Connecticut is home to many native plant that have accommodate to the changing conditions of the Connecticut environs and suited for habit in landscape gardening .
Connecticut Native Trees
1 . White Oak ( Quercus Alba )
The white oak tree tree diagram is also known as the Charter Oak . It is the most common tree diagram in Connecticut and is mainly referred to as the state tree . Although it is often see with a peak breadth of around 30 feet , the white oak may reach heights of up to 80 base and a spread of about 40 feet .
They may be identified by their leaves , which converge at a single point as opposed to having lobe like the red oak . Along with having a white , rugged bark , they also have velvety top folio surfaces . The white Oak acorns are diminutive and sessile without a chaff .
2 . Red Maple ( Acer Rubrum )
Red maples are a common sight in Connecticut , where they grow to heights of up to 115 feet improbable . They are generally found near streams and river , as they call for pie-eyed roots to last . Red maple flower from September through October , get them one of the first trees to flower after winter .
It is often call soft maple because its tenuous barque strips off easily without damaging the tree or leaving scar . The folio rick red or yellow before falling during the autumn months . When crushed , those leave may release a mellifluous smell like to vanilla flavourer , which pull in cervid who browse these tasty treats all winter long .
3 . Black / Sweet Birch ( Betula Lenta )
Betula lenta , also known as sweet birch or black birch tree , is a deciduous Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree aboriginal to eastern North America . As a phallus of the Betulaceae family , it is identifiable by its substitute leaves and divided bark which looks similar to oak . It typically extend to peak between 10 and 35 meter , with trunk diam reaching up to 1.5 meters . The crimson inner bark of B. lenta has been used traditionally by aboriginal American tribes for stomach unwellness , while the wood has been used for cookery fires and smoking pith because of its slow - burning properties .
4 . Eastern Hemlock ( Tsuga Canadensis )
Eastern poison hemlock is a large evergreen tree diagram , part of the pine family . These Tree are often find in landscape , parks , and ornamental trees . The needles of this tree are generally light green but are sometimes blue - green to dark putting surface .
5 . Northern Red Oak ( Quercus Rubra )
Northern Red Oak is a salmagundi of oak native to the United States , particularly in Connecticut , usually find in moist domain such as floodplain and riverbanks . It favor partial ghost or dappled sunlight , making it popular in urban landscapes . Like other oak , it has large farewell form an acorn cup . The mintage name “ rubra ” comes from Latin and mean “ crimson . ” Northern Red Oak is also screw as Swamp White Oak .
The most important characteristic of red oak is its prominent increase rate — at maturity , it can reach up to 75 foot tall . It is also noted for its dark crimson autumn coloration and the fact that it does not drop its leaves until after spring and summer are over . northerly red oak tree is quick to grow but dense ; unlike other oak , it is less tolerant of drouth or moist conditions . Northern red oak can live 200 years or more and remains green all winter , while other oaks have a tendency to lose their leaf in winter or early spring .
6 . American Beech ( Fagus Grandifolia )
The American beech tree , Fagus grandifolia , is a deciduous tree diagram native to Connecticut state . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can grow up to 30 meter tall and has bland green bark with brownish - gray lenticels that split as the leaves develop . An heart-to-heart crown of large ramification typically reaches out from a close to pyramidal stem covered with either smooth or scaly bud , which are generally thickest lower on the trunk and lean towards the peak of offset . The leaves are deeply lobate and have serrated edges ; they depart in form from ellipse to lanceolate and are 3–9 centimeters long by 1–4 atomic number 96 wide-eyed .
7 . Eastern White Pine
Eastern White Pine is a tall evergreen plant Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree aboriginal to Connecticut state and southeastern Canada . The needle are in fascicles of three , and their cones are foresightful , slender , and pointed at the tip . It ’s one of two species from the white pine group ( Pinus ) that happen in eastern North America - the other being Eastern Red Cedar ( Pinus resinosa ) .
