Native Plants for North Carolina - What to Plant, and When
North Carolina spans one ecoregion:Eastern Temperate Forests
North Carolina runs from the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge, and its native flora changes with the elevation. The coastal plain is longleaf pine, pitcher plants and Venus flytrap country. The piedmont is oak and hickory with a rich understory of dogwood, redbud and wild azalea. The mountains hold spring ephemerals, rhododendron and flame azalea. Most gardens sit in zones 7 and 8: a long season, two reliable planting windows and summers hot enough that drought tolerance matters as much as cold hardiness.
Start with the keystones: the oaks, native cherries, goldenrods and asters that feed the most caterpillars and bees. Plant woody natives and perennials in early fall, six to eight weeks before the first frost, so roots settle before summer heat. Spring works too, as soon as the soil drains. Pick your zone above and every plant on the page shows its own sowing and bloom window for that zone.
American Plum
Prunus americana
Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 7b
Beach Sunflower
Helianthus debilis
Zones 8a–11b · native to 8 states
Blooms May – Oct in zone 7b
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Zones 3a–9a · native to 46 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Black Oak
Quercus velutina
Zones 4b–9a · native to 36 states and provinces
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Zones 3a–9b · native to 50 states and provinces
Blooms May – Oct in zone 7b
Boxelder
Acer negundo
Zones 2a–9b · native to 48 states and provinces
Broadleaf Ironweed
Vernonia glauca
Zones 5a–8b · native to 13 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Brown-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia triloba
Zones 3a–7b · native to 26 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Calico Aster
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Campfire Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire'
Zones 3a–7b · native to 50 states and provinces
Blooms May – Oct in zone 7b
Chestnut Oak
Quercus montana
Zones 4b–8a · native to 23 states
Chickasaw Plum
Prunus angustifolia
Zones 5a–9b · native to 16 states
Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 7b
Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
Zones 2a–7b · native to 55 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Coastal Plain Willow
Salix caroliniana
Zones 6a–10b · native to 23 states
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Cowpen Daisy
Verbesina encelioides
Zones 5a–10b · native to 26 states
Blooms May – Oct in zone 7b
Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus
Zones 3a–8b · native to 32 states and provinces
Elliott's Aster
Symphyotrichum elliottii
Zones 8a–11b · native to 7 states
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 7b
Frostweed
Verbesina virginica
Zones 6a–9b · native to 20 states
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Giant Ironweed
Vernonia gigantea
Zones 5a–9b · native to 35 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 7b
Giant Sunflower
Helianthus giganteus
Zones 3a–8b · native to 32 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Goldenrod
Solidago canadensis
Zones 3a–9a · native to 57 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Highbush Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum
Zones 4a–7b · native to 34 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Loblolly Pine
Pinus taeda
Zones 6a–9a · native to 15 states
Longleaf Pine
Pinus palustris
Zones 7a–9b · native to 9 states
Maryland Golden-aster
Chrysopsis mariana
Zones 5a–9a · native to 18 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Zones 3a–8b · native to 44 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
New York Ironweed
Vernonia noveboracensis
Zones 5a–9a · native to 20 states
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 7b
Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Zones 3b–8a · native to 38 states and provinces
Orange Coneflower
Rudbeckia fulgida
Zones 4a–9a · native to 26 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Overcup Oak
Quercus lyrata
Zones 5b–9b · native to 19 states
Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera
Zones 2a–7a · native to 32 states and provinces
Pin Cherry
Prunus pensylvanica
Zones 2a–6b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
Zones 4b–8b · native to 29 states and provinces
Pink Tickseed
Coreopsis rosea
Zones 4a–9b · native to 13 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Post Oak
Quercus stellata
Zones 5b–9a · native to 29 states
Prairie Willow
Salix humilis
Zones 2a–8b · native to 45 states and provinces
Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 7b
Quaking Aspen
Populus tremuloides
Zones 2a–6b · native to 49 states and provinces
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Zones 3a–9b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 7b
River Birch
Betula nigra
Zones 4a–9a · native to 27 states
Sandbar Willow
Salix interior
Zones 2a–9b · native to 57 states and provinces
Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 7b
Scarlet Oak
Quercus coccinea
Zones 4b–9a · native to 27 states
Seaside Goldenrod
Solidago sempervirens
Zones 4a–10b · native to 23 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Shagbark Hickory
Carya ovata
