NATIVE PLANTS

AMERICAN HAZELNUT

Native to the Eastern United States this shrub can grow between 8 - 12 feet and is part of the Birch family. Its foliage is rough in texture with double serrated edges growing from fuzzy twigs that extend in a zigzag pattern. The fruit produced from these trees are known to help regulate blood pressure and improve blood sugar levels.

BAY LEAF

An evergreen perennial shrub with leaves that can be harvested to use as a spice or flavor agent through drying. Additionally when dried, they can be ground into a paste to treat skin ailments, or boiled and simmered to create a dressing for infections. A peppery, floral aroma is released from brewing; tea can be ingested to assist colds, flu, headache and bowel regulation.

BEACH PLUMS

This hardy flowering shrub is native to the mid-Atlantic coastal region.  It is saline resistant, flourishing in sandy, gravel-abundant terrain with thorough drainage and can survive in just about any type of soil.  Oval glossy leaves with spikes or wavy edges decorate every stem forming thickets  

BLACK CHERRY

The foliage of this tree grows 2-6 inches long with fine teeth curling inwards ending at a point. A pale underside contrasts the leaves' surface which is dark and shiny in luster.  Its fruit grows in small clusters, edible when pitted. Young trees sport a smooth bark whilst older trunks present a scaly texture.

BLACK HUCKLEBERRY

This densely branched deciduous shrub excels in shady, damp soil and favors acidity to thrive. They commonly span 5 ft wide and can reach about 3 ft in height. Butterflies seek the nectar from their urn-shaped reddish pink flowers, and their dark purple berries are edible to wildlife and humans. The fruits can be eaten raw, cooked or dried to maximize the preservation of Vitamin C. 

HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY

This multi-stemmed shrub growing 6 - 12 feet tall is often found in wetlands and occasionally in uplands. Green or red twigs adorn the base growing upwards and bloom clusters of whitish flowers that have a shape reminiscent to urns. This plant flourishes in highly acidic, moist soil that is abundant with organic matter.

BONESET

Another herbaceous perennial thriving in damp soil with blooms extending from June through October. Clusters of tiny white petals burst into a display of soft clouds at the tips of every stalk, easily growing above 6 feet. Leaves can be used as a poultice, with other benefits towards treating influenza, inflammation and lung infections.

CONEFLOWER

Commonly used as an herbal remedy in modern day medicine, coneflower or "echinacea" is known to stimulate the immune system. This herbaceous perennial may reach 4 feet in height, and can be swiftly identified by the “hedgehog”-like appearance of its spiky cone center. They thrive in full sun and can surpass a lifetime of 10 years, though overall population has decreased to overharvesting.

WILD CRANBERRY

Horizontal stems lend to easy propagation, the fruit is crisp when fresh and will soften after frozen. High in Vitamin C and pectin, the benefits extend to responsive and healthy kidney and urinary tract systems.

CULVER'S ROOT

This towering perennial is highly adaptable across a range of varying soil environments. After two years from seeding, wand-shaped flowers bloom in late spring, with white petals spiking from the top and cascading to the base of the bloom. Its young leaves and seeds hold a peppery flavor profile. Its medicinally used as an analgesic treating coughs, fevers, and constipation.

EASTERN RED CEDAR

This evergreen is known for its reddish brown trunk made of strips that create a distinguishable texture. The flowering period is between March and May with its fruits ready for harvest in Fall through November.  Classified as spermatophytes (seed-bearing plants), these trees are able to produce after 10 years, bearing cones every 2-3 years. They are resistant to drought, heat and cold, growing between 30 and 90 feet.

ELDERBERRY

Occurring in wetlands, meadows and forest edges, this deciduous woody plant favors moist and fertile soil with full sun. They are adorned by ornamental lacy white flowers and fleshy fruit hanging in low clusters. The berries of this flowering shrub are dark purple and contain nutrients that can combat cold & flu symptoms, treat inflammation, lower cholesterol and assist with bowel regulation.

GOLDENROD

Flourishing in full sun from summer to fall, this herbaceous perennial endures many different soil conditions and is recognized as a keystone species for the ecology of its environment. The fluffy wands hold clusters of yellow flowers that provide sustenance and shelter for different insects, contributing to the overall health and biodiversity of its surroundings. Its genus name Solidago stems from its Latin root Solidus meaning "to make whole," in reference to its healing and medicinal qualities.

