Native Plants

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Tuesday - April 17, 2012

From: Falmouth, MA
Region: Northeast
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Shrubs/ Trees for Privacy Screening on Cape Cod
Answered by: Anne Ruggles

QUESTION:

Hi, I need a recommendation for a row of trees/shrubs that I can put on my boundary line to block my neighbor. It's in a wooded area that I could thin somewhat. I would need them to be fast growing and reach about 8 to 10 feet. I live on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Thanks, Cheryl

ANSWER:

A good place to start is Wildlfiower Center's web site. Go to the "Recommended Species" page and click on Massachusetts on the map. In the column to the right you can narrow the species shown to meet your requirements.

The Cape Cod Cooperative Extension is an excellent local resource. They have an extensive website with links to lists of native species that grow well under a variety of conditions. They are located at:

3195 Main Street
P.O. Box 367, Barnstable, MA 02630
508-375-6690
[email protected]

The Extension has published a very informative list of native tree and shrub species that do well in coastal environments. This list is very specific about where on the Cape each species is best suited.

The Barnstable County Municipal Shade Tree Nursery has published a list of shrubs and one of trees native to your area. These lists provide information about the form of each species and the conditions under which they grow.

You will find many of the species on these lists on the Wildflower web site in our "Plant Database". Once you have narrowed your search and have some species in mind. Click on the "Explore Plants" tab and in the drop-down menu, click on "Plant Database" to find information and photos of your selected species. Some species that might meet your requirements include:

American Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus)

Arrowwood (Virburnum dentatum)

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) Our web site doesn't have photos that show the entire plant but there are many photos of it at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website.

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Smooth Alder (Alnus serrulata)

Smooth Sumac ( Rhus aromatica)

On the Wldflower Center website you will also find a list of nurseries in your area that carry native plants.