Swamp Rose Mallow, one of our native Hibiscus, can be found in marshes, wetlands, and near ponds and rivers.  Its large white or pink flowers open consistently between 9am-11am.  Its seeds are a source of food for many birds and its flowers attract hummingbirds and insects.  28 species of butterflies and moths utilize this plant as a host.

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.

Black chokeberry is an adaptable shrub native with hardiness and wide tolerance to a variety of soil conditions, but prefers wet soils.  The bitter fruit is a food source for birds and other wildlife, and used to make jams, jellies, syrup, tea, juice and wines.  In autumn, leaves change to vibrant reds, oranges and purples.

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.

An attractive, low maintenance shrub for wet, salty areas. A bushy-branched shrub, with narrowly lance-shaped leaves. Can be pruned and shaped regularly.

Yarrow is an easy to grow garden plant.  It can be used in fresh or dried arrangements and has a pleasing fragrance. Yarrow was formerly used for medicinal purposes: to break a fever by increasing perspiration, to treat hemorrhaging and as a poultice for rashes. A tea used by Native Americans to cure stomach disorders was made by steeping the leaves.

Adapted to coastal environments including dunes and edges of salt marshes, it can tolerate dry conditions and salt spray.  The flowers are an important energy source for monarch butterflies in their fall migration.

A highly ornamental bunchgrass with fine-textured foliage that forms dense mounds with slender blue-green stems. It becomes striking mahogany-red in the fall with white, shining seed tufts. Drought tolerant, it performs best in full sun.  Also, is a host plant to several butterfly species (skippers) including the common wood nymph.