Plant database
76 species shortlisted for this property, with deer resistance, hardiness range, mature size, taste and disease ratings, bloom and harvest months, and Cincinnati-area sourcing notes. Filter and sort to build your own shortlist.
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76 of 76 species shown. Scroll sideways for the full table; the plant name stays pinned on the left.
| Common | Photo | Botanical | Type | Layer | Drought | Hardiness | Disease | Ornamental | Sweet | Complex | Bloom months | Harvest months | Lb / plant | Maintenance | Medicinal | Historical medicinal uses | Height | Spread | Deer | Sun | Water | Edible | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Cranberrybush Viburnum |
|
Viburnum trilobum | shrub | shrub | ✓ | 3-7 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 7 | May, Jun | Sep, Oct | 10 | low | 6 | Cramp bark used as a uterine and menstrual remedy by Native Americans and early settlers. | 8 ft | 8 ft | medium | FS, PS | M | yes | TreeYo ($19, XL $35) |
| American Hazelnut |
|
Corylus corellata 'Newell' | tree | canopy | 4-8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | Feb, Mar | Sep | 12 | low | 5 | Hazelnut oil used as a carrier and skin remedy; leaves used as a folk diaphoretic. | 12 ft | 12 ft | medium | FS, PS | M | yes | TreeYo ($15) | |
| American Hazelnut (multi-stem shrub form) |
|
Corylus americana 'Newell' | shrub | shrub | 4-8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | Feb, Mar | Sep | 10 | low | 5 | Leaf tea used as a folk remedy for colds; oil from the nut for skin salves. | 8 ft | 8 ft | medium | FS, PS | M | yes | TreeYo ($15) | |
| American Persimmon |
|
Diospyros virginiana | tree | canopy | ✓ | 4-9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | May, Jun | Sep, Oct | 25 | low | 5 | Bark and leaf teas used as astringents and for dysentery; fruit eaten fresh or dried. | 20 ft | 15 ft | medium | FS | L, M | yes | CPI 2026 spring list; TreeYo (Red Mulberry listing indicates local fruit tree availability) |
| American Plum (Chickasaw Plum) |
|
Prunus nigra | tree | canopy | ✓ | 3-8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6 | Apr | Jul, Aug | 20 | low | 4 | Native plum bark used as a remedy for sore mouths and as a worm expeller; fruit used for preserves. | 15 ft | 12 ft | low | FS | L, M | yes | TreeYo ($19) |
| Anise Hyssop |
|
Agastache canadensis | perennial | companion | ✓ | 4-9 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | — | 0 | low | 6 | Leaf tea used for colds and digestive upset; licorice-scented and mildly sweet. | 3 ft | 2 ft | high | FS, PS | L, M | yes | Companionplants.com; CPI 2026 spring list |
| Apple 'Enterprise' |
|
Malus domestica 'Enterprise' | tree | canopy | ✓ | 4-9 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 6 | Apr, May | Aug, Sep, Oct | 50 | medium | 4 | Modern Purdue release, grown for scab resistance and long storage life; widely used as a home-orchard pollinizer. | 18 ft | 16 ft | low | FS | M | yes | CPI 2026 spring list (Liberty / Enterprise / Golden Delicious) |
| Apple (Honeycrisp type) |
|
Malus domestica | tree | canopy | ✓ | 4-9 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 6 | Apr, May | Aug, Sep, Oct | 50 | medium | 4 | Apple pectin and cider vinegar used medicinally; 'a day's apple keeps the doctor away' in English folk practice. | 18 ft | 16 ft | low | FS | M | yes | Stark Bros; CPI 2026 spring list |
| Apple Serviceberry |
|
Amelanchier grandiflora | shrub | shrub | ✓ | 4-9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | Apr, May | Jun, Jul | 8 | low | 4 | Bark used as a poultice for wounds; berries used in preserves. | 20 ft | 15 ft | medium | FS, PS | L, M | yes | Stark Bros; local nurseries |
| Aronia 'Nero' (black chokeberry) |
|
