Planting Palette: Mini Forest

Plants for each forest layer: Species were selected for hardiness and ornamental and wildlife value. Trees that produce large masts are avoided as to not create a hazard for people using canes and walkers. Trees planted near townhomes should be shorter species as to not interfere with rooftop solar (see Planting for Energy Efficiency P.18).

Canopy

Trees that reach over 30 feet tall and are the dominant plant species of the forest

Red Maple, Acer rubrum Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana Sweet Birch, Betula lenta White Pine, Pinus strobus Mountain Laurel, Kalmia latifolia

River Birch, betula nigra Black Cherry, Prunus serotina

Tamarack, Larix laricina American Ash, Fraxinus americanus Maple Leaf Viburnum, Viburnum acerifolium

Canopy

Trees that reach over 30 feet tall and are the dominant plant species of the forest

Rhododendron, Rhododendron spp.

Hophornbeam, Ostrya virginiana Silver Maple, Acer Saccharinum

Hobblebush, Viburnum lantanoides

Understory

Woody shrubs that grow between 5 and 20 feet beneath the forest canopy. Should tolerate partial and full shade.

Groundcover

Low growing species that can cover the forest floor. These species may not tolerate constant walking or mowing.