Native plants

Native Plants for Ontario - What to Plant, and When

Sorted for your zone and your frost date. Not typical patterns for a whole province - a plan you can act on this week.

Ontario spans 3 ecoregions:Eastern Temperate ForestsNorthern ForestsHudson Plain

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 Mar – Apr in zone 5b

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

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 5b

Bog Blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum)

Bog Blueberry

Vaccinium uliginosum

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

Boxelder (Acer negundo)

Boxelder

Acer negundo

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

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 Aug – Oct in zone 5b

Campfire Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire')

Campfire Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia hirta 'Campfire'

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

Blooms Jun – Oct in zone 5b

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

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 5b

Giant Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea)

Giant Ironweed

Vernonia gigantea

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Giant Sunflower (Helianthus giganteus)

Giant Sunflower

Helianthus giganteus

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

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5b

Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

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

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5b

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 – Aug in zone 5b

Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana)

Jack Pine

Pinus banksiana

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

Missouri Ironweed (Vernonia missurica)

Missouri Ironweed

Vernonia missurica

Zones 4a–8b · native to 14 states and provinces

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 5b

Nodding Bur Marigold (Bidens cernua)

Nodding Bur Marigold

Bidens cernua

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra

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

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 – May in zone 5b

Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)

Pin Oak

Quercus palustris

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

Prairie Willow (Salix humilis)

Prairie Willow

Salix humilis

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

Blooms Feb – Apr in zone 5b

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 – Apr in zone 5b

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 Mar – Apr in zone 5b

Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)

Shagbark Hickory

Carya ovata

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

Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii)

Shumard Oak

Quercus shumardii

Zones 5b–9b · native to 24 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 – Nov in zone 5b

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

Sweet Crabapple (Malus coronaria)

Sweet Crabapple

Malus coronaria

Zones 4a–8a · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Tall Tickseed (Coreopsis tripteris)

Tall Tickseed

Coreopsis tripteris

Zones 4a–9b · native to 28 states and provinces

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 5b

Tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata)

Tickseed

Coreopsis lanceolata

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

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 5b

Water Birch (Betula occidentalis)

Water Birch

Betula occidentalis

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

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 – Nov in zone 5b

Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia)

Wingstem

Verbesina alternifolia

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Wreath Goldenrod (Solidago caesia)

Wreath Goldenrod

Solidago caesia

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 5b

'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 5b

Agastache (Agastache foeniculum)

Agastache

Agastache foeniculum

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)

Allegheny Serviceberry

Amelanchier laevis

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

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5b

Alum Root (Heuchera americana)

Alum Root

Heuchera americana

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

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 – Aug in zone 5b

American Chestnut (Castanea dentata)

American Chestnut

Castanea dentata

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

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 5b

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 5b

American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)

American Lotus

Nelumbo lutea

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

American Spurred Gentian (Halenia deflexa)

American Spurred Gentian

Halenia deflexa

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

American Vetch (Vicia americana)

American Vetch

Vicia americana

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

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 5b

American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

American Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

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

Blooms Oct – Jan in zone 5b

Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

Arrowwood Viburnum

Viburnum dentatum

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

Atlantic Camas (Camassia scilloides)

Atlantic Camas

Camassia scilloides

Zones 5a–9a · native to 16 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5b

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 5b

Beaujolais Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata 'Beaujolais')

Beaujolais Fringed Loosestrife

Lysimachia ciliata 'Beaujolais'

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Bee Balm

Monarda didyma

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

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 5b

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 5b

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 May – Jun in zone 5b

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra

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

Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

Blazing Star

Liatris spicata

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

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

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5b

Bloodtwig Serviceberry (Amelanchier sanguinea)

Bloodtwig Serviceberry

Amelanchier sanguinea

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

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5b

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum thalictroides

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana)

Blue Elderberry

Sambucus mexicana

Zones 6a–10b · native to 14 states and provinces

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 5b

Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)