Zones 4a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Shumard Oak
Quercus shumardii
Zones 5b–9b · native to 24 states and provinces
Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum
Zones 3a–9a · native to 40 states and provinces
Southern Crabapple
Malus angustifolia
Zones 5b–9a · native to 12 states
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Southern Live Oak
Quercus virginiana
Zones 7b–10b · native to 9 states
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Zones 3a–8a · native to 42 states and provinces
Swamp White Oak
Quercus bicolor
Zones 4a–8b · native to 32 states and provinces
Sweet Birch
Betula lenta
Zones 4a–7b · native to 21 states and provinces
Sweet Crabapple
Malus coronaria
Zones 4a–8a · native to 23 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Tall Tickseed
Coreopsis tripteris
Zones 4a–9b · native to 28 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Tickseed
Coreopsis lanceolata
Zones 3a–9b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms May – Sep in zone 7b
White Oak
Quercus alba
Zones 3b–8b · native to 38 states and provinces
Wild Aster
Symphyotrichum pilosum
Zones 4a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 7b
Willow Oak
Quercus phellos
Zones 6a–9b · native to 20 states
Wingstem
Verbesina alternifolia
Zones 4a–8b · native to 31 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Wreath Goldenrod
Solidago caesia
Zones 4a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 7b
'Angel Wings' Foamflower
Tiarella hybrid 'Angel Wings'
Zones 4a–8b · native to 27 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Adam's Needle
Yucca filamentosa
Zones 5a–10b · native to 10 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Allegheny Serviceberry
Amelanchier laevis
Zones 4a–8a · native to 31 states and provinces
Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 7b
Allegheny Spurge
Pachysandra procumbens
Zones 5a–9a · native to 11 states
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Alum Root
Heuchera americana
Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
American Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis
Zones 2a–7b · native to 25 states and provinces
American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana
Zones 6a–10b · native to 15 states
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
Zones 3b–9a · native to 37 states and provinces
American Bellflower
Campanula americana
Zones 4a–8a · native to 29 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 7b
American Chestnut
Castanea dentata
Zones 4a–8a · native to 25 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
American Elm
Ulmus americana
Zones 3a–9a · native to 46 states and provinces
American Hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
Zones 3a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces
American Linden
Tilia americana
Zones 3a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
American Lotus
Nelumbo lutea
Zones 4a–10b · native to 30 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
American Persimmon
Diospyros virginiana
Zones 4b–9b · native to 28 states
American Vetch
Vicia americana
Zones 3a–9b · native to 49 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
American White Water Lily
Nymphaea odorata
Zones 3a–11b · native to 56 states and provinces
Blooms May – Aug in zone 7b
American Wisteria
Wisteria frutescens
Zones 5a–9b · native to 24 states
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
American Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Sep – Dec in zone 7b
Amsonia
Amsonia tabernaemontana
Zones 3a–9a · native to 29 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Arrowwood Viburnum
Viburnum dentatum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 37 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 7b
Astilbe Biternata
Astilbe biternata
Zones 4a–8b · native to 7 states
Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 7b
Direct-sow ~14 wks after your last spring frost
Atamasco Lily
Zephyranthes atamasca
Zones 7a–10b · native to 8 states
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Bald Cypress
Taxodium distichum
Zones 4a–10b · native to 19 states
Beaujolais Fringed Loosestrife
Lysimachia ciliata 'Beaujolais'
Zones 3a–8b · native to 53 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Bee Balm
Monarda didyma
Zones 4a–9b · native to 25 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii
Zones 3a–9b · native to 44 states
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Big Bluestem 'Holy Smoke'
Andropogon gerardii
Zones 3a–9b · native to 44 states
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Black Chokeberry
Aronia melanocarpa
Zones 3a–8b · native to 31 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Black Gum
Nyssa sylvatica
Zones 4a–9b · native to 32 states and provinces
Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia
Zones 3a–8b · native to 15 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Black Raspberry
Rubus occidentalis
Zones 4a–8b · native to 37 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Black Walnut
Juglans nigra
Zones 4a–9a · native to 34 states and provinces
Blackhaw Viburnum
Viburnum prunifolium
Zones 3b–9a · native to 28 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Blazing Star
Liatris spicata
Zones 3a–9a · native to 37 states and provinces
Blooms May – Aug in zone 7b
Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
Zones 3a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 7b
Blue Cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Zones 3a–8a · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Blue Mistflower
Conoclinium coelestinum
Zones 5a–9b · native to 30 states
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Blue Vervain
Verbena hastata
Zones 3a–8b · native to 57 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 7b
Blue Waxweed
Cuphea viscosissima
Zones 3a–9a · native to 28 states
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Bluebead Lily
Clintonia borealis
Zones 3a–7b · native to 28 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
Bluejoint
Calamagrostis canadensis
Zones 2a–7b · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms May – Aug in zone 7b
Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 44 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Broadleaf Arrowhead
Sagittaria latifolia
Zones 3a–10b · native to 50 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Broadleaf Cattail
Typha latifolia
Zones 3a–10b · native to 60 states and provinces
Bulblet Bladder Fern
Cystopteris bulbifera
Zones 3a–8a · native to 34 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 7b
Bushy Bluestem
Andropogon glomeratus
Zones 6a–10b · native to 24 states
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 7b
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Zones 3a–9a · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Zones 5a–9b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Cabbage Palmetto
Sabal palmetto
Zones 8b–11b · native to 4 states
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Camphorweed
Heterotheca subaxillaris
Zones 6a–10b · native to 31 states
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 7b
Canada Lily
Lilium canadense
Zones 3a–8b · native to 23 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Canada Wild Rye
Elymus canadensis
Zones 3a–9b · native to 46 states and provinces
Blooms May – Aug in zone 7b
Canadian Burnet
Sanguisorba canadensis
Zones 3a–8b · native to 29 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Nov in zone 7b
Canadian Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
Zones 3a–7b · native to 30 states and provinces
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Zones 3a–9a · native to 41 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Carolina Geranium
Geranium carolinianum
Zones 3a–9b · native to 53 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Jul in zone 7b
Carolina Jessamine
Gelsemium sempervirens
Zones 7a–10b · native to 11 states
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Carolina Lupine
Thermopsis villosa
Zones 4a–8b · native to 16 states
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 7b
Carolina Rose
Rosa carolina
Zones 4a–9b · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
Carolina Silverbell
Halesia tetraptera
Zones 4a–8b · native to 11 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Catesby's Gentian
Gentiana catesbaei
Zones 6a–9b · native to 7 states
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Christmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
Zones 3a–9a · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms Feb – Oct in zone 7b
Cinnamon Clethra
Clethra acuminata
Zones 5a–8b · native to 9 states
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Cliff Green
Paxistima canbyi
Zones 4a–7b · native to 8 states
Closed Gentian
Gentiana clausa
Zones 3a–7b · native to 16 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Clustered Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum muticum
Zones 4a–8b · native to 29 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Coastal Plain Serviceberry
Amelanchier obovalis
Zones 4a–8a · native to 13 states
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Cockspur Hawthorn
Crataegus crus-galli
Zones 4a–7b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Common Bladderwort
Utricularia macrorhiza
Zones 3a–9b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Common Blue Violet
Viola sororia
Zones 3a–9a · native to 41 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Common Evening Primrose
Oenothera biennis
Zones 3a–9b · native to 53 states and provinces
Blooms May – Oct in zone 7b
Common Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
Zones 2a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces
Common Hoptree
Ptelea trifoliata
Zones 3a–9b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Common Lippia
Phyla nodiflora
Zones 8a–11b · native to 12 states
Blooms Jul – Jan in zone 7b
Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Zones 3a–9a · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms May – Aug in zone 7b
Common Sneezeweed
Helenium autumnale
Zones 3a–8b · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Common Snowberry
Symphoricarpos albus
Zones 3a–7b · native to 45 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
Compass Plant
Silphium laciniatum
Zones 3a–9a · native to 25 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Coral Bean
Erythrina herbacea
Zones 7b–11b · native to 8 states
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Coral Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens
Zones 4a–9b · native to 29 states
Blooms Jul – Jan in zone 7b
Creeping Phlox
Phlox stolonifera
