Download 2011 Plant List - Vermont Association of Conservation Districts

WHITE RIVER NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION DISTRICT
2011 CONSERVATION PLANT SALE INFORMATION
All tree/shrubs are BARE-ROOT seedlings and are native to VT, except apple and berry varieties.
=good for rural residence
 =good riparian (riverside) planting
 =low maintenance/suburban use
=attractive flowers
= wildlife food/shelter
=suitable for rain gardens
= edible
=good for lakeshores
CONIFEROUS TREES
BALSAM FIR – Abies balsamea – Soft, waxy, deep green aromatic fir prized for holiday decoration. Traditional Christmas tree species. Commonly found
in cool, moist, well-drained and acidic soils. Prefers full sun. Useful to birds for roosting and nesting, seeds are eaten by chickadee and others; deer & moose
browse twigs. Mature height 50-70’ w/20-30’ spread. Zone 3.   
EASTERN HEMLOCK – Tsuga canadensis – Dark green and graceful, this evergreen can make an attractive sheared hedge. Likely found on moist, welldrained acidic soils, rocky ledges, or sandy soils. Shade tolerant & often found in the understory; does not prefer high winds or droughts. It is a preferred
nesting site for wood thrush, warbler & robin; chickadee and goldfinch enjoy its seeds; provides winter cover for deer. Mature height of 75’.  
WHITE SPRUCE – Picea glauca – Dense silver-green foliage with a medium stature and narrow pyramidal shape; does well in clay/silt soils. Prefers full
sun and is often found growing on the periphery of lakes and streams. Tolerant of wind therefore makes a superb windbreak or screen. Mature height 40-60’
w/15-25’ spread. Zone 3.   
NORTHERN WHITE CEDAR – Thuja occidentalis – Very hardy, easily transplanted evergreen with a natural pyramidal shape. Grows well in a variety of
soils; though prefers loamy moist soils. Likes full to partial sun. Used as hedge in landscaping, favorite browse for deer and rabbit & winter cover for many
songbirds. Mature height 30-40’ w/10-20’ spread. Zone 3.   
DECIDUOUS TREES
SUGAR MAPLE – Acer saccharum – The Vermont heritage tree provides sap for maple syrup production, 300 year-old majestic roadside giants, and
autumn foliage’s most stunning colors. Thrives on fertile, moist, well-drained soils; not tolerant of wet or compacted soils. Shed leaves build rich soil organic
matter. Shade tolerant. Seeds provide fair summer food for grouse, snowshoe hare and porcupine. Provides good nest sites for robin, vireo and goldfinch.
Mature height 70-80’ w/40-60’ spread. Zone 3.   
AMERICAN ELM – Ulmus americana – Typically found in lowlands where spring flooding occurs. Prefers site of full to partial sun with moist to wet
soils. Buds, blossoms, and winged seeds invite birds during the spring months when little else is available. Though Dutch elm disease remains a threat, this
strain exhibits disease-resistant characteristics. Enjoy the graceful spreading form and arching crown. Mature height up to 100’. 
SHAGBARK HICKORY – Carya ovata – Bark resembles long shaggy strips and trunk can reach 2-3’ in diameter; best in rural settings with rich, moist,
well-drained soils. Full sun to partial shade with medium yellow-green leaves that turn golden brown in autumn. Nuts attract wildlife. Mature height 70-90’
w/40-50’ spread.

AMERICAN SYCAMORE – Platanus occidentalis –Massive shade tree with beautifully mottled, exfoliating bark. Fast growing to 70' in 20 years is not
uncommon. Tolerant of adverse urban conditions. Prominent example found along the White River in Stockbridge. Long lived; many trees over 300 years
old. Grows to 100' in height and up to 6 feet in diameter. Zone 4.   
WHITE OAK – Quercus alba – Majestic, slow growing tree, prized for its wildlife benefit. Growth is good on all but the driest, shallow soils, but is best on
deep, well-drained loamy soils. Prefers full sun. Acorns are great food sources for wildlife. 
SHRUBS *
* Shrubs, being <30’ tall, are generally considered “Utilities Friendly” and are more suitable for planting under or near utility lines.
WINTERBERRY – Ilex verticillata – This petite, slow-growing, evergreen shrub holds an interest all year round. Females produce red berries in the
summer that last throughout dreary winter months. Glossy green vegetation often cut for wreaths or house decorations. Does well in poorly-drained sites.
Great alongside streams and ponds. Male and female plants required for fruiting. Mature height 6-10’ with 6-10’ spread. Zone 3.   
COMMON PURPLE LILAC – Syringa vulgaris – One of the showiest shrubs, ideal for large hedges and providing habitat and food for birds and other
wildlife. Its fragrant, pale purple flower clusters are an indistinguishable sign that spring is finally here! Prefers well-drained soils, partial to full sun. Longlived and tolerates urban conditions. Plant 4-6’ apart. Mature height 9-12’. Zone 3.  
COMMON SNOWBERRY – Symphoricarpos alba – Bright snow-white berries are especially ornamental after the leaves drop. Attractive bluish-green
foliage. Grows almost anywhere; prefers partial shade and moist environments; tolerant of drought conditions. Sun will maximize fruit yields. White berries
are 1/2” diameter and hold throughout the winter, attracting various bird species. Mature height: 4’. Zone 3.  
RED OSIER DOGWOOD – Cornus sericea – You might have first noticed this native plant in winter, when its blood red stems show brilliantly against a
background of snow. 3 to 5’ in height. Able to tolerate a range of soil types, but is well adapted to wet soil situations. Ideal for holding soil on steep banks,
along stream edge, wet meadows, swamps and perimeter of farm fields. The berries are blue. Zone 2.   
FRUITS & BERRIES
ELDERBERRY – Sambucus canadensis – Showy, fragrant flowers & edible fruit draw wildlife and people alike. Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils
and is often seen alongside streams, roads and fence rows. Produces fruit after two years; and a favorite of humans, turkeys & woodpeckers. The berries
 
