Shrubs and Bushes

Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Fast growing shrub that grows up to 12 feet.  Will reproduce vegetatively and produce excellent nesting cover.  Grows in full sun or partial shade.  Best growth in well-drained soils but does tolerate saturated soils.  Rarely found on dry upland sites.  One of the best wildlife shrubs as at least fifty species of birds and mammals relish the fruit.  Excellent background shrub since it often has an unkempt irregular crown.  Fruits ripen from August to September and are best used in pies, jams and wine.  Attracts most butterflies.  Native.

Hazelnut (Corylus americana)

A wildlife shrub that grows best i moist to dry soil.  This clone forming shrub grows 6-8 feet tall.  Leaves are somewhat heart shaped.  Good source of food for squirrels, chipmunks, blue jays, deer, grouse and turkey.  Native.

Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum)

Attractive shrub growing to heights of 15 feet that will tolerate a high degree of shade once established.  Tolerates a broad range of soil types, including wet clay sites.  Prefers a moist site in the open or in partial shade.  Produces handsome clusters of white flowers.  The bright scarlet berries are winter food for ruffed grouse.  Attracts spring azure butterflies.  Native.

Juneberry (Amelanchier arborea/canadensis)

Slow growing moderately long-lived small tree that grows up to 30 feet.  Best growth in full sun but will tolerate some shading.  Grows on variety of sites but not wet soils.  Numerous white flowers announce the end of winter.  Fruit juicy and tasty.  Relished by grouse, songbirds, and small mammals.  Native.

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)

Grows to 4 to 7 meters high.  White flowers from May to June.  Found on wet sites.  Fruits are food for many birds and mammals.  Moderately shade tolerant and moderately fast growing.  Short lived.  Native.

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Shade tolerant.  Spreading shrub up to ten feet in height.  Pink to white flowers appear in June and July.  Fruit attracts wildlife and remains on the branches throughout the winter.  Planted along streambanks, the branches provide high quality aquatic cover.  Recommended for borders and screens.  Transplants easily.  Native.

Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)

Short multi-stemmed shrub that grows to 8 feet.  Shade intolerant.  Very versatile shrub that tolerates poor soil conditions and poor drainage.  Clone forming.  Useful for streambank stabilization.  Fruit utilized by ruffed grouse, songbirds, and wood ducks.  Host for spring azure butterfly.  Native.

Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)

Dwarf shrub.  Flowers from June to July.  Berries are white.  Dry rocky places and along banks are the best locations.  Not for human consumption.  Native.

Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Multi stemmed spreading shrub up to 9 feet.  Dark green foliage turns purple in the fall.  Twigs turn red in winter.  Thrives in wet soils.  White flowers in June provide berries in fall.  Wildlife food and habitat.  Native.