Native Plants in the Olde Forge / Surrey Square Native Species Garden - from Alex

Black-eyed Susan

1. Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan (Rudibeckia hirta) is planted in our native plant garden.

NB: photo is in public domain. Check the Read More link to the full article.

2. Early WildRye

Early WildRye (Elymus macgregorii) is in our garden.

NB: This photo belongs to Prairie Nursery, all rights reserved. Look for a different image or take a photo.

3. Geranium

Wild Geranium (Geranium Maculatum) is in our natives garden. This is different from the cultivated geranium often sold.

NB: This photo is from a nursery. Take our own photo or find an alternative. I added a larger public domain photo in the Read More.

4. Greencut Coneflower

Greencut Coneflower (Rudbeckia iaciniata) is in our garden.

NB: Google says this is Golden Alexanders, Zizia Aurea, copyrighted by Virginia Native Plant Society. There is a Golden Alexanders photo in the public domain. Which plant is it?

5. Golden Alexander

Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea) is in our garden.

NB: Google says that this matches Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea). It says it is hosted as part of the Fourmilab Photo Album. I have the link. Which plant is it?

6. Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea)

Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea) is in our garden.

NB: Isn't this photo what I have called Goldenrod?

7. Goldenrod

Goldenrod (Solidago gracillima)

NB: I don't think this is Goldenrod.

8. Hairy Beard Tongue

Hairy Beard Tongue (Penstemon hirsutus) is in our garden.

9. Ironweed

Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) is in our garden.

10. Joe Pye Weed

Joe Pye Weed (Eurtrochium fistulosum) is in our garden. Look for it to bloom in July.

11. Mountain Mint

Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) is in our garden.

Mimi had raised an issue about this plant identification.

12. Orange Coneflower

Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida)

13. Ostrich Fern

Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

14. Purple Lovegrass

Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)is in our garden.

15. Whorled Tickseed

Whorled Tickseed (Coreopsis verticaleate) is in our garden.

16. Wood Aster

Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata) is in our garden.

17. Chokeberry

Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is in our garden.

18. Hackberry

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)is in our garden.

19. Pawpaw

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is in our garden.

20. Persimmon

Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is in our garden. It grows orange edible fruit.

Red Bud

Red Bud (Cercis canadensis) is in our garden.

Silky Dogwood

Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) is in our garden.

23. Smooth Sumac

Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) is in our garden.

24. Winterberry

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is in our garden.

You can protect native species easily by planting only native flowers, shrubs, and trees to create a sustainable environment in your own home.

  • Additionally, you can remove invasive species that crop up and reduce pesticide use.
  • To promote and protect native tree species make sure to remove invasive vines that will smother trees, avoid over mulching (greater than a 3 inch layer) which causes the bark to rot, and plant groundcover instead of grass beside the base of trees.

Even small changes, like planting a few native plants, can help restore and protect local ecosystems!