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The Rosedale Conservancy, Washington DC

The Rosedale Conservancy

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Going Native at Rosedale

In April, Rosedale embarked on a the task of cleaning up the banks of land from the sidewalks up to the fences on Newark Street which are a tangle of invasive ivy, vinka, and other weeds. With the help of neighbor Shari Wilson (Nuts for Natives), we partnered with Thomas Schneider and Joni Miller of Native Roots Landscaping to remove the overgrowth and replant the section with native plants. Why native? Because gardening with natives is better for our watershed, our woodlands, and our wildlife, especially birds.  These plants will attract greater numbers and varieties of butterflies and birds bringing new life to Rosedale.

Before shot; hill of invasive vines
Before – weeds and invasive vines
After shot with native plantings
After – with 9 types of native plantings

Below are the native plants that were chosen for this location and a brief recap of some of the benefits each plant offers.

Packera-aurea, Golden Ragwort
Golden Ragwort, Packera aurea

Golden ragwort is a source of nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators in spring. Twenty species of butterflies, including skippers, use the blooms of this perennial.

Carex Pennsylvanica,
Pennsylvania Sedge, Carex pennsylvanica

This sedge can host 36 species of caterpillars and provides habitat for wildlife in urban environments

Phlox subulata, Creeping Phlox
Creeping Phlox, Phlox subulata

Colorful flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to partake of their sweet nectar.

Carex amphibola, Creek Sedge
Creek Sedge, Carex amphibola

A native perennial grass with longevity, and a host to some butterfly and moth larvae.

Penstemon digitalis, Foxglove Beardtongue
Foxglove Beardtongue, Penstemon digitalis

This plant attracts birds, hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Rudbeckia deamii, Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia deamii

Black-eyed Susans provide nectar for pollinators. It is a host plant to Wavy-lined Emerald and Silvery Checkerspot butterflies. Songbirds, especially American goldfinches, eat the seeds in the fall.

Chasmanthium latifolium, Northern Oats
Northern Sea Oats, Chasmanthium latifolium

This is a larval host plant for Northern Pearly-Eye caterpillars. The stems and leaves are used as nesting material by birds.

Sorgastrum nutrum, Indian Grass
Indian Grass, Sorghastrum nutrum

Indian Grass provides excellent cover year round for birds and mammals, seeds are eaten by songbirds.

Aster Cordifolius, Blue Wood Aster
Blue Wood Aster, Aster cordifolius

Asters attract loads of late season pollinating insects. In winter, they provide food for many birds on the seeds and find shelter in the dried stalks.  Asters are a host plant for 12 species of moths and butterflies.

Thank You to Our Corporate Partners

Margot Wilson, Washington Fine Properties
Native Roots Landscaping
Talea Ristorante
Christine Basso Fitzgerald - Sotheby's
Marjorie Dick Stuart
Hatfield Weir Gale - Washington Fine Properties

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Jun 14
10:30 am – 11:30 am

Tour: Rosedale, Native Plants, and Why

Jun 28
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Rosedale Community Picnic

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Rosedale opens at 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends. Rosedale closes every evening at dusk.
Rosedale Conservancy  ·  At 35th & Newark Streets NW  ·  P.O. Box 39310  ·  Washington DC 20016  ·  info@rosedaleconservancy.org
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