Landscaping your yard can be an exciting process, but it’s easy to get bogged down by all the plants you can pick. When it comes to choosing the right plants for your yard, it’s much easier to successfully grow varieties that are native to the Denver area. That way, they’re already acclimated to our semi-arid climate and clay loam soil.
Shrubs that are Native to the Denver Area
Shrubs are the perfect addition to any garden or home landscape. They offer soil stability, better air quality, and a nice habitat for small animals. Aside from practical purposes, shrubs also provide beauty and color to your yard.
Here are some of the best native shrubs to add to your Denver landscape.
Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus)
Dark green leaves with a fuzzy silver underside bring subtle color to your landscape, and silver-white fruit is present from spring through fall. Deer especially love to nibble on the fruits from these shrubs, and thanks to their hardy structure, these shrubs and small trees are incredibly tolerant of different soil types and moisture levels.
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
Also known as bitter-berry, this large shrub can grow up to 30 feet tall. Clusters of white flowers in the spring give way to bright red fruits that slowly fade to a dark purple hue from August to September. These shrubs form very dense thickets filled with sour chokecherries that can be made into jams and jellies once they’ve ripened.
Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus)
This lovely shrub is easy to grow in well-drained Denver soil, and it thrives in full sun. Rabbitgrass is a hearty shrub, reaching heights of four to seven feet tall, with grey-green leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer and fall. Plant Rabbitbrush in a place where it can spread, since it’s known to self-seed. Don’t worry though, it’s not invasive, and it won’t take over your entire landscape.
Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
Also known as Juneberry, these lovely shrubs can grow from 3 to 15 feet tall, thriving in all types of habitats and growing conditions. The leaves are small, round and thin, and it produces white flowers and small, dark fruit that looks like berries. They make the perfect landscape plant, thanks to their lovely white flowers in summer and showstopping foliage in the fall. They grow best in partial shade or full sun.
Silver Sagebrush (Artemisia cana)
Silver Sagebrush grows in most types of soil, and it can withstand high moisture levels, including occasional flooding. This sweet-smelling shrub grows wild in forests and grasslands, and it’s a lovely addition to any home landscape. Typically growing to heights of 24 to 48 inches, this evergreen shrub has leaves that look soft and delicate, and soft white flowers that bloom in midsummer.
The Advantages of Planting Native Shrubs
Native shrubs are the best choice for Denver landscapes because they’ve adapted to our unique environment. Plants that are native to their region grow best in their native climate and soil conditions. This results in plants that are hardy, healthy, and low-maintenance.
Aside from adapting to the local environment, native plants are a valuable resource for native wildlife. Small birds and other animals that live in the Denver area have grown to rely on these plants for shelter and food, and native shrubs are outstanding at purifying the air and improving the quality of the water.
Incorporate Native Plants in Your Home Landscape
If you’re shopping for native plants for your home landscape, contact us at American Arbor Care. Our experts would be happy to help you select plants that fit your budget and home’s aesthetic best.