Native plants are the cornerstone of Earth’s ecosystems and the base of the food chain that leads to our dinner tables. They evolved in and define particular locations, where they provide the habitats—food and shelter—that specific insects, birds, mammals, and other animals need. Together, native plants and ani-mals form a web of mutually beneficial interactions that is greater than the sum of its parts: an ecosys-tem. By conserving native plants in the wild and using them in designed spaces, we protect and enhance the integrity, resilience, diversity, and beauty of our planet.
Hobblebush blooms in northeastern woodlands in early to mid-May. Without much effort, I found a nursery that cultivates this desirable shrub for sale to gardeners. Recommended for part-shade to sun, it is a host plant for the caterpillars of the spring azure butterfly (Celastrina ladon). Go to Eastern Plant, Georgetown, Maine. In the wild, find a breathtaking expanse of hobblebush on the Bear Mountain Trail about half a mile from the East Street trailhead in Mount Washington.
Pale or pink corydalis (Corydalis sempervirens) spontaneously appeared in my garden decades ago. The charming plant appears delicate but is a sturdy biennial that reliably seeds itself. Pale corydalis fits in all over the garden as a companion that demands little space and attracts pollinators. Here is one purveyor of seed.
Sources of nursery-grown plants native to New England: Helia Native Nursery, West Stockbridge; Native Plant Trust, Framingham, Mass.; Tripple Brook Farm, Southhampton, Mass. For hobble bush: Eastern Plant, Georgetown, Maine.; Wing and a Prayer, Cummington, Mass.
When visiting retail garden shops, request straight “species” stock. Search beyond cultivars and selections of each distinct species.
Pictured here, the cover of the 79-page soft cover book “A Guide to Invasive Plants in Massachusetts” is a collaboration of The Nature Conservancy, New England Wildflower Society, and Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. It is available for pick up—and perhaps a $5 donation—at MassWildlife Western District Office in Dalton.
On the web, “Invasive Plants in Massachusetts” is an equally attractive and informative resource from MassAudubon.
Upcoming events invite our participation:
Sunday, April 13, Berkshire Botanical Garden is partnering with the Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF) to present the 2025 Solar Film Forum at BBG. Find details about the engaging line-up for the day here.
BBG grounds open May 1 through October 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
French Park Pollinator Garden, Egremont. Scroll down for description and link to more information. Accessible spring through autumn.
April 13 opening day Garden in the Woods, a celebrated native-plant landscape in Framingham, Mass.
April 17, noon to 1:30 p.m., Home Grown National Park Free event virtual event.
“Join us and plant native to rebuild the ecosystems that support all life and restore the vital connec-tions between plants and animals for a healthier, thriving planet.” — Doug Tallamy, co-founder
Saturday, May 3, Native Plant Trust: “Build community with other new and experienced gardeners and join the movement to increase the beauty and resiliency of New England and the planet, one native plant at a time.” Special event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom: “Join the Movement: 125th Anniversary Symposium.”
