Native plants

Native Plants for Minnesota - What to Plant, and When

Minnesota spans 3 ecoregions:Eastern Temperate ForestsGreat PlainsNorthern Forests

260 plants on this site are native to Minnesota, 46 of them keystone species that feed the most caterpillars and bees. Minnesota spans 3 ecoregions (Eastern Temperate Forests, Great Plains, Northern Forests), and the plants here are the ones that evolved in them. Hardiness zones in the state run 3a to 5a, 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 · 46
American Plum (Prunus americana)

American Plum

Prunus americana

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

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 Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Bog Blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum)

Bog Blueberry

Vaccinium uliginosum

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Boxelder (Acer negundo)

Boxelder

Acer negundo

Zones 2a–9b · native to 48 states and provinces

Broom Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae)

Broom Snakeweed

Gutierrezia sarothrae

Zones 4a–9b · native to 21 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba)

Brown-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia triloba

Zones 3a–7b · native to 26 states

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

Bur Oak

Quercus macrocarpa

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

Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum)

Calico Aster

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum

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

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Campfire Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire')

Campfire Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire'

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Curlycup Gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa)

Curlycup Gumweed

Grindelia squarrosa

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

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 Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Giant Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea)

Giant Ironweed

Vernonia gigantea

Zones 5a–9b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Giant Sunflower (Helianthus giganteus)

Giant Sunflower

Helianthus giganteus

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

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

Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 4b

Gray Alder (Alnus incana)

Gray Alder

Alnus incana

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

Hairy False Goldenaster (Heterotheca villosa)

Hairy False Goldenaster

Heterotheca villosa

Zones 4a–9a · native to 20 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Highbush Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

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 Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Nodding Bur Marigold (Bidens cernua)

Nodding Bur Marigold

Bidens cernua

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

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 Jul – Sep in zone 4b

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 Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Prairie Crabapple (Malus ioensis)

Prairie Crabapple

Malus ioensis

Zones 3b–8a · native to 11 states

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Prairie Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)

Prairie Ironweed

Vernonia fasciculata

Zones 3a–8b · native to 19 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 4b

Prairie Willow (Salix humilis)

Prairie Willow

Salix humilis

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

Blooms Mar – May in zone 4b

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 Mar – May in zone 4b

Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)

Red Pine

Pinus resinosa

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

River Birch (Betula nigra)

River Birch

Betula nigra

Zones 4a–9a · native to 27 states

Sandbar Willow (Salix interior)

Sandbar Willow

Salix interior

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

Blooms Mar – May in zone 4b

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

Sky Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense)

Sky Blue Aster

Symphyotrichum oolentangiense

Zones 3a–9b · native to 20 states and provinces

Blooms Sep – Dec in zone 4b

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum

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

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Zones 2a–11b · native to 22 states

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)

Swamp White Oak

Quercus bicolor

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

Tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata)

Tickseed

Coreopsis lanceolata

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

Blooms Jun – Oct in zone 4b

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 Sep – Dec in zone 4b

Wreath Goldenrod (Solidago caesia)

Wreath Goldenrod

Solidago caesia

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

Blooms Sep – Sep in zone 4b

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

'Angel Wings' Foamflower

Tiarella hybrid 'Angel Wings'

Zones 4a–8b · native to 27 states

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

'Golden Jubilee' Agastache (Agastache foeniculum 'Golden Jubilee')

'Golden Jubilee' Agastache

Agastache foeniculum 'Golden Jubilee'

Zones 4a–9a · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Agastache (Agastache foeniculum)

Agastache

Agastache foeniculum

Zones 4a–9a · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)

Allegheny Serviceberry

Amelanchier laevis

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

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 4b

Alum Root (Heuchera americana)

Alum Root

Heuchera americana

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

American Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis

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

American Bellflower (Campanula americana)

American Bellflower

Campanula americana

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

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 4b

American Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum)

American Cranberrybush

Viburnum opulus var. americanum

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 4b

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 Jun – Jul in zone 4b

American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)