WILD GRAPES

Fox grapes and silverleaf grapes are two varieties that grow wild on our Island. Both flowering in late May or early July

LINDEN BERRY

One of the few large trees whose large heart-shaped leaves are nontoxic, a lettuce substitute and edible year round. The young flowers can be made into a tea that aids cough and promotes relaxation. 

MOCKERNUT HICKORY

This shrub takes up to 25 years before fruiting. Once deshelled, the nutmeat is edible and can be eaten raw or roasted, or frozen immediately after harvest to preserve its oils. For fallen fruits, be aware of tiny holes that signify weevils.

IRISH MOSS

This small red seawood can grow up to 10  inches, and is packed with Vitamins A, C, and iron to aid the immune system. Carrageenan is a gelatinous substance produced after this plant is boiled and cooled, lending to its many pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses as a thickening agent, and a vegan alternative to gelatin.

ORANGE BUTTERFLY WEED

This bushy perennial growing between 1 - 2 feet is drought tolerant, growing clusters of yellow and orange flowers amongst long, pointed, alternating leaves. Blooming between May and September, this plant hosts monarch caterpillars, effectively contributing to the Monarch butterfly lifecycle while nourishing moths, bees, and birds. Roots have been chewed to address pleurisy and other pulmonary ailments.

QUEEN ANN'S LACE

This biennial wildflower grows in full sun during summer and fall and survives in rocky soil. The white umbrella shaped clusters are produced in its second growth year, and its seeds are viable for 5 years. An important distinction is that its stems and stalks are hairy compared to its smooth-stemmed toxic imposters. Its leaves are parsley-shaped and the roots smell like carrots. Flowers and seeds of this plant are not recommended to be consumed by people who are pregnant. From root to flower, they have been used to stimulate the kidneys and overall circulation of the body when boiled. 

NINEBARK

This dense, deciduous shrub may grow to reach 10 feet, and is mound shaped with simple, alternate leaves and arching branches. It is drought tolerant, making it an excellent defense against erosion, while resistant to disease and insects. Its branches and trunk shed most noticeably in the winter, lending to its name. Boiling the roots to treat sores/burns proved most effective, though its berries are toxic.

SASSAFRAS

This perennial tree is common to the Eastern US. Although its safrole oil is recognized as a carcinogen, its bark has been used in limited quantities to treat fevers, diarrhea, inflammation, and arthritis among other ailments. 

SKUNK CABBAGE

Often found in marshes, bogs, wetlands and any terrain with an abundance of water to cover its roots, this native species thrives in partial sun and blooms between late winter and early Spring. the spathe (hood) and spadix (central flower cluster) 

STARFLOWER

This low-growing perennial herb is located in both deciduous and coniferous forests, thriving in shady, damp woodlands as well as more acidic and sand-dominant soil. "Trientalis" Borealis (Latin origin) refers to the average height these plants can grow (1/3 foot), with the species name referring to its (northern) location. Its delicate, powder white corolla is composed of 7 petals, growing singularly or accompanied by one more flower rising above a whorl of green leaves with bloom occurring between mid to late Spring and early Summer.

SUMAC (STAGHORN)

This deciduous shrub is native to woodlands, marshes, roadsides and grasslands throughout the Northeast. It has been used medicinally to strengthen kidneys and treat intestinal issues. Packed with vitamin C, its fruit can be made into a tea and sweetened with maple syrup. The bright-colored flowers attract bees, beetles and other insects, making it a food destination for songbirds and small mammals. Short reddish brown hairs covering the branchlets are reminiscent of the velvety texture on a deer's antlers, which lend this drought tolerant foliage its name. 

WATERCRESS

This semi-aquatic perennial herb is found in cold, shallow slow-moving alkaline streams, ponds, river edges and springs.  Rich in vitamin C and calcium, it also carries high amounts of iodine that can be useful in combatting thyroid issues. Excellent for water filtration, its fibrous root pattern allows it to naturally propagate along the with the movement of its water source. 

WITCH HAZEL

This woody flowering shrub is native to the Northeast, with bright yellow petals that tend to bloom in the late Fall, when the plant is mainly harvested. The flowers are fragrant and have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, while the leaves and bark may be used for tea or to make a poultice, treating fevers and inflammation.

WINTERGREEN/BOXBERRY

Found in woodlands, this creeping wintergreen favors acidic soil that is coarse and well-drained. Its glossy elliptical leaves emit a minty fragrance and when crushed, the poultice can be applied to wounds for inflammation and relief. Not only do the berries act as a major food source for a number of bird species, they can also be made into jams and cakes.