Fall is a magical time in the garden with crisp air, migrating birds, and—of course—the fiery reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn foliage. Beautiful fall color is more than just eye candy; it’s a key design element that should be considered just as carefully as spring blooms or winter interest. But not all fall color is created equal, and some “pretty” plants can come at a high cost to our ecosystems.
Avoiding Invasive Species
The best way to avoid invasive species is to intentionally select native plant species. There are more than a few ecological damaging plants that may be tempting to purchase for fall interest, but beware; those attractive plants come at a cost to our ecosystem and our health. In fact, in the United States the costs are estimated at $21 billion in damages from invasive species annually.
Many of the species now considered invasive started out as ornamental plants in the landscape industry. Burning Bush or Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus) is one that isn’t particularly showy most of the year, but its fire-truck red foliage in fall has made it a landscape favorite on the east coast for the past 150 years.
Unfortunately, this plant has escaped gardens and taken over woodlands to the extent that it is now considered a noxious weed in Pennsylvania. Over the next few weeks, pay attention to the understory plants in many local woodlands; you are sure to see the iconic red color of Burning Bush clearly crowding out our native understory species.
Other invasive plants, such as Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis), have been valued for their interesting fall textures as well as their color. Maiden Grass develops feathery seed heads atop large mounds of tawny-brown foliage. Although Maiden Grass and other ornamental plants may pretty, their invasive habit should be reason enough to avoid them. Fortunately, there are many native plants that provide fall color and texture, as well as habitat for local wildlife.
Selecting Native Species
There are so many wonderful native plants that provide color and ecological benefits well into the fall. Whether you have sun or shade; wet soil or dry; acres or just a balcony, there are native species that can help you get into the fall spirit and help the local ecosystem.
A shrub to rival and outcompete any plant for vibrant fall foliage is our native Fothergilla (Fothergilla sp.). Available in both a dwarf variety and a tall variety, Fothergilla fits in just about any landscape. Early spring white “bottlebrush” flowers give way to attractive foliage in summer. By fall, Fothergilla seems to glow from the inside with foliage in shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a gorgeous native warm-season grass used in meadows and gardens alike. The cultivar ‘Standing Ovation’ is particularly attractive in the garden because its stems remain upright through the fall. Although the seed heads may be less showy than other ornamental grasses, the leaves of Little Blue stem change from their dusty blue summer color to rich shades of burgundy.
Some of us prefer to do a little extra primping to our homes to celebrate fall. In addition to Indian corn, gourds, and straw bales, native asters make a great addition to the garden and containers. Many asters are commonly available at local garden centers this time of year. A GreenWeaver favorite is ‘October Skies’ Aromatic Aster (Aster oblongifolius ‘October Skies’) which blooms later than most perennials, making it a favorite of pollinators looking for a late season treat. It has lavender-blue flowers that pops in any fall garden.
There is no shortage of vibrant colors and rich textures to use for a native fall landscape. Try some of the plants described above, or check out some of these additional favorites:
Trees:
- Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
- Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)
- Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
Shrubs:
- Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
- Smooth Witherrod (Viburnum nudum)
- Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia)
Vines:
- Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Grasses and Perennials:
- Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus)
- Goldenrod species (Solidago sp.)
- Bluestar (Amsonia sp.)
Fall Color That Benefits Our Ecosystems
Native shrubs, grasses, and perennials provide vibrant color, rich textures, and critical habitat for wildlife. With the right selections, your autumn garden can be both stunning and inviting for wildlife. So this fall, skip the invasives and celebrate the season with plants that truly belong in your landscape. Your garden—and your local ecosystem—will thank you.