Spicebush Swallowtail Native Plants

Sarah Sutton

Pittsford, NY

spicebushswallowtailnativeplants.com

spicebushswallowtail163@gmail.com

approximately 70 species of perennials and 30 shrub and tree species.

Growing Practices

“I grow almost entirely from hand harvested seed of locally present (or once present) native species. I grow from seed (vs asexual propagation) which is shown to promote biodiversity and climate resilience. As an ecological garden designer my plant choice is based on food web support and host plants for beneficial insects. I do not use any herbicide or insecticide, nor have I had any pest issues. I only grow straight species, no cultivars. I mix my own soil (components from Finger Lakes Soil and Mulch). I have four small greenhouses that do not use electricity. My plants overwinter outside in coldframes and are stored in open coldframes for long term storage. Due to the outdoor nature of my operation I have not yet been able to find a plastic alternative to my pots. However, the pots are high quality, so I am able to reuse them. Last year 70 percent were returned, sterilized and reused.”