Aronia melanocarpa 'Nero' | shrub | shrub | ✓ | 3-7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | May | Aug, Sep | 12 | low | 6 | Native American use of chokeberry for colds and fever; modern research on anthocyanins for blood sugar. | 8 ft | 6 ft | high | FS, PS | L, M | yes | TreeYo ($19) |
| Aronia 'Viking' |
|
Aronia melanocarpa 'Viking' | shrub | shrub | ✓ | 3-7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 7 | May | Aug, Sep | 9 | low | 5 | Chokeberry bark and fruit used for colds and as a blood tonic. | 6 ft | 5 ft | high | FS | L, M | yes | TreeYo ($19) |
| Asparagus |
|
Asparagus officinalis | perennial | companion | ✓ | 3-8 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 | May, Jun | Apr, May, Jun | 4 | low | 5 | Asparagus root used as a diuretic and for urinary complaints; seeds used for colic. | 5 ft | 3 ft | high | FS | M | yes | CPI 2026 spring list; local nurseries |
| Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry |
|
Amelanchier lamarckii 'Autumn Brilliance' | tree | canopy | ✓ | 4-9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | Apr, May | Jun, Jul | 8 | low | 4 | Native American poultice use for sore eyes and skin ailments; tea used for colds and fever. | 15 ft | 10 ft | medium | FS, PS | L, M | yes | CPI 2026 spring list; TreeYo (nursery stock varies) |
| Autumn Olive / Goumi |
|
Elaeagnus umbellata | shrub | shrub | ✓ | 4-8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | May, Jun | Sep, Oct | 10 | low | 4 | Introduced from Asia; fruit used as a vitamin C rich autumn food, sometimes dried as a tea substitute. | 10 ft | 10 ft | medium | FS | L | yes | CPI 2026 spring list; profile (show-piece suggestion) |
| Barrenwort |
|
Epimedium grandiflorum | groundcover | companion | ✓ | 4-8 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | Apr, May | — | 0 | low | 5 | Epimedium used in Chinese medicine for impotence and lower back pain; a well known aphrodisiac herb. | 1.5 ft | 1.5 ft | high | PS, SH | M | no | Companionplants.com; local nurseries |
| Bee Balm |
|
Monarda didyma | perennial | companion | 4-9 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 | Jun, Jul, Aug | — | 0 | medium | 7 | Oswego tea used by Native Americans for colds, fever and menstrual problems; a classic fever tea. | 3 ft | 2.5 ft | medium | FS, PS | M | yes | Companionplants.com; local nurseries | |
| Black Currant 'Consort' |
|
Ribes nigrum 'Consort' | shrub | shrub | 3-7 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 9 | May | Jul | 8 | low | 6 | Blackcurrant used in European folk medicine for colds, sore throat and varicose veins; rich in anthocyanins. | 5 ft | 5 ft | high | FS, PS | M | yes | TreeYo ($19) | |
| Black Mulberry |
|
Morus nigra | tree | canopy | ✓ | 5-8 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 7 | Apr, May | Jun, Jul | 30 | low | 5 | Mulberry leaf tea used for fever and as a blood tonic; fruit for syrup and wine. | 30 ft | 25 ft | medium | FS | L, M | yes | CPI 2026 spring list |
| Blackberry |
|
Rubus occidentalis | vine | shrub | ✓ | 4-9 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 7 | May, Jun | Jul, Aug | 8 | medium | 5 | Blackberry leaf tea used as a diuretic and to soothe sore throats in Appalachian folk practice. | 6 ft | 4 ft | low | FS | M | yes | TreeYo ($19) |
| Blue False Indigo |
|
Baptisia australis | perennial | companion | ✓ | 4-9 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 | May, Jun | — | 0 | low | 5 | Root used as a stimulant and to promote perspiration; one of the earliest American medicinal plants. | 4 ft | 4 ft | high | FS | L | no | CPI 2026 spring list; native nurseries |
| Butterfly Bush |
|