make excellent jellies, pie & wine. Juice is valued for its immune system support. Mature height 6-12’ w/ 6-8’ spread. Zone 3. 
BEN SAREK BLACK CURRANT – Ribes nigrum – This berry-producing shrub is more familiar to Europeans but is regaining popularity in America.
High yield and large fruit makes for a great U-Pick or home garden variety. Used in jams, juices and winemaking and contain high quantities of Vitamin C,
potassium, and bioflavonoids. Prefers sunny location, but not direct southern exposure. Plant 4-6’ apart; mature plant reaches 3’. 
White River NRCD
www.vacd.org/white_river
617 Comstock Rd., Suite 1 Berlin, VT 05602
[email protected]
 
802-828-4493 x110 & x112
[email protected]
SIBERIAN CRABAPPLE – Malus baccata – White fragrant flowering crabapple that persists into our winter months. Annually produces 3/8” red fruit that
are a favorite of ruffed grouse, pheasant, and woodpeckers. Deer are also drawn to this cold-hardy shrub for its fruit and browsing potential. Mature height
25’. Zone 2.  
MACOUN SEMI-DWARF APPLE – Malus spp. ‘Macoun” – Produces a deep red, white flesh fruit similar to a McIntosh. Firm large apple, aromatic, and
good for eating. Known as a dessert-type apple. Fruiting season typically end of August through September. Recognized as a high quality apple for the
Northeast. Semi-dwarf root stock will produce 15’ tree. Hardy to -30 to -40°F.  
LIBERTY SEMI-DWARF APPLE – Malus spp. ‘Liberty’ – The deep red fruit is juicy with fine textured white flesh and good flavor. This species is
resistant to scab, fireblight, cedar apple rust, and mildew. Tree is a vigorous grower and bears annually. Late fruiting season around the first week in October.
A good choice for the home gardener. Mature height: 15’.  
HONEYCRISP SEMI-DWARF APPLE – Malus spp. ‘Honeycrisp’ – Known as a best all-around apple. Crisp, juicy with excellent flavor, voted #1 in taste
panels! Fruit is mottled red over yellow and ripens in late September. Keeps in storage for up to 5 months. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun.
Outstanding winter hardiness gives this variety excellent potential for northern growing areas. Semi dwarf varieties mature at 12-16’ in height- great for
backyard landscaping and orchards. Zone 4.  
CAVENDISH STRAWBERRY (5 plants per order) Hybrid variety valued for cold hardiness and producing attractive, large fruit. Excellent flavor! Known

for high yielding fruit that ripens over a long growing season. Resistance to red stele and Verticillium wilt. Good choice for home use. Zone 3.
HONEOYE STRAWBERRY (5 plants per order) Perfect combination of winter hardiness, high productivity, good appearance and color, with firm and

large-sized berries. Exhibits excellent freezing qualities. Prefers medium-light textured soils. The most popular early-midseason variety. Zone 3
PRIME JIM BLACKBERRY – This new winter hardy variety allows blackberry production possible in VT’s northern region. Large firm fruit will form on
one-year wood in late August into September. Canes exhibit sturdy, upright growth habits. Recommended for home gardeners. Enjoy putting up berries for
winter jam, pies, or simply eating with yogurt. Zone 4.  
POLANA EVER-BEARING RED RASPBERRY – Rubus spp. ‘Polana’ – Highly productive and early fall bearing raspberry. Large, coherent berries with
great flavor. Vigorous, hardy canes will produce fruit in August-October. Provides nice seasonal compliment to the Heritage variety. Zone 3.  
NORTHLAND & PATRIOT BLUEBERRIES – Vaccinium spp. – (1 Northland & 1 Patriot per order) Early to midseason highbush blueberries, grow 4+
feet tall. Produces clusters of medium-to-large-sized, very flavorful dark blue berries on hardy bushes, white flowers in spring, and attractive foliage in fall.
Prefer pH around 5.0. Excellent freezing quality! Blueberries are sold in pairs to ensure proper cross-pollination. Zone 3.  
JERSEY SUPREME ASPARAGUS (5 plants per order) All male hybrid that is cold tolerant and very productive. You’ll love the flavor in these uniform
spears come early spring. Best adapted to light-medium sandy soils. Demonstrates good rust resistance and tolerance for fusarium mold. Zone 3.

