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Volume II of Plants for Stormwater Design provides an indispensable guide to the plant selection process. It contains updated plant lists for the original stormwater systems in Volume I, an additional 65 plant species, examines emerging issues in stormwater systems design and evaluates 7 Bioretention and Rain Garden Case Studies for success and lessons learned. This sequel is a well-crafted guide for the professional that will be an invaluable resource.
This chapter summarizes the role of vegetation in controlling nonpoint-source pollution. Nonpoint-source pollution is pollution that does not come from a single source, or point, such as a discharge pipe. The most common source of nonpoint-source pollution is stormwater runoff. As rainwater flows over impervious surfaces, lawns, farmland, construction sites and degraded landscapes, it picks up pollutants such as sediment, nutrients, toxins and pathogens. Pollutants, such as toxins and pathogens, can directly impact aquatic organisms by causing death or chronic health impacts. Excessive amounts of nutrients and sediment can cause algae blooms that deplete oxygen, produce toxins, prevent sunlight from reaching aquatic plants and impede recreational activities. Sediment buildup in streams can destroy spawning areas and damage fish gills.
Methods to control nonpoint-source pollution can vary greatly in their approach. However, one thing that?EUR(TM)s consistent between methods is that they focus on creating stability within the landscape to prevent the flow of pollutants. This stability is reflected in various means of preventing excessive flows of stormwater and loss of soil and other particles from the landscape. Means of preventing excessive stormwater flows generally involve techniques to slow velocity or to infiltrate water. Means of preventing loss of soil and other particles generally involve treatments to stabilize the ground surface.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: Bluebells are found in floodplain forests, moist deciduous forests, rich meadows and stream banks. They sometimes escape from gardens where they are grown as an ornamental. Normal Water Level: Bluebells prefer wet to wet-mesic soils that are well-drained. Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Part to full shade. Salt: Low. Nutrients: Moderately tolerant to nutrient increases. Siltation: Low. Insects: No serious insect problem. Other: No serious disease problem. Bluebells are moderately to somewhat tolerant to general pollution and stresses. Design Considerations: Bluebells?EUR(TM) showy flowers make them a beautiful spring ephemeral. This species is well suited for massed, undisturbed areas in moist, shady woodlands, wildflower or native plant gardens, woodland water gardens, decorative plantings and shady rain gardens. It can be spread into borders or rock gardens as well. Concerns: This plant?EUR(TM)s large leaves die back soon after flowering, leaving an empty space in the garden. Plant with annuals or perennials, such as ferns, that will expand their area as the season progresses. Even though this plant is aggressive with seeding, it is a welcome colonizer. Wildlife Use: Bluebells have some palatability to browsing animals only. Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Widely. Types: Potted plants and seed.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: Rough blazing star is found in mesic to dry, sunny, sandy soils of prairies (especially tallgrass prairies), savannas, open woodlands, glades, meadows and along roadsides and railroad tracks. It is the most common liatris of dry, sandy prairies. Normal Water Level: Rough blazing star prefers dry to mesic upland soils. Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Full sun to part sun. Salt: Medium. Nutrients: Moderately to somewhat tolerant to nutrient increases. Siltation: Low. Insects: No serious insect problems. Other: This liatris has no serious disease problems. It is moderately tolerant to general pollution and stresses. Design Considerations: Rough blazing star?EUR(TM)s showy flowers attract songbirds, hummingbirds and butterflies, and make good cutflowers. This species is easily grown in average to dry to mesic, well-drained soils like a sandy based or well-draining rain garden because it will tolerate poor soils and summer heat. It is also ideal for perennial borders, cutting gardens, native plant gardens, naturalized areas and restorations of prairies and savannas. Mix rough blazingstar with other sun-loving perennials; it will accent the background due to its good vertical habit. Or, combine it with grasses and other native plants to create a naturalized garden. This plant, like all liatris, is an excellent butterfly plant. Concerns: Rough blazing star may need staking if it is not supported by other tall, upright plants. Wildlife Use: Rough blazing star is a wonderful nectar source for several kinds of butterflies, especially fall-migrating Monarch butterflies. Many songbirds will stop in winter to feed on the seeds. Deer and cattle relish this plant. Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Widely (watch out for many cultivars). Types: Potted and bareroot stock and seed.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: Monkey flower is found along stream banks, oxbow marshes, swamp openings, floodplain forests, wet meadows, muddy shores and ditches. It sometimes occurs in disturbed areas. Normal Water Level: Monkey flower prefers medium wet to wet soils, sometimes in shallow water (no deeper than 14 inches). Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Full sun to part shade. Salt: Medium. Nutrients: Moderate to somewhat tolerant to nutrient increases. Siltation: High. Insects: No serious insect problems. Other: This plant has no serious disease problems. It is moderately tolerant to general pollution and stresses. Design Considerations: Monkey flower is suited for water gardens, naturalized plantings and wetland restorations. It is a showy lakeshore plant that establishes readily from seed. Rain gardens in heavy soils that will retain water for long periods are appropriate for this plant. Concerns: This plant will naturalize in optimum growing conditions by both self-seed and creeping rhizomes. This characteristic is ideal for restorations and naturalized plantings. Wildlife Use: Unknown Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Widely. Types: Potted and seed.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: Cinnamon fern is found in wooded swamps, shrub swamps, bogs, wooded stream banks, thickets, marshes, freshwater wetlands, wooded island hummocks in peatlands, and low, wet places where the soil is acid. Normal Water Level: Cinnamon fern prefers wet to mesic soils that are regularly, seasonally, irregularly, or semipermanently inundated. Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Part sun to shade. Salt: Low. Nutrients: Moderately to somewhat tolerant to nutrient increases. Siltation: Medium. Insects: No serious insect problems. Other: Cinnamon fern prefers slightly acidic soil. It is moderately tolerant to general pollution and stresses. Fire will top-kill the plant and then it will resprout from the rhizomes after the burn has passed over. No serious disease problems. Design Considerations: Cinnamon fern is well suited for wet areas along ponds, streams, water gardens or in bogs. It grows well in shaded, wet areas of borders, woodland gardens, wild gardens, native plant gardens and rain gardens. This plant is a good soil stabilizer and provides gold/cinnamon brown fall color. This is one of the more interesting, textural plants for shady gardens and rain gardens. Combine it with other ferns and other shade-loving species. This fern is sun tolerant if the soil is continuously moist. Concerns: This plant spreads slowly, so many plants may be needed early to fill a large space. Wildlife Use: Cinnamon fern provides food and habitat for upland gamebirds, small mammals, snowshoe and varying hare and white-tailed deer. Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Widely. Types: Potted and bareroot stock.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: Interrupted fern is found in moist or seasonally wet depressions in forests, open woods, wooded slopes, ravines, hummocks in swamps and swamp edges, low prairie, moist sandstone ledges and wet roadsides. It is often found in drier places than cinnamon or royal fern. Normal Water Level: Interrupted fern prefers upland wet to mesic soils. Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Partial sun to full shade. Salt: Low. Nutrients: Moderate to somewhat tolerant to nutrient increases. Siltation: Medium. Insects: No serious insect problems. Other: No serious disease problems. It has a moderate tolerance to general pollution and stresses. Design Considerations: Interrupted fern is well suited for wet areas along ponds, streams, water gardens or in bogs. It grows well in shaded, wet areas of borders, woodland gardens, wild gardens, native plant gardens and rain gardens. This fern is a good soil stabilizer especially with its rapid vegetative growth. It may be one of the more interesting, textural plants for shady gardens and rain gardens. It is extremely showy in the spring and holds up well through the summer. Concerns: This species spreads rapidly, which makes it good for soil stabilization. It does prefer slightly acid to neutral soils. Wildlife Use: Interrupted fern provides food and habitat for upland gamebirds, small mammals, snowshoe and varying hare and white-tailed deer. Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Widely. Types: Potted plants.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: Prairie phlox is found in mesic to dry open woods, grasslands and prairies, oak savannas and meadows. Normal Water Level: Prairie phlox prefers upland moist soils. Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Full to partial sun. Salt: Low. Nutrients: Low. Siltation: Low. Insect: Unknown. Other: Powdery mildew is the biggest disease problem. Prairie phlox has moderate tolerance to general pollution and stresses. Design Considerations: Prairie phlox is suited for wildflower gardens, prairie and savanna restorations, perennial gardens and well-draining rain gardens. This species has a long bloom period and will provide a lot of color in spring with its broad heads of deep pink flowers. It attracts many insects, especially butterflies. Concerns: This species self-sows heavily, a good trait for soil stabilization and vegetated swales. In gardens, deadheading will extend the bloom time and prevent reseeding. Deer love phlox, and if you have an over-abundance of deer, they will find and feed on it. Wildlife Use: Prairie phlox provides nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies. White-tailed deer love phlox. Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Widely (many cultivars are available). Types: Potted plants and seed.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: Fowl bluegrass is found in wet meadows, marshes, wet thickets, upland swamps, shores, stream banks, ditches, low prairies, sedge meadows and moist woods. Normal Water Level: Fowl bluegrass prefers wet to moist soil that is seasonally, regularly or irregularly inundated, though will tolerate 3 to 6 inches of inundation. Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Full sun to partial shade. Salt: Medium. Nutrients: Moderately tolerant to nutrient increases. Siltation: Medium. Insects: Unknown. Other: Fowl bluegrass is moderately tolerant to general pollution and stresses. This plant has a high tolerance to fire; once top-killed, it revegetates vigorously from stolons. Design Considerations: Fowl bluegrass is well-suited for erosion control, soil stabilization, vegetated swales, wetland buffers near the normal water level and wetland or wet prairie restorations. It requires moist-to-saturated soils and has a moderate rate of growth. Concerns: This species is a little inconspicuous, although it is common in many wet meadows, wet prairies, buffers and marsh edges. Wildlife Use: Fowl bluegrass provides food for coot, ring-necked pheasant, muskrat, cottontail rabbit and meadow mouse. Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Widely. Types: Seed.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: Shrubby cinquefoil is found in calcareous fens, calcareous cliffs and bluffs, lakeshores, open bogs, conifer swamps, pastures, wet to wet-mesic prairies, wet meadows and rocky places, such as dry hill prairies and ledges. Normal Water Level: Shrubby cinquefoil prefers wet to moist soils, although established plants can tolerate dry conditions. Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Full sun to part shade. Salt: Medium to high. Nutrients: Moderate to somewhat tolerant to nutrient increases. Siltation: Medium. Insects: Basically pest free. Other: Shrubby cinquefoil tolerates drought and heat, alkaline sites, compact sites and mine spoils. It is moderately tolerant to intolerant to general pollution and stresses. It is infrequently damaged by diseases such as leaf spots, downy mildew and powdery mildews, although none is serious. It is sensitive to 2, 4-D and Cl, while intermediate to O3. Design Considerations: Shrubby cinquefoil is suited for shrub borders, mass plantings, mixed with perennials, rain gardens, vegetated swales and designed landscapes. Its bright yellow blossoms, long flowering period, dense growth habit and pest-free nature make it a popular landscape plant. Concerns: When planted in shady, wet locations, this plant grows poorly. Avoid fertilizers and prune regularly to maintain an attractive appearance. This species can be aggressive with declining water levels. It has a slow to medium rate of growth and is short-lived. Wildlife Use: Shrubby cinquefoil provides food and cover for woodcock, cottontail rabbit and least chipmunk. It is resistant to heavy browsing, which is beneficial where there are many white-tailed deer. Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Widely (although many cultivars are available). Types: Potted and bareroot stock and seed.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: Black cherry is sometimes found in pure stands, though most of the time it is a member of upland mesic, mesic-dry forests, forest edges, savanna, alluvial bottomlands, rocky hillsides, fencerows, abandoned fields and Midwest windbreaks. Normal Water Level: Black cherry prefers upland moist to dry soils. Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Full sun to part shade. Salt: High. Nutrients: Moderate to somewhat tolerant to nutrient increases. Siltation: Medium. Insects: Low; eastern tent and ugly nest caterpillars, cherry scallop shell moth and borers may infect this species, but none is serious. Other: Black cherry is moderately tolerant to general pollution and stresses. It is susceptible to gum spot, leaf spots, black knot and wood rots, although none is serious. It is resistant to drought/heat and mine spoils. It is immediately susceptible to Hcl, Cl and 2,4-D and sensitive to soil compaction and girdling. It is top-killed by fire. Design Considerations: Black cherry is well suited for use as a flowering or shade tree. It has wildlife value and can be used in woodland restoration (if enough light is available), in upland buffers and for erosion control. In the