Buddleja davidii 'Nanho' | shrub | shrub | ✓ | 5-9 | 6 | 9 | 0 | 5 | Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | — | 0 | low | 2 | Buddleja has a long history of use in Chinese medicine (flower 'Mo Li Pi' for headache, sore throat and conjunctivitis) and in European herbal practice as a mild sedative expectorant; the species is grown chiefly as an ornamental pollinator plant here. | 6.0 ft | 5.0 ft | low-medium | FS | L, M | no | Estimated - confirm with a local nursery (not on the TreeYo list). Container-grown plants are the usual retail form; prices are a planning range only. |
| Buttonbush |
|
Cephalanthus occidentalis | shrub | shrub | 4-9 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | Jun, Jul, Aug | — | 0 | low | 5 | Root and bark used by Native Americans as a diuretic, for fever and as a mouth wash; honey source. | 8 ft | 8 ft | high | FS | M | no | TreeYo ($15) | |
| Callery Pear (Asian Pear) |
|
Pyrus calleryana | tree | canopy | ✓ | 5-8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | Apr | Aug, Sep | 40 | low | 3 | Pear bark and seeds used in traditional Chinese medicine; leaves and bark used as a febrifuge. | 30 ft | 20 ft | low | FS | L, M | yes | TreeYo catalogue; CPI 2026 spring list |
| Canadian Wild Ginger |
|
Asarum caudatum | groundcover | companion | 4-7 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | Apr, May | — | 0 | low | 6 | Root used by Cherokee as a tea for colds and a poultice for bruises; a traditional heart remedy. | 1 ft | 1.5 ft | high | PS, SH | M | no | CPI 2026 spring list; native nurseries | |
| Carolina Allspice (Sweetshrub) |
|
Calycanthus floridus | shrub | shrub | ✓ | 5-9 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 0 | May, Jun, Jul | — | 0 | low | 5 | Bark and leaves used as a bitter aromatic stimulant and stomachic; root used by settlers for colic. | 8 ft | 8 ft | high | FS, PS | L, M | no | TreeYo ($15); profile (show-piece suggestion) |
| Chicago Hardy Fig |
|
Ficus carica 'Chicago Hardy' | tree | canopy | ✓ | 5-9 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | Jun | Aug, Sep | 15 | medium | 4 | Ancient Mediterranean food and medicine; leaf decoctions used for constipation, fig latex for warts and skin lesions. | 12 ft | 10 ft | low | FS | M | yes | Profile request; Stark Bros and regional nurseries |
| Chives |
|
Allium schoenoprasum | herb | companion | ✓ | 3-9 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | Apr, May | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | 0 | low | 5 | Chive juice used as a folk remedy for colds and for stomach complaints; used to poultice sores. | 1.5 ft | 1 ft | high | FS, PS | M | yes | Companionplants.com; local nurseries |
| Cliffbrush Locust (Rose Acacia) |
|
Robinia hispida | shrub | shrub | ✓ | 5-8 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | May, Jun | — | 0 | low | 4 | Bark used as a febrifuge; the honey of the pink flowers is a well known local product. | 8 ft | 8 ft | medium | FS | L | no | CPI 2026 spring list; native nurseries |
| Comfrey |
|
Symphytum officinale | herb | companion | 3-9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | May, Jun, Jul, Aug | — | 0 | low | 7 | 'Knitbone' used for centuries for sprains, bruises and broken bones; a classic compost activator. | 3 ft | 3 ft | high | PS, FS | M | yes | TreeYo ($6) | |
| Common Sage (Culinary) |
|
Salvia officinalis | herb | companion | ✓ | 4-10 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | May, Jun | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | 0 | low | 7 | One of the oldest medicinal herbs; tea for sore throat and digestion, gargle for mouth ulcers. | 2.5 ft | 2.5 ft | high | FS | L | yes | Companionplants.com; local nurseries |
| Coral Bells |
|
