Burdens Creek

The Wax Myrtle is a broadleaf evergreen shrub from the bayberry family. It can reach heights of 25 feet and widths of 10 feet, making it suitable for screen planting or creek bank stabilization. Identifiable by the yellowish undersides of its leaves due to resin glands, this plant initially requires consistent moisture but adapts to average or medium-wet soils in full sun or partial shade once established. The Wax Myrtle provides food for local wildlife through its leaves and berries.

The Red Twig Dogwood is a large, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub known for its seasonal color changes. It displays reddish-purple leaves in fall, red stems in winter, white flower clusters in spring, and white berries in summer. Growing 6-9 feet in both height and width, it thrives in rich, moist soil but tolerates various conditions. For optimal color vibrancy, spring pruning is recommended. Bland Landscaping maintains these plants to ensure their health and appearance.

The Eastern Redbud, a deciduous tree from the Fabaceae family, is characterized by its heart-shaped leaves. It can grow to 30 feet tall and 35 feet wide. This tree requires a permanent location with regular maintenance, including watering, fertilizing, and pruning. While adaptable to different pH levels, it is sensitive to heat, drought, and root disturbance. Post-pollination, the tree produces leguminous pods with seeds that serve as a food source for birds.

The Purple Coneflower is a herbaceous perennial from the Asteraceae family, growing up to 4 feet tall. It is easily identified by its purple flowers with brown, coned centers. This adaptable plant prefers well-drained soils but can thrive in various conditions. It is drought-tolerant and suitable for full sun to partial shade environments. Historically, Native American communities utilized this plant for medicinal purposes.

Arnold’s Promise Witch Hazel is a hybrid shrub that can reach 12 feet in height. It features upright, vase-shaped branches and produces yellow, orange, and red blooms in late winter. This slow-growing plant prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soil with acidic to neutral pH. It requires ample space for optimal growth and development.

The Copper Iris, an evergreen member of the Iridaceae family, stands out with its brick-red, widely spreading petals and slender stalks. Growing up to 3 feet tall, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist or wet, acidic soil. This adaptable plant can withstand heat and winter conditions if not exposed to extremes. Its nectar attracts hummingbirds and bees, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. For optimal growth, plant the Copper Iris in an environment that closely matches its preferred conditions.

The Sweetbay Magnolia is a native, deciduous to semi-evergreen tree growing between 10-35 feet in height and width. It is characterized by glossy green/brown leaves and white cup-shaped flowers. This species thrives in consistently wet, acidic, and organically rich soils, demonstrating particular tolerance for swampy areas. Historically, it was known as the “Beaver Tree” due to its roots being used as bait by early colonists.

The Blue Star is a slow-growing herbaceous perennial, reaching 3 feet in height and width. It produces blue star-like flowers in spring and features bright yellow foliage in fall. This plant prefers medium well-drained soils and performs best with moderate care, as excessive shade or soil richness can lead to lax growth. Note that the white sap produced by this plant may cause skin irritation, so handling should be minimized.

The Eastern Redcedar is an evergreen tree growing up to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide. It features gray to red bark and foliage that transitions from sage to blue-green in summer, and bronze to yellow in winter. While it prefers moist, well-drained conditions in full sun, this adaptable species can thrive in a wide range of environments, from swamps to areas with poor soil conditions.

The Greenfeather Pond Cypress, a smaller variety of the Bald Cypress, can reach 35 feet in height after 20 years. It is identifiable by its fruit with thick, irregular scales and overlapping scale-like leaves. This low-maintenance tree thrives in moist, acidic, and sandy soils with full sun exposure. It demonstrates adaptability to various soil moisture levels, from medium to wet or well-drained conditions.

Cherokee Sedge is a native plant often used for edging walkways or streams. It features arching grass-like leaves and drooping seed clusters, growing up to 2 feet tall. This slow-growing plant prefers partial sun to shady areas with moist to wet soil. For maintenance, a light trim in late winter or early spring is recommended, rather than cutting to ground level.

The Dawn Redwood is a large evergreen tree capable of reaching 100 feet in height. It is characterized by branches that droop with age and dropping pins resembling pinnate leaves. This species prefers moist, deep, well-drained, semi-acidic soils and can tolerate wet conditions, though it is sensitive to early freezes. Notably, this tree species was only discovered in remote China during a plant expedition in the 1940s.

Purple Lovegrass is an ornamental perennial grass known for its vibrant blooms in shades of pink, brown, purple, and burgundy. It typically grows in groups in meadows or native plant gardens, reaching a maximum height of 1.5 feet. This plant prefers open areas with full sun exposure for optimal blooming and becomes dormant during winter months. It can be maintained through regular mowing throughout the growing season.