Spicebush has a rich, spicy aroma alongside clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in spring. It grows between 6-12 feet tall and thrives in moist, acidic soil and partial shade. Its brilliant red fruit attracts several species of birds and it is the primary host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly. In autumn, its leaves will transition to a stunning yellow that liven up any landscape.

New Jersey tea is a small, low, bushy, deciduous shrub 1-2 feet tall; the large root is red inside and is covered with brownish or reddish bark. The round, slender, reddish stems bear alternate, ovate or oblong-ovate, finely serrate leaves which are dull green on top, 2 inches long with 3 prominent parallel veins, and finely hairy beneath. Small, white, showy flowers grow in dense, long-stalked, cylindrical, clusters from the axils which form large panicles at the ends of the branches from June to August.

Black Haw is a sturdy, shapely shrub or small tree that typically grows to a height of 12 to 15 feet or more. This deciduous shrub with a spreading trunk bears white flower clusters in mid-May followed by blue-black berries in the fall that are important for birds and mammals and can be made into preserves.

Oaks are the backbone of eastern forests and a myriad of wildlife rely on this majestic tree genus for food and shelter. White oaks grow 75 to 100 feet tall, have a wide crown and horizontal branches. Acorns and burgundy foliage provide fall interest. This large shade tree prefers slightly acidic, moist to dry soils, and will grow in sunny or partly shaded locations.

The attributes are many for this easy to grow, medium-sized shade tree. It grows 50 to 80 feet tall and handles full sun to part shade, wet clay soils, and occasional droughts. Spring blooms are a nectar source for bees. The dark blue edible fruit forms in autumn and is a great late-season food source for mammals and birds. The glossy green leaves turn a stunning scarlet in the fall.

This long-lived oak is characteristic of dry-to-moist upland Oak-Heath Forest communities and steep, north-facing slopes. It is known for its deeply furrowed bark and broad, shallowly lobed leaves, which turn golden yellow in fall. It typically grows to 80-100 feet in height. Its large acorns are an important food source for many birds and mammals.

Flowering dogwood is Virginia’s state tree and flower! Growing from 20 to 40 feet tall, this deciduous understory tree can be planted among other trees or as a specimen tree to showcase its graceful form. Showy, long-lasting white blossoms adorn the tree in spring and mature into brilliant red fruit. Fruit is valued by wildlife for its high fat and calcium content. Grows in dry to moist soil and does best in part shade.

This deep-rooted shade tree is best known for its stunning scarlet color in the fall. This tree, native to the upland areas of Alexandria, prefers slightly moist to dry soil and typically grows 75 feet tall, occasionally reaching heights of 120 feet. Scarlet Oak requires full sun as it is relatively shade intolerant.

The southern red oak is a large, long-lived, drought tolerant oak that is characteristic of the southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont. This beautiful tree, native to the south-and-west-facing upland areas of Alexandria, prefers slightly moist to dry soil, including heavy clay soils, and typically grows 100 feet tall or more, occasionally reaching heights of 120 feet.

5-6 ft. tall in 5 gallon container. The attributes are many for this easy to grow, medium-sized shade tree. It grows 50 to 80 feet tall and handles full sun to part shade, wet clay soils, and occasional droughts. Spring blooms are a nectar source for bees. The dark blue edible fruit forms in autumn and is a great late-season food source for mammals and birds. Glossy green leaves turning a stunning scarlet in fall.