Region
M / P / C
Species commonly found in the Mountain, Piedmont, or Coastal Plain physiographic province.
m / p / c
Species present in that province, but less commonly encountered.
–
Not typically found in that province.
Site Conditions
Light
Sun (6+ hrs direct), Part (3–6 hrs, or dappled), Shade (<3 hrs / full canopy).
Moisture
Dry, Medium, or Wet — a species may tolerate more than one.
Soil
Well Drained, Clay, Loam, Sand, Rocky — texture types the species tolerates; Rich/Poor describes organic matter needs; pH is acidity preference.
Growth Difficulty
Standard
Typical care and establishment.
Aggressive
Spreads readily — site with room to manage, or expect to control spread.
Hard to grow
Needs specific conditions or extra care to establish.
Wildlife Value
Pollinators
Bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinating insects.
Beneficial Insects
Predatory/parasitoid insects that support pest control.
Birds, Amphibians & Reptiles, Other Small Animals
Species known to use the plant for food, cover, or habitat.
Animals
Larger mammals noted as browsing the species (e.g. deer, rabbits) — useful for anticipating browse pressure.
Tolerances
Drought
Tolerates dry spells once established; "Very dry" indicates an especially drought-hardy species.
Heavy Shade
Persists under full canopy, not just partial shade.
Wet Feet
Tolerates saturated soil or periodic flooding.
Salt
Tolerates salt spray or soil salinity — useful near roads or coastal sites.
Air Pollution
Tolerates urban/roadside air quality conditions.