shady
garden. Looks great in drifts with other wildflowers, especially Phlox.
Grow Native Massachusetts Plant Sale Catalog 2020 p. 6Verbena hastata (Blue vervain) Pot Size: 1 gal $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Moist to average Grows to 3 – 5’ Jul-Sep/blue-purple
Our common vervain has candelabra-like clusters of flowers spikes that stay in bloom for much of the summer.
Can get quite tall in wet spots. Short-lived but will reseed itself heavily in favorable conditions. Larval host to the
Verbena bud moth and others. The Verbena bee, a species of dagger bee, needs vervain pollen to reproduce.
Vernonia noveboracensis (New York ironweed) Pot Size: 1 gal $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun Moist to mod. dry Grows to 4 – 8’ Jul-Aug/purple
A robust and drought-tolerant meadow flower with large clusters of breathtaking purple flowers. Can grow quite
tall in a wet spot, and has sturdy rust-colored stems that stay upright well into the winter.
Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver’s root) Pot Size: 1 gal $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Moist Grows to 3 – 6’ Jul-Aug/ white-violet
A tall wildflower with narrow dark green, whorled leaves. Each stem produces upright racemes of white flowers,
creating a candelabra-like effect. Pairs well with other meadow plants, very attractive to pollinators.
Waldsteinia fragarioides (Barren strawberry) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ Shade Moist to dry Grows to 3 – 6” Apr-May/ yellow
One of the finest semi-evergreen groundcovers. Forms thick mats of foliage and easily establishes in a range of
soils. Tiny yellow flowers bloom early in spring. Good replacement for English ivy or Vinca.
Ferns
Athyrium felix-femina (Lady fern) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Part shade/ shade Moist Grows to 12 – 18” N/A
A highly adaptable woodland fern, with lacy, light-green, deciduous fronds. Tolerates a wide range of soil
conditions in the shade, and can do well in the sun if it is kept moist.
Dryopteris marginalis (Marginal wood fern) Pot Size: 1 gal $16.00
MA, NE, Mid Part shade/ shade Moist to slightly dry Grows to 16 – 24” N/A
Semi-evergreen fern that occurs naturally in rocky or shaded woods and ledges. Grows in tight clumps and
spreads slowly. A great fern and groundcover for many parts of the garden. Good on slopes.
Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich fern) Pot Size: 1 gal $16.00
MA, NE, Mid Shade/ part shade Moist to wet Grows to 48” N/A
A tall and easy-to-grow fern, with elegant and feather-like fronds. Good for foundation plantings and massing in
a woodland garden. Fiddleheads are edible and delicious.
Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive fern) Pot Size: 1 gal $16.00
MA, NE, Mid Part sun/ shade Moist to average Grows to 10 – 24” N/A
Smaller fern with broad pinnae. Much tougher than its name indicates, it can survive in a broad range of
conditions and spreads easily via spores. Best in damp spots. Pairs well with woodland wildflowers.
Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon fern) Pot Size: 1 gal $18.00
MA, NE, Mid Part shade Moist to wet, acidic Grows to 24 – 60” N/A
Tall fern with pale green fronds. Cinnamon colored spore-bearing fronds emerge from the middle of the clump of
green fronds. Naturally occurring in wet woods and swamps. This is a striking and showy fern.
Grow Native Massachusetts Plant Sale Catalog 2020 p. 7Osmunda claytoniana (Interrupted fern) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Part shade/ shade Moist to wet Grows to 36 – 48” N/A
Tall fern that grows best in wet soils but will tolerate drier periods. Pale green fronds have tiny fertile pinnae
that “interrupt” the fern half-way up the frond. Grows in fanning, circular clumps.
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern) Pot Size: 1 gal $18.00
MA, NE, Mid Part shade/ shade Moist to moderate Grows to 8 – 16” N/A
Remarkably adaptable fern that can thrive in a wide range of soil conditions. Evergreen fronds remain a deep,
glossy green all winter, and look beautiful among fallen autumn leaves. A great fern for gardens.
Grasses
Carex brevior (Short-beaked sedge) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Wet to dry Grows to 12” N/A
A bunching sedge that grows happily in a wide range of soil and light conditions. Green spikelets “bloom” in the
spring and fade to brown by the fall. Mixes well with tall wildflowers. A tough plant that works well for low-
maintenance plantings.
Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ shade Moist to dry, acidic Grows to 6 – 10” N/A
Easy-to-grow groundcover for shady or sunny sites. Spreads slowly to form a carpet of soft green grass. Provides
winter interest with its texture of dormant leaves. We love this Carex as a “mulch replacement” around shrubs.
