Riparian Buffer Planting Project 2018 Skaneateles Lake Watershed Species Selection Guide: Site 1

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1 Riparian Buffer Planting Project 2018 Skaneateles Lake Watershed Species Selection Guide: Site 1 Photo by Prairie Moon Nursery This guide includes a brief planting rationale with species guide covering the nine species planted at the site. Location: lakefront residence, north-western shoreline West Lake Road, Skaneateles Lake, Skaneateles Total # of shrubs, trees, ferns, grasses, and perennials planted: 200 (potted) Total planting area: 1320 sq. ft. 1

2 Riparian Buffer Planting Project 2018 Skaneateles Lake Watershed This planting project is result of a partnership between Cornell Cooperative Extension Onondaga County (CCE), the City of Syracuse, and Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District (OCSWCD) with funds from the Skaneateles Lake Watershed Agricultural Program (SLWAP) to reduce non-point source pollution to Skaneateles Lake by increasing vegetated riparian buffers to properties in the watershed. Stock was sourced from White Oak Nursery, Geneva NY. Special thanks to Jim Engel and White Oak Nursery for your time and expertise supporting this effort. Funding for plant stock and materials provided by the SLWAP and OCSWCD. Funding for CCE programming in the Skaneateles Watershed is provided by the City of Syracuse Water Department. This project wouldn t be possible without the support of the community and the stewardship of the participating property owners. Many thanks to the property owners, our volunteers, the Skaneateles Lake Association, The Nature Conservancy, and SUNY ESF, and all our watershed partners. For more information about the project, please Shannon Fabiani, CCE Onondaga at slf226@cornell.edu Local volunteers and CCE educators in front of one of two completed vegetated buffers added to this shoreline property. In the coming seasons, we ll be able to see much more foliage of the 100+ individual plants now rooted in this bed! 2

3 Planting Rationale Taking into account soil moisture and composition, shade conditions, and other factors of the landscape majority of which are referenced in this guide- the planting plan and species list was designed by a SUNY ESF Landscape Architect student intern, Ethan Appelgren, with support from Extension educators. Special thanks to Ethan and SUNY ESF. Two planting beds and a total of 200 root systems, all of which grow deeper and denser than the existing turf grass, were added to the property. Both bed locations and species selection were designed to maximize effectiveness and impact of additional root structures and added vegetation on reducing non-point source pollution to the lake given layout, slope, and conditions of the site. Species selected are all native to the region and zone they are planted in. The design also took into account the property owners needs and maintenance capacity, their current and desired land use, and their aesthetic preferences like view-shed of the lake. All CCE project site designs must also factor cost, resources associated with project, and available nursery stock. Planting dates including site prep: 2 (11/16/18 and 11/19/18). Total volunteers involved: 23 participants (approximately 10 volunteers per day). Please see references on the last page for some of the resources used in this project. Bed #1: Filter Str ip along depr ession line near property boundary that accumulates and funnels surface runoff toward lake during storm events. Species planted at Bed #1 Herbaceous Perennials: Wild quinine, Orange Coneflower, Pink Turtlehead, Eastern Bluestar Ferns: Chr istmas Fer n Photo by Shannon Fabiani Trees: Red Maple Shrubs: Dwarf Fother gilla Photo by Shannon Fabiani Bed #2: Shor eline buffer str ip along steep sloped shoreline to reduce surface runoff and aid in erosion control and shoreline stabilization. Species planted at Bed #2 Grasses: Little Bluestem, Big Bluestem Herbaceous Perennials: Wild quinine, Orange Coneflower, Pink Turtlehead, Eastern Bluestar Photo by Carrick T. Palmer Photo by Shannon Fabiani 3

4 Wild Quinine, Parthenium integrifolium Photo by Prairie Moon Nursery In bloom, mid-june Wild Quinine (front) against backdrop of grasses Photo by Prairie Moon Nursery Wild quinine root system, ~8 (above). Traditional turf grass roots systems average 3 depth. Wild Quinine/ Eastern Feverfew Parthenium integrifolium Herbaceous Perennial 4-8 Full sun to Light Shade Medium moisture, prefer well-drained soils. Can withstand dryer conditions. Soil Types Sand, Loam, Clay Fertility Medium to Poor Long bloom time: June, July, August Flat topped cluster of bright white button shaped flowers. 1-3 feet 1-2 feet Low Deer / rabbit resistant due to rough bitter tasting foliage. Drought, erosion, dry/rocky soil Characteristics Hearty and tolerant of warm and cold conditions. A nice addition to native plant gardens because of their wild growth form. Grows naturally in old fields, meadows, savannahs and open woods. 4

