Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. These plants are important to the local habitat as they provide nectar, pollen, and seeds for butterflies, insects, birds, and other animals. Native plants also require less water and do not require fertilizer to thrive in their local climate. Here are just a few of our favorite native plants to use in our landscapes.

Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 

Summersweet grows all along the east coast of the United States from Maine to Florida and as far west as Texas. They typically grow 3-6 feet tall and wide and prefer full sun to partial shade. Summersweet produces small white to light red flowers and blooms from July to August. In the fall these Pepperbush leaves turn bright yellow adding to their seasonal interest. They attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. During the fall the bush produces seed capsules which provide for birds during the winter months. 

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly weed is a member of the milkweed family. Found across most of the contiguous United States and parts of eastern Canada. Butterfly weed most commonly grows with striking orange flowers. They attract hummingbirds, bees, and of course butterflies. These plants prefer full sun to thrive. Typically growing 1-2 feet tall and wide. Butterfly weed is great for any garden with its long blooming season from early to late summer. 

Garden Phlox 

Phlox paniculata

Garden phlox is a hardy, long-lived perennial. From midsummer to early fall, these sturdy, upright plants are topped with large clusters of fragrant flowers that come in a fantastic range of colors including white, pink, fuchsia, red, lavender, purple, and orange as well as dozens of eye-catching bicolors. Garden Phlox prefers full sun.

Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

Winterberry can be used as a property border or to screen views. Winterberry provides seasonal interest in autumn and early winter when female plants are covered in red, orange, or yellow fruit. Winterberries are an important source of food for many native bird species. The brightly colored berries persist throughout the winter providing much-needed food during the cold months.