9 Native Plants to Add to Your Garden

Native plants are naturally occurring plants that are originally from the region where you live. They enhance local ecosystems by attracting natural wildlife and pollinators. Plus, native plants can also help prevent harmful weeds from growing in your garden. The plants native to your area will vary significantly depending on your region and climate. There are plenty of resources like the Native Plants Finder to help you choose the best options for your yard. To help get you started, here's a list of plants native to regions across North America that you should consider adding to your garden.

Black-Eyed Susans

These bright yellow flowers are pollen-rich, perfect for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. Integrating native plants can be low-maintenance by selecting varieties that are well-adapted to your local climate and soil conditions, says Niwar Nasim, the President of Nasim Landscape. Indeed, black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are resilient and low-maintenance flowers native to much of America. They grow naturally in the Midwest. There are also many different varieties of Black-eyed Susans to add to your garden—just be sure not to overcrowd them. Make sure there’s enough water and soil nutrients to go around.

Evergreen Huckleberry

Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) plants are great for gardeners looking to bring more shrubbery into their yard. Found naturally in California along the Pacific Coast, this native plant is highly versatile and yields edible berries. A great way to propagate huckleberry plants is to plant any seeds collected from the fruit. “Instead of planting from scratch, try using native plant plugs or seeds, which can be established more quickly and require less care,” says Taylor Olberding, Co-Owner of Heroes Lawn Care. But, while evergreen huckleberries survive year-round, they can also grow between 3 to 10 feet, depending on sun exposure.

Wild Geranium

Wild geraniums (Geranium maculatum) are ideal for shadier woodland gardens because they can thrive in soil with a bit more moisture. Native to eastern North America, these flowers are low maintenance and relatively drought tolerant once they're established. Also commonly known as cranesbill, wild geraniums bloom clusters of pretty lilac purple flowers in the late spring, perfect if you're looking to add a pop of natural color to your garden.

Western Redcedars

Native to the Pacific Northwest, Western redcedars (Thuja plicata) are an attractive option for gardeners seeking to add more native trees to their landscape. Western redcedars are low-maintenance, durable trees known for their pleasantly scented wood and eventual dense foliage, ideal for privacy. While these trees are an excellent habitat for birds, beware they can grow dozens of feet tall as they mature. Though it might take a few hundred years for them to reach 200+ feet in height, be sure to plant them strategically.

Indiangrass

If you’re looking to add more grasses to your garden, consider Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans). Indiangrass is a prairie grass that grows about 3-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet in spread. It is native to the Midwest and can tolerate a variety of soils as well as full sun. “Once they’re settled in, these plants usually need less watering and fertilizing because they’re perfectly adapted to your environment,” says Olberding. Indiangrass is self-seeding and is also an effective form of erosion control on slopes. This grass also pairs well with other grasses and flowers, such as the purple coneflower.

Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is another bright perennial purple flower. For those looking for simple ways to start integrating native plants, purple coneflowers are a great beginner's option. "You can start by choosing species that naturally thrive in your local climate and soil," Olberding says. Purple coneflowers are native to the eastern and central United States. They don't require much fertilizer, are drought tolerant once they're established, and thrive in the sun. However, you might want to simply trim the stems or deadheads in late spring or early fall to keep them tidy.

Southern Magnolia

For another flowering option that’s native to Southeastern America, try the southern magnolia (Magnolia Grandiflora). While this evergreen tree needs plenty of room to grow, its glossy leaves and big white flowers are worth the space. This plant can thrive in various soil conditions and handles partial shade. As a relatively drought-tolerant species, southern magnolia should be planted in late spring or early fall for the best growing conditions. Though the plant itself is low-maintenance, leaves do fall from the branches and require additional lawn cleanup.

Prairie dropseed

Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a perennial ornamental grass native to eastern America. This is a low-maintenance grass that can handle almost any soil type and grows roughly 2-3 feet tall and wide. Prairie dropseed thrives in full sun and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for a hands-off garden. Plus, it's typically disease- and pest-free, while providing a habitat for wildlife and pollinators. “Grouping plants with similar needs together and using xeriscaping principles further reduces maintenance,” Nasim adds.

Red twig dogwood

Want to add color to your garden without attracting bees? Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea, Cornus alba, or Cornus sanguinea) bushes are native to North America and can tolerate most soils and amounts of light. True to its name, red twig dogwood varieties have deep red branches that last year-round (but are especially striking in the winter months), with white flowers in the spring and berries in the summer. This slow-growing plant is best for cooler climates and appreciates the occasional trimming of dead branches. Otherwise, red twig dogwood is relatively low maintenance. "Native plants are generally resilient and require less water, making them an excellent choice for a sustainable garden," Nasim says. So, consider this native plant for your next garden addition.