NATIVE VERMONT VARIETY PACKETS
HERBACEOUS WETLAND NATIVES– This collection of 5 herbaceous wetland plants will add flowering beauty to any wet spot on your property. This packet
presents brilliant blues and purples and each species will thrive in moist to wet soils or along a steam or pond edge. Delicate violet flowers on the BLUE VERVAIN (Verbena
hastate) and MONKEY FLOWER (Mimulus ringens) and the elegant purple and gold tones of the BLUE FLAG IRIS (Iris versicolor) will provide a striking contrast to the
white flower heads of BONESET (Eupatorium perfoliatun), and varying color schemes of GREAT BLUE LOBELIA (Lobelia siphilitica). The late summer to early fall
flowers will primarily attract bumblebees, hummingbirds and butterflies, along with some native bird species.
BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY PERENNIALS – These 5 native perennials has been selected for creation of a naturalized backyard landscape and their value as food
sources for a variety of wildlife, insects and birds. VIRGINIA ROSE (Rosa virginiana) hips and flowers provide beauty and benefit to both humans and insects. AMERICAN
HAZELNUT (Corylus americana) seeds and catkins are eaten by wildlife including bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, blue jays, and white-tailed deer. GRAY DOGWOOD
(Cornus racemosa) is used for habitat and as a food source by Northern cardinal, Downy woodpecker, Northern flicker, and Eastern bluebird. NO. ARROWWOOD (Viburnum
recognitum) and NO. BAYBERRY (Myrica pensylvanica) produce fruits enjoyed by many songbirds and white flowers that attract butterflies.
NEW ‘DAY-OF-THE-SALE’ HEELED-IN & POTTED PLANTS
Healthy stock remaining after last year’s conservation plant sale was gently heeled-in at one of our staff’s home garden in Braintree last spring. After another
year of growth and special care, these plants have been potted and are available for sale at this year’s plant sale. Only a few quantities of each species are
available. Prices will be posted at the day of the sale. So come early and bring home these potted beauties! This year’s potted species include:
Sugar maple, American elm, & American sycamore - Species description available from above.
Red maple – Acer rubrum – Noticeable delicate flowers at the first sign of spring, green leaves in summer that turn the brilliant red in fall. Often found in
moister, lowland soils but tolerates a variety of textures and moisture conditions; prefers to grow in full sun. Known to be both shade and flood tolerant.
Provides food for songbirds and browse for deer and rabbits. Popular shade tree which grows rapidly to 60-90’ height. Zone 3.  
Paper birch – Betula papyrifera – The best of the white birches. White peeling bark and golden fall leaves are aesthetically pleasing. The catkins, buds and
seeds are a common food source for a number of small birds, including goldfinches. Grows best on well-drained soils but will do fine in moist conditions too.
Mature height 50-75+’. Zone 2.  
Bitternut hickory – Carya cordiformis – Grows along streambanks and swamps, preferring moist soils. Easy to transplant and can tolerate poor fertility
conditions. Produces 1” bitter nuts which split off in the fall and are eaten by wildlife. Grown for its hard wood- typically used in furniture and ladder

construction. Mature height 60’. 
Alleghany serviceberry – Amelanchier laevis – Early spring display of white flowers; dark purple edible fruit; fall color in shades of red-purple and orangeyellow. Begins as young shrubby habitat and grows to 40’ medium sized tree. Provides browse, cover, and fruit for wildlife. Zone 4.  
Common domestic apple – Malus domestica – Seed propagated domestic apple, useful for wildlife habitat, home orchard, shelterbelt filler. Vigorous
growth, fruit production. Good choice where low cost stock is desirable.  
King of the north grapes – Vitis vinifera – Medium to large blue slipskin Concord type grape; used for fresh eating and juicing. Vigorous grower if in rich
gravelly-loamy soil. Establishes quickly, and fruits between 2-4 years. One of the hardiest vines offered, claiming its place in northern viticulture. Should be
trellised or supported with 2-strands of wire fence. Plants should be spaced 6-8 feet apart and with 6-8 feet in between rows. Zone 2.
White River NRCD
www.vacd.org/white_river
617 Comstock Rd., Suite 1 Berlin, VT 05602
[email protected]
802-828-4493 x110 & x112
[email protected]