Carex platyphylla (Broadleaf silver sedge) Pot Size: 2 qt $12.00
MA, NE, Mid Part shade/ shade Moist to dry Grows to 8 – 12” N/A
Limit of 2 Broad blue-green blades that grow in clumps. Needs moist soil to establish, but can tolerate drier conditions once
per order established. Does well under deciduous trees and prefers alkaline (high pH) soils.
Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted hairgrass) Pot Size: 2 gal $16.00
MA, NE, Mid Part shade/ sun Moist Grows to 18 – 36” July/ tawny
Limit of 2 A widespread species with a variety of subspecies growing in diverse conditions. A clumping, semi-evergreen
per order grass, it produces delicate, silvery plumes of flowers in mid-summer. Good for intermixing with wildflowers in a
woodland garden.
Deschampsia flexuosa (Wavy hairgrass) Pot Size: 1 gal $14.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ light shade Well-drained Grows to 8 – 12” May-Jun/ tawny
A clump-forming, cool season grass with finely textured foliage. It prefers thin soil and will thrive on dry, shady
slopes or in rock gardens. Blooms in spring with plume-like pale, silver-pink flowers.
Grow Native Massachusetts Plant Sale Catalog 2020 p. 8Shrubs
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry) Pot Size: 2 qt $18.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun Well-drained, sandy Grows to 3 – 8” Spring/white-pink
Lovely shrubby groundcover that grows well in dry sandy soil or gravel. Tiny leaves are deep green in summer
and bronze-red in fall. Bears large, attractive red fruits.
Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry) Size: 18 – 24” $20.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part sun Wet to dry Grows to 3 – 8’ Spring/ white
A very adaptable shrub with clusters of fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators. Black berries are
important winter food source for birds, but also quite tasty for humans.
Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush) Size: 3 – 4’ (3 gal.) $44.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ light shade Wet to well-drained Grows to 3 – 8’ Summer/ white
Although it is a wetland shrub in its native habitat, it grows very well in dryer garden conditions without
competition. Unique globe-shaped flowers are an excellent nectar source. A “must have” for a butterfly garden.
Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet) Size: 12 – 18” $24.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Wet to mod. dry Grows to 6 – 9’ Summer/ white
Highly fragrant white flowers that are attractive to pollinators, and deep green foliage. While typically found in
wetter sites, in a garden setting it is highly adaptable to dry conditions.
Comptonia peregrina (Sweet fern) Size: 1 gal $18.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part sun Dry, sandy, acidic Grows to 4’ Spring/yellow-green
Despite its name, this is not a fern, but gets the name from its thin, textured leaves. Foliage is highly fragrant
when brushed. Thrives in infertile sites; fixes nitrogen. Does best in strong sun and will spread by rhizomes.
Cornus amomum (Silky dogwood) Size: 2 – 3’ $22.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ light shade Moist to well-drained Grows to 3 – 10’ Spring/ white
A multi-stemmed, suckering shrub that makes a good screen. Red stems provide full season interest and clusters
of white flowers attract pollinators. Similar to red-twig dogwood, but has iridescent blue berries.
Cornus sericea (Red-twig dogwood) Size: 2 – 3’ $22.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Wet to mod. dry Grows to 5 – 10’ Spring/ white
Shrub with lovely red bark on young stems. Will grow into a dense thicket to create a good screen. Prune older
canes to maintain red color. Can tolerate standing water.
Hypericum prolificum (Shrubby St. John’s wort) Size: 1 gal $16.00
Mid Sun/ part shade Dry to moist Grows to 1 – 5’ Summer/ yellow
A small mounded shrub with deep green foliage, and shaggy peeling bark. Blooms prolifically in mid-summer.
Flowers have abundant stamens that are valuable pollen source for many insects— despite producing no nectar,
these flowers are constantly buzzing. Grows well in diverse sites, from wetland edges to rocky, dry roadsides.
Ilex verticillata (Winterberry) Size: 3 – 4’ $24.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Moist to wet, acidic Grows to 6 – 10’ Spring/ white
Hardy shrub that grows naturally in wetlands and adapts well to garden conditions. Females bear bright red
berries in fall that are loved by birds. Dioecious, so plant males and females to get fruit. This seed grown shrubs
are a mix of males and females— buy several to have a better chance of getting some of both.
Grow Native Massachusetts Plant Sale Catalog 2020 p. 9Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) Size: 18 – 24” $28.00
MA, NE, Mid Part sun/ shade Average to moist Grows to 8 – 15’ Early spring/ yellow
Beautiful delicate yellow flowers early in spring, nicer than forsythia! Host of spicebush swallowtail caterpillars.
Lovely golden foliage in the fall. Dioecious, so planting several gives a better chance of achieving fruiting females.
Myrica pensylvanica (Northern bayberry) Size: 12 – 18” $22.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Moist to dry, acidic Grows to 2 – 6’ Spring/ green
Tolerates wide range of soil and sun conditions; can be a good replacement for invasive shrubs like barberry.