East, this species is used for surface mine spoil reclamation. A native tree with interesting bark, white flowers and edible fruit, this species is prized highly for its wood. It has a rapid rate of growth and is a bird and wildlife attractant. Concerns: This species has low fire tolerance. Where deer populations are high, successful regeneration may require that larger seedlings be so abundant that deer cannot eat them all. Wildlife Use: Black cherry is highly valued by gamebirds and songbirds, such as ruffed and sharp-tailed grouse, ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail, wild turkey, eastern bluebird, catbird, crow, common flicker, crested flycatcher, common grackle, evening and rose-breasted grosbeak, blue jay, kingbird, Baltimore oriole, American robin, yellow-bellied sapsucker, white-red-eyed vireo, cedar waxwing, and hairy, red-bellied and red-headed woodpecker. The fruit is also eaten by skunk; red and gray fox; red and gray squirrel; snowshoe and varying hare; cottontail rabbit; raccoon; eastern chipmunk; deer, meadow and white-footed mouse; white-tailed deer; and loved by black bear. Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Widely. Types: Balled-and-burlapped, potted and bareroot stock and seed.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: Chokecherry is found and extensively used in shelterbelts, windbreaks, thickets and borders. It occurs especially along streams, open wooded slopes, clearings, open fields and roadsides. Normal Water Level: Chokecherry prefers upland moist to dry soils. Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Full sun to part shade. Salt: Medium. Nutrients: Moderate to somewhat tolerant to nutrient increase. Siltation: Medium. Insects: Medium, occasionally borers, commonly tent caterpillars and aphids. Other: Chokecherries have many disease problems with black knot being a local severe problem. Also susceptible to stern decay, shothole, Valsa canker and honey fungus. Reduce disease problems by avoiding injuries caused by mowers, weed whips and other equipment. Although fire will top-kill this species, it resprouts vigorously. This species is moderately tolerant to general pollution and stresses. It is moderately sensitive to SO2 and Hfl; sensitive to Hcl, Cl and soil compaction; and resistant to drought/heat and mine spoils. Design Considerations: Chokecherry is well suited for windbreaks, screens, noise barriers, patio and Japanese gardens, wildlife habitat and mass plantings for soil stabilization or erosion control. It does well in stream edges, providing thermal cover over water and stabilizing banks. It has been used in mine land reclamation, roadways and construction sites because of its fast, rhizomatous spread. This species is also used as an ornamental tree due to its white, fragrant flowers, red fall color, and edible fruit. Concerns: Chokecherry tends to be short lived in our area. Protect by planting in protected sites or on the east side in full sun, which will reduce the risk from late spring frosts. Tent caterpillars can be a nuisance because of their silvery webs on the branches. Although chokecherry spreads by runners and grows rapidly, which can be a concern, it is usually preferred in erosion-control situations. The four major limiting factors are its intolerance to shade, poor drainage, frequent flooding and heavy clay soils. Wildlife Use: Chokecherry provides food, cover and habitat for many birds, including, ruffed and sharp-tailed grouse, ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail, wild turkey, eastern bluebird, catbird, crow, common flicker, crested flycatcher, common grackle, evening and rose-breasted grosbeak, blue jay, indbird, Baltimore oriole, American robin, yellow-bellied sapsucker, white-throated sparrow, starling, scarlet tanager, brown thrasher, hermit and wood thrush, veery, towhee, red-eyed vireo, cedar waxwing, and hairy, red-bellied and red-headed woodpecker. It is also used by skunk; red and gray fox; squirrel; snowshoe and varying hare; cottontail rabbit; raccoon; eastern chipmunk; deer, meadow and white-footed mouse; and extensively by white-tailed deer. Black bear love the fruit. The early-spring flowers are important nectar sources for butterflies, bees and ants. Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Widely (many cultivars available). Types: Balled and burlapped, potted and bareroot stock and seed.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: White oak is common on moist to dry soils of forests, woodlands, savannas, upland flats, ravines and rocky hillsides, often in pure stands. Normal Water Level: White oak prefers upland moist to dry soils. Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Full sun to part shade. Salt: High to spray and soil. Nutrients: Moderate to high tolerance to nutrient increases. Siltation: Low. Insects: many, frequent damage by gypsy moth, orange striped oak worm, golden oak scale and oak skeletonizer, but none pose a serious problem. Other: Susceptible to diseases, such as Strumella coryneoides, shoestring root rot, anthracnose and oak leaf blister, but has good resistance to oak wilt. Prune this and other oaks during the dormant season to minimize the risk of oak wilt infection. White oak is very sensitive to disturbance to its root zone caused by grading, soil compaction or changes in drainage. Even moderate disturbance can kill a tree. This species is sensitive to fire, coal, smoke and fly ash deposits on soils. It is moderately to somewhat tolerant of general pollution and stresses. It is moderately sensitive to SO2, HFI, lighting, drought/heat and mine spoils. It is sensitive to O3. Design Considerations: The wood of this species is used for strong, durable products and woodworking. With its broad crown and dense foliage, white oak is an excellent ornamental tree. It is valued for its use in reforestation and restoration projects and potential use in mined lands and street plantings. It is prized for its hard wood and for its use as habitat for wildlife. When planting this species for shade or ornamentation, give it plenty of room. Concerns: White oak is extremely sensitive to soil compaction and should not be planted where future disturbance, such as parking, is planned. It is a very slow-growing species and it is moderately resistant to ice breakage. Wildlife Use: White oak leaves and acorns are eaten by deer. It is also browsed by rabbits, porcupine and beaver. Its acorns are choice food for many animals, including ring-necked pheasant, wild turkey, mallard, wood duck, clapper rail, bobwhite quail, crow, common flicker, common grackle, rose-breasted grosbeak, blue jay, white-breasted nuthatch, yellow-bellied sapsucker, starling, brown thrasher, tufted titmouse, red-eyed towhee and downy, red-bellied and red-headed woodpecker as well as opossum, black bear, raccoon, squirrels, red fox, eastern chipmunk and meadow and white-footed mouse. Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Becoming widely. Types: Balled-and-burlapped, potted and bareroot stock.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: Bur oak is the primary tree species of oak savannas, although it is also found on dry uplands on limestone and gravelly ridges, sandy plains, open fields, loamy slopes and moist floodplains, often in nearly pure stands. Normal Water Level: Bur oak can tolerate a wide range of soil moisture from wet to dry. Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Full to part sun. Salt: Medium. Nutrients: Moderately tolerant to nutrient increases. Siltation: Medium. Insects: Few insects seriously damage this species, oak lacebug may heavily defoliate. Other: Bur oak is tolerant of city smoke and other air pollutants. It will tolerate compacted soils but not soils being compacted on its roots. Its thick bark is fire resistant and larger, older trees often survive fire. Disease may be frequent, but is usually not serious, although oak wilt can enter a population by root graft from neighboring red oaks and kill a grove. Prune during the dormant season to minimize the risk of oak wilt infection. It has a high tolerance to oil/grease, metals, O2 , drought/heat, poor drainage, alkaline sites and mine soils. It has a moderate tolerance to HFI, general pollution and stresses. Design Considerations: Bur oak wood is used for cabinetry and flooring. It is most suited for majestic, large landscapes of savanna restorations, shade and ornamental features, golf courses, parks and shelterbelts. It also can be used in degraded sites, mined lands and other, previously disturbed sites. It is a climax tree species in drier forested areas and an early serial species of prairies. If planting this species for shade or ornamentation, give it plenty of room. Concerns: Bur oak does not have brilliant fall color and it is difficult to transplant, but its coarse-textured and furrowed bark provides year-round interest in the landscape. Bur oak grows very slowly. Wildlife Use: Bur oak leaves and acorns are eaten by deer. It is also browsed by rabbits, porcupine and beaver. Its acorns are choice food for many animals, including ring-necked pheasant, wild turkey, mallard, wood duck, clapper rail, bobwhite quail, crow, common flicker, common grackle, rose-breasted grosbeak, blue jay, white-breasted nuthatch, yellow-bellied sapsucker, starling, brown thrasher, tufted titmouse, red-eyed towhee, and downy, red-bellied and red-headed woodpecker as well as opossum, black bear, raccoon, squirrels, red fox, eastern chipmunk and meadow and white-footed mouse. Moths and many other insects use it. Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Widely. Types: Balled-and-burlapped, potted and bareroot stock and seed.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: Northern red oak is found in upland mesic and mesic-dry, forests, woodlands, savannas, lower and middle slopes, coves and ravines, frequently on north and east facing slopes. Normal Water Level: Northern red oak prefers dry to mesic soil moisture. Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Full sun to partial shade. Salt: Medium. Nutrients: Moderate to somewhat tolerant to nutrient increases. Siltation: Medium. Insects: Moderate tolerance, although gypsy moth, brown tail moth, orange striped oakworm and trunk borers occasionally cause serious damage. Other: Oak wilt is the primary disease that is killing this species of oak. Trees can die within 1 to 3 months of becoming infected. The disease is spread by insects (primarily beetles) or pruning tools. Prune oaks during the dormant season to minimize the risk of oak wilt infection and apply pruning paint during the growing season. (This is the only time you should use a pruning paint.) Strumella canker, Nectria canker, leaf blister and powdery mildew are other diseases this species is susceptible to. Northern red oak is very sensitive to disturbance to its root zone caused by grading, soil compaction or changes in drainage. Even moderate disturbance can kill a tree. This species, having relatively thin bark, is more susceptible to fire damage than other oaks. Even so, if the tree is top killed, it vigorously sprouts from the stump or root collar. Northern red oak has a moderate tolerance to metals, Hfl, 2,4-D, lighting, drought/heat and mine spoils and stresses. It is resistant to oil/grease, SO2, O3 and Cl. Design Considerations: Northern red oak wood is an important hardwood lumber. In the urban environment, it is most suited as a shade and street tree, especially since it is one of the more rapid growing oaks. It transplants easily and is hardy under city conditions. It is used as a shade tree on lawns, parks, campuses and golf courses where space is available. Of all the oaks, northern red oak has the most beautiful red fall color, which persists into winter. Its acorns are a major wildlife attraction. It is used in rehabilitation and restoration sites, including coal mine spoils. Concerns: To prevent infection by the oak with fungus, do not prune this species from May through June. Wildlife Use: This species?EUR(TM) leaves and acorns are eaten by deer. It is also browsed by rabbits, porcupine and beaver. Its acorns are choice food for many animals, including ring-necked pheasant, wild turkey, mallard, wood duck, clapper rail, bobwhite quail, crow, common flicker, common grackle, rose-breasted grosbeak, blue jay, white-breasted nuthatch, yellow-bellied sapsucker, starling, brown thrasher, tufted titmouse, red-eyed towhee, and downy, red-bellied and red-headed woodpecker as well as opossum, black bear, raccoon, squirrels, red fox, eastern chipmunk, and meadow and white-footed mouse. Moths and many other insects also use it. Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Widely. Types: Balled-and-burlapped, potted and bareroot stock and seed.
Habitat/Plant Community and Geographic Range: Blackeyed Susan has naturalized in most states east of Kansas. It is found in dry to moist open places, such as prairies, fields, savannas and deciduous woods. Originally a native prairie plant, blackeyed susan is now found in just about any habitat, including along roads and in disturbed fields. Normal Water Level: Blackeyed susan prefers upland mesic to dry soils. Sensitivities or Other Tolerances: Exposure: Full to partial sun. Salt: Medium. Nutrients: Moderate to somewhat tolerant to nutrient increases. Siltation: Low. Insects: No major insect pest. Other: This species is susceptible to powdery mildew, which is not serious, but makes the plant look very unhealthy. It is moderately tolerant to general pollution and stresses. It is moderately tolerant to drought/heat and fire. After a fire, it will sprout vigorously from the roots or the seed bank. Design Considerations: Blackeyed susan is a critical component for fast establishment of erosion-control areas and soil stabilization projects. It should be a component of most prairie, savanna and wet meadow restorations or rehabilitation sites, road cuts, hillsides and other disturbed naturalized areas. This species establishes readily from seed and self-sows, though it is a short-lived biennial (sometimes it is perennial, living more than two years). Because this species has been used for landscaping and in wildflower gardens, many designers are using longer-lived cultivars instead of the biennial native. Perennial gardens, rain gardens, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens as well as dry and moist wildflower gardens are appropriate gardens for this species. Concerns: Blackeyed susan is a low-maintenance plant that establishes easily from seed, crowding out weeds with minimal help. Therefore, if the site is optimal, you may find yourself weeding out more blackeyed susans than weeds. Wildlife Use: Blackeyed susan provides food and protection to many gamebird and songbird species, including goldfinch and house finch. This species is a host plant for the silvery checkerspot caterpillar, which camouflages itself with bits of the flower secured by silk, which feeding on the brown flower centers. This species provides nectar and is pollinated by bees, wasps, butterflies and other insects. White-tailed deer and other large mammals utilize this species for forage. Nursery/Plant Information: Available: Widely (though many cultivars are available). Types: Potted and bareroot stock and seed.
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
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