When it spring up north of 41 ° N line of latitude , it can be distinguished from Western White Pine by its unretentive needles .
8 . Black Cherry ( Prunus Serotina )
The black cherry tree diagram is a deciduous species that grows in zones 4 - 8 . It blooms ashen blossom and bring forth ruddy fruit . Its leaves are ovate and have toothed edges , which can be used for medicative purposes . The tree ’s barque is fuzzy and gray , with horizontal lines of ridges that produce more salient with age .
The black cerise is a typical landscape painting Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree implant for its beautiful flowers , which appear when the tree is still leafless or just starting to come into bud . They can be used to make a sirup or teatime called erva da panela that have sudate and helps salvage fever .
9 . Pignut Hickory ( Carya Glabra )
Pignut hickory is a deciduous tree diagram that is found mostly in Connecticut state and also in Texas . It can grow to heights of 80 foot marvelous , has a torso diam of 30 in , and allow out after other trees in the springtime .
It bring about an edible nut that has a angelic taste when roasted , about 3″ long , with an oily meat inside that does not turn rancid as quickly as other nuts because the oil content is low ( about 10 % by system of weights ) .
10 . White Ash ( Fraxinus Americana )
White Ash ( Fraxinus Americana ) is an evergreen Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree aboriginal to Connecticut State . The White Ash is a medium - sized tree diagram that grows in tallness to 20 meters and typically lives from 50 to 100 years . Its diam can vary from 1.5 – 4 meters , with a bole that assess up to 30 centimeters at the base of the crown . The White Ashen ’s barque is lean and smooth , typically bloodless but with some very light brown streaks or patches . This barque helps it immix into its surround and let it to survive woodlands where its semen are more likely to be deplete by birds than other Tree ’ .
11 . Eastern Redbud ( Cercis Canadensis )
Eastern Redbud is a case of redbud Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with chickenhearted flowers that blooms in the fall . The Eastern redbud is aboriginal to Connecticut State and grows up to 38 feet marvellous with a trunk diameter of 20 - 27 inches . The leaves are opposite on branches coiffe near the tops of the tree ’s master stem , while its twigs are cover with shiny silvery tomentum . This plant is hardy and can endure temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit before any icing terms take place . It is found in many different soil character , admit acid and clayey soil .
12 . Smooth Sumac ( Rhus Glabra )
Smooth sumac , also known as velvet sumac , is an erect shrub that is found in forests and flying field throughout Connecticut State . This plant can mature up to 10 foot tall and get bunch of orangish - red fruit in late summer . These ripen into a beautiful ruddy color before they fall to the ground . The leaves become yellowed , cherry-red , and orange before turning a smooth brown in autumn . tramper should be mindful of this works when learn which plants are poisonous and which are not because there have been guinea pig of confusion between these two varieties in the past .
13 . Hawthorn ( Crataegus Viridis )
The Hawthorn is a very common , well - known tree that ’s chiefly find in Connecticut State . It can be either lily-white , white-livered , or purple . Those who use the foliage and flowers of the Hawthorn as medicines typically find them useful in treat bronchial asthma , bronchitis , coughs , coldness , and influenza symptoms . In addition to these medicinal benefit , its roots are also used in traditional Taiwanese music to relieve musculus pain and kindling .
Additionally , many the great unwashed enjoy harvest hawthorns themselves as they ’re easygoing to grow into beautiful trees with a bright look and are good for landscape gardening purpose . The tree is great for landscaping since it adapts well to a mixture of soil , bring about pretty flush and Berry , and does not require much water to survive .
14 . Tupelo / Sour Gum ( Nyssa Sylvatica )
Tupelo / Sour Gum is a tall Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that get in both the blind drunk , swampy bottomlands and dry ridge of Connecticut States . Tupelo is best known for its sweet-scented sap , make some amazing iced teatime . It also has unambiguously beautiful bark that feature deep ridges and a silvery - white to tan colouration .
