- What are Native Plants?<\/a><\/li>
- North Carolina Native Flowers<\/a>
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)<\/a><\/li>
- New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)<\/a><\/li>
- Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)<\/a><\/li>
- Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)<\/a><\/li>
- Eastern Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana)<\/a><\/li>
- Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)<\/a><\/li>
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)<\/a><\/li>
- Carolina Phlox (Phlox carolina)<\/a><\/li>
- New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- North Carolina Native Trees<\/a>
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum)<\/a><\/li>
- Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- North Carolina Native Shrub<\/a>
- Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- North Carolina Native Fern<\/a>
- Northern Maidenhair (Adiantum pedatum)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- North Carolina Native Vine<\/a>
- Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How to Choose Native Plants for North Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ About North Carolina Native Plants<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What are Native Plants?<\/h2>
Native plants naturally occur and have evolved in a specific geographic area without human intervention. These plants have established themselves over an extended period, adapting and thriving in the local environment without requiring assistance or cultivation.<\/p>
In North Carolina, native plants<\/a> are adapted to specific climatic conditions, soil types, and wildlife interactions. By embracing and incorporating these native plants into our landscapes, we not only celebrate the beauty of North Carolina but also contribute to preserving its distinct ecological identity.<\/p>
North Carolina Native Flowers<\/h2>
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Cardinal](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Cardinal-Flower-646x661.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ALAN SCHMIERER<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The cardinal flower is an herbaceous perennial that thrives in North Carolina’s landscape. Known for its vibrant display of red flowers, this native plant demands consistent moist or wet soil conditions, so it is commonly found flourishing along stream banks and in wetland areas.<\/p>
Although this plant is known for its vibrant display of red flowers, the unusual tubular shape makes it difficult for bees to access the nectar and pollen. Nonetheless, that does not stop hummingbirds<\/a>, the main pollinators, from indulging in it.<\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Herb\/Flower
<\/strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3a – 9b
<\/strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade, full shade
<\/strong>Soil: <\/strong>Sand, loam, clay, limestone-based
<\/strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
<\/strong>Foliage: <\/strong>Evergreen
<\/strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>May – October
<\/strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Medium to high
<\/strong>Mature size: <\/strong>1 – 6 feet
<\/strong>Potential hazards: <\/strong>All parts of this plant are poisonous if eaten in large quantities
<\/strong>Region: <\/strong>Mountains, piedmont, coastal plain<\/p>New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/New-England-Aster-646x431.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryan Hodnett<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The New England aster is a captivating herbaceous plant that graces North Carolina’s landscape with its showy, bright purple flowers during the fall season. Its stunning blooms serve as a vibrant beacon, attracting an array of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. <\/p>
In particular, the New England aster holds a special allure for Monarch butterflies<\/a>, which rely on its nectar as a vital fuel source during their migratory journey.<\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Herb\/Flower
<\/strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4a – 8b
<\/strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade
<\/strong>Soil: <\/strong>Sandy, loamy, clay
<\/strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
<\/strong>Foliage: <\/strong>Deciduous
<\/strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>August to November
<\/strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Medium
<\/strong>Mature size: <\/strong>3 – 6 feet
<\/strong>Potential hazards: <\/strong>Vulnerable to powdery mildew. If plants are grown in poorly-drained clay soils, be mindful of aster wilt.
