Is a woody vine native to eastern and central North
America
indicator status OBL
habitat Swamps, stream
or lake edges, and tidal marshes; pH 5.2-9.5.
characteristics The flowers are small and greenish, produced in clusters in late spring, and mature
in late summer or early fall into small hard purplish-black berries 5 to 7 mm
diameter.
Native
Herbaceous Perennial
Peltandra
virginica
arrow arum
The seed must be stored wet; provides food and cover for
waterfowl.
indicator status OBL
habitat Swamps, stream
or lake edges, and tidal marshes; pH 5.2-9.5.
characteristics A bunch-type species; grows to 3’ tall; 16” minimum root depth; moderate shade
tolerance; no drought tolerance; no salt tolerance; blooms from May to June; seed pods ripen in
fall and contain numerous large seeds.
Native
Herbaceous
Perennial
Penstemon digitalis
tall white beard
tongue
A
durable early plant found in many of our meadow mixes.
indicator status
FAC
habitat Meadows, old fields, and roadsides; pH 5.5-7.0.
characteristics A flowering species that spreads by short rhizomes; grows to 4’
tall; 8” minimum root depth; shade tolerant; high drought tolerance; moderate salt tolerance;
blooms from May to July; white flowers
Native
Herbaceous
Perennial
Polystichum
acrostichoides
VIRGINIA CREEPER
Provides food for wildlife; the seeds should be stored wet.
indicator region OBL
habitat Swampy edges of lakes, streams, and along tidal shores; pH 6.0-8.0.
characteristics A very ornamental wetland bunch grass; grows to 3’ tall; 10” minimum root depth; full
sun; no drought tolerance; low salt tolerance; blooms from July to September; blue-spiked
panicles
Native
Herbaceous
Perennial
Pontederia
cordata
pickerel weed
Provides food for wildlife; the seeds should be stored wet.
indicator region OBL
habitat Swampy edges of lakes, streams, and along tidal shores; pH 6.0-8.0.
characteristics A very ornamental wetland bunch grass; grows to 3’ tall; 10” minimum root depth; full
sun; no drought tolerance; low salt tolerance; blooms from July to September; blue-spiked
panicles