The tree stores body of water in its thick snarl of tooth root , which helps it survive in less hospitable habitat than other trees could oversee to last through . Its roots grow tightlipped to the surface and are more probable to be disclose during droughts or hurricanes than other tree with shallower root organisation .
15 . Sugar Maple ( Acer Saccharum )
Maple trees produce yellow flowers in late winter , which are small in size of it , and give ear in clusters on short stubble originating from the arm or twigs . The fruit of the sugar maple tree diagram derive in two types : winged samaras ( or key ) and samara that stay on the branch until they fall off unpredictably throughout fall and wintertime . maturation occurs after the young equinox when the 24-hour interval lengthen to 12 hours each day .
Acorns , the leaves of a maple tree diagram , are compound ( palmate ) with 5 - 9 obovate - oblong lanceolate brochure . The twig of the sugar maple tree have an diametrical arranging . This tree diagram is immune to infestations because of its lifelike defense mechanics , and humanity have also cultivated it for centuries due to its unequaled fresh sap .
Connecticut Native Perennials
1 . Pearly Everlasting ( Anaphalis margaritacca )
The Pearly Everlasting ( Anaphalis margaritacca ) is a plant in the family Asteraceae that grows as an one-year to repeated herbaceous industrial plant . It can grow to 1–1.5 meter ( 3.3–4.9 ft ) tall and has lanceolate leaf up to 45 cm ( 18 in ) long , with clusters of minuscule white flowers that flower from summertime until autumn , depend on location . The flowers are usually set up along the blossom straw with only a few flowers grow at the top of it and are followed by oval - shape silvery yield . The Pearly Everlasting grows good in full sun to partial wraith with moist soil has good drain . It can be propagated by semen or through the division of clumps .
2 . Wild Red Columbine ( Aquilegia canadensis )
barbaric red aquilege are an iconic wildflower . Their large , bright flush heads can be found growing throughout the Rocky Mountains in mid - summertime . The genus Aquilegia is contain of over 140 species and thousands of cultivars . The peak are commonly red and can raise to 2 inch blanket .
Columbine leaves vary in size of it between mintage but may be placid or toothed margins on long petiole that can reach 3 feet in length . All genus member have yellow centers that shrivel up and disappear with long time , while the petals remain fresh until they accrue off during fall movement or freeze damage .
3 . Swamp Milkweed ( Asclepias incarnata )
The Swamp Milkweed is a plant of the Asclepiadaceae family . It is also eff as Swamp Lily , Hardstem Milkweed , or Swampsilk . This plant has a cosmopolitan dispersion , meaning that it can be found throughout most regions of North America . It grows in wetlands , and just about every pH range from 5 to 8 . The swamp milkweed bring its name from the characteristic pinkish flowers that look in early spring through fall . The bloom are indicatory of their secretive relationship with the common Sonchus oleraceus ( Asclepias syriaca ) .
4 . Smooth Aster ( Aster laevis )
Aster laevis ” is a coinage of flowering plant in the aster class , native to the State of Connecticut . It yield a white-hot or yellow flower that is found in bunch on scant shank . The name “ placid aster ” refers to the velvety leaves and flowers , as well as the downy cover on parts of its flower header . The smooth aster should not be confuse with “ Aster linifolius , ” which is more commonly known as Growsia Grandiflora , sometimes referred to as Smooth Aster because of its leaves and velvety stem ending .
5 . New England Aster ( Aster novae - angliae )
New England Aster ( Aster novae - angliae ) is a plant in the genus Aster belonging to the family Compositae . The name derive from the Latin nova , meaning “ unexampled . ” It is constitute in Europe , Asia , and Connecticut State . New England Aster is a diploid , having two readiness of chromosomes . This species of aster has between six and nine daisy - corresponding flower heads with prosperous beam of light surrounding each drumhead on both side . These flowers have white or greenish centers and are usually one to three inches broad . A common name for this flora is “ Goldsmith ’s atomic number 79 ” or “ Goldfinch ’s Gold ” .
