American plum (Prunus americana)

Small native shrub/tree hardy to zone 3; grows up to 20 feet. Graceful, open-branched, “Japanesey” habit. Intoxicatingly fragrant white blooms in early spring; bears small red plums in mid-summer, which can be used for pies and jams. Dark gray bark develops a rough, interesting texture as it ages. I am absolutely smitten with this little tree. The only thing it doesn’t have going for it is fall color.

American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)

Hardy to zone 4. Climbing, twining vine whose berries turn orange in fall and are a valuable food source for wildlife. This fall beauty came with our farm and continues to wow us and our visitors each autumn and winter. Looks great scampering up trellises, tree trunks, fences and telephone poles. Not to be confused with oriental bittersweet, which is non-native and invasive in some regions.

American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Native shrub growing 4 to 8 feet, hardy to zone 4. Flat-topped circular clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers followed by purplish-black fruits which can be used for jams. Airy, graceful habit. Can be pruned to keep within bounds. Love moisture and will tolerate standing water. Pictured above with Jerusalem Artichoke.

MORE ENTRIES COMING SOON…