American Lotus

Nelumbo lutea

Zones 4a–10b · native to 30 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

American Spurred Gentian (Halenia deflexa)

American Spurred Gentian

Halenia deflexa

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

American Vetch (Vicia americana)

American Vetch

Vicia americana

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

American White Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata)

American White Water Lily

Nymphaea odorata

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

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 4b

American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

American Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

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

Blooms Oct – Jan in zone 4b

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 Apr – May in zone 4b

Beaujolais Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata 'Beaujolais')

Beaujolais Fringed Loosestrife

Lysimachia ciliata 'Beaujolais'

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

Zones 3a–9b · native to 44 states

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Big Bluestem 'Holy Smoke' (Andropogon gerardii)

Big Bluestem 'Holy Smoke'

Andropogon gerardii

Zones 3a–9b · native to 44 states

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

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 May – Jun in zone 4b

Black Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum)

Black Crowberry

Empetrum nigrum

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

Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis)

Black Raspberry

Rubus occidentalis

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra

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

Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata)

Blanketflower

Gaillardia aristata

Zones 3a–9b · native to 18 states and provinces

Blooms Oct – Feb in zone 4b

Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

Blazing Star

Liatris spicata

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Bloodtwig Serviceberry (Amelanchier sanguinea)

Bloodtwig Serviceberry

Amelanchier sanguinea

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum thalictroides

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)

Blue Flax

Linum lewisii

Zones 3a–9b · native to 26 states and provinces

Blooms Sep – Jan in zone 4b

Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis)

Blue Grama

Bouteloua gracilis

Zones 3a–10b · native to 26 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 4b

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Blue Waxweed (Cuphea viscosissima)

Blue Waxweed

Cuphea viscosissima

Zones 3a–9a · native to 28 states

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Blue-fruited Dogwood (Cornus obliqua)

Blue-fruited Dogwood

Cornus obliqua

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Bluebead Lily (Clintonia borealis)

Bluebead Lily

Clintonia borealis

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 4b

Bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis)

Bluejoint

Calamagrostis canadensis

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)

Bottle Gentian

Gentiana andrewsii

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)

Broadleaf Arrowhead

Sagittaria latifolia

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

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 4b

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 May – Sep in zone 4b

Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)

Bunchberry

Cornus canadensis

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 4b

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis)

Canada Wild Rye

Elymus canadensis

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

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 Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Carolina Geranium (Geranium carolinianum)

Carolina Geranium

Geranium carolinianum

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

Blooms Apr – Sep in zone 4b

Carolina Rose (Rosa carolina)

Carolina Rose

Rosa carolina

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides

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

Blooms Mar – Sep in zone 4b

Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus)

Cloudberry

Rubus chamaemorus

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 4b

Clove Currant (Ribes odoratum)

Clove Currant

Ribes odoratum

Zones 4a–8b · native to 12 states

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Clustered Field Sedge (Carex praegracilis)

Clustered Field Sedge

Carex praegracilis

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli)

Cockspur Hawthorn

Crataegus crus-galli

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Common Bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza)

Common Bladderwort

Utricularia macrorhiza

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

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 4b

Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)

Common Blue Violet

Viola sororia

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Common Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris)

Common Butterwort

Pinguicula vulgaris

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

Common Evening Primrose

Oenothera biennis

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

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 4b

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 Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Common Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

Common Sneezeweed

Helenium autumnale

Zones 3a–8b · native to 51 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)

Common Snowberry

Symphoricarpos albus

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Compass Plant

Silphium laciniatum

Zones 3a–9a · native to 25 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Cream Wild Indigo (Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea)

Cream Wild Indigo

Baptisia bracteata var. leucophaea

Zones 4a–8b · native to 16 states

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

Creeping Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis

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

Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)

Culver's Root

Veronicastrum virginicum

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Culver's Root 'Challenger' (Veronicastrum virginicum)

Culver's Root 'Challenger'

Veronicastrum virginicum

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Cup Plant

Silphium perfoliatum

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Deceitful Pussytoes (Antennaria parlinii ssp. fallax)

