Discover the Diversity of Pennsylvania!

Today, May 18th, marks the second annual PA Native Species Day—a day founded to recognize and celebrate the critical role our native plants, trees, insects, fish, birds, and mammals afford the over 46,000 square miles within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Instituted on June 17, 2022, by the Governor’s Invasive Species Council, PA Native Species Day serves to educate and encourage citizens of the Keystone State to take action to sustain the wonders of Pennsylvania’s biodiverse ecosystems while in chorus with stressing the importance of reducing the occurrence of invasive species.

In concordance with PA Native Species Day and World Bee Day (occurring Saturday, May 20^th), today’s issue of The Plug® will pay homage to three species from North Creek’s tried and true plant palette with PA provenance, pollinator appeal, and pure beauty.

Liatris spicata

We are pleased to offer Pennsylvania provenance populations of Liatris spicata. Blazing star blooms from July to August in upright spikes of pinkish-purple tassels that erupt from a basal clump of grass-like leaves. This structurally arresting native is a must-have addition to the perennial border and wildlife garden. 

Liatris spicata naturally occurs in moist wood openings, mesic prairies, and marsh edges east of the Mississippi from Ontario down to Florida. Tolerant of heavy clay, blazing star prefers average to moist rich soils in full to part sun and can tolerate poor soils, heat, humidity, and some drought.

Blazing star is adored by pollinators—attracting butterflies, bees, moths, and hummingbirds to the fold. Hailed as a great monarch nectar source by the Xerces Society, Liatris spicata is also a host plant for the Glorious Flower Moth (Schinia gloriosa) and the Bleeding Flower Moth (Schinia sanguine).

Plant, enjoy, repeat!

Tradescantia ohiensis

This spiderwort of Pennsylvania provenance is a robust native perennial for hot, sunny locations! Tradescantia ohiensis is long blooming with shades of blue, pink, or purple flowers from early June into September. The attractive bluish-grey strap-like foliage lends a unique texture to the garden while the flowers are attractive to long-tongued bees, bumblebees, flies, and butterflies.

The native range of Tradescantia ohiensis spans from Ontario to Massachusetts to Minnesota and south to Florida and east Texas. Spiderwort prefers moist to dry, well-drained sandy acidic soils in full to partial sun—but is adaptable to a variety of situations, including periods of drought.

Spiderwort is an excellent choice for the mixed border, open meadows, and rock gardens.

Lonicera sempervirens

Locally sourced in Chester County, PA, the sweetly-scented tubular red flowers of our native honeysuckle attract hummingbirds, bees, and moths to the garden throughout the summer months. This long-blooming vine also serves as the larval host for the Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon) and Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis). The floral display is succeeded by ornamental berries with the arrival of autumn—a benefit very much appreciated by birds.

A twining vine, it will meander on a trellis or fence with guidance. Lonicera sempervirens blooms on the previous year’s growth and new growth—trim it back, or leave it be!

Tolerant of drought and dry soils once established; prefers average, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.

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