As native plants become increasingly popular, homeowners are seeking the best species to use in their landscapes. While they still require maintenance, the list below contains natives that will require the least amount of maintenance and are well behaved for a home garden.
Herbaceous Perennials
Baptisia australis
Herbaceous perennials for sun
Herbaceous perennials for sun: Ephemeral or semi-ephemeral
*Ephemerals are plants that last for a short period of time
Herbaceous perennials for shade
Shade: Ephemeral or semi-ephemeral
*Plant these species amongst herbaceous perennials for shady spots, as they may disappear by summer
Ground covers, grasses and sedges
Glandularia canadensis
Ground covers for sun
*Some ground covers will naturally spread by underground rhizomes
Ground covers for shade
*ground covers will naturally spread by underground rhizomes
Grasses/sedges for sun
Grasses/sedges for shade
*use these species in larger quantities for use as a ground cover
Trees
Liriodendron tulipifera
Small Trees (under 30 feet)
Large Trees (over 30 feet)
Shrubs and Vines
Hydrangea arborescens
Shrubs for sun
Shrubs for shade
Vines
Additional Native Plants
The list below contains equally great natives for your home garden, but they will require a little more maintenance than those above to maintain their formal appearance or prevent them from creeping around your landscape.
Liatris pycnostachya
Herbaceous perennials for sun
Herbaceous perennials for shade
Herbaceous perennials for shade: Ephemeral or semi-ephemeral
*Ephemerals are plants that last for a short period of time
Trees (Large - over 30 ft)