Drought Tolerant Natives

With the heat of the summer settling in, my mind migrates to those plants that will happily thrive during our hot humid days. I want to share a few, for those of you who may have a place where only the toughest can survive.

Myrica pennsylvanica , common bayberry

This semi-evergreen shrub proves versatile in the garden. The upright, round shrub will grow 5-10 feet tall. Although its spring flowers are not easily seen, the common bayberry has fragrant foliage and stems. In the fall clusters of gray blue fruit with a waxy coating appear. These berry like fruits attract wildlife and provide winter interest.  

Asclepias tuberose, butterfly weed  

This long-lived perennial is a go to for butterfly lovers. The Asclepias species provides food for monarch butterfly larva. The bright orange yellow flowers have a long bloom time from late spring throughout the summer and also provide nectar for other butterflies and insects. Growing 2.5 feet high and 1.5 wide, butterfly weed prefers sun to part shade. This plant can be used in a naturalized setting such as a meadow or used in a container, foundation, massing, rock garden or as a specimen.  

Magnolia virginiana, sweet bay magnolia   

This slender tree or shrub will grow an average 15-20 feet high and has beautiful flowers. The cup-shaped and fragrant blooms emerge mid spring and may periodically bloom throughout the summer months. Flowers turn into bright red cone shade seeds attracting wildlife while also creating interest in the fall. This is an excellent specimen tree that should be near an area where one can access the sweet smell of its blooms.