10 of North Carolinas Best Native Plants

Byembarkgarden

North Carolina is home to a diverse range of native plant species that are well-suited to the state’s varied climate and terrain. These plants offer a range of benefits, including providing habitat for wildlife, aiding in erosion control, and adding beauty to landscapes.

Some of the best native plants in North Carolina include the eastern redbud, American beech, and purple coneflower. These species are not only attractive, but they are also low-maintenance and easy to care for.

In addition, they are well-adapted to the state’s climate, making them ideal choices for gardens and landscaping projects.

Benefits of Planting Native Plants

There are many benefits to planting native plants in your landscape. Some of the key benefits include:

  1. Low maintenance: Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, so they require less water, fertilization, and pest control.
  2. Environmental benefits: Native plants provide habitat and food for local wildlife, and they can help support the overall health of the local ecosystem.
  3. Aesthetic value: Native plants can add beauty and interest to your landscape, and they can be used to create natural-looking gardens that blend in with the surrounding environment.
  4. Saves resources: Native plants require less water, pesticides, and other resources than non-native species, which can help reduce your environmental impact.
  5. Education: Planting native plants can provide an opportunity to learn about the local ecosystem and the important role that plants play in the environment.

Best Trees

There are many great trees that are native to North Carolina, and the best ones for your landscape will depend on the specific conditions in your yard and your personal preferences. Some popular native trees in North Carolina include:

  1. Eastern Redbud: This small tree has a beautiful, round shape and produces clusters of pink flowers in the spring.
  2. American Beech: This large tree has smooth, grey bark and produces edible nuts that are loved by wildlife.
  3. Tulip Poplar: This tall, narrow tree has showy, tulip-shaped flowers in the spring and beautiful yellow fall foliage.
  4. American Holly: This tree is known for its glossy, evergreen leaves and red berries, which are popular with birds and other wildlife.
  5. American Basswood: This large tree has a broad, open crown and produces fragrant, creamy white flowers in the summer.

It’s always a good idea to research the specific needs and characteristics of different tree species before planting to ensure that you choose the best tree for your particular location and goals.

Best Shrubs

There are many native shrubs that are well-suited to North Carolina gardens. Some popular choices include:

  1. American Beautyberry: This shrub has attractive purple berries in the fall and is a favorite of birds and other wildlife.
  2. Inkberry: This evergreen shrub has glossy, dark green leaves and produces small blackberries.
  3. Winterberry: This deciduous shrub has bright red berries that provide color throughout the winter.
  4. Bayberry: This fragrant, evergreen shrub has grey-green leaves and produces small, waxy berries.
  5. American Cranberrybush: This deciduous shrub has clusters of small, pink flowers in the spring and produces cranberry-like fruits in the fall.

As with any plant, it’s important to consider the specific growing conditions and care requirements of different shrub species before planting to ensure that they will thrive in your landscape.

Virginia Sweetspire

Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is a native shrub that is native to the eastern United States, including North Carolina. It is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of 4-6 feet and has a rounded, spreading habit.

Virginia sweetspire is known for its attractive, fragrant white flowers, which appear in clusters in the spring. The flowers are followed by glossy, dark green leaves that turn shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. Virginia sweetspire is well-suited to a variety of soil types and prefers moist, well-drained soil.

It is also tolerant of partial shade, making it a good choice for understory plantings or areas with dappled light. Virginia sweetspire is a low-maintenance shrub that is easy to care for and can be used in a variety of garden settings, including naturalized areas, borders, and foundation plantings.

Native North Carolina Flowers

North Carolina is home to a wide variety of native flowering plants that can add color and beauty to your landscape. Some popular choices include:

  1. Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): This drought-tolerant perennial has showy, purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
  2. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): This hardy annual or perennial has bright, yellow flowers with black centers and is a favorite of pollinators.
  3. Carolina lily (Lilium michauxii): This tall, native lily has showy orange flowers that bloom in the summer.
  4. Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): This native perennial has delicate, bell-shaped flowers that come in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
  5. Blue flag iris (Iris virginica): This native iris has showy, blue flowers that bloom in the spring and is well-suited to wetter areas.

