Native plants

Native Plants for Maine - What to Plant, and When

Maine spans 2 ecoregions:Eastern Temperate ForestsNorthern Forests

231 plants on this site are native to Maine, 43 of them keystone species that feed the most caterpillars and bees. Maine spans 2 ecoregions (Eastern Temperate Forests, Northern Forests), and the plants here are the ones that evolved in them. Hardiness zones in the state run 3b to 6a, which is why the list sorts by zone rather than by state.

Start with the keystones (an oak or native cherry if you have room, then goldenrods, asters and milkweeds), and plant in early fall or early spring, at least six weeks before a frost. Pick your zone above and each plant shows its own sowing and bloom window for where you garden.

Every date below moves with your zone.Keystones only · 43
American Plum (Prunus americana)

American Plum

Prunus americana

Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Beach Plum (Prunus maritima)

Beach Plum

Prunus maritima

Zones 3a–9a · native to 10 states

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Zones 3a–9a · native to 46 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

Black Oak

Quercus velutina

Zones 4b–9a · native to 36 states and provinces

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Zones 3a–9b · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Oct in zone 5a

Bog Blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum)

Bog Blueberry

Vaccinium uliginosum

Zones 2a–6b · native to 26 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5a

Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba)

Brown-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia triloba

Zones 3a–7b · native to 26 states

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum)

Calico Aster

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5a

Campfire Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire')

Campfire Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire'

Zones 3a–7b · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Oct in zone 5a

Chestnut Oak (Quercus montana)

Chestnut Oak

Quercus montana

Zones 4b–8a · native to 23 states

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

Zones 2a–7b · native to 55 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa)

Curlycup Gumweed

Grindelia squarrosa

Zones 3a–9a · native to 44 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Eastern White Pine

Pinus strobus

Zones 3a–8b · native to 32 states and provinces

Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor)

Field Thistle

Cirsium discolor

Zones 3a–8b · native to 37 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5a

Giant Sunflower (Helianthus giganteus)

Giant Sunflower

Helianthus giganteus

Zones 3a–8b · native to 32 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5a

Gray Alder (Alnus incana)

Gray Alder

Alnus incana

Zones 3a–6b · native to 44 states and provinces

Gray Birch (Betula populifolia)

Gray Birch

Betula populifolia

Zones 3a–6b · native to 19 states and provinces

Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Highbush Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum

Zones 4a–7b · native to 34 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana)

Jack Pine

Pinus banksiana

Zones 2a–6a · native to 25 states and provinces

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Zones 3a–8b · native to 44 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5a

Nodding Bur Marigold (Bidens cernua)

Nodding Bur Marigold

Bidens cernua

Zones 3a–9b · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra

Zones 3b–8a · native to 38 states and provinces

Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida)

Orange Coneflower

Rudbeckia fulgida

Zones 4a–9a · native to 26 states

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)

Paper Birch

Betula papyrifera

Zones 2a–7a · native to 32 states and provinces

Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica)

Pin Cherry

Prunus pensylvanica

Zones 2a–6b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Pink Tickseed (Coreopsis rosea)

Pink Tickseed

Coreopsis rosea

Zones 4a–9b · native to 13 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Prairie Willow (Salix humilis)

Prairie Willow

Salix humilis

Zones 2a–8b · native to 45 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 5a

Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

Quaking Aspen

Populus tremuloides

Zones 2a–6b · native to 49 states and provinces

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Zones 3a–9b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 5a

Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)

Red Pine

Pinus resinosa

Zones 2b–6b · native to 21 states and provinces

Sandbar Willow (Salix interior)

Sandbar Willow

Salix interior

Zones 2a–9b · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 5a

Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)

Scarlet Oak

Quercus coccinea

Zones 4b–9a · native to 27 states

Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens)

Seaside Goldenrod

Solidago sempervirens

Zones 4a–10b · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5a

Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)

Shagbark Hickory

Carya ovata

Zones 4a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

Silver Maple

Acer saccharinum

Zones 3a–9a · native to 40 states and provinces

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum

Zones 3a–8a · native to 42 states and provinces

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)

Swamp White Oak

Quercus bicolor

Zones 4a–8b · native to 32 states and provinces

Sweet Birch (Betula lenta)