Deceitful Pussytoes

Antennaria parlinii ssp. fallax

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Doll's Eyes (Actaea pachypoda)

Doll's Eyes

Actaea pachypoda

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

Blooms Jun – Jun in zone 4b

Dotted Blazing Star (Liatris punctata)

Dotted Blazing Star

Liatris punctata

Zones 3a–9b · native to 16 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

Downy Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea

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

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 4b

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 4b

False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum racemosum)

False Solomon's Seal

Maianthemum racemosum

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)

False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)

Fireweed

Chamerion angustifolium

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)

Foamflower

Tiarella cordifolia

Zones 3a–8b · native to 27 states

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)

Foxglove Beardtongue

Penstemon digitalis

Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Fringed Gentian (Gentianopsis crinita)

Fringed Gentian

Gentianopsis crinita

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

Blooms Sep – Oct in zone 4b

Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)

Ghost Pipe

Monotropa uniflora

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

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 4b

Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus)

Goat's Beard

Aruncus dioicus

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 4b

Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea)

Golden Alexander

Zizia aurea

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea)

Golden Ragwort

Packera aurea

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Grape Honeysuckle (Lonicera reticulata)

Grape Honeysuckle

Lonicera reticulata

Zones 4a–8a · native to 15 states

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)

Gray Dogwood

Cornus racemosa

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Gray-Headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)

Gray-Headed Coneflower

Ratibida pinnata

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

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 4b

Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)

Great Blue Lobelia

Lobelia siphilitica

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

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 Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Hairy Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza claytonii)

Hairy Sweet Cicely

Osmorhiza claytonii

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)

Hardy Hibiscus

Hibiscus moscheutos

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

Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 4b

Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)

Harebell

Campanula rotundifolia

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Hay-scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula)

Hay-scented Fern

Dennstaedtia punctilobula

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

Blooms May – Sep in zone 4b

Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos)

Honeylocust

Gleditsia triacanthos

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

Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)

Horsetail

Equisetum hyemale

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

Blooms May – May in zone 4b

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

Indian Grass

Sorghastrum nutans

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

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Indian Ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides)

Indian Ricegrass

Achnatherum hymenoides

Zones 4a–9b · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Intermediate Serviceberry (Amelanchier intermedia)

Intermediate Serviceberry

Amelanchier intermedia

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium reptans)

Jacob's Ladder

Polemonium reptans

Zones 3a–8b · native to 27 states

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

Joe Pye Weed

Eutrochium purpureum

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

Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 4b

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 May – Jun in zone 4b

Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

Lady Fern

Athyrium filix-femina

Zones 4a–8b · native to 46 states

Blooms May – Sep in zone 4b

Large Beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus)

Large Beardtongue

Penstemon grandiflorus

Zones 3a–8b · native to 15 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 4b

Large-Flowered Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora)

Large-Flowered Bellwort

Uvularia grandiflora

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Lavender Twist Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Lavender Twist')

Lavender Twist Redbud

Cercis canadensis 'Lavender Twist'

Zones 5a–9a · native to 31 states

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)

Leadplant

Amorpha canescens

Zones 2b–9b · native to 20 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Limber Honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica)

Limber Honeysuckle

Lonicera dioica

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

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

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

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven' (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven'

Schizachyrium scoparium

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

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone' (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone'

Schizachyrium scoparium

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

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Low Serviceberry (Amelanchier humilis)

Low Serviceberry

Amelanchier humilis

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum pedatum

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

Blooms May – Sep in zone 4b

Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

Marsh Marigold

Caltha palustris

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

Mayapple

Podophyllum peltatum

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Meadow Phlox (Phlox maculata)

Meadow Phlox

Phlox maculata

Zones 3b–8b · native to 29 states

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Michigan Lily (Lilium michiganense)

Michigan Lily

Lilium michiganense

Zones 3a–8a · native to 15 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)

Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum virginianum

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)

Nannyberry

Viburnum lentago

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Narrowleaf Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)

