Two Native Shrubs in Princeton Nature Preserves

These are the two most common native shrubs found in Princeton's nature preserves. We call them native because they co-evolved on this continent for millenia with wildlife and other plants, and so have developed complex interactions that make for a stable, diverse ecosystem. Exotic shrubs introduced to this continent over the past few hundred years, by contrast, are still typically not eaten by the native wildlife, and so are not nearly as beneficial as native species are for habitat. To see more photos and text about these species in Princeton, type the name of the plant into the search box at the upper left of this website.

SPICEBUSH: Crushed leaves fragrant, alternate branching, leaf margins smooth

BLACKHAW VIBURNUM: Opposite branching, leaves roundish with slightly toothed margins and white central vein. Bark cobbled like flowering dogwood’s.