Sweet Birch

Betula lenta

Zones 4a–7b · native to 21 states and provinces

Tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata)

Tickseed

Coreopsis lanceolata

Zones 3a–9b · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms May – Sep in zone 5a

White Oak (Quercus alba)

White Oak

Quercus alba

Zones 3b–8b · native to 38 states and provinces

Wild Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum)

Wild Aster

Symphyotrichum pilosum

Zones 4a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 5a

Wreath Goldenrod (Solidago caesia)

Wreath Goldenrod

Solidago caesia

Zones 4a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 5a

'Angel Wings' Foamflower (Tiarella hybrid 'Angel Wings')

'Angel Wings' Foamflower

Tiarella hybrid 'Angel Wings'

Zones 4a–8b · native to 27 states

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)

Allegheny Serviceberry

Amelanchier laevis

Zones 4a–8a · native to 31 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 5a

Alpine Azalea (Kalmia procumbens)

Alpine Azalea

Kalmia procumbens

Zones 2a–6b · native to 9 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

Alum Root (Heuchera americana)

Alum Root

Heuchera americana

Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

American Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis

Zones 2a–7b · native to 25 states and provinces

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

American Beech

Fagus grandifolia

Zones 3b–9a · native to 37 states and provinces

American Bellflower (Campanula americana)

American Bellflower

Campanula americana

Zones 4a–8a · native to 29 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

American Chestnut (Castanea dentata)

American Chestnut

Castanea dentata

Zones 4a–8a · native to 25 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

American Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum)

American Cranberrybush

Viburnum opulus var. americanum

Zones 2a–7b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

American Elm (Ulmus americana)

American Elm

Ulmus americana

Zones 3a–9a · native to 46 states and provinces

American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)

American Hornbeam

Carpinus caroliniana

Zones 3a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces

American Linden (Tilia americana)

American Linden

Tilia americana

Zones 3a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

American Spurred Gentian (Halenia deflexa)

American Spurred Gentian

Halenia deflexa

Zones 2a–7b · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

American Vetch (Vicia americana)

American Vetch

Vicia americana

Zones 3a–9b · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

American White Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata)

American White Water Lily

Nymphaea odorata

Zones 3a–11b · native to 56 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 5a

American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

American Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms Sep – Dec in zone 5a

Appalachian Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium van-bruntiae)

Appalachian Jacob's Ladder

Polemonium van-bruntiae

Zones 3a–7b · native to 6 states

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

Arrowwood Viburnum

Viburnum dentatum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 37 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)

Balsam Fir

Abies balsamea

Zones 3a–6a · native to 22 states and provinces

Bartram's Serviceberry (Amelanchier bartramiana)

Bartram's Serviceberry

Amelanchier bartramiana

Zones 3a–6b · native to 20 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Beaujolais Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata 'Beaujolais')

Beaujolais Fringed Loosestrife

Lysimachia ciliata 'Beaujolais'

Zones 3a–8b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Bee Balm

Monarda didyma

Zones 4a–9b · native to 25 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

Zones 3a–9b · native to 44 states

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Big Bluestem 'Holy Smoke' (Andropogon gerardii)

Big Bluestem 'Holy Smoke'

Andropogon gerardii

Zones 3a–9b · native to 44 states

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra)

Black Ash

Fraxinus nigra

Zones 2b–6b · native to 24 states and provinces

Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)

Black Chokeberry

Aronia melanocarpa

Zones 3a–8b · native to 31 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

Black Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum)

Black Crowberry

Empetrum nigrum

Zones 2a–6b · native to 22 states and provinces

Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)

Black Gum

Nyssa sylvatica

Zones 4a–9b · native to 32 states and provinces

Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis)

Black Raspberry

Rubus occidentalis

Zones 4a–8b · native to 37 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

Zones 3a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Bloodtwig Serviceberry (Amelanchier sanguinea)

Bloodtwig Serviceberry

Amelanchier sanguinea

Zones 3a–6b · native to 18 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Zones 3a–8a · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

Zones 3a–8b · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Blue Waxweed (Cuphea viscosissima)