Blue Flax

Linum lewisii

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

Blooms Sep – Jan in zone 5b

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Blue-fruited Dogwood (Cornus obliqua)

Blue-fruited Dogwood

Cornus obliqua

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5b

Bluebead Lily (Clintonia borealis)

Bluebead Lily

Clintonia borealis

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

Bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis)

Bluejoint

Calamagrostis canadensis

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)

Bottle Gentian

Gentiana andrewsii

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)

Broadleaf Arrowhead

Sagittaria latifolia

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5b

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 5b

Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)

Bunchberry

Cornus canadensis

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis

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

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 5b

Canada Lily (Lilium canadense)

Canada Lily

Lilium canadense

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis)

Canada Wild Rye

Elymus canadensis

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

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 5b

Carolina Geranium (Geranium carolinianum)

Carolina Geranium

Geranium carolinianum

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

Blooms Mar – Aug in zone 5b

Carolina Rose (Rosa carolina)

Carolina Rose

Rosa carolina

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides

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

Blooms Mar – Oct in zone 5b

Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus)

Cloudberry

Rubus chamaemorus

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli)

Cockspur Hawthorn

Crataegus crus-galli

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

Blooms May – May in zone 5b

Common Bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza)

Common Bladderwort

Utricularia macrorhiza

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5b

Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)

Common Blue Violet

Viola sororia

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

Blooms Mar – Jun in zone 5b

Common Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris)

Common Butterwort

Pinguicula vulgaris

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5b

Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

Common Evening Primrose

Oenothera biennis

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

Blooms Jun – Oct in zone 5b

Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

Common Hackberry

Celtis occidentalis

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

Common Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata)

Common Hoptree

Ptelea trifoliata

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

Common Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

Common Sneezeweed

Helenium autumnale

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)

Common Snowberry

Symphoricarpos albus

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5b

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Compass Plant

Silphium laciniatum

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

Creeping Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis

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

Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata)

Cucumber Tree

Magnolia acuminata

Zones 4a–8b · native to 23 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5b

Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)

Culver's Root

Veronicastrum virginicum

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

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 5b

Culver's Root 'Challenger' (Veronicastrum virginicum)

Culver's Root 'Challenger'

Veronicastrum virginicum

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

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 5b

Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Cup Plant

Silphium perfoliatum

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Deceitful Pussytoes (Antennaria parlinii ssp. fallax)

Deceitful Pussytoes

Antennaria parlinii ssp. fallax

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

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5b

Doll's Eyes (Actaea pachypoda)

Doll's Eyes

Actaea pachypoda

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

Downy Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea

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

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5b

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

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 5b

False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)

False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)

Fireweed

Chamerion angustifolium

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5b

Fringed Gentian (Gentianopsis crinita)

Fringed Gentian

Gentianopsis crinita

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

Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 5b

Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)

Ghost Pipe

Monotropa uniflora

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea)

Golden Alexander

Zizia aurea

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5b

Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea)

Golden Ragwort

Packera aurea

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)

Gray Dogwood

Cornus racemosa

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5b

Gray-Headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)

Gray-Headed Coneflower

Ratibida pinnata

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)

Great Blue Lobelia

Lobelia siphilitica

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

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 – May in zone 5b

Hairy False Goldenaster (Heterotheca villosa)

Hairy False Goldenaster

Heterotheca villosa

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

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 5b

Hairy Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza claytonii)

Hairy Sweet Cicely

Osmorhiza claytonii

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5b

Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)

Hardy Hibiscus

Hibiscus moscheutos

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

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5b

Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)

Harebell

Campanula rotundifolia

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

Hay-scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula)

Hay-scented Fern

Dennstaedtia punctilobula

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

Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 5b

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 Apr – Apr in zone 5b

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

Indian Grass

Sorghastrum nutans

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

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 5b

Intermediate Serviceberry (Amelanchier intermedia)