<\/strong>Region: <\/strong>Mountains, piedmont<\/p>Blazing Star (Liatris spicata<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Blazing](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/rsz_blazing_star-646x471.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Drew Avery<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The blazing star is a beautiful herbaceous plant that illuminates North Carolina’s landscapes with its stunning display. In mid-summer, this plant shoots up a tall spiked inflorescence adorned with clusters of vibrant purple-pink blooms. <\/p>
These eye-catching flowers serve as a magnet for a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies<\/a>, and hummingbirds, which are drawn to the rich nectar source. As the season progresses and the blooms dry out, the blazing star takes on a new role as a seed buffet for birds.<\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Herb\/Flower
<\/strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3a – 8b
<\/strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun
<\/strong>Soil: <\/strong>Moist clay, silt, or sandy soil that\u2019s well-drained
<\/strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
<\/strong>Foliage: <\/strong>Deciduous
<\/strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>July to November
<\/strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Low
<\/strong>Mature size: <\/strong>3 – 6 feet
<\/strong>Region: <\/strong>Coastal, mountains, piedmont<\/p>Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Swamp](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Swamp-Milkweed-646x485.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The swamp milkweed is a remarkable native plant that thrives in wet soil conditions, such as swamps, marshes, and bogs<\/a>, as its name suggests. Notably, the swamp milkweed serves as a vital host plant for Monarch butterflies, providing a safe haven for them to lay their eggs. <\/p>
Additionally, the swamp milkweed’s resilience and beauty make it an excellent addition to rain gardens<\/a>.<\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Herb\/Flower
<\/strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3a – 9b
<\/strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade
<\/strong>Soil: <\/strong>Clay, loam, well-drained, rich, moist soils
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
<\/strong>Foliage: <\/strong>Deciduous
<\/strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>June to October
<\/strong>Water needs: <\/strong>High
<\/strong>Mature size: <\/strong>3 – 5 feet
<\/strong>Potential hazards: <\/strong>All parts of this plant have low-severity poison characteristics, and can cause vomiting and weakness.
<\/strong>Region: <\/strong>Coastal, mountains, piedmont<\/p>Eastern Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Eastern](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/eastern-bluestar-646x485.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andyworks<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The eastern blue star is a low-maintenance wildflower that graces North Carolina’s landscapes with its beauty. In late spring, it bursts into clusters of light blue star-shaped flowers. This native plant is a host plant for the coral hairstreak butterfly, providing a nurturing environment for its eggs and caterpillars. It also attracts native bees<\/a> and hummingbirds.<\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Herb\/Flower
<\/strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3a – 9b
<\/strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade
<\/strong>Soil: <\/strong>Clay, loam, sand, well-drained, moist soils
<\/strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
<\/strong>Foliage: <\/strong>Deciduous
<\/strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>March to May
<\/strong>Water needs: <\/strong>High
<\/strong>Mature size: <\/strong>2 – 3 feet
<\/strong>Region: <\/strong>Coastal, mountains, piedmont<\/p>Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Lanceleaf](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Lanceleaf-Coreopsis-646x429.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Cette photo a \u00e9t\u00e9 prise par Andr\u00e9 ALLIOT.<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The lanceleaf coreopsis is a resilient and vibrant addition to North Carolina’s landscapes. With its brilliant yellow flowers, it adds a splash of color and cheer to any garden or natural space. <\/p>
This hardy plant is known for its exceptional durability, as it resists deer and rabbits<\/a>, making it a reliable choice for gardens in areas with high wildlife activity. The lanceleaf coreopsis is also drought-tolerant and tolerates poor soil quality and intense heat. <\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Herb\/Flower
<\/strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4a – 9b
<\/strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade
<\/strong>Soil: <\/strong>Loam, sand, shallow rocky soils with good drainage
<\/strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
<\/strong>Foliage: <\/strong>Deciduous
<\/strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>March to August
<\/strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Medium
<\/strong>Mature size: <\/strong>1 – 2 feet
<\/strong>Region: <\/strong>Coastal, mountains, piedmont<\/p>Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/image-318.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Andrew C<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The purple coneflower has stunning pink-purple blooms and distinctive, spiky, cone-shaped centers. This showy flower stands out in gardens and natural areas during the summer season. Once established, this hardy plant requires minimal maintenance and exhibits remarkable drought tolerance. <\/p>
The purple coneflower is also a pollinator magnet, attracting a diverse array of beneficial insects<\/a>, butterflies, and bees to its nectar-rich flowers. In addition, the cone-shaped seed heads attract songbirds<\/a>.<\/p>
Plant type: <\/strong>Herb\/Flower
<\/strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3a – 8b
<\/strong>Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade
<\/strong>Soil: <\/strong>Clay, loam, sand, with high organic matter
<\/strong>Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
<\/strong>Foliage: <\/strong>Deciduous
<\/strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>April to September
<\/strong>Water needs: <\/strong>Medium
<\/strong>Mature size: <\/strong>3 – 4 feet - How to Choose Native Plants for North Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- North Carolina Native Vine<\/a>
- North Carolina Native Fern<\/a>
- Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)<\/a><\/li>
- North Carolina Native Flowers<\/a>