Blue Waxweed

Cuphea viscosissima

Zones 3a–9a · native to 28 states

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Blue-fruited Dogwood (Cornus obliqua)

Blue-fruited Dogwood

Cornus obliqua

Zones 4a–8b · native to 25 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

Bluebead Lily (Clintonia borealis)

Bluebead Lily

Clintonia borealis

Zones 3a–7b · native to 28 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

Bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis)

Bluejoint

Calamagrostis canadensis

Zones 2a–7b · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 44 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)

Bottle Gentian

Gentiana andrewsii

Zones 3a–7b · native to 27 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)

Broadleaf Arrowhead

Sagittaria latifolia

Zones 3a–10b · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Broadleaf Cattail (Typha latifolia)

Broadleaf Cattail

Typha latifolia

Zones 3a–10b · native to 60 states and provinces

Bulblet Bladder Fern (Cystopteris bulbifera)

Bulblet Bladder Fern

Cystopteris bulbifera

Zones 3a–8a · native to 34 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 5a

Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)

Bunchberry

Cornus canadensis

Zones 2a–6b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa

Zones 3a–9a · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis

Zones 5a–9b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Canada Lily (Lilium canadense)

Canada Lily

Lilium canadense

Zones 3a–8b · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis)

Canada Wild Rye

Elymus canadensis

Zones 3a–9b · native to 46 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Canadian Burnet (Sanguisorba canadensis)

Canadian Burnet

Sanguisorba canadensis

Zones 3a–8b · native to 29 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Dec in zone 5a

Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

Canadian Hemlock

Tsuga canadensis

Zones 3a–7b · native to 30 states and provinces

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 41 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Carolina Geranium (Geranium carolinianum)

Carolina Geranium

Geranium carolinianum

Zones 3a–9b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Jul in zone 5a

Carolina Lupine (Thermopsis villosa)

Carolina Lupine

Thermopsis villosa

Zones 4a–8b · native to 16 states

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5a

Carolina Rose (Rosa carolina)

Carolina Rose

Rosa carolina

Zones 4a–9b · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides

Zones 3a–9a · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Oct in zone 5a

Closed Gentian (Gentiana clausa)

Closed Gentian

Gentiana clausa

Zones 3a–7b · native to 16 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus)

Cloudberry

Rubus chamaemorus

Zones 2a–6a · native to 17 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

Clustered Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum muticum)

Clustered Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum muticum

Zones 4a–8b · native to 29 states

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli)

Cockspur Hawthorn

Crataegus crus-galli

Zones 4a–7b · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

Common Bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza)

Common Bladderwort

Utricularia macrorhiza

Zones 3a–9b · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)

Common Blue Violet

Viola sororia

Zones 3a–9a · native to 41 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Common Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris)

Common Butterwort

Pinguicula vulgaris

Zones 2a–7b · native to 24 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

Common Evening Primrose

Oenothera biennis

Zones 3a–9b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms May – Oct in zone 5a

Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

Common Hackberry

Celtis occidentalis

Zones 2a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

Zones 3a–9a · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)

Common Snowberry

Symphoricarpos albus

Zones 3a–7b · native to 45 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

Coral Honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens

Zones 4a–9b · native to 29 states

Blooms Jul – Jan in zone 5a

Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

Creeping Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 28 states and provinces

Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Cup Plant

Silphium perfoliatum

Zones 3a–9a · native to 37 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Deceitful Pussytoes (Antennaria parlinii ssp. fallax)

Deceitful Pussytoes

Antennaria parlinii ssp. fallax

Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Doll's Eyes (Actaea pachypoda)

Doll's Eyes

Actaea pachypoda

Zones 3a–8a · native to 31 states and provinces

Blooms May – May in zone 5a

Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

Downy Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea

Zones 4a–9a · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 5a

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum racemosum)

False Solomon's Seal

Maianthemum racemosum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 57 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)

False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides

Zones 3a–9a · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)

Fireweed

Chamerion angustifolium

Zones 3a–8b · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida

Zones 5a–9a · native to 33 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)

Foamflower

Tiarella cordifolia

Zones 3a–8b · native to 27 states

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)