Zones 4a–8b · native to 16 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Cucumber Tree
Magnolia acuminata
Zones 4a–8b · native to 23 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Culver's Root
Veronicastrum virginicum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Culver's Root 'Challenger'
Veronicastrum virginicum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Cup Plant
Silphium perfoliatum
Zones 3a–9a · native to 37 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Dahoon Holly
Ilex cassine
Zones 7b–11b · native to 7 states
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
Deceitful Pussytoes
Antennaria parlinii ssp. fallax
Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Doll's Eyes
Actaea pachypoda
Zones 3a–8a · native to 31 states and provinces
Blooms May – May in zone 7b
Downy Serviceberry
Amelanchier arborea
Zones 4a–9a · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 7b
Drooping Leucothoe
Leucothoe fontanesiana
Zones 5a–8b · native to 8 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Dutchman's Pipe
Aristolochia macrophylla
Zones 4a–8b · native to 11 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Eastern Gamagrass
Tripsacum dactyloides
Zones 4a–10b · native to 29 states
Blooms Jun – Oct in zone 7b
Eastern Prickly Pear
Opuntia humifusa
Zones 4a–9b · native to 28 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
Zones 3a–9a · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
False Solomon's Seal
Maianthemum racemosum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 57 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides
Zones 3a–9a · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Field Thistle
Cirsium discolor
Zones 3a–8b · native to 37 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Fireweed
Chamerion angustifolium
Zones 3a–8b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms May – Aug in zone 7b
Firewheel
Gaillardia pulchella
Zones 3a–10b · native to 17 states
Blooms May – Sep in zone 7b
Flowering Dogwood
Cornus florida
Zones 5a–9a · native to 33 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Foamflower
Tiarella cordifolia
Zones 3a–8b · native to 27 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Foxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Fringed Bluestar
Amsonia ciliata
Zones 5a–9b · native to 9 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Garden Phlox
Phlox paniculata
Zones 4a–8b · native to 32 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Ghost Pipe
Monotropa uniflora
Zones 3a–9b · native to 47 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 7b
Goat's Beard
Aruncus dioicus
Zones 3a–7b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
Golden Alexander
Zizia aurea
Zones 3a–8b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Golden Ragwort
Packera aurea
Zones 3a–8b · native to 44 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Gray Dogwood
Cornus racemosa
Zones 4a–8b · native to 35 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
Gray-Headed Coneflower
Ratibida pinnata
Zones 3a–9b · native to 28 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 7b
Great Blue Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica
Zones 4a–9a · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Green Ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Zones 3a–9a · native to 47 states and provinces
Gro-low Fragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica 'Gro-low'
Zones 2a–8b · native to 33 states and provinces
Ground Phlox
Phlox subulata
Zones 3a–9b · native to 27 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Groundsel Tree
Baccharis halimifolia
Zones 5a–9b · native to 20 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 7b
Hairy Alumroot
Heuchera villosa
Zones 3a–9a · native to 19 states
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Hairy Sweet Cicely
Osmorhiza claytonii
Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Hardy Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos
Zones 4a–9b · native to 32 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Harebell
Campanula rotundifolia
Zones 2a–7b · native to 49 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Hay-scented Fern
Dennstaedtia punctilobula
Zones 3a–8a · native to 32 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 7b
Honeylocust
Gleditsia triacanthos
Zones 4a–9a · native to 32 states and provinces
Horsetail
Equisetum hyemale
Zones 3a–11b · native to 61 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Apr in zone 7b
Hyssop-leaved Thoroughwort
Eupatorium hyssopifolium
Zones 4a–8b · native to 25 states
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Indian Grass
Sorghastrum nutans
Zones 4a–9a · native to 48 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 7b
Inkberry
Ilex glabra
Zones 4a–9b · native to 18 states and provinces
Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium reptans
Zones 3a–8b · native to 27 states
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 7b
Joe Pye Weed
Eutrochium purpureum
Zones 4a–9a · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Juniper Bush
Juniperus communis
Zones 2a–6b · native to 49 states and provinces
Juniper Tree
Juniperus virginiana
Zones 2a–9a · native to 40 states and provinces
Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina
Zones 4a–8b · native to 46 states
Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 7b