Heuchera sanguinea | perennial | companion | ✓ | 4-9 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | May, Jun, Jul | — | 0 | low | 4 | Heuchera root boiled in wine as a remedy for whooping cough; leaves as a poultice. | 1.5 ft | 1.5 ft | high | PS, FS | M | no | Companionplants.com; local nurseries |
| Coreopsis (Tickseed) |
|
Coreopsis tinctoria | perennial | companion | ✓ | 3-9 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | — | 0 | low | 3 | Native coreopsis used as a decoction for sore mouth and as a wash for skin; teas for indigestion. | 2.5 ft | 2 ft | high | FS | L | yes | Companionplants.com; CPI 2026 spring list |
| Creamy False Indigo (leadplant) |
|
Baptisia alba 'Sierra Gold' | perennial | companion | ✓ | 4-9 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0 | Jun, Jul | — | 0 | low | 4 | Leadplant was used by Plains nations as a remedy for snakebite and as a tea. | 3 ft | 3 ft | high | FS | L | no | CPI 2026 spring list |
| Dwarf Sour Cherry |
|
Prunus pumila var. nana | tree | canopy | ✓ | 3-7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | Apr, May | Jun, Jul | 10 | medium | 4 | Sour cherry used in traditional cough and fever preparations. | 10 ft | 10 ft | low | FS | M | yes | Stark Bros; Growing Value Nursery |
| Eastern Redbud |
|
Cercis canadensis | tree | canopy | ✓ | 4-9 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 0 | Apr | — | 0 | low | 4 | Bark used by Cherokee as an astringent; bark and leaves used for whooping cough and dysentery. | 20 ft | 20 ft | low | FS, PS | L, M | no | Baseline; native nurseries |
| Elderberry 'Adams' |
|
Sambucus canadensis 'Adams' | shrub | shrub | 3-9 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | Jun, Jul | Aug, Sep | 12 | low | 8 | Elderberry is one of the best documented folk medicines: syrups for colds, fever and flu; flowers for skin washes. | 10 ft | 10 ft | medium | FS, PS | M | yes | TreeYo ($19) | |
| Elderberry 'Marge' |
|
Sambucus canadensis 'Marge' | shrub | shrub | 3-9 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | Jun, Jul | Aug, Sep | 12 | low | 8 | Elderberry has been a staple American food and medicine plant for centuries; 'Marge' is a named cultivar grown mainly as a pollinizer. | 10 ft | 10 ft | medium | FS, PS | M | yes | TreeYo ($19) | |
| English Lavender 'Hidcote' |
|
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' | perennial | companion | ✓ | 5-9 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 0 | Jun, Jul | — | 0 | low | 7 | Lavender oil used for anxiety, insomnia and minor wounds; culinary use in sweets and seasoning. | 2 ft | 3 ft | high | FS | L | yes | Companionplants.com; local nurseries |
| Golden Currant |
|
Ribes aureum | shrub | shrub | ✓ | 3-7 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 | Apr, May | Jun, Jul | 6 | low | 5 | Western North American native; berries eaten raw and dried, used in poultices for sore throats. | 6 ft | 5 ft | high | FS | L, M | yes | CPI 2026 spring list; TreeYo |
| Gooseberry 'Amish Red' |
|
Ribes uva-crispa 'Amish Red' | shrub | shrub | ✓ | 3-8 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 8 | Apr, May | Jun, Jul | 8 | low | 5 | English gooseberry used as a diuretic and for sore throats; leaves used for poultices. | 5 ft | 5 ft | high | FS, PS | M | yes | TreeYo ($19, BR XL $49) |
| Grape 'Mars' (table grape) |
|
Vitis labrusca 'Mars' | vine | shrub | ✓ | 4-8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 6 | May, Jun | Aug, Sep | 10 | medium | 4 | Grape leaves used to stop bleeding; seeds as an astringent; dried fruit for the liver in Chinese practice. | 8 ft | 8 ft | medium | FS | L, M | yes | TreeYo ($24) |
| Hardy Geranium 'Rozanne' |
|
Geranium macrorrhizum 'Rozanne' | perennial | companion | ✓ | 4-8 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | — | 0 | low | 4 | Cranesbill root used in folk practice for dysentery and as a styptic. | 1.5 ft | 2.5 ft | high | PS, FS | M | no | Companionplants.com; local nurseries |