Foxglove Beardtongue

Penstemon digitalis

Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

Fringed Gentian (Gentianopsis crinita)

Fringed Gentian

Gentianopsis crinita

Zones 3a–7b · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Gaspe Serviceberry (Amelanchier gaspensis)

Gaspe Serviceberry

Amelanchier gaspensis

Zones 3a–5b · native to 4 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)

Ghost Pipe

Monotropa uniflora

Zones 3a–9b · native to 47 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 5a

Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus)

Goat's Beard

Aruncus dioicus

Zones 3a–7b · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea)

Golden Alexander

Zizia aurea

Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea)

Golden Ragwort

Packera aurea

Zones 3a–8b · native to 44 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)

Gray Dogwood

Cornus racemosa

Zones 4a–8b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)

Great Blue Lobelia

Lobelia siphilitica

Zones 4a–9a · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)

Green Ash

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Zones 3a–9a · native to 47 states and provinces

Ground Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Ground Phlox

Phlox subulata

Zones 3a–9b · native to 27 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Hairy Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza claytonii)

Hairy Sweet Cicely

Osmorhiza claytonii

Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)

Harebell

Campanula rotundifolia

Zones 2a–7b · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Hay-scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula)

Hay-scented Fern

Dennstaedtia punctilobula

Zones 3a–8a · native to 32 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 5a

Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)

Horsetail

Equisetum hyemale

Zones 3a–11b · native to 61 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Apr in zone 5a

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

Indian Grass

Sorghastrum nutans

Zones 4a–9a · native to 48 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 5a

Intermediate Serviceberry (Amelanchier intermedia)

Intermediate Serviceberry

Amelanchier intermedia

Zones 3a–7a · native to 19 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

Joe Pye Weed

Eutrochium purpureum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5a

Juniper Bush (Juniperus communis)

Juniper Bush

Juniperus communis

Zones 2a–6b · native to 49 states and provinces

Juniper Tree (Juniperus virginiana)

Juniper Tree

Juniperus virginiana

Zones 2a–9a · native to 40 states and provinces

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Kinnikinnick

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Zones 2a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

Lady Fern

Athyrium filix-femina

Zones 4a–8b · native to 46 states

Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 5a

Large-Flowered Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora)

Large-Flowered Bellwort

Uvularia grandiflora

Zones 3a–8b · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Limber Honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica)

Limber Honeysuckle

Lonicera dioica

Zones 3b–8a · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 5a

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5a

Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven' (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven'

Schizachyrium scoparium

Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5a

Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone' (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone'

Schizachyrium scoparium

Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5a

Low Serviceberry (Amelanchier humilis)

Low Serviceberry

Amelanchier humilis

Zones 2a–6b · native to 18 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum pedatum

Zones 3a–8a · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 5a

Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium)

Mapleleaf Viburnum

Viburnum acerifolium

Zones 3a–8a · native to 33 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

Marsh Marigold

Caltha palustris

Zones 3a–7b · native to 41 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

Mayapple

Podophyllum peltatum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Meadow Phlox (Phlox maculata)

Meadow Phlox

Phlox maculata

Zones 3b–8b · native to 29 states

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Monarda 'Jacob Cline' (Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline')

Monarda 'Jacob Cline'

Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline'

Zones 4a–9b · native to 25 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Moss Campion (Silene acaulis)

Moss Campion

Silene acaulis

Zones 1a–6b · native to 24 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

Mountain Laurel

Kalmia latifolia

Zones 4a–9a · native to 24 states

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)

Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum virginianum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)

Nannyberry

Viburnum lentago

Zones 2b–8a · native to 33 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

Nantucket Serviceberry (Amelanchier nantucketensis)

Nantucket Serviceberry

Amelanchier nantucketensis

Zones 4a–7b · native to 12 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

New Jersey Tea

Ceanothus americanus

Zones 4a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5a

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius

Zones 2b–7b · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5a

Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

Northern Bayberry

Morella pensylvanica

Zones 3a–7b · native to 20 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Northern Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera)

Northern Bush Honeysuckle

Diervilla lonicera

Zones 3a–7b · native to 32 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

Northern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)

Northern Prickly Ash

Zanthoxylum americanum

Zones 3a–7b · native to 35 states and provinces

Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)