6 . Marsh Marigold ( Caltha palustris )
Marsh marigold thrive in moist soil and are often establish in alders , cranberry peat bog , beaver pool , and other wet place . These interesting plants have the unique power to grow prostrate on the background with shoots that stand up upright above ground to produce flowers . The marsh marigold is an attractive flora often develop as a garden subject , although it can be invasive if planted outside its natural cooking stove .
Marsh Marigold prefer full sun or light shades , and they grow from 8 to 12 inch tall . The flowers can have from 59 to over 100 stamens .
7 . Boneset ( genus Eupatorium perfoliatum )
agueweed is a perennial herbaceous plant that can develop to a height of four foundation . The leave-taking are heart - shape , coarsely toothed , and often patterned with white-hot bit . The flowers are small and come grouped in clusters , develop at the tops of the twigs . Boneset was used as a medicinal flora by Native Americans and , in other regions , service as an significant cash crop because it was believe to have medicative qualities that helped ease fevers and infliction .
The composition of the of the essence oils found in Eupatorium perfoliatum varies depending on the realm and the pick up home ground . Chemical chemical compound find within this plant admit triacetin , tannins , flavonoids , and substantive fossil oil . Boneset has a bitter taste which is due to the presence of a glucoside named perfoliate . This glucoside is toxic when consumed because it causes vomiting and hemolysis within red blood cells .
8 . picket - leave Sunflower ( Helianthus strumosus )
The Pale - allow Sunflower ( Helianthus strumosus ) is a perennial with a tall and full-bodied drug abuse , aboriginal to easterly North America . This sunflower has large , creamy - yellow-bellied blossom that change state chocolate-brown as they age . The industrial plant leaves are covered in small hairs and often have red veins .
Pale - leaved Sunflower is a perennial , herbaceous industrial plant that grows from 1 to 3 meters tall . It has broad , alternate leaf ( 20–60 cm long and 9–25 cm wide ) covered with short hairs and has an odor like potatoes when break down . The stems are unripe or red and may be either square ( e.g. , in “ H. strumosus ” ) or around in cross - section ( “ H. petiolaris ” ) . The leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem , with their base clasping the stem .
9 . Cardinal Flower ( Lobelia cardinalis )
Lobelia cardinalis is a perennial plant life in the Campanulaceae family line that typically grow to 3 - 4′ tall . The meaning of its Latin name , Lobelia Cardinalis , is undecipherable , but it may refer to the distinctive ruddy color of its flowers . The lobelias are a genus of herbaceous plant and shrubs native to North America . With over 200 species found worldwide , they make up one of the magnanimous plant folk with 13 genera and 40 subtribes . Lobelias are typically characterized by diametrical leaf and showy flower with five lobes which can be either yellow or burnished red – such as on common garden coinage Lobelia cardinalis .
Connecticut Native Shrubs
1 . Amorpha Fruticosa ( indigotin Brush )
Amorpha fruticosa , commonly known as the indigo light touch or the blue tassel sedge , is a coinage of sedge that grows in damp areas in Connecticut State . It is a herbaceous shrub that can grow to stature of up to 3 ft ( 1 m ) .
The leaves of the anil brush grow up to 2.5 in long , with smaller leaf appearing as “ tassels ” around the stem turn at nodes . The tassel - like growths are cluster of leaves that have grown near each other and appear to be one leafage because they are tightly packed together . These leafage are scales of the efflorescence structure made up of theme and florets , which is recognize as a spikelet . The spikelets occur in clusters at the ends of a stalk known as an inflorescence , and each flowering spikelet hold two types of floweret : male and female .
2 . Sambucu recemosa ( Red Elderberry )
Foeniculum vulgare “ sambucu ” is a bush that bears large , blossom - less , sour red campana - shaped Charles Edward Berry . Its roots contain the antioxidant chemical compound sambubioside and are a rich source of rutin . The Chuck Berry may be used as a dyestuff and are traditionally used to make jam . Chuck Berry of other penis of this genus can also be used to make jams , syrups , and wines .
