Latin for Gardeners: April 2023

April’s Native Maryland Plant

Hibiscus moscheutos L.

(hy-BIS-kus mos-KEW-tus)

Common Name: Rose Mallow, Swamp Mallow, Crimson-eyed Rose-mallow

Hibiscus moscheutos can be considered one of the most ornamental of Maryland’s native plants.  The flowers can reach 6” across and although they may bloom for only a day, there are generally numerous blooms on each stem throughout the bloom period (mid-summer to early fall). Rose mallow is a shrubby Coastal Plain perennial that is usually grown for its large blooms, but it shows many other unique and interesting faces throughout the year.  In April, its many stems (they grow from a single crown) are brittle, and if not cut back they’ll soon be pushed aside by new growth which is slow to emerge. However, once new growth begins the plant can reach heights of 6’ or more, making it an impressive perennial plant in any garden.

In the Atlantic and Coastal Plain region, this plant has wetland indicator status of OBL (Obligate Wetland), meaning it almost always occurs in wetland.  When I assessed the many areas in my yard, I found an area where water naturally flows, the soil is consistently moist and slightly acidic. I planted numerous OBL plants there - they are all good companions that prefer these conditions.  

This plant is a good food source for ruby-throated hummingbirds, it’s the host plant for numerous butterflies and interestingly, it’s a specialist bee plant for the Rose Mallow bee (Ptilothrix bombiformis), an insect that relies on both the nectar and pollen of its flowers.

As you’re contemplating what to plant in the wetter areas in your yard, consider a Hibiscus moscheutos.  Its many benefits (and faces) make it a joy to have in a garden.

NOTE: The non-native Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), which will readily set seed, is often confused with this beneficial native plant.  When shopping for plants it’s always best to use the botanical name so you can be certain you are getting the right plant.  

Alison Milligan – MG/MN 2013

Watershed Steward Class 7/CBLP

aligmilligan@gmail.com

Latin for Gardeners: March 2023

March’s Native Maryland Plant

Rhus aromatica

(roos a-ro-MAT-ik-a)

Common Name: Fragrant Sumac

Have you read the 2022 State of the Bay report¹? It rated the Chesapeake Bay a dismal 32 (D+) – basically no improvement from 2020. The report tells us that “growing pollution from urban and suburban development” is a major contributor to the problem.  I read the report as a ‘call to action’ and hope you do too.  It really is up to each of us to be part of the solution - to protect our streams, rivers and all waterways that make up our watershed.

As you’re looking around your home or community landscape, eager to see where you can prevent sediment and polluted runoff from reaching the Bay, you’d do well to look at Rhus aromatica as an ally.  Most frequently sold as ‘Gro-low’, a 2’-3’ cultivar, as a species plant Rhus aromatica can reach 6’.

Ironically, Rhus aromatica is well-suited for areas where access to water is difficult – it is very drought-tolerant, quick to establish and suitable for planting on mild to moderate slopes. It thrives in dry to average, well-drained soil where it is left to freely sucker, although it takes easily to pruning, if desired.

I use Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-low’ as a lawn-replacement in many areas; it stays low, blooms in mid-spring, has nice fall color, and its long, rhizomatous root system means it spreads quickly to cover large areas. It’s mainly pollinated by bees but will attract other insects as well. Its leaf structure resembles poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), but this sumac is entirely non-poisonous.

I always look forward to spring weather and for opportunities to try new native plants.

However, in the case of Rhus aromatica, it has shown itself to be a plant worth repeating.

¹ https://www.cbf.org/about-the-bay/state-of-the-bay-report/

Alison Milligan – MG/MN 2013

Watershed Steward Class 7/CBLP

aligmilligan@gmail.com

Latin for Gardeners: February 2023

February’s Native Maryland Plant

Pinus taeda

(PYE-nus TAY-duh)

Common Names: Loblolly, Old Field, or North Carolina Pine

Visitors to Maryland’s coastal areas are likely to encounter specimens, if not stands of Pinus taeda, a medium to large pine that is native to Maryland’s coastal plain. This tree’s range extends to the southeastern United States, including Texas and Florida where it is prominent; it does best in humid, warm-temperate areas with long, hot summers and mild winters. One of the meanings of ‘loblolly’, the common name of this plant, is a depression, another is mud puddle - this tree was originally observed growing in river bottoms and responds well to additional water and enriched soil.

Loblolly pine is one of the fastest-growing pines, it is tolerant of many soil conditions, but like most pines, it is not shade-tolerant. It can be used as an evergreen screen with the expectation that it will lose its lower limbs as it ages. Pinus taeda’s very columnar and less tapering form, make it an important timber tree; it is used for fence posts, utility poles and plywood; its pine

needles are used as a weed-suppressing mulch. For wildlife it is especially beneficial, as its prickly, red-brown cones often grown as pairs, provide seed for many birds and mammals such as white-tailed deer and the Delmarva fox squirrel¹.

One of the most noteworthy uses of the tree is as a nesting site for bald eagles. Along the Chesapeake Bay, and especially the eastern shore, it’s a common sight to see eagles nest and raise their families in the tall branches of Pinus taeda. I hope you make time to visit the eastern shore this year, to catch site of the unique fauna and native plants– including Pinus taeda!

¹ Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is one of the premier places to observe Delmarva fox squirrel.

Alison Milligan – MG/MN 2013

Watershed Steward Class 7/CBLP

aligmilligan@gmail.com

Sugg-Jeff-Tion: February 2023

We are more than halfway through the short, dreary, cold days of winter. As the days grow longer and nature teases us with a warm “false-spring” day here and there- it is easy to dream of the days of working outside with the heat of the sun on your back. We are almost there! However, resist the urge to do too much cleanup in the yard as our overwintering pollinators and other wildlife species are still lying dormant among the leaf litter and dry stems from last year’s blooms. Nature knows better and each species has their own preferred temperature photoperiod that triggers their emergence.

For some of our native bees, consistent temperatures above 50 degrees trigger their emergence from their overwintering slumber. Some species of butterfly may overwinter as adults, and can be observed fluttering around on bright, sunny, warm winter days. When cold weather follows, they return to their overwintering spot of bark or leaf litter. Others overwinter within their chrysalis and usually wait to emerge later in the season when flowers are beginning to bloom. Some species of amphibian and bats may also emerge on warm sunny days but know just what to do if the weather cools down again.

So, what should you do if you are eager to get started on your garden activities for the spring? Now is a great time to start planning new gardens. You can use WSA’s Conservation Landscape Design Tool to get started in planning new planting areas.

Not planning any new gardens this year and would rather focus on maintaining what you have? Create a maintenance plan or review and improve your existing one using tips from WSA’s Rainscaping Manual. Winter is also a great time to evaluate your gardens and plan your spring plant orders. Online catalogs sell out fast, so the earlier you can place your order, the better chance you have of getting the native plants you want.

Finally, if you read my last Sugg-Jeff-tion- it may be time to check on those seeds you have cold stratifying. Some may be ready to plant while others may need a longer stratification period.

So, take the time now to rest and reflect just like nature has intended. That way you are ready to have the best growing season yet when spring arrives in a few short weeks. That’s just my Sugg-Jeff-tion!

Jeffrey Popp, WSA Director of Restoration

jeff@aawsa.org