Obedient Plant

Physostegia virginiana

Zones 2b–9a · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Obedient Plant 'Crystal Peak White' (Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White')

Obedient Plant 'Crystal Peak White'

Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White'

Zones 4a–9b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Zones 3a–7b · native to 23 states

Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 5a

Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)

Pagoda Dogwood

Cornus alternifolia

Zones 3a–7b · native to 37 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5a

Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)

Pearly Everlasting

Anaphalis margaritacea

Zones 3a–8b · native to 45 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica)

Pennsylvania Sedge

Carex pensylvanica

Zones 3a–8a · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Pickerelweed

Pontederia cordata

Zones 3a–10b · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Oct in zone 5a

Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)

Purple Lovegrass

Eragrostis spectabilis

Zones 5a–9b · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Purple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea)

Purple Pitcher Plant

Sarracenia purpurea

Zones 3a–9b · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)

Red Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa

Zones 3a–7b · native to 44 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5a

Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)

Red Fescue

Festuca rubra

Zones 2a–8b · native to 26 states and provinces

Red-twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Red-twig Dogwood

Cornus sericea

Zones 2a–7b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5a

Round-leaved Dogwood (Cornus rugosa)

Round-leaved Dogwood

Cornus rugosa

Zones 3a–7b · native to 25 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5a

Round-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica americana)

Round-lobed Hepatica

Hepatica americana

Zones 3a–8a · native to 34 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)

Royal Fern

Osmunda regalis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 34 states

Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 5a

Running Serviceberry (Amelanchier spicata)

Running Serviceberry

Amelanchier spicata

Zones 2a–6b · native to 19 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 5a

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

Zones 4a–9b · native to 34 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Seersucker Sedge (Carex plantaginea)

Seersucker Sedge

Carex plantaginea

Zones 3a–8a · native to 29 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

Serviceberry

Amelanchier canadensis

Zones 3a–7b · native to 53 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 5a

Sherry Sue Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue')

Sherry Sue Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue'

Zones 3a–9a · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Shrubby Cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa)

Shrubby Cinquefoil

Dasiphora fruticosa

Zones 2a–7b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms May – Aug in zone 5a

Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)

Silky Dogwood

Cornus amomum

Zones 5a–8b · native to 28 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle')

Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Zones 3a–9b · native to 33 states

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 5a

Soft Rush (Juncus effusus)

Soft Rush

Juncus effusus

Zones 4a–9b · native to 55 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

Solomon's Seal 'Prince Charming' (Polygonatum biflorum)

Solomon's Seal 'Prince Charming'

Polygonatum biflorum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Solomon's Seal (Native) (Polygonatum biflorum)

Solomon's Seal (Native)

Polygonatum biflorum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

Zones 4a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 5a

Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)

Spiderwort

Tradescantia ohiensis

Zones 4a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

Spotted Joe Pye Weed

Eutrochium maculatum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 46 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)

Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia

Zones 3a–9a · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Sundial Lupine (Lupinus perennis)

Sundial Lupine

Lupinus perennis

Zones 3a–8a · native to 34 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5a

Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa)

Sundrops

Oenothera fruticosa

Zones 4a–8b · native to 30 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata

Zones 3a–9a · native to 45 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Sweet Everlasting (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium)

Sweet Everlasting

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium

Zones 3a–9b · native to 41 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 5a

Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina)

Sweet Fern

Comptonia peregrina

Zones 2a–6b · native to 30 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5a

Sweet Flag (Acorus americanus)

Sweet Flag

Acorus americanus

Zones 3a–7b · native to 41 states and provinces

Switchgrass 'Cheyenne Sky' (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass 'Cheyenne Sky'

Panicum virgatum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5a

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah'

Panicum virgatum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5a

Switchgrass 'Smoking Gun' (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass 'Smoking Gun'

Panicum virgatum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5a

Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana)

Tall Thimbleweed

Anemone virginiana

Zones 3a–8b · native to 46 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5a

Tamarack (Larix laricina)

Tamarack

Larix laricina

Zones 2a–5b · native to 28 states and provinces

Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)

