nrg-native-species-planting-guide-091714

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Stormwater Tolerant Plants


Stormwater plantings have become a growing feature in the urban landscape. These include


plantings within parks, such as rain gardens, as well as in the right of way, such as


greenstreets. The proper plant selection is crucial to ensure that the installation thrives; plants


intolerant of the variably wet and dry conditions of these spaces will not survive, while well-


chosen plants will thrive. In many cases, such as stormwater capture greenstreets, the plants


have better success than their non-stormwater counterparts. Tolerance of salt, sediments,


seasonally high rates of water flow as well as drought due to the sandy soil often used are all


crucial in selecting the ideal species.


Stormwater Tolerant Native Plants


As shown in the plant species pages preceding, a number of New York City‟s native plant


species are able to grow and thrive in the manmade environments of stormwater systems. They


are repeated here for the reader‟s convenience. Parks has field tested these species for at least


three years to gauge their performance. Note that these species can provide a wider array of


benefits than simply a tolerance of stormwater planting conditions. Many species can provide


food and habitat for native birds and insects, as well as enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the


area. These plants should be considered first when selecting a palette of plants for a rain


garden or other stormwater planting.


SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME


PLANTS THAT TOLERATE PERIODS OF INUNDATION


TREES


Acer rubrum Red Maple


Amelanchier arborea Downy Serviceberry


Amelanchier canadensis Shadblow Serviceberry


Amelanchier laevis Allegheny Serviceberry


Betula nigra River Birch


Betula populifolia Grey Birch


Carpinus caroliniana American Hornbeam


Celtis occidentalis Common Hackberry


Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum


Nyssa sylvatica Black Tupelo


Platanus occidentalis American Sycamore


Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak


Quercus palustris Pin Oak


Quercus phellos Willow Oak

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