Why swap it
Lilac gives two fragrant weeks and then reads as a plain green shrub. These native spring-flowering shrubs bloom just as showily and carry pollinators, berries, and fall colour through the rest of the year.
Native plants to grow instead
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1ChokecherryPrunus virginiana
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlifeIts flute-like song is fading from our woods. Native shrubs raise the caterpillars it needs to feed its chicks.
Brings back: Wood Thrush, Eastern Whip-poor-will
2NannyberryViburnum lentago
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlifeA bright yellow warbler in decline. Native shrubs raise the caterpillars it feeds to its young.
Brings back: Wood Thrush, Canada Warbler
3Grey DogwoodCornus racemosa
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlifeIts flute-like song is fading from our woods. Native shrubs raise the caterpillars it needs to feed its chicks.
Brings back: Wood Thrush
4New Jersey TeaCeanothus americanus
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlifeThis endangered butterfly can only raise its young on New Jersey Tea. Plant the shrub, save the butterfly.
Brings back: Mottled Duskywing
5Common ElderberrySambucus canadensis
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlifeIts flute-like song is fading from our woods. Native shrubs raise the caterpillars it needs to feed its chicks.
Brings back: Wood Thrush, Canada Warbler
6Northern SpicebushLindera benzoin
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlifeIts caterpillars can grow up on almost nothing but spicebush. Plant the shrub and you'll likely meet them.
Brings back: Canada Warbler, Spicebush Swallowtail
7Allegheny BlackberryRubus allegheniensis
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
A larval host plant. The caterpillars it raises are the primary food source for baby songbirds.
8Alternate-Leaved DogwoodCornus alternifolia
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
A larval host plant. The caterpillars it raises are the primary food source for baby songbirds.
Showing the 8 strongest of 64 native plants that fill the same role. Browse the full native library →
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