I’m in southeast Michigan, hardiness zone 6b, and I’d like to add a small or mid size evergreen to my yard for some winter interest, any suggestions?
I also have a large yew I’d like to replace with something comparable to maintain a little porch privacy, I’m thinking either a smoke bush or witch hazel, any others I should consider?
Picea mariana (Black Spruce) might fit the bill for the new tree. Native Plant Trust lists it as a “pollinator powerhouse plant” among other wildlife benefits.
As for shrubs, Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) has yellow early spring blooms and is a host plant for a number of species - not least of which is the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly. It’s not going to provide you any privacy but my favorite plant, Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea) is also native to the region. Michigan State’s extension office has three lists of native plants depending on your specific region of MI with consideration given to the different soil types throughout the state.
Thanks for your thoughts! My urban yard is unfortunately too small for a black spruce, I should have mentioned that in my original post. But the spicebush and New Jersey Tea will look great in my garden when I find a local source.
Laurels (Kalmia genus) are evergreens with cool flowers. However, they’re highly poisonous if eaten so not good around curious kids or animals.
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=KAAN
Witch Hazel can take a few years to bloom and the leaves can look raggedy with all the insect action. But I did see a witch hat gall this summer which was really neat!
Spicebush could be an option. Black chokeberry too, it has awesome fall color.
Thanks for the ideas! I didn’t know that about witch hazel, I really like the yellow flowers but have never been close to one. That’s moving sspicebush to the top of the list. Laurels are intriguing - no kids, and the only animals are wild, so should be safe?
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