| Hardy Kiwi |
|
Actinidia arguta | vine | shrub | 4-8 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 6 | May, Jun | Sep, Oct | 30 | medium | 4 | Chinese traditional use for dyspepsia and blood stasis; seeds used as a mild laxative. | 30 ft | 15 ft | medium | FS, PS | M | yes | TreeYo ($24) | |
| Hardy Kiwi (male pollinizer) |
|
Actinidia arguta (male selection) | vine | shrub | 4-8 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 6 | May, Jun | — | 0 | medium | 4 | Kiwi vines are trained onto pergolas and fences; male vines are planted only to pollinate the fruiting females. | 30 ft | 15 ft | medium | FS, PS | M | yes | TreeYo ($24) | |
| Hazelnut 'Jefferson' |
|
Corylus avellana 'Jefferson' | tree | canopy | 4-8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | Feb, Mar | Sep | 12 | low | 5 | European hazelnut has been grown for its nuts for centuries; 'Jefferson' is a modern blight-resistant selection. | 12 ft | 12 ft | medium | FS, PS | M | yes | CPI 2026 spring list (Jefferson / Felix) | |
| Herb Robert (Red Robin) |
|
Geranium robertianum | perennial | companion | 3-9 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | — | 0 | low | 5 | Herb Robert used as a folk remedy for toothache and as a wound herb; leaves rubbed on the body as a deodorant. | 1.5 ft | 1.5 ft | medium | PS, FS | M | yes | Companionplants.com | |
| Japanese Pagoda Tree 'Regent' |
|
Styphnolobium japonicum 'Regent' | tree | canopy | ✓ | 4-8 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | Jun, Jul | — | 0 | low | 3 | Seeds used in Chinese medicine for bruises and swellings; bark as an astringent. | 20 ft | 20 ft | medium | FS | L, M | no | Stark Bros; local nurseries |
| Nannyberry Viburnum |
|
Viburnum lentago | shrub | shrub | ✓ | 3-7 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 6 | May, Jun | Aug, Sep | 8 | low | 5 | Bark used as a diuretic and for menstrual complaints; berries as a folk remedy for sore eyes. | 12 ft | 8 ft | medium | FS, PS | L, M | yes | TreeYo ($15) |
| New England Aster |
|
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae | perennial | companion | ✓ | 4-9 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | Sep, Oct | — | 0 | low | 4 | Aster root tea used by Native Americans for colds; a common late-season remedy. | 4 ft | 3 ft | medium | FS | M | no | Companionplants.com; CPI 2026 spring list |
| Oregano |
|
Origanum vulgare | herb | companion | ✓ | 5-10 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 | Jun, Jul, Aug | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | 0 | low | 5 | Oregano tea used for respiratory ailments and digestion; a warming culinary herb. | 2 ft | 2 ft | high | FS | L | yes | Companionplants.com; local nurseries |
| Pawpaw |
|
Asimina triloba | tree | canopy | 5-8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | Apr, May | Sep, Oct | 35 | low | 6 | Native to the Ohio Valley; root bark used as a cathartic and vermifuge by Appalachian herbalists. | 20 ft | 15 ft | medium | FS, PS | M | yes | CPI 2026 spring list; Stark Bros | |
| Peach |
|
Prunus persica | tree | canopy | 5-9 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 7 | Mar, Apr | Jul, Aug | 30 | high | 5 | Leaves used as anthelmintic and for jaundice in Chinese medicine; peach kernel used in traditional pharmacy. | 15 ft | 12 ft | low | FS | M | yes | Stark Bros; local nurseries | |
| Pecan |
|
Carya illinoinensis | tree | canopy | ✓ | 6-9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | May | Oct, Nov | 60 | low | 4 | Native to the Mississippi basin; bark used as a laxative and for burns. | 40 ft | 30 ft | medium | FS | M | yes | CPI 2026 spring list; Stark Bros |
| Plantain Lily |
|