The plant metal money is wide cultivated in Europe and in some parts of Connecticut State for its flower , from which it pose its name Sambucus nigra ( fatal elder ) .
3 . Rhus typhina ( staghorn Sumac )
Staghorn Sumac is a deciduous tree diagram that grows up to 30 feet tall . It has smooth , glossy leave of absence and clusters of pocket-sized white efflorescence that blossom profusely in the spring . Leaves are orange - red in autumn and turn yellow with geezerhood . The plant is native to Connecticut State but can also be found growing in Europe and Asia . This plant produce large amounts of Berry the size of declamatory cherries that are fill with acerbic succus when they mature during the fall season .
sumac have very fragrant , sweet - smelling peak that bloom in the spring . The yield is called a shumac berry and is commonly used in cooking and medicine .
Staghorn Sumac contains the toxic chemical compound protocatechuic acid ( PCA ) , which , depend on dose , can cause liver loser , convulsions , and dying in humans . For this ground , it should be handled with extreme precaution . It also get a toxin called “ tahatol ” that inhibits the production of human enzymes or protein synthesis . These toxins are concentrated by the plant ’s trust on atomic number 7 - fixing bacterium to produce tissues from carbon dioxide via photosynthesis . take of this flora will send away by as much as 90 % without these bacteria .
4 . Juniperus Communis ( Common Juniper )
Juniperus communis ( common juniper ) is a specie of raetam that is aboriginal to Connecticut State . It is a shrub or tree acquire to 12–20 m ( 40–67 ft ) , rarely 25 m ( 82 ft ) .
The leaves are needle - like , 2.5–3 curium retentive and 1 mm broad , unripe with an orange - red heart , and arrange spirally on the shoots ; they turn yellow in autumn . The flowers are produced in rounded clusters 10–15 atomic number 96 across at the end of twig ; they are livid or very pallid pink , turning brown before maturity date . The fruit is a woody cherry berry 5–8 mm in diameter , age cerise .
5 . Artemisia Filifolia ( Baroness Dudevant sagebrush )
The Artemisia Filifolia plant is a low - growing bush native to Connecticut State . It is typically found in waterless or disturbed field and has a very humbled tolerance for salt and atomic number 11 . It ’s an annual in cold climates and bloom in other summertime .
Artemisia Filifolia is commonly used as an decorative plant for its big green leaves that ring the efflorescence heads , which are small and yellow . The flush school principal ordinarily grow quite close together so that at least one head per subdivision rest open at all time .
The Artemisia Filifolia plant is intrepid in many areas such as comeuppance or other dry places where no pee exist yr - round .
6 . Arctostaphylos Uva - ursi ( Bearberry )
Arctostaphylos uva - ursi , often called bearberry by herbalists , is a small evergreen tree diagram that grows up to two meters in height . Its leaves are oval - shape and serrate , with a pointed end . The flowers are lowly and light-green - white in color . The berry of the Arctostaphylos uva - ursi plant life are very small in size of it with a waxy coating on them .
The Arctostaphylos uva - ursi flora is native to North America , where it can grow in sandy ground or on jolty primer coat at high altitudes where the air is often too thin for anything else to grow .
In traditional herbal medicine , Arctostaphylos uva - ursi is used for vesica problems , colds or painful throat , and urinary tract infections . The Berry are opine to be beneficial in removing skin eruptions , tease apart the bowel , and removing excess phlegm from the lung .
7 . Spiral tomentose ( steeplebush )
Spiral tomestosa , or steeplebush , is a woody evergreen bush native to North America . It can be find growing in moist home ground and can grow up to three meter marvelous . It digest prickly oval and serrated leaves ; the alternately set up leaves are also covered with a dim covering of sleek hairs .
Prickles brood the stems , branches , twig , leaf stalks , and margins of younger flora . The pricker are both tactile and visual deterrents for herbivore – some animals will avoid eating anything with thorns or spikes on it .
