Want a beautiful yard that’s also eco-friendly? Opting for Iowa native plants, like purple coneflower and sugar maple, is a smart move. These plants are perfectly adapted to Iowa’s climate, thriving in the local weather and soil conditions with minimal fuss.
Native plants also support local wildlife, especially pollinators. Let’s explore some of the top native flowers, trees, shrubs, and grasses that will make your Iowa landscape beautiful and sustainable.
Native Flowers
Purple Coneflower
The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a stunning addition to any garden with its vibrant purple-pink petals and hardy nature. This perennial is not only beautiful but also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a great choice for any Iowa garden. Plus, it’s a magnet for butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, making it an excellent Iowa native pollinator plant.
Buy Here: Purchase seed packets at Earl May Garden Centers.
Black-Eyed Susan
Add a splash of color to your garden with Iowa City’s official flower — black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). Their vibrant flowers, in shades of red, orange, or yellow with dark centers, bloom from summer to fall, offering long-lasting beauty. These drought-tolerant plants attract various pollinators and are highly deer-resistant.
Buy here: Buy seed packets at Seed Savers Exchange.
Wild Bergamot
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), with its lavender, pink, or white blooms and minty fragrance, is another fantastic native flower for Iowa. It’s easy to grow and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plus, you can use its leaves for tea or food seasoning.
Buy here: Buy seed packets at Wild Spirits Farm.
Native Trees
Northern Red Oak
For a majestic shade tree, the northern red oak (Quercus rubra) is a top choice. Its wide canopy provides excellent shade, making it one of the best Iowa native shade plants. It also supports local wildlife and adds a timeless beauty to your landscape.
Important note: Acorns from the northern red oak are toxic to pets and livestock if ingested.
Buy here: Buy northern red oaks from a native tree and shrub nursery in Iowa.
Sugar Maple
Known for its stunning fall foliage, the sugar maple (Acer saccharum) offers brilliant colors and ample shade. Most common in eastern Iowa, it’s perfect for creating a picturesque autumn landscape in Iowa and is also a source of maple syrup. Honey bees and birds love this native tree.
Buy here: You can purchase this tree at Iowa Native Trees and Shrubs.
Eastern Redbud
If you’re looking for early spring color, the eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is ideal. This small tree (20-30 feet tall) produces beautiful pink flowers before its leaves appear, adding a splash of color to your yard. It’s compact and fits well into smaller landscapes.
Additional note: You can add eastern redbud’s flowers and flower buds, which have a slightly sour taste and are high in vitamin C, to your salads, breads, and pancakes.
Buy here: The Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery offers eastern redbud seedlings for spring delivery.
Native Shrubs
American Hazelnut
American hazelnut (Corylus americana) is a versatile shrub that provides privacy and produces edible nuts. It attracts wildlife and can be used as a natural hedge. Its multi-stemmed growth habit makes it an attractive and functional addition to your landscape.
Buy here: The Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery offers American hazelnut seedlings for delivery.
Common Ninebark
Common ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a hardy shrub, known for its peeling bark and white flowers. It offers year-round interest and serves as an excellent flowering shrub for Iowa. An ideal choice for a hedge, it’s also great for erosion control and attracts pollinators.
Buy here: The Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery offers common ninebark seedlings for delivery.
Gray Dogwood
The gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa) is a versatile shrub that typically grows between 6 to 15 feet tall. While it is commonly found in upland woods, it will also look great in other naturalized settings. This hardy shrub tolerates shade and is excellent for supporting wildlife, including the Azure butterfly.
Buy here: You can order gray dogwood at the Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery.
Native Grasses
Little Bluestem
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is an ornamental grass with blue-green stems that turn red in the fall and golden in winter. Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, it attracts wildlife. However, it reseeds easily, so it’s best for larger gardens.
Buy here: Little bluestem is available for purchase at In the Country Garden & Gifts Online Store.
Switchgrass
Want a yard that attracts butterflies? Planting switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a great way to do this. This tall, clumping grass has delicate, airy seed heads that add visual interest. It’s fantastic for creating habitats and controlling erosion, making it both a beautiful and practical choice for your Iowa yard.
Buy here: Switchgrass is available at Hamilton Native Outpost.
Prairie Dropseed
Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) features graceful, arching leaves and fragrant seed heads. It’s drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and stays upright even in snow. In fall, its foliage turns golden with orange hues, then fades to light bronze in winter. Plus, its flowers have charming pink and brown tints. A colorful addition to your Iowa landscape.
Buy here: Allendan Seed Company sells prairie dropseed in Iowa.
More Iowa Resources
Maintaining a vibrant landscape in Iowa involves several essential practices besides choosing native plants. Knowing how to aerate, choose the right grass seed, follow a seasonal care schedule, and manage common weeds are other key tasks.
For detailed lawn care tips and how-tos, check out these helpful guides:
- Lawn Aeration in Iowa: Everything You Need To Know
- Best Grass Seed for Iowa Lawns
- Lawn Care Schedule for Iowa
- Common Weeds in Iowa: How to Identify Them
FAQ About Iowa Native Plants
How do I care for my native Iowa flowers?
Most native flowers require minimal care once established. Ensure they are planted in the right conditions and provide occasional watering during dry spells.
How can I diagnose and treat plant and insect problems in my Iowa garden?
If you encounter issues with plant health or insect infestations, the Iowa State University’s Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic is an excellent resource. They provide expert diagnosis and treatment recommendations for a wide range of plant and insect problems.
For more information and to submit a sample, visit the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach website.
Reach Out to a Lawn Pro Today
Choosing Iowa native plants for your landscape is a win-win for you and the environment. From vibrant flowers and majestic trees to practical shrubs and grasses, you can create a beautiful, sustainable yard that thrives in Iowa’s unique climate.
For help maintaining your yard or personalized advice, contact a local lawn care professional today.
Main Photo Credit: Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
