Sainfoin
Onobrychis viciifolia
Sainfoin is a fodder crop that is highly nutritious for livestock and also provides nectar for bees.
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Perennials
Salad Burnet
Sanguisorba minor
This perennial herb is primarily grown for its flavorful leaves, which are used in salads, soups, and cold drinks. Its flavor is reminiscent of cucumbers, and it may be substituted for mint in many recipes.
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Scarlet Rose Mallow
Hibiscus coccineus
This plant is the largest hibiscus grown at Mount Vernon, as well as the longest flowering. Its brilliant red blooms are a bold statement in the summer border. It is native to the swamps and marshes of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
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Siberian Iris
Iris sibirica
Thick clumps of spiky foliage and bright purple or blue flowers are perfect for mid-border planting. Like their German cousins, these benefit from division so they don't grow hollow in the middle.
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Sneezeweed
Helenium autumnale
A tall, brash plant with chrome yellow flowers brightens the summer border. Easy to grow, it tolerates a wide variety of conditions, although a haircut in the spring will prevent flopping later.
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Spiderwort
Tradescantia virginiana
Spiderwort has grassy foliage and interesting purple blossoms, but tends to flop after flowering. It does best in shady locations and benefits from a good haircut after blooming.
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Stinking hellebore
Hellebore foetidus
Don’t let the name fool you, as stinking hellebore’s evergreen foliage and clusters of drooping, bell-shaped, greenish-white flowers emerging from pale green bracts are a much-needed spot of color in the winter woodland garden. Established plants will readily self-seed to form colonies if flowers are allowed to dry on the plant. All parts of the stinking hellebore- leaves, stems, and roots, are poisonous.
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Strawberry
Fragaria x ananassa
These easy to grow and delicious fruits are hardy and vigorous producers.
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Tansy
Tanacetum vulgare
Tansy is a tough plant that can grow in almost any sunny spot. While its ferny foliage and clusters of cheerful yellow button flowers are attractive, it can be invasive due to its underground runners and propensity to re-seed.
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Threadleaf Coreopsis
Coreopsis verticillata
Featuring airy foliage and golden flowers, this native plant is an attractive addition to the front of the border. It spreads by runners and is easily divided to share with your friends and neighbors. It is native to Fairfax County, Virginia.
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