Large Fothergilla
Fothergilla major
Zones 4a–8b · native to 6 states
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Large-Flowered Bellwort
Uvularia grandiflora
Zones 3a–8b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Lavender Twist Redbud
Cercis canadensis 'Lavender Twist'
Zones 5a–9a · native to 31 states
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Limber Honeysuckle
Lonicera dioica
Zones 3b–8a · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 7b
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven'
Schizachyrium scoparium
Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone'
Schizachyrium scoparium
Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Little Gem Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'
Zones 7a–10b · native to 9 states
Blooms May – Aug in zone 7b
Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum pedatum
Zones 3a–8a · native to 35 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 7b
Mapleleaf Viburnum
Viburnum acerifolium
Zones 3a–8a · native to 33 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Marsh Marigold
Caltha palustris
Zones 3a–7b · native to 41 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Meadow Phlox
Phlox maculata
Zones 3b–8b · native to 29 states
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Monarda 'Jacob Cline'
Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline'
Zones 4a–9b · native to 25 states and provinces
Blooms May – Aug in zone 7b
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia
Zones 4a–9a · native to 24 states
Blooms May – May in zone 7b
Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum virginianum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Muscadine Grape
Vitis rotundifolia
Zones 6a–10b · native to 19 states
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 7b
Narrowleaf Silkgrass
Pityopsis graminifolia
Zones 6a–10a · native to 17 states
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 7b
New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
Zones 4a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius
Zones 2b–7b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Nodding Bur Marigold
Bidens cernua
Zones 3a–9b · native to 57 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Nodding Onion
Allium cernuum
Zones 3a–9a · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Northern Bayberry
Morella pensylvanica
Zones 3a–7b · native to 20 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Northern Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla lonicera
Zones 3a–7b · native to 32 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Northern Prickly Ash
Zanthoxylum americanum
Zones 3a–7b · native to 35 states and provinces
Northern Sea Oats
Chasmanthium latifolium
Zones 5a–9a · native to 32 states
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 7b
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia
Zones 5a–9b · native to 8 states
Blooms May – Aug in zone 7b
Obedient Plant
Physostegia virginiana
Zones 2b–9a · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Obedient Plant 'Crystal Peak White'
Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White'
Zones 4a–9b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Pagoda Dogwood
Cornus alternifolia
Zones 3a–7b · native to 37 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Pale Gentian
Gentiana alba
Zones 3a–8b · native to 26 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
Zones 6a–9b · native to 24 states
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 7b
Pawpaw
Asimina triloba
Zones 5a–9b · native to 28 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Pearly Everlasting
Anaphalis margaritacea
Zones 3a–8b · native to 45 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Pennsylvania Sedge
Carex pensylvanica
Zones 3a–8a · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Pickerelweed
Pontederia cordata
Zones 3a–10b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Oct in zone 7b
Pink Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Zones 6a–9b · native to 27 states
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 7b
Prairie Dock
Silphium terebinthinaceum
Zones 4a–8b · native to 20 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 7b
Prairie Phlox
Phlox pilosa
Zones 4a–9b · native to 35 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 7b
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Zones 3a–9b · native to 35 states
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 7b
Purple Lovegrass
Eragrostis spectabilis
Zones 5a–9b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Purple Pitcher Plant
Sarracenia purpurea
Zones 3a–9b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Purplehead Sneezeweed
Helenium flexuosum
Zones 5a–9a · native to 25 states
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Purpletop
Tridens flavus
Zones 3a–9b · native to 29 states
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 7b
Queen of the Prairie
Filipendula rubra
Zones 3a–9b · native to 14 states
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Red Elderberry
Sambucus racemosa
Zones 3a–7b · native to 44 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Red Mulberry
Morus rubra
Zones 4b–9a · native to 34 states and provinces
Red-twig Dogwood
Cornus sericea
Zones 2a–7b · native to 53 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Redbay
