Plants and Habitats Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden
Naturally Kiawah Demonstration Garden
Plant List
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
This native deciduous shrub, growing to an average of five feet tall, and equally
as wide, does best in partial sun. Growing naturally, it is often encountered at the
margins of the maritime forest. Its colorful, purple berries appear in the fall and are
an important food source for many bird species. Planting beautyberry along natural
buffers within your landscape provides an additional food source while helping
create a “soft,” layered edge that can add diversity to your collection of flora!
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
This native, evergreen fern provides a nice groundcover layer in full shade or
partially shaded areas. It is a popular fern choice in many Kiawah landscapes. It can
provide low cover and provides a nice layer of habitat within natural areas that don’t
get much sun.
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
This native vine displays evergreen foliage and its coral pink flowers bloom in the
spring, providing nectar to hummingbirds, butterflies and native bees.
Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine)
An alternative to the more profuse yaupon holly, the native dahoon holly also
produces a plethora of red berries, but has slightly larger leaves and tends to grow
in a more tree-like form. It can tolerate shade, but performs better in a partial shade
condition. All native holly species provide important food sources for songbirds and
other wildlife.
Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor)
A great understory plant that thrives in shadier conditions. Used in mass plantings,
this evergreen can provide significant cover, while complementing the existing forest
canopy.
Florida Leucothoe (Agarista populifolia)
Many property owners on Kiawah are challenged by creating an understory
habitat beneath a mature canopy of oaks and pines. A native evergreen shrub that
absolutely thrives in the shade is Florida agarista (also known as Florida hobblebush
or Florida leucothoe). This easy to maintain plant produces white, bell-shaped
flowers in the spring and can be pruned to be kept at various heights. Having trouble
getting plants established in the shade? Try Florida agarista!