Trillium

Trillium grandiflorum

Zones 3a–7b · native to 34 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

Tufted Hairgrass

Deschampsia cespitosa

Zones 4a–9b · native to 43 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5a

Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

Turtlehead

Chelone glabra

Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)

Twinflower

Linnaea borealis

Zones 2a–6b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Two-leaf Miterwort (Mitella diphylla)

Two-leaf Miterwort

Mitella diphylla

Zones 3a–8b · native to 27 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Virgin's Bower Clematis (Clematis virginiana)

Virgin's Bower Clematis

Clematis virginiana

Zones 3a–9b · native to 40 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Virginia Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

Virginia Strawberry

Fragaria virginiana

Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5a

Western Dog Violet (Viola adunca)

Western Dog Violet

Viola adunca

Zones 2a–8b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms Feb – May in zone 5a

White Ash (Fraxinus americana)

White Ash

Fraxinus americana

Zones 3a–9a · native to 37 states and provinces

White Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album')

White Fireweed

Chamaenerion angustifolium 'Album'

Zones 2a–7b · native to 31 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)

White Snakeroot

Ageratina altissima

Zones 3a–8b · native to 30 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 5a

White Spruce (Picea glauca)

White Spruce

Picea glauca

Zones 2a–6b · native to 27 states and provinces

White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata)

White Wood Aster

Eurybia divaricata

Zones 4a–8b · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 5a

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild Bergamot

Monarda fistulosa

Zones 3a–9b · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5a

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Wild Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

Zones 3a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5a

Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)

Wild Geranium

Geranium maculatum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5a

Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

Wild Ginger

Asarum canadense

Zones 3a–7b · native to 40 states and provinces

Wild Leek (Allium tricoccum)

Wild Leek

Allium tricoccum

Zones 3a–7b · native to 32 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Wild Raisin (Viburnum cassinoides)

Wild Raisin

Viburnum cassinoides

Zones 3a–8a · native to 30 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

Wild Senna (Senna hebecarpa)

Wild Senna

Senna hebecarpa

Zones 3a–8b · native to 26 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 5a

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

Wild Strawberry

Fragaria vesca

Zones 3b–9a · native to 50 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Aug in zone 5a

Direct-sow ~10 wks after your last spring frost

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

Zones 3a–9a · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5a

Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum)

Wood Lily

Lilium philadelphicum

Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata

Zones 3b–9a · native to 38 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5a

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Zones 3a–9b · native to 50 states

Blooms May – Aug in zone 5a

Direct-sow ~8 wks after your last spring frost

Yellow Giant Hyssop (Agastache nepetoides)

Yellow Giant Hyssop

Agastache nepetoides

Zones 3a–8b · native to 29 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5a

Common questions

What plants are native to Maine?
'Angel Wings' Foamflower, Allegheny Serviceberry, Alpine Azalea, Alum Root, American Arborvitae, American Beech, American Bellflower, American Chestnut, and 223 more are native to Maine. Every one links to its own growing page.
When should I plant natives in Maine?
Timing depends on your hardiness zone. Each plant on this page shows its sowing and bloom window relative to your zone's last spring and first fall frost, so the dates stay correct wherever in Maine you garden. As a rule, plant perennials and shrubs in early fall, at least six weeks before the first frost, or in spring once the soil drains.
What hardiness zones does Maine cover?
Maine runs from zone 3b to 6a. Pick your zone at the top of the page and the list re-sorts for it.
Which keystone plants should I start with in Maine?
American Plum, Beach Plum, Black Cherry, Black Oak, Black-Eyed Susan, Bog Blueberry, among others. Keystone plants host the most caterpillar species in their ecoregion, which is what feeds nesting birds; one oak or native cherry does more than a bed of showy non-natives. Use the Keystones only toggle to see all 43.

How this list is built

Native ranges follow the USDA PLANTS Database; hardiness ranges follow USDA Plant Hardiness Zones; pollinator value draws on the Xerces Society. Where a reference almanac would stop at “confirm with your local authority,” we go one step further - every plant here links to its full growing page with frost-relative tasks for your zone.

Nature timing varies year to year. To calibrate to your own yard, the Garden Digest builds a weekly task list around your plants and frost dates.

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