Buttonbush is a shrub that is found on the edges of local ponds, swamps, and lakes.  Its unique 'button-like' flower structure lends to its namesake, and the subsequent 'nutlets' can persist through the winter.  An important source of food for ducks and other waterfowl in addition to being a good pollinator attracter.

This bushy, medium-sized milkweed is one of the hosts to the Monarch Butterfly.  Its bright orange flower clusters, ease of growing, and tolerances make it a great choice for home gardens.

Also known as Eastern False Willow, Groundsel bush is found in saltmarshes and along the coastal areas of Long Island.  Grows showy white flowers and many seed heads that attract pollinators and birds alike. It is the only member of the Aster family to reach tree size.  Great for salt tolerant and coastal landscaping.

The Common Milkweed is the plant that most people associate with the word “milkweed”.  It is one of the few host species for Monarch butterflies, but the flowers are very popular with many other kinds of insects.  It is an aggressive spreader both by seed and by underground growth, so best in larger garden areas.

One of our few native host plants for the Monarch butterfly.  Grows naturally in swamps and wet meadows but also grows well in the garden and grows well in poorly drained clay soil.  Has a pleasing scent when in bloom.

Beach pea is a low, prostrate plant which can spread by underground roots (rhizomes). An easily grown plant, it prefers full sun. As a member of the Pea Family, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen. Fruit is a smooth flat pod, 1½ to 3 inches long and nearly ½ inch wide. No serious insect or disease problems.

Glossy green, deciduous leaves have five deep lobes forming a distinctive star shape. In the fall leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. The fruit is a woody, burr-like fruit that is approximately 1" in diameter. Grows in a  straight, upright pyramidal shape. 

Is found growing in rocky/sandy soil and dry, open woods, gravel stream banks, thickets, prairies, bluffs, glades, roadsides, railroads. Tolerates droughts and floods. It naturalizes easily through self seeding but also propagates through rooting of its prostrate stems. The showy blooms grow on new wood, so cut back to the ground in the winter and it will come back next with vigor in the spring. 

Showy flowers and drought tolerance, make this a desirable plant. Numerous short stems with a mound of flowers. Colors range from deep lavender, pinks, whites and blue, with a yellow central disk. It prefers acid soils in mixed woods of hickory, pine, and oak, but can grow in open habitats. 

Also known as Clasping Aster, it is found in meadows and open woods. Works well in woodland borders or cottage gardens.  Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil. It prefers full sun, but does tolerate some shade.