Narrowleaf Coneflower

Echinacea angustifolia

Zones 3a–8b · native to 15 states and provinces

Blooms Oct – Dec in zone 4b

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

New Jersey Tea

Ceanothus americanus

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum)

Nodding Onion

Allium cernuum

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Northern Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera)

Northern Bush Honeysuckle

Diervilla lonicera

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Northern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)

Northern Prickly Ash

Zanthoxylum americanum

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

Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

Northern Sea Oats

Chasmanthium latifolium

Zones 5a–9a · native to 32 states

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)

Obedient Plant

Physostegia virginiana

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

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 Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Zones 3a–7b · native to 23 states

Blooms May – Sep in zone 4b

Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)

Pagoda Dogwood

Cornus alternifolia

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Pale Gentian (Gentiana alba)

Pale Gentian

Gentiana alba

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)

Pearly Everlasting

Anaphalis margaritacea

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica)

Pennsylvania Sedge

Carex pensylvanica

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Pickerelweed

Pontederia cordata

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

Blooms Jul – Nov in zone 4b

Pleated Gentian (Gentiana affinis)

Pleated Gentian

Gentiana affinis

Zones 3a–8b · native to 21 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya)

Prairie Blazing Star

Liatris pycnostachya

Zones 3a–9a · native to 18 states

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)

Prairie Coneflower

Ratibida columnifera

Zones 3a–10b · native to 30 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 4b

Prairie Dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum)

Prairie Dock

Silphium terebinthinaceum

Zones 4a–8b · native to 20 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 4b

Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

Prairie Dropseed

Sporobolus heterolepis

Zones 3a–9b · native to 25 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Prairie Dropseed 'Cloud' (Sporobolus heterolepis 'Cloud')

Prairie Dropseed 'Cloud'

Sporobolus heterolepis 'Cloud'

Zones 3a–9b · native to 20 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha)

Prairie Junegrass

Koeleria macrantha

Zones 3a–9b · native to 31 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Prairie Phlox (Phlox pilosa)

Prairie Phlox

Phlox pilosa

Zones 4a–9b · native to 35 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Prairie Rose (Rosa arkansana)

Prairie Rose

Rosa arkansana

Zones 3a–8b · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Zones 3a–9b · native to 35 states

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 4b

Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)

Purple Lovegrass

Eragrostis spectabilis

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

Blooms Sep – Oct in zone 4b

Purple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea)

Purple Pitcher Plant

Sarracenia purpurea

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)

Purple Prairie Clover

Dalea purpurea

Zones 3a–9b · native to 29 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)

Red Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)

Red Mulberry

Morus rubra

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

Red-twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Red-twig Dogwood

Cornus sericea

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Redbud

Cercis canadensis

Zones 4b–9a · native to 31 states

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos 'Disco Belle Rose Pink')

Rose Mallow

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Disco Belle Rose Pink'

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

Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 4b

Round-leaved Dogwood (Cornus rugosa)

Round-leaved Dogwood

Cornus rugosa

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Round-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica americana)

Round-lobed Hepatica

Hepatica americana

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)

Royal Fern

Osmunda regalis

Zones 3a–9a · native to 34 states

Blooms May – Sep in zone 4b

Ruby Falls Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls')

Ruby Falls Redbud

Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls'

Zones 5a–9a · native to 31 states

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Running Serviceberry (Amelanchier spicata)

Running Serviceberry

Amelanchier spicata

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

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 4b

Seersucker Sedge (Carex plantaginea)

Seersucker Sedge

Carex plantaginea

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

Serviceberry

Amelanchier canadensis

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

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 4b

Shooting Star (Primula meadia)

Shooting Star

Primula meadia

Zones 4a–8b · native to 28 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

Showy Milkweed

Asclepias speciosa

Zones 3a–9b · native to 24 states and provinces

Blooms Oct – Dec in zone 4b

Shrubby Cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa)

Shrubby Cinquefoil

Dasiphora fruticosa

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

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 4b

Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)