Intermediate Serviceberry

Amelanchier intermedia

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

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5b

Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

Joe Pye Weed

Eutrochium purpureum

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

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5b

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 – Jun in zone 5b

Large-Flowered Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora)

Large-Flowered Bellwort

Uvularia grandiflora

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)

Leadplant

Amorpha canescens

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

Limber Honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica)

Limber Honeysuckle

Lonicera dioica

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 5b

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 5b

Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven' (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven'

Schizachyrium scoparium

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 5b

Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone' (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone'

Schizachyrium scoparium

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 5b

Low Serviceberry (Amelanchier humilis)

Low Serviceberry

Amelanchier humilis

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

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5b

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum pedatum

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

Blooms Apr – Oct in zone 5b

Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium)

Mapleleaf Viburnum

Viburnum acerifolium

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

Marsh Marigold

Caltha palustris

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

Mayapple

Podophyllum peltatum

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Michigan Lily (Lilium michiganense)

Michigan Lily

Lilium michiganense

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

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 – Sep in zone 5b

Moss Campion (Silene acaulis)

Moss Campion

Silene acaulis

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5b

Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)

Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum virginianum

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

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 5b

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)

Nannyberry

Viburnum lentago

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

New Jersey Tea

Ceanothus americanus

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum)

Nodding Onion

Allium cernuum

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

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 5b

Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

Northern Bayberry

Morella pensylvanica

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Northern Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera)

Northern Bush Honeysuckle

Diervilla lonicera

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5b

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 5b

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 5b

Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)

Pagoda Dogwood

Cornus alternifolia

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

Pale Gentian (Gentiana alba)

Pale Gentian

Gentiana alba

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

Zones 5a–9b · native to 28 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)

Pearly Everlasting

Anaphalis margaritacea

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

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5b

Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica)

Pennsylvania Sedge

Carex pensylvanica

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Pickerelweed

Pontederia cordata

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

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5b

Prairie Dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum)

Prairie Dock

Silphium terebinthinaceum

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

Prairie Dropseed

Sporobolus heterolepis

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

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5b

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

Prairie Dropseed 'Cloud'

Sporobolus heterolepis 'Cloud'

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha)

Prairie Junegrass

Koeleria macrantha

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

Prairie Rose (Rosa arkansana)

Prairie Rose

Rosa arkansana

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5b

Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)

Purple Lovegrass

Eragrostis spectabilis

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

Blooms Aug – Oct in zone 5b

Purple Mountain Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia)

Purple Mountain Saxifrage

Saxifraga oppositifolia

Zones 1a–6b · native to 21 states and provinces

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5b

Purple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea)

Purple Pitcher Plant

Sarracenia purpurea

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)

Purple Prairie Clover

Dalea purpurea

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

Blooms Jun – Sep in zone 5b

Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)

Red Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa

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

Blooms Apr – Jun in zone 5b

Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)

Red Fescue

Festuca rubra

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

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 – Jun in zone 5b

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 Jul – Oct in zone 5b

Roughleaf Dogwood (Cornus drummondii)

Roughleaf Dogwood

Cornus drummondii

Zones 4a–8b · native to 18 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

Round-leaved Dogwood (Cornus rugosa)

Round-leaved Dogwood

Cornus rugosa

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

Round-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica americana)

Round-lobed Hepatica

Hepatica americana

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

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5b

Running Serviceberry (Amelanchier spicata)

Running Serviceberry

Amelanchier spicata

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

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5b

Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)

Saskatoon Serviceberry

Amelanchier alnifolia

Zones 2a–7b · native to 22 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Apr in zone 5b

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima)

Sea Thrift

Armeria maritima

Zones 3a–9b · native to 13 states and provinces

Blooms Mar – Jul in zone 5b

Seersucker Sedge (Carex plantaginea)

Seersucker Sedge

Carex plantaginea

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Shrubby Cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa)

Shrubby Cinquefoil

Dasiphora fruticosa

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

Blooms May – Sep in zone 5b