Persea borbonia
Zones 7b–10b · native to 10 states
Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Zones 4b–9a · native to 31 states
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Rhododendron
Rhododendron catawbiense
Zones 4a–8b · native to 11 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Rose Mallow
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Disco Belle Rose Pink'
Zones 4a–9b · native to 32 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Round-lobed Hepatica
Hepatica americana
Zones 3a–8a · native to 34 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Royal Fern
Osmunda regalis
Zones 3a–9a · native to 34 states
Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 7b
Ruby Falls Redbud
Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls'
Zones 5a–9a · native to 31 states
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Rusty Blackhaw
Viburnum rufidulum
Zones 5a–9a · native to 20 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Sand Blackberry
Rubus cuneifolius
Zones 6a–9b · native to 15 states
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 7b
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Zones 4a–9b · native to 34 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Scarlet Rosemallow
Hibiscus coccineus
Zones 6a–10b · native to 5 states
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 7b
Seersucker Sedge
Carex plantaginea
Zones 3a–8a · native to 29 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Serviceberry
Amelanchier canadensis
Zones 3a–7b · native to 53 states and provinces
Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 7b
Sherry Sue Summersweet
Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue'
Zones 3a–9a · native to 23 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Shooting Star
Primula meadia
Zones 4a–8b · native to 28 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Silky Dogwood
Cornus amomum
Zones 5a–8b · native to 28 states
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
Smooth Beardtongue
Penstemon calycosus
Zones 4a–8b · native to 33 states
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Smooth Hydrangea
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
Zones 3a–9b · native to 33 states
Blooms May – Sep in zone 7b
Smooth Witherod
Viburnum nudum
Zones 5a–9a · native to 20 states
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
Snowflake Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake'
Zones 5a–9b · native to 8 states
Blooms May – Aug in zone 7b
Soapwort Gentian
Gentiana saponaria
Zones 5a–9b · native to 22 states
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Soft Rush
Juncus effusus
Zones 4a–9b · native to 55 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
Solomon's Seal 'Prince Charming'
Polygonatum biflorum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Solomon's Seal (Native)
Polygonatum biflorum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Southern Wax Myrtle
Morella cerifera
Zones 7a–10b · native to 16 states
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Spicebush
Lindera benzoin
Zones 4a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 7b
Spiderwort
Tradescantia ohiensis
Zones 4a–9a · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Spotted Bee Balm
Monarda punctata
Zones 3a–9b · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Spotted Joe Pye Weed
Eutrochium maculatum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 46 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 7b
Striped Gentian
Gentiana villosa
Zones 5a–9b · native to 17 states
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Summersweet
Clethra alnifolia
Zones 3a–9a · native to 23 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Sundial Lupine
Lupinus perennis
Zones 3a–8a · native to 34 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 7b
Sundrops
Oenothera fruticosa
Zones 4a–8b · native to 30 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 7b
Swamp Dogwood
Cornus foemina
Zones 6a–9b · native to 17 states
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
Swamp Jessamine
Gelsemium rankinii
Zones 7a–9b · native to 8 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Swamp Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata
Zones 3a–9a · native to 45 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Sweet Everlasting
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium
Zones 3a–9b · native to 41 states and provinces
Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 7b
Sweet Fern
Comptonia peregrina
Zones 2a–6b · native to 30 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Sweet Flag
Acorus americanus
Zones 3a–7b · native to 41 states and provinces
Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolia virginiana
Zones 5b–10b · native to 16 states
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Zones 5a–9b · native to 25 states
Switchgrass 'Cheyenne Sky'
Panicum virgatum
Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Switchgrass 'Shenandoah'
Panicum virgatum
Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Switchgrass 'Smoking Gun'
Panicum virgatum
Zones 4a–9a · native to 49 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Tall Thimbleweed
Anemone virginiana
Zones 3a–8b · native to 46 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 7b