Aromatic leaves are semi-deciduous. Dioecious, so planting several gives a better chance of getting berries.
Rhododendron viscosum (Swamp azalea) Size: 2 – 3’ (3 gal) $54.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Moist to wet Grows to 4 – 8’ Summer/ white-pink
Lovely large flowers bloom in mid-summer, emit a wonderful fragrance and are attractive to bees. Leaves are
glossy green. Grows naturally along stream-sides, but does quite well in a shady garden.
Rosa virginiana (Virginia rose) Size: 18 – 24” $22.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part sun Moist to dry Grows to 2 – 6’ Jul-Aug/ pink
The most common species of wild rose, with fragrant pink flowers and large red rose-hips. Tolerates drought and
salt spray. Will spread vigorously, so give it some space. Makes a nice hedge, especially in tough sites.
Rubus odoratus (Purple-Flowering Raspberry) Size: True gal $18.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ light shade Moist Grows to 3 – 6’ Jun-Aug/ red-purple
Limit of 2 A suckering shrub with large, satiny, fragrant purple flowers and maple-like leaves. Unlike most raspberries, it
per order has no thorns. Likes to lean up against a wall or fence. The berries are tasty to birds, but less so to humans.
Sambucus canadensis (Common elderberry) Size: 18 – 24” $20.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Wet to well-drained Grows to 6 – 8’ Summer/ white
A fast-growing, mounded shrub with long, pinnate leaves. Bears large umbels of white flowers in mid-summer,
which turn into purple-black berries by fall. These are a valuable food source for many bird species. They are also
edible to humans, and can be used to make jellies and elderberry wine.
Spiraea tomentosa (Steeplebush) Size: 12 – 18” $20.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun Average to dry Grows to 2 – 5’ Summer/ pink
A small, suckering shrub with upright single canes that bear spires of frothy pink flowers. Will bloom for a month
or more, and attractive to many pollinators. A source of pollen for native bumblebees. Good for tough sites.
Vaccinium angustifolium (Lowbush blueberry) Pot Size: 1 gal $22.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Dry to average Grows to 12 – 18” May-Jun/white-pink
Woody ground cover with bell-shaped flowers, delicious berries and brilliant red fall foliage. Grows best in well-
drained acidic, sandy soil. Where it is happy, makes an excellent woody ground cover. Needs careful watering to
get established.
Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush blueberry) Size: 18 – 24” $22.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun Wet to mod. moist Grows to 3 – 10’ Spring/white-pink
These are beautiful plants with tasty berries and bright red foliage in the fall. Naturally occurring in open or
wooded swamps or old fields. Grows best in moist and acidic soil.
Grow Native Massachusetts Plant Sale Catalog 2020 p. 10Trees
Amelanchier canadensis (Shadbush serviceberry) Size: 18 – 24” $24.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Wet to mod. dry Grows to 10 – 20’ Early spring/ white
More of a shrub form than other Amelanchiers, with the characteristic small white flowers, smooth gray bark
and dark, edible berries that birds love. Adaptable to a range of soil conditions. Typically quite multi-stemmed.
Betula populifolia (Gray birch) Size: 4 – 6’ (2 gal.) $30.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun Dry to moist Grows to 20 – 40’ Spring/yellow-tan
A mid-size early succession tree that grows quickly. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions including low
nutrient, rocky sites. Smooth white-gray bark does not peel as much as other birches.
Prunus serotina (Black cherry) Size: 18 – 24” $24.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part sun Moist to mod. dry Grows to 50-70’ Spring/ white
Mid-size to tall tree with dark, shiny bark and lovely clusters of white flowers. Birds love the cherries and will
happily spread them. The genus Prunus is second only to oaks in supporting the caterpillars of our moths and
butterflies (Lepidoptera).
Prunus virginiana (Chokecherry) Size: 18 – 24” $24.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part sun Moist to mod. dry Grows to 25’ Spring/ white
Similar in appearance to black cherry, but much smaller and with a very bushy habit. Also a very valuable host
plant.
Quercus bicolor (Swamp white oak) Size: 3 – 4’ (2 gal.) $28.00
MA, NE, Mid Sun/ part shade Wet to mod. dry Grows to 50-80’ Spring/ yellow-green
This oak is commonly planted as a specimen and street tree. Despite the “swamp” in its name, it does well in dry
conditions once established, and can tolerate drought and some salinity. Leaves have rounded lobes and silvery
white undersides. Doug Tallamy recommends that planting an oak is one of the best ways to support biodiversity,
since the genus Quercus supports a whopping 534 species of Lepidoptera, more than any other genus in North
America.
Grow Native Massachusetts Plant Sale Catalog 2020 p. 11You can also read
