Also known as Western Yarrow and Milfoil, this spreading, perennial herb has feathery compound leaves and grows to 3 feet tall. Its flower heads are arranged in large, flat, compact clusters at the top of the stem. There is some confusion over the categorization of this species in North America, as substantial hybridization has occurred between native and Eurasian strains. Common Yarrow forms spreading colonies and may be best suited for naturalized areas, growing in full sun to partial shade, and in dry soil.
Also called Soft Maple and White Maple, this tree grows to a height of 50 to 80 feet and a spread of 35 to 50 feet at maturity, growing at a fast rate with height increases of more than 24 inches per year. It yields pairs of winged seeds over 3 inches long that are the largest seeds of all native maples. This tree grows in full sun to shade, in rich, moist to wet, slightly acidic soils.
Also called Scarlet or Soft Maple, this deciduous, perennial tree grows to a height of 40 to 60 feet and a spread of around 40 feet at maturity. It yields twin seeds that are up to one inch in length, and provides amazing yellow to bright red fall color. This tree grows best in full sun to partial shade and in moist, slightly acidic soils. It is visited by a variety of wildlife, including birds, moths, and browsers like deer.
This fast-growing and fairly short-lived perennial tree, also known as Box Elder, reaches 80 feet in height. It often has several trunks and can form thickets that grow greenish yellow leaves with a March to April bloom time. This tree grows in full sun, in medium to wet soil, and produces winged seeds that birds and squirrels feed on. It tolerates a variety of soils including dry and clay soil, but is intolerant to shade.
This deciduous tree usually grows 20 to 75 feet tall with a large, often multi-stemmed trunk, a loose, broad crown, and leaves that are the largest of all the maples. Its glossy, dark green foliage turns an attractive yellow-orange in the fall, and its fruit, sweet-tasting flowers, and sap are favored by surrounding wildlife including deer and squirrels. This tree can grow in full sun to shade, and in cool, dry to moist soils.
Rocky Mountain maple is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree that grows 10 to 30 feet tall, but can reach up to 50 feet. Its bark is smooth and gray, its twigs reddish in color, and while its flowers are not noticeable, they are rather aromatic. It is naturally found in moist, open coniferous forests and riparian forests, growing in full sun and well-drained, rocky soils. Deer and livestock browse its shiny foliage.
This small tree grows to about 7 feet in height, though can sometimes reach up to 20 feet in full sun and warm, dry conditions. The flowers bloom in late spring, occurring in small, yellow balls with long, thin seed pods. Though a highly drought tolerant plant, its small, pinnate leaves may fall off in response to cold or dryness.
Also known as Palmer’s Abutilon, Superstition Mallow, and Palmer’s Indian Mallow, this small, perennial shrub has silvery soft, velvety heart-shaped leaves, and yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. It grows to about 3 to 6 feet in height and 2 to 5 feet in width in full sun to partial shade. Water requirements for this plant are low.
Grand, or Giant, Fir is a tall, evergreen tree with short, dense branches and a narrow crown; it grows to a height of 130 to 260 feet, making it one of the tallest firs. Its needles lie perfectly flat on twigs, like teeth on a comb, and swellings on the bark contain fragrant resin. This tree grows best in partial shade and well-drained soils.
Balsam Fir, otherwise known as Blister Pine and Northern Basalm, is an evergreen tree that grows to a height of 45 to 75 feet and a spread of 20 to 25 feet at maturity. It yields cones 2 to 4 inches in length and seed crops that occur at 2 to 4 year intervals. The needle foliage is browsed by wildlife including deer, while the seeds and buds are a good food source for birds. Balsam Fir is slow-growing, doing best in full sun to partial shade and rich, moist, well-drained soils.
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