Poinsettias and Christmas cactus are lovely seasonal decorations that many homes wouldn’t be without at this time of year. But how about ‘growing your own’ holiday decor? Native plants can bring a festive vibe to your home while providing ecosystem benefits at the same time. The bright red berries of winterberry (Ilex verticillata) and vibrant stems of red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) make great decorations, enhance your garden, and support wildlife at the same time. (Winterberry is a great alternative to other hollies, which prefer more acidic soil than is typically found in our area.) At least eight species of wild grape (Vitis spp) are native to PA, and their sturdy and plentiful vines offer structural support for wreaths and other creations. And of course, evergreens like Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) and Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) are easy, relatively fast-growing native trees that provide plenty of fragrant greenery indoors, and act as host plants for pollinators such as the Eastern pine elfin and juniper hairstreak.
So when decking your halls this season, consider going native!
