Shrubs of the Northeast

Types and Size

• Among the smaller shrubs that grow to szies under 6 feet tall with a large distribution throughout the Northeast are black chokeberry, buttonbush, creeping juniper and Canadian yew. Large shrubs capable of attaining heights in the 15- to 20-foot range -- such as different kinds of serviceberries, dogwoods, plums and viburnums -- grow across the Northeast.

Berries

• Some Northeast shrubs produce flowers during their growing season, a feature that enhances landscaping value. In certain instances, the flowers result in colorful fruits. One such shrub is the nannyberry viburnum, which blooms in May and yields berries that change colors before turning black-blue when finally ripe. Another is pagoda dogwood, a shrub that features red fruit stalks that remain even after the fruit drops off the twigs.

Uses

• Landscapers find several uses for shrubs in the Northeast. Shrubs serve as ground cover, barriers, hedges, screens and background plants. Some provide local wildlife with food and cover, while others colonize sites where other plants have a hard time growing or help to control and prevent erosion.