Sideoats Grama

Bouteloua curtipendula

Zones 3a–10b · native to 25 states

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 4b

Smooth Beardtongue (Penstemon calycosus)

Smooth Beardtongue

Penstemon calycosus

Zones 4a–8b · native to 33 states

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle')

Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Zones 3a–9b · native to 33 states

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 4b

Soft Rush (Juncus effusus)

Soft Rush

Juncus effusus

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

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

Solomon's Seal 'Prince Charming'

Polygonatum biflorum

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Solomon's Seal (Native) (Polygonatum biflorum)

Solomon's Seal (Native)

Polygonatum biflorum

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

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

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 4b

Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)

Spiderwort

Tradescantia ohiensis

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata)

Spotted Bee Balm

Monarda punctata

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

Spotted Joe Pye Weed

Eutrochium maculatum

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Sundial Lupine (Lupinus perennis)

Sundial Lupine

Lupinus perennis

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Sweet Everlasting (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium)

Sweet Everlasting

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium

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

Blooms Sep – Dec in zone 4b

Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina)

Sweet Fern

Comptonia peregrina

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

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 Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah'

Panicum virgatum

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

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Switchgrass 'Smoking Gun' (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass 'Smoking Gun'

Panicum virgatum

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

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 4b

Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana)

Tall Thimbleweed

Anemone virginiana

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

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 Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

Tufted Hairgrass

Deschampsia cespitosa

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 4b

Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

Turtlehead

Chelone glabra

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Twinberry Honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata)

Twinberry Honeysuckle

Lonicera involucrata

Zones 3b–9a · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Sep – Nov in zone 4b

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)

Twinflower

Linnaea borealis

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Two-leaf Miterwort (Mitella diphylla)

Two-leaf Miterwort

Mitella diphylla

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

Virgin's Bower Clematis (Clematis virginiana)

Virgin's Bower Clematis

Clematis virginiana

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

Blooms Sep – Oct in zone 4b

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

Virginia Bluebells

Mertensia virginica

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 4b

Virginia Iris (Iris virginica)

Virginia Iris

Iris virginica

Zones 5a–9b · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Virginia Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

Virginia Strawberry

Fragaria virginiana

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 4b

Western Dog Violet (Viola adunca)

Western Dog Violet

Viola adunca

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

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 4b

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 Jul – Aug in zone 4b

White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)

White Snakeroot

Ageratina altissima

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

Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 4b

White Spruce (Picea glauca)

White Spruce

Picea glauca

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

White Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba var. macrophylla)

White Wild Indigo

Baptisia alba var. macrophylla

Zones 4a–8b · native to 18 states

Blooms May – Aug in zone 4b

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild Bergamot

Monarda fistulosa

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Wild Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 4b

Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)

Wild Geranium

Geranium maculatum

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 4b

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 Jul – Aug in zone 4b

Wild Quinine (Parthenium integrifolium)

Wild Quinine

Parthenium integrifolium

Zones 4a–8a · native to 25 states

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Wild Raisin (Viburnum cassinoides)

Wild Raisin

Viburnum cassinoides

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 4b

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

Wild Strawberry

Fragaria vesca

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

Blooms May – Sep in zone 4b

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 Jun – Jul in zone 4b

Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum)

Wood Lily

Lilium philadelphicum

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

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 4b

Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 4b

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Zones 3a–9b · native to 50 states

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 4b

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 Jul – Sep in zone 4b

Common questions

What plants are native to Minnesota?
'Angel Wings' Foamflower, 'Golden Jubilee' Agastache, Agastache, Allegheny Serviceberry, Alum Root, American Arborvitae, American Bellflower, American Cranberrybush, and 252 more are native to Minnesota. Every one links to its own growing page.
When should I plant natives in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota cover?
Minnesota runs from zone 3a to 5a. Pick your zone at the top of the page and the list re-sorts for it.
Which keystone plants should I start with in Minnesota?
American Plum, Black Cherry, Black Oak, Black-Eyed Susan, Bog Blueberry, Boxelder, 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 46.

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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