Torrey's Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum torreyi
Zones 5a–8b · native to 17 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Trailing Phlox
Phlox nivalis
Zones 5a–9b · native to 8 states
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Trillium
Trillium grandiflorum
Zones 3a–7b · native to 34 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Tufted Hairgrass
Deschampsia cespitosa
Zones 4a–9b · native to 43 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Tulip Tree
Liriodendron tulipifera
Zones 4a–9a · native to 28 states and provinces
Blooms May – May in zone 7b
Turk's Cap Lily
Lilium superbum
Zones 4a–9a · native to 25 states
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Turtlehead
Chelone glabra
Zones 3a–8b · native to 36 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Two-leaf Miterwort
Mitella diphylla
Zones 3a–8b · native to 27 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Venus Flytrap
Dionaea muscipula
Zones 7a–10b · native to 2 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Virgin's Bower Clematis
Clematis virginiana
Zones 3a–9b · native to 40 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Virginia Bluebells
Mertensia virginica
Zones 3a–8a · native to 29 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Virginia Iris
Iris virginica
Zones 5a–9b · native to 23 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 7b
Virginia Strawberry
Fragaria virginiana
Zones 3a–9a · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Virginia Sweetspire
Itea virginica
Zones 5a–9a · native to 25 states
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
Washington Hawthorn
Crataegus phaenopyrum
Zones 4a–8b · native to 20 states
Blooms May – May in zone 7b
White Ash
Fraxinus americana
Zones 3a–9a · native to 37 states and provinces
White Snakeroot
Ageratina altissima
Zones 3a–8b · native to 30 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 7b
White Wood Aster
Eurybia divaricata
Zones 4a–8b · native to 22 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 7b
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
Zones 3a–9b · native to 51 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Wild Blue Indigo
Baptisia australis
Zones 3a–9b · native to 23 states
Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 7b
Wild Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
Zones 3a–8b · native to 42 states and provinces
Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 7b
Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms Mar – May in zone 7b
Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense
Zones 3a–7b · native to 40 states and provinces
Wild Leek
Allium tricoccum
Zones 3a–7b · native to 32 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 7b
Wild Quinine
Parthenium integrifolium
Zones 4a–8a · native to 25 states
Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 7b
Wild Raisin
Viburnum cassinoides
Zones 3a–8a · native to 30 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
Wild Senna
Senna hebecarpa
Zones 3a–8b · native to 26 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 7b
Wild Strawberry
Fragaria vesca
Zones 3b–9a · native to 50 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – Aug in zone 7b
Direct-sow ~10 wks after your last spring frost
Winterberry
Ilex verticillata
Zones 3a–9a · native to 35 states and provinces
Blooms May – May in zone 7b
Winterthur Smooth Witherod
Viburnum nudum 'Winterthur'
Zones 5a–9b · native to 20 states
Blooms May – Jun in zone 7b
Wood Lily
Lilium philadelphicum
Zones 3a–8b · native to 39 states and provinces
Blooms May – Jul in zone 7b
Woodland Phlox
Phlox divaricata
Zones 3b–9a · native to 38 states and provinces
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Zones 3a–9b · native to 50 states
Blooms May – Aug in zone 7b
Direct-sow ~8 wks after your last spring frost
Yaupon Holly
Ilex vomitoria
Zones 7a–10b · native to 11 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Yellow Giant Hyssop
Agastache nepetoides
Zones 3a–8b · native to 29 states and provinces
Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 7b
Yellow Honeysuckle
Lonicera flava
Zones 5b–8b · native to 10 states
Blooms Apr – May in zone 7b
Yellow Passionflower
Passiflora lutea
Zones 6a–9b · native to 23 states
Blooms May – Sep in zone 7b
Yellow Pitcher Plant
Sarracenia flava
Zones 6a–9b · native to 6 states
Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 7b
Common questions
- What plants are native to North Carolina?
- 'Angel Wings' Foamflower, Adam's Needle, Allegheny Serviceberry, Allegheny Spurge, Alum Root, American Arborvitae, American Beautyberry, American Beech, and 312 more are native to North Carolina. Every one links to its own growing page.
- When should I plant natives in North Carolina?
- 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina cover?
- North Carolina runs from zone 5b to 8b. Pick your zone at the top of the page and the list re-sorts for it.
- Which keystone plants should I start with in North Carolina?
- American Plum, Beach Sunflower, Black Cherry, Black Oak, Black-Eyed Susan, 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 58.
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.
The month ahead in your zone, free in your inbox.
What to sow, plant and watch for, timed to your frost dates. Once a month.
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