Treasurer Needed
The Pennsylvania Native Plant Society (PNPS) is seeking a volunteer to serve as Treasurer. We would like to ask for your assistance helping us find someone with the expertise and enthusiasm to help us in this role. Click here for more information
The Dirty Dozen vs the Birdy Dozen
As you work on your landscaping, please remember the Dirty Dozen, a list of twelve invasive plants frequently found at nurseries and landscape retailers that should be avoided. The Dirty Dozen
Better yet, considering adding some of the Birdy Dozen to your gardens to attract birds. The Birdy Dozen Check more information on Invasive Plants and recommendations for alternatives on our Plant Information and Landscaping page. What is a Native?A native plant is one that occurs naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without direct or indirect human intervention. We consider the flora present at the time Europeans arrived in North America as the species native to the eastern United States. Native plants include all kinds of plants from mosses and ferns to wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
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In Bloom:American Persimmon
Diospyros virginiana, also known commonly as the American Persimmon, are a delicious native fruiting tree native to our Pennsylvania woods. One of few native fruit trees to our area, their unique flavor, described by some as a love child between caramel, tangerine, and date-like flavors, mystify all of us trying to find that perfect specimen to try. We've all been there, or heard horror stories, of a persimmon eaten too early followed by the astringent taste that fills your mouth and persists just a little too long. The best way to find a perfectly ripe persimmon is to simply wait for it to fall off the tree! Once its skin feels similar to a water-filled ballon, you're likely just in time for their sweet, delicious flavors. They are about the size of a ping-pong ball, and are a beautiful autumnal orange in color - reminiscent of a small pumpkin. They're a wonderful native tree to grow too, very resistant to disease and have a reliable crop from year to year. They are dioecious, so make sure you have a male and female tree so you can produce fruit. They commonly grow in open woodlands, meadows, or along a forest edge, and can reach heights of 30-60ft tall. American persimmons grow best in moist, well-drained, sandy soils in full sun to partial shade. They tolerate hot, dry conditions, poor soils, urban conditions, and wind. Typically, it takes them 10 years to reach full production potential, so patience is key! They are the larval host of the Luna moth and Hickory Horndevil larvae which have one brood and appear from May to mid-September. The fruit of the persimmon is a food source for birds, small mammals, white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons, and black bears. They are a wonderful tree to enjoy, during all seasons! Article and photo courtesy of Victoria Holderer Upcoming Events - Mark your calendars
Check our Complete Calendar for all upcoming events. If your event isn't listed, let us know and we can add them to our Calendar - email [email protected].
Why Natives?
Because native plants are adapted to the growing conditions where you live, they are often easier to grow, and less susceptible to challenging conditions than non-native plants. Many Non-native plants are also invasive, and threaten out our native plant species.
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Get Involved!
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Membership Dues and Donations
PNPS is committed to supporting programs and events advocating for the use of native plants. Money obtained from memberships and donations go to the following:
We accept donations and membership payments online and by check. Thank you for your support! Membership dues online - please click the Become a Member button to pay through Paypal or with a credit card. Membership by check - Click here for instructions
Donations online - please click the Donate button to pay through Paypal or credit card. For other options, click here. PNPS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. If you would like to learn more please email [email protected] Contact Us:For general inquires, email us at [email protected] Our mailing address is P.O. Box 807, Boalsburg PA 16827
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Volunteer - Your help is needed!There are always opportunities to help, regardless of your level of expertise. Click the button to see what volunteer opportunities area available.
Social Media
Facebook Page: Find information on events and interesting articles on our Facebook page.
Facebook Forum: Join our Facebook forum to share photos, events and opportunities related to natives plants and our mission. Our group is closed and you must submit a request to join. We do this to help us keep out spam and maintain this group as a respectful forum for people interested in native plants. You must submit a request and answer 2 simple questions to join, even if you are added by a current member.
We are over 14,000 members strong and growing! |