Hosta plantaginea | perennial | companion | 3-9 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | Jul, Aug | — | 0 | low | 5 | Hostas used in Chinese medicine for inflamed glands and snake bites; leaf tea for insomnia. | 2 ft | 3 ft | high | PS, SH | M | yes | Companionplants.com; local nurseries | |
| Purple Coneflower |
|
Echinacea purpurea | perennial | companion | ✓ | 3-9 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | Jun, Jul, Aug | — | 0 | low | 8 | Root used by Plains nations for snakebite, fever and toothache; today a top echinacea herb. | 3 ft | 2 ft | medium | FS | L | no | Companionplants.com; CPI 2026 spring list |
| Red Mulberry |
|
Morus rubra | tree | canopy | ✓ | 5-8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 7 | Apr, May | Jun, Jul | 25 | low | 5 | Native to the Ohio Valley; root bark was a blood purifier and the sap used for mouth ulcers. | 25 ft | 20 ft | medium | FS, PS | L, M | yes | TreeYo ($29) |
| Rosemary |
|
Salvia rosmarinus (Rosmarinus officinalis) | herb | companion | ✓ | 7-10 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | Mar, Apr, May | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | 0 | medium | 6 | Rosemary used for memory and circulation in Mediterranean tradition; hair and scalp tonic. | 4 ft | 4 ft | high | FS | L | yes | Companionplants.com; local nurseries |
| Rough Goldenrod |
|
Solidago rugosa | perennial | companion | ✓ | 3-9 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | Aug, Sep, Oct | — | 0 | low | 6 | Goldenrod tea used as a diuretic and for kidney and urinary complaints. | 4 ft | 2 ft | medium | FS | L | yes | Companionplants.com; CPI 2026 spring list |
| Russian Sage |
|
Perovskia atriplicifolia | perennial | companion | ✓ | 4-9 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | — | 0 | low | 4 | Aromatic sage family plant used traditionally for colds and as a mild sedative tea. | 4 ft | 4 ft | high | FS | L | no | Companionplants.com; local nurseries |
| Serviceberry 'Morning Cloud' |
|
Amelanchier x grandiflora 'Morning Cloud' | tree | canopy | ✓ | 4-9 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 7 | Apr, May | Jun, Jul | 7 | low | 4 | Bark and leaves used as a poultice; fruit for preserves. | 20 ft | 15 ft | medium | FS | L, M | yes | Stark Bros; local nurseries |
| Serviceberry (multi-stem form) |
|
Amelanchier arborea | shrub | shrub | ✓ | 4-9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | Apr, May | Jun, Jul | 7 | low | 4 | Bark and leaves used as a poultice for sore eyes; fruit for jam and pies. | 10 ft | 8 ft | medium | FS, PS | L, M | yes | Stark Bros; local nurseries |
| Shagbark Hickory |
|
Carya ovata | tree | canopy | ✓ | 4-8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | May | Oct | 40 | low | 5 | Bark decoction used by Cherokee and other nations for burns, coughs and sore mouths. | 30 ft | 25 ft | medium | FS, PS | M | yes | CPI 2026 spring list; native nurseries |
| Smooth Blue Aster |
|
Symphyotrichum laeve | perennial | companion | ✓ | 3-9 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | Sep, Oct | — | 0 | low | 4 | Aster root used in folk medicine for fevers and as a diuretic. | 3 ft | 2.5 ft | medium | FS, PS | L, M | no | Companionplants.com; CPI 2026 spring list |
| Spearmint |
|
Mentha spicata | herb | companion | 4-9 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 | Jul, Aug | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | 0 | medium | 6 | Mint tea for indigestion, headache and nausea; a common folk remedy for colds. | 2 ft | 2 ft | medium | FS, PS | M | yes | Companionplants.com; local nurseries | |
| Stonecrop 'Autumn Joy' |
|
Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude' | perennial | companion | ✓ | 3-9 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 | Sep, Oct | — | 0 | low | 4 | Stonecrop juice used to calm inflamed tissues; a traditional remedy for warts and burns. | 2 ft | 2.5 ft | high | FS | L | no | Companionplants.com |
| Stonecrop 'Matronae' (old-fashioned) |
|
Hylotelephium 'Matronae' | perennial | companion | ✓ | 3-9 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0 | Aug, Sep | — | 0 | low | 4 | Old-fashioned stonecrop was a stove herb for diarrhoea and poultice for haemorrhoids. | 2.5 ft | 2.5 ft | high | FS | L | no | Companionplants.com |
| Strawberry 'Earliglow' |
|
Fragaria x ananassa 'Earliglow' | groundcover | companion | 3-9 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | Apr, May | May, Jun | 3 | medium | 4 | Traditional remedy for diarrhoea and inflammation; leaf tea for gastric upsets. | 0.75 ft | 1.5 ft | low | FS | M | yes | TreeYo ($6) | |
| Strawberry 'Honeoye' |
|
Fragaria x ananassa 'Honeoye' | groundcover | companion | 3-9 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 6 | May, Jun | Jun, Jul | 3 | medium | 4 | Strawberry leaf tea used as a mild diuretic and for diarrhoea; fruit as a cooling remedy. | 0.75 ft | 1.5 ft | low | FS | M | yes | TreeYo ($6) | |
| Sweet Cherry |
|
Prunus avium | tree | canopy | 5-8 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 6 | Apr, May | Jun, Jul | 20 | high | 4 | Cherry bark used historically as a remedy for coughs and blood in the urine; fruit preserves for coughs. | 20 ft | 18 ft | low | FS | M | yes | Stark Bros | |
| Thyme |
|
Thymus vulgaris | herb | companion | ✓ | 4-9 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 | May, Jun, Jul | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | 0 | low | 6 | Thyme tea used for coughs and bronchitis; oil for muscular aches; culinary herb. | 1 ft | 2 ft | high | FS | L | yes | Companionplants.com; local nurseries |
| Tree of Heaven |
|
Ailanthus altissima | tree | canopy | ✓ | 4-8 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Jun, Jul | — | 0 | low | 3 | Bark used in Chinese medicine as an anthelmintic; a common invasive in the region. | 25 ft | 20 ft | high | FS | L | no | Baseline (functional/support plant reference) |
| White Imperial Currant |
|
Ribes nigrum 'White Imperial' | shrub | shrub | 3-7 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 8 | May | Jul | 7 | low | 5 | Currant leaves used as a spring tonic and diuretic in European herbalism. | 5 ft | 4 ft | high | FS, PS | M | yes | TreeYo ($19, BR XL $49) | |
| Wild Columbine |
|
Aquilegia canadensis | perennial | companion | 3-9 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | Apr, May, Jun | — | 0 | low | 4 | Roots used by Cherokee as a poultice for wounds and as a diuretic; seeds powdered for colds. | 2.5 ft | 1.5 ft | medium | PS, FS | M | no | CPI 2026 spring list; native nurseries | |
| Witch Hazel |
|
Hamamelis virginiana | shrub | shrub | ✓ | 4-8 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 0 | Oct, Nov, Dec | — | 0 | low | 8 | Bark and leaves are the source of witch hazel extract, used for minor skin inflammation, bruises and hemorrhoids. | 12 ft | 10 ft | high | PS, FS | L, M | no | TreeYo ($15) |
| Woodland Sage |
|
Salvia nemorosa | perennial | companion | ✓ | 4-9 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 | May, Jun, Jul | — | 0 | low | 6 | Sage leaf used traditionally for sore throats, colds and digestive upset; tea for menopause symptoms. | 2 ft | 2 ft | high | FS | L | yes | Companionplants.com |
| Yarrow |
|
Achillea millefolium | perennial | companion | ✓ | 3-9 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | — | 0 | low | 8 | Native yarrow was the most widely used wound herb in North America: styptic for cuts, a tea for fever and colds. | 2.5 ft | 2 ft | high | FS | L | yes | Companionplants.com; CPI 2026 spring list |