5 Orange Coneflower, Rudbeckia fulgida Photo by Prairie Moon Nursery Photo by Prairie Moon Nursery Photo by Prairie Moon Nursery Orange Coneflower root system, ~5 (above). Traditional turf grass roots systems average 3 depth. Orange Coneflower/ Eastern Coneflower Rudbeckia fulgida Herbaceous Perennial 3-9 Full, Partial Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry Soil Types/ ph Loam, Clay / Fertility Medium to Poor Late July to September A clump forming perennial, with large, daisy-like flowers that have yellow-orange rays and purple-brown centers. 2-3 feet 1-2 feet Low Deer resistant, Drought, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil Characteristics Easy to grow, great for home landscaping. Bloom time can be prolonged by removing spent blossoms (dead-heading) Nectar and seeds attract pollinators like butterflies & birds 5

6 Eastern Blue Star/ Common Blue Star, Amsonia tabernaemontana Dense compact habit resembles a small shrub (top left) Foliage turns yellow in fall (top right) Eastern Blue Star/ Common Blue Star Amsonia tabernaemontana Herbaceous Perennial 3-9 Full sun to partial shade Moist- Medium Dry, well-drained soils Soil Types/ ph Sand, Loam, Clay/ Fertility Medium to Rich and long-lived May June Full, rounded form with terminal, pyramidal clusters of soft light blue, star-like flowers in late spring atop erect, leafy stems. Clean foliage. Leaves turn bright yellow in fall. 2-3 feet 2-3 feet Very low and easy to grow Deer tolerant. Drought tolerant. Characteristics/ Uses Good to use in native plant gardens, shade gardens or open woodland areas. Also appropriate for borders or containers. Attractive to pollinators when in flower (Spring). 6

7 Pink Turtlehead, Chelone lyonii Photo by NetPS Plant Finder Consider pinching back the stem ends in spring to reduce mature plant height. In optimum environments staking is usually not required. Will self-seed in moist soils. Pink Turtlehead Chelone lyonii Herbaceous Perennial 4-7 Full sun to partial shade Medium Moist Wet Soil Types/ ph Sand, Loam, Clay/ July September, Pink 2-3 ft tall stem topped with pink turtlehead shaped flowers in late summer early fall. Foliage is dark green, glossy and pest free. 2-4 feet feet Medium Deer tolerant. Pest-free foliage. Erosion, Wet Soil Ph Photo by Gardenia.net Characteristics/ Uses Shade or woodland gardens. Native plant gardens. Pond or water garden peripheries. Good border plant. Attractive to pollinators (bees, butterflies, birds) when in bloom 7

8 Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium Photo by NetPS Plant Finder Top left: Summer foliage Top right: field of little blue stem (winter bloom) Middle &bottom right: red, golden foliage of winter bloom Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium Ornamental Grass 4-9 Full sun to partial sun Dry Medium almost immune to drought. Soil Types/ ph Sand, Loam, / Fertility Poor Medium/ Long-lived September/ October A warm season clump forming grass with bluish green foliage that turns a stunning crimson fall color. The stiff stems of the plant remain upright throughout the growing season 2-4 feet feet Low (Cut to the ground in late winter to early spring.) Deer, Drought, Erosion, Dry soils, Rocky Soils Characteristics/ Uses Most abundant grass in all native prairies. Provides winter interest in landscape.. Its structure provides physical support and spacing for many other plants/ mixed perennials to grow in between the grasses. Provide protection for wildlife. 8

9 Big Bluestem, Andropogon gerardii Photo by White Top left: Reddish bronze fall color Top right: field of big blue stem, summer Middle : seed heads, resemble a turkey foot Bottom right: gray to blue green in spring Big Bluestem Andropogon gerardii Ornamental Grass 3-8 Full sun Dry Medium Moist * Soil Types/ ph Sand, Loam, Clay / ph: Fertility Medium rich August to October upright clump of stems with flattened leaves (up to 2' long and 3/8" wide) which emerge gray to blue green in spring, mature to green with red tinges in summer and turn reddish 5-8 feet 2-3 feet Low (Cut to the ground in late winter to early spring.) Deer tolerant. Extremely drought tolerant and adaptable to very poor soils. Erosion. Characteristics/ Uses Dense root systems make for great erosion control. Its structure provides physical support and spacing for many other plants/ mixed perennials to grow.in between the grasses. Effective border plant or for screening. Structure provides protection for wildlife and birds. 9

