Carolina allspice
Calycanthus floridus
A dense, rounded deciduous native with a suckering habit with very fragrant, brown to reddish-brown … Continued
browsing: native plants
Native plants have evolved over thousands of years alongside native wildlife and therefore offer the most useful habitat. Native plants feed bugs at every stage of life, and bugs are the very foundation for our entire food web.
Our prairie natives require less water, and are adapted to grow in our soil types and temperature extremes, so they do well without requiring extensive resources and chemicals. Native plants help in the management of rainwater runoff and maintain healthy soil with their deep root systems.
Native vs Native Cultivar
hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
Native understory tree for shady landscapes and woodland gardens. New leaves emerge reddish-purple, changing to … Continued
pecan
Carya illinoinensis
This massive shade tree is the pecan producer of the industry. Lustrous, dark green foliage … Continued
catalpa
Catalpa speciosa
Showy white flowers, giant heart-shaped leaves, bean-like seed pods. Grows 40–60’ high and 20–40’ wide … Continued
New Jersey tea
Ceanothus americanus
Named because dried leaves were used as a tea substitute during the American Revolutionary War. … Continued
American bittersweet
Celastrus scandens
A deciduous twining woody vine best known for its showy red-orange berries that brighten up … Continued
hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
Tolerant of a variety of conditions. Well-suited to urban areas, it withstands wind and city … Continued
buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
This deciduous shrub has an open, rounded habit. Common throughout the midwest, it can most … Continued
eastern redbud
Cercis canadensis
Delicate deep pink blossoms and buds are one of the earliest spring displays. Unique and … Continued
Partridge Pea
Chamencrista fasciulate
Native annual with pinnately-compound leaves with small leaflets that fold together when touched. Showy yellow … Continued
river oats, northern sea oats
Chasmanthium latifolium
Attractive, nodding seed heads make excellent cut arrangement filler. This grass spreads aggressively so choose … Continued
fringetree
Chionanthus virginicus/retusus
Chionanthus virginicus produces magnificent clusters of fringe-like blooms. Slow growing to 20-25’ high and 25’ … Continued