Page 68 - Free State Spring 2023_WEB

GROWING WITH EDUCATION (Continued) stalks, and branches. Branches are formed on the top and
have the largest compound leaves of our native plants.
Compound medium to dark green leaves are bipinnate to
tri-pinnate, grow 2-5 feet long and 2-4 feet wide alternately
on the stalk, creating an umbrella of foliage over the stout
central leader. Individual leaflets have a toothed margin and
can grow 2-4 inches long. In autumn, the foliage turns pale
yellow green, yellow or dull purple brown. Plants colonize
by root and spread by seed as well. The flowers’ nectar is
enjoyed by bees, butterflies and other insects and the fruit
is feasted on by songbirds and many mammals. Plant in
pollinator gardens, woodland gardens, and native plant
gardens. No serious insect or disease problems but handling
the bark and roots can cause an allergic skin reaction.

These native shrubs provide beauty in the landscapes, fill
areas with wet soils, dry soil, salt conditions and erosion
control. They also provide our native beneficial insects,
songbirds, mammals with food, shelter, and nesting sites.
There are so many niche areas that they can fill, and it is
always good to have a list of plants that are not dear to
deer. A
This list of native shrubs:

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/resistance-ornamentals-
deer-damage-fs-655
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/
publications/EB354_ManagingDeerDamage.pdf

Missouri Botanical Garden website:
Bayberry in flower, Male http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder

and pollen to support honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, North Carolina State website:
and other pollinators. Birds and mammals feast on the https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants
seeds in late fall and winter. Sweet Pepperbush should be Shrubs & Vines for American Gardens by Donald Wyman
placed where the fragrant flowers can be enjoyed. Plant in
groups in pollinator gardens, in shrub borders, woodland Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael Dirr
gardens, and along stream banks or the edges of ponds Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation
where the soil is constantly moist. No serious disease or Landscaping by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
insect problems.
Deer-Resistant Native Plants for the Northeast by Ruth
Aralia spinosa or Devil’s Walking stick thrives in USDA zones Clausen and Gregory Tepper.
4-9 and blooms in late July. The tiny 1/8 inch 5-petal flowers Photos are from the author or Missouri Botanical Gardens
bloom for up to 2 weeks in umbrella shaped 3-4 foot clusters
at the top of the stems, like a lacy veil over the top of the
plants. The flowers mature into purple black ¼ inch round Ginny Rosenkranz
drupes with 3-5 seed like stones in late August to October. Extension Educator, Commercial
Devils Walking Stick prefers to grow in fertile moist loamy Horticulture, University of Maryland
soils, but will tolerate dry, rocky, sandy and clay soils, Extension, Dorchester, Sommerset,
reaching 10-15 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide. Plants are often Wicomico and Worchester County
found at the edges of the woods, the stout central leader 410 749-6141 x106
is covered in sharp spines, which also cover the stems, leaf rosnkrnz@umd.edu

68 SPRING 2023 • Free State News