10 Christmas Fern, Polystichum acrostichoides Photo by Shady Plants Nursery Ph The pinnae of the Christmas fern have a slightly curved, stocking shape that contributes to their name. Christmas Fern Polystichum acrostichoides Fern 3-9 Part shade Full Shade rich, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils Non-flowering grows in a fountain-like clump to 2' tall and features leathery, lance-shaped, evergreen fronds (green all year long). Crosiers (young fiddleheads) in spring are silvery and scaled. 1-2 feet 1-2 feet Low Deer and Rabbit resistant./ Tolerates drought, heavy shade, dry soil, shallow-rocky soil Characteristics/ Uses A good plant for slopes to help combat soil erosion. Dryish or moist soils in woodland gardens, shade gardens or shady areas of borders, wild or native plant gardens. May also be planted in shady areas along walls or foundations.. 10

11 Red Maple, Acer rubrum Ph Red Maple Acer rubrum Shade Tree 3-9 Full sun to shade Soil Conditions Easily grown in medium to wet, well-drained soil.. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers moist, slightly acid conditions. Very cold hardy. ( ph range ) Growth rate/ Life Span Medium to fast growth rate, 15-25ft in 10years/ Avg 150 year life span and Color Pyramid shape/ oval outline. Brilliant colors. Red flowers in dense clusters in late March to early April (before the leaves appear), red fruit (initially reddish, two-winged samara), reddish stems and twigs, red buds, and, in the fall, excellent orange-red foliage color ft tall ft wide Low Deer and Rabbit resistant./ Tolerates drought, heavy shade, dry soil, shallow-rocky soil Characteristics/ Uses Good for lawns, sidewalks, parks. It is of note that this tree has a shallow, flattened root system that may buckle nearby sidewalks or driveways if planted too close. 11

12 Dwarf Fothergilla, Fothergilla gardenii Pho Photo byby White Oak Botanical Nursery Garden Photo Missouri Provides wide range of color to any landscape as it blooms and foliage change color through the summer and fall. Dwarf Fothergilla Fothergilla gardenii Deciduous Shrub 5-8 Full sun to half shade Soil Conditions by Missouri Botanical Garden Grow well in sand, loam soils. Require well drained soils,photo medium to moist moisture. (ph range: ) Avoid heavy soils. Growth rate/ Life Span Slow growing Fertility Moderate-High and Color Compact shrub, rounded appearance. Creamy white flowers resemble small bottle brushes. Bloom time is April-May: Honey scented blossoms for days. Bright shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in the fall. Full foliage in summer ft tall 2-4 ft wide Low No significant pest or disease problems Characteristics/ Uses Hearty shrub that grows well independently or grown in groups or massed. Great for shrub borders, open woodland areas, and mixed with other native shrubs and perennials. 12

13 This guide was created using the following resources: Finger Lakes Landscapes: Landscaping for Water Quality. (2016). CCE Onondaga. Available for free download at Native Plants for Gardening and Landscapes. (2016). NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Available for free download at Plant and Seed Guide. (2018). Prairie Moon Nursery. Plant Finder. (2018). Missouri Botanical Garden. PLANTS Database. (2018). USDA.. Trees for Tribs: Guide to Planting Your Trees and Shrubs and Shoreline Stabilization Techniques. (2018). NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). All available for free download at Using Native Plants & Ecological Design Principles in Commercial, Suburban, and Urban Landscapes: The Manual. (2010). James P. Engel. White Oak Nursery. This guide and more at TREES FOR TRIBS GRANT PROGRAM: APPENDIX 2 RECOMMENDED MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR NYS DEC TREES FOR TRIBS RIPARIAN PLANTING PROJECTS. 2018). NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Available to view at Utilizing NYSDEC expertise and resources, and to maintain a level of consistency with DECassociated projects in the watershed, the Trees for Tribs minimum standards for site design and buffer criteria were followed when completing this planting. Project was not funded through NYS DEC Trees for Tribs program*. Stock was funded through Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District. Additional Resources and Guides Additional resources for residents who want to add more vegetation to their properties to protect the quality and reduce the quantity of water flowing from their yards to the lake. Native Plants of the Northeast: A Guide for Gardening and Conservation. (2005). Timber Press, Portland, OR. Written by SUNY ESF s Distinguished Professor and Department Chair, Don Leopold. (speaker at Landscaping for Water Quality Forum 10/23/2018 in Skaneateles). Available for purchase at EFB/leopold/djl_pubs.htm. Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality. (1998). Carrol L. Henderson Available for purchase through New York State Federation of Lake Associations at Chesapeake Bay Riparian Handbook: A Guide for Establishing and Maintaining Riparian Forest Buffers. (1998). USDA/ Chesapeake Bay Program. Available for free download at publications/cbp_13019.pdf Guide prepared by Shannon Fabiani, CCE Onondaga. (2018). 13