A native plant is a species of plant that is naturally found in a specific geographic region and has evolved and adapted to the local climate, soil, and other environmental factors over a long period of time. These plants have co-evolved with the local wildlife, and often provide important habitat and food sources for insects, birds, and other animals.
It is important to plant native plants because they are well-suited to the local ecosystem and are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. They are typically more resilient and require less water and maintenance than non-native plants, which can be better suited to other regions and may require more resources to grow successfully in a particular area.
Additionally, by planting native plants, we can help to preserve and restore local ecosystems, which can provide a wide range of ecological benefits, such as filtering pollutants from water and air, reducing erosion, and providing important habitat for wildlife. Native plants can also enhance the aesthetic beauty of a landscape and connect us to the natural world around us. Overall, planting native plants is an important step towards creating a more sustainable and healthy environment for ourselves and for future generations.
Many of these plants are also native to other areas as well, this is only a quick guide for what you might want to plant!
NORTHEAST
The Northeast region of the United States includes states such as Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Here are some examples of native plants that can be found in this region:
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) - a small tree with beautiful pink or purple flowers in the spring.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) - a bright yellow flower that blooms throughout the summer and fall.
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| Geranium |
Wild Blue Indigo (Baptisia australis) - a tall, blue-flowering perennial that is drought-tolerant and attracts butterflies.
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) - a native milkweed that produces pink or white flowers in the summer and is an important host plant for monarch butterflies.
American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) - a shrub with yellow, fragrant flowers that bloom in late fall.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) - a native perennial with purple flowers that bloom in the fall and attract butterflies and bees.
Northern Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) - a shrub with fragrant grayish-blue berries that attracts birds and provides winter interest.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) - a perennial with purple daisy-like flowers that blooms in the summer and attracts bees and butterflies.
Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) - a tall evergreen tree that is an important source of food and shelter for wildlife.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) - a fragrant herb with pink or lavender flowers that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) - a shrub with fragrant yellow flowers in the spring and red berries in the fall that attract birds.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) - a showy, red-flowered perennial that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) - a small evergreen tree that provides year-round cover and food for wildlife.
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| Common milkweed |
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) - a tall, robust plant with pink or purple flowers that is an important host plant for monarch butterflies.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) - a deciduous tree with red flowers in the spring and vibrant red leaves in the fall.
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) - a woodland perennial with white or pink flowers that attracts bees and butterflies.
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) - a deciduous shrub with bright red berries that attract birds and provide winter interest.
Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris) - a shrub with pink flowers that blooms in the spring and attracts bees and butterflies.
Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) - a low-growing groundcover with white flowers that produces sweet, edible berries.
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| Wild strawberry |
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) - a large evergreen tree that provides important cover and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina) - a low-growing shrub with fragrant leaves that attracts birds and butterflies.
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) - a groundcover with heart-shaped leaves that produces unusual, reddish-brown flowers in the spring.
American Hazelnut (Corylus americana) - a shrub that produces edible nuts and provides important cover and food for wildlife.
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) - a deciduous shrub with white or pink flowers that produces delicious, edible blueberries.
and many more!
SOUTHERN
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| Southern Magnolia |
Redbud (Cercis canadensis) - a small tree with pink or lavender flowers that blooms in the spring and provides important nectar for bees and butterflies.
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) - a perennial with pink flowers that attracts butterflies and serves as an important host plant for monarch butterflies.
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) - an evergreen shrub with small red berries that attract birds and is used to make a caffeinated tea.
Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia) - a perennial with purple, pink or white flowers that is a great addition to a butterfly garden.
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) - an evergreen tree that provides important cover and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) - a perennial with purple flowers that attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) - a deciduous shrub with bright purple berries that attract birds and other wildlife.
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| Coral Honeysuckle |
Gulf Coast Penstemon (Penstemon tenuis) - a perennial with pink, purple, or blue flowers that is drought tolerant and attractive to bees and butterflies.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) - a low-growing palm that produces edible berries and provides important habitat for wildlife.
Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) - a perennial with yellow flowers that is a host plant for the larvae of several species of butterflies.
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) - a large evergreen tree with fragrant white flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds.
Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia) - a rare and endangered perennial with white or pink bell-shaped flowers that blooms in the spring.
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) - a small tree that produces edible fruit and provides important habitat for butterflies and other wildlife.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) - a perennial with bright orange flowers that attracts butterflies and serves as an important host plant for monarch butterflies.
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) - a deciduous tree that produces edible nuts and provides important habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Wild Azalea (Rhododendron canescens) - a shrub with fragrant pink or white flowers that blooms in the spring and attracts bees and butterflies.
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| Trumpet creeper |
Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) - a perennial vine with orange or red trumpet-shaped flowers that attracts hummingbirds and bees.
Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) - a perennial with blue flowers that attracts butterflies and serves as an important host plant for several species of moths and butterflies.
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