This selected checklist is an enumeration of some of those woody plants which have been found satisfactory in garden plantings near the sea.
Familiar aid favorites like barberries, euonymus, privet, honeysuckle, sweet shrub, and many others are not included since most are widely known for their vigor and adaptability.
Many of the plants in this shrub list are large-scale in character and, if left to themselves, will develop treelike form.
Judicious pruning, however, will keep them in bounds. Ultimate heights are specified to aid in selecting plants.
Shrubs, Native And Exotic
- Amelanchier Canadensis, shadbush, is one of our big-scale native shrubs whose white racemes of bloom appear ahead of the foliage. (30’ feet).
- Amorpha fruticosa, a native species of false indigo, makes a delicate foliage mass with finely-divided leaves and blue-purple flowers in late Spring. (20’ feet).
- A. canescens, called lead plants, are compact growers with grayish foliage.
- Aronia arbutifolia, the red chokeberry, valued for its showy red fruits in the Fall, is native to our Eastern seaboard. (10’ feet).
- Crataegus crus-Galli, the coekspur thorn, is a picturesque, spiny tree of medium size, with sprays of white flowers followed by reddish fruits, which the birds enjoy. (25’ feet).
- Cytisus scoparius, Scotch broom, often considered a native, is actually of European origin. It has become naturalized in sandy soil along our Eastern coast, producing its showy plumes of golden yellow, pea-like flowers in late April and curly ]fay (10’ feet).
- Cyriisus praecox, Warminster broom, a compact form with lemon-yellow bloom, is a most adaptable shrub, especially when pruned to keep it low. (6’ to 8’ feet).
- Elaeagnus Angustifolia, the Russian olive, is known for its silvery tones on the lower surfaces of the leaves, the branchlets, and the yellowish fruits, which follow the fragrant June blossoms. Several improved forms are available.
- E. multi-flans (Inngipes), the cherry elaeagmes, not as tall and having brownish scales along the stems, produce scarlet, edible fruits. The characteristic silvery film covers foliage and stems. (6’ feet).
Several Kinds Of Holly
Ilex Verticillata
Ilex verticillata, the winterberry, is familiar to those who enjoy native plants. A clean-cut, shapely shrub is greatly prized for the showy red fruits so often used for Christmas decorations.
In the garden, these plump berries are favorites with our winter birds. (10’ feet). A native, evergreen form, I. glabra, the inkberry, has attractive glossy Foliate and black fruits. (8’ feet).
Ilex opaca
Since mature specimens of Ilex opaca, the American holly may reach a height of 50’ feet or more, and it is usually classified as a tree.
However, growth is slow, and most gardeners think of the American holly as a large-scale shrub valued for its pyramidal form, spiny evergreen foliage, and showy fruits. Both male and female plants are needed in the garden to provide fruit.
Myrica Pensylvanica
Myrica pensylvanica (caroliniensis), the bayberry, found in poor soil along our eastern seaboard, gets well in seaside gardens where it’s persistent, almost evergreen foliage and grayish fruits, which hug the branchlets, provide interest in winter.
In addition, nursery-grown plants are more accessible to establish than those collected from the wild. (9’ feet).
Myrica Gale
Myrica gale, the sweet gale, or sweet fern, was known to every schoolboy a half-century ago.
Its finely-cut leaves were eagerly sought when dry to make a somewhat aromatic cigarette. It grows best in heavier soil than the bayberry. (5’ feet).
Prunus Maritima
Prunus maritima, the beach plum, is a rangy shrub, often difficult to establish because of its meager roots.
Gardeners have been selecting approved forms (luring the past few years because of its attractive white blooms in early spring and edible fruits, which make an oddly delicious conserve.
Rhus Copallina
Rhus copallina, the shining sumac, and several kindred species are used where large, coarse screen planting may be needed. However, they are hard to be considered for the small place because of their open and straggly growth. (20’ feet).
Roses For The Seaside
Rosa Rugosa
Rosa rugosa, the rugosa rose, can usually be found along the seacoast as a garden “escape.” It has few rivals for the vigor of growth, handsome leathery foliage, and free flowering and fruiting habit. White, pink, yellow, and red-flowering varieties are listed in most catalogs.
Other shrub roses worth considering are R. blanda, R. caroling, and R. nitida. These have pink flowers in June and thrive easily.
Salix Purpurea
Salix purpurea, the purple osier, and its several improved forms, including the dwarf S. purpurea none, blend well with our native seaside plants and give a needed touch of twig color.
In addition, collectors of native plants sometimes offer other low-growing species which are worth growing.
Tamarix Pentandra
Tamarix pentandra (amurensis), a summer-flowering species of Tamarix, with its feathery foliage and large panicles of bright pink flowers, is a welcome shrub for late summer. (15’ feet).
Vaccinium Corymbosum
Vaccinium corymbosum, the highbush blueberry, is one of our most desirable shrubs in both standard and improved forms. In addition to its delicious fruit, it is notable for its glowing autumn color. (15’ feet).
Useful Trees
Pinus Thunbergii
Pinus thunbergii, the Japanese black pine, has a record for vigor and hardihood. It has withstood several severe Cape Cod hurricanes without damage in areas where the salt water ran off quickly.
A picturesque evergreen of irregular habit, it is easily identified by the silver tips of the new buds. Nurserymen report that it seldom does well very far inland.
Picea Glauca
Picea glauca, the white spruce, is a familiar tree along the Maine coastline, where it often grows close to the water’s edge. Sometimes called the cat spruce, it is known for its rapid growth.
Juniperus virginiana
Juniperus virginiana, the red cedar of the spire, can be depended upon to do well even in poor, sandy soils like a habit. The silver-colored form has a pleasing grayish appearance.
Nyssa sylvatica
Nyssa sylvatica, the tupelo, has a somewhat twisted, natural form and irregular, arching branches. Its narrow leaves with varnished surfaces that color so brilliantly in autumn are the delight of flower arrangers.
Gleditsia Triacanthos
Gleditsia triacanthos, the honey locust, thrives on barren soil. It is a fast-growing tree with much-divided foliage and pea-like white flowers that are delightfully fragrant.
Acer Rubrum
Acer rubrum, the red maple, a characteristic New England tree nearly round in form, is frequently planted for its rich fall color.
41412 by John R. Smedley