Mesic upland forests, floodplain forests, alluvial swamps, tidal swamps, wet flatwoods, and stream banks. Common in the Virginia Coastal Plain and Piedmont; frequent in the mountains (at lower elevations)
It is a larval host plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilo glaucus) and the Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax). The seed and buds provide food source for songbirds, ruffed grouse, quail, wild turkeys, foxes, and squirrels. On young specimens, the inner bark is eaten by beavers and rabbits. These plants also provide good cover and shelter for animals
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
My Native Garden
Put together a printable/downloadable list of plants that you have in your garden.