In addition to these popular native flowers, North Carolina is home to many other native plant species that can add interest and beauty to your landscape, including native grasses, ferns, and shrubs.

Other North Carolina Native Flowers

Here are a few more native flowers that are native to North Carolina and are popular choices for gardens and landscaping:

  1. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): This tall, native milkweed has pink or purple flowers and is a valuable nectar source for monarch butterflies.
  2. Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum): This tall, native perennial has showy, pink, or purple flowers and is a favorite of butterflies and other pollinators.
  3. Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis): This native perennial has tall, purple flowers and is well-suited to moist, well-drained soil.
  4. Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): This native perennial has bright yellow flowers and is a popular choice for sunny gardens.
  5. Blazing star (Liatris spicata): This native perennial has tall, purple flowers that bloom in the summer and is a favorite of pollinators.

There are many other native flowers that are native to North Carolina and are worth considering for your landscape

Best North Carolina Native Vines

North Carolina is home to a number of native vines that can add interest and beauty to your landscape. Some popular choices include:

  1. Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans): This fast-growing vine has showy, orange, or red trumpet-shaped flowers and is a favorite of hummingbirds.
  2. American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens): This deciduous vine has fragrant, purple flowers and is a popular choice for arbors and trellises.
  3. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia): This fast-growing vine has red or purple fall foliage and is well-suited to shadier areas.
  4. Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata): This evergreen vine has showy, orange, or red trumpet-shaped flowers and is a favorite of hummingbirds.
  5. Native clematis (Clematis virginiana): This deciduous vine has fragrant, white flowers and is a popular choice for trellises and fences.

As with any plant, it’s important to consider the specific growing conditions and care requirements of different vine species before planting to ensure that they will thrive in your landscape.

Best North Carolina Native grasses

There are many native types of grass that are well-suited to North Carolina gardens and landscapes. Some popular choices include:

  1. Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): This native grass has blue-green foliage that turns shades of orange and red in the fall.
  2. Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans): This native grass has tall, golden plumes that appear in the summer and is a favorite of pollinators.
  3. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): This native grass has tall, upright foliage and produces showy, pink or purple flowers in the summer.
  4. Purpletop tridens (Tridens flavus): This native grass has tall, purple plumes that appear in the summer and is well-suited to wetter areas.
  5. Canada wild rye (Elymus canadensis): This native grass has tall, silvery-green foliage and produces showy, purplish flowers in the summer.

Native grasses can add texture and interest to your landscape and can be used in a variety of garden settings, including meadows and naturalized areas, and as accents in borders and foundation plantings.

Planting Tips

Here are a few tips to help you successfully plant and care for native plants in your landscape:

  1. Choose the right location: Consider the specific growing conditions that each plant needs, including sunlight, soil type, and moisture levels.
  2. Prepare the soil: Make sure the soil is well-draining and fertile, and consider adding compost or other organic matter to improve the soil structure.
  3. Water regularly: Native plants are generally drought-tolerant, but they will still need regular watering until they are established.
  4. Mulch: Mulching around your plants can help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
  5. Prune as needed: Pruning can help control the size and shape of your plants and can also help encourage new growth.
  6. Be patient: Native plants are generally low-maintenance and long-lived, but it can take time for them to become established in your landscape.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your native plants thrive and provide long-lasting beauty to your landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, North Carolina is home to a diverse range of native plant species that are well-suited to the state’s varied climate and terrain. These plants offer a range of benefits, including providing habitat for wildlife, aiding in erosion control, and adding beauty to landscapes.

Some of the best native plants in North Carolina include the eastern redbud, American beech, and purple coneflower. By choosing native plants for your landscape, you can help support the local ecosystem, reduce your environmental impact, and create a low-maintenance, attractive garden.

Whether you are looking for trees, shrubs, flowers, vines, or grasses, there is a native plant that is right for you and your landscape.

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I am Noman YSF a passionate gardener with years of experience in cultivating a wide variety of plants. From delicate flowers to hearty vegetables, I have a wealth of knowledge to share on all aspects of gardening. With a keen eye for detail and a love for the natural world, My blog is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about how to grow and care for their own garden. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, you're sure to find something of value in my writing.