How about Rosa virginiana, a NE native (Virginia Rose) good to zone 3. Rose hips and flowers for wildlife. They'd take the place of the invasives. Shrubby Cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) has pretty yellow flowers. There are some smallish Huckleberry varieties and American Cranberry bush. I was also thinking about Cotoneaster. I have some really low growing ones in front of my house. The willow leaf cotoneaster stays close to the ground, has a spreading habit and I think it will root itself if you let it. Not rampent. I only pulled up one but now wish I'd let it develop so I could have transplanted it to another location.

These are just some thoughts. I definitely prefer flowering shrubs and berries for birds and wildlife are a real plus in my mind.

I think I'll look into the Rosa virginiana - that may just fit perfectly there. Would be nice to have NE native installed in that spot, and the pink flowers/red hips would look great.

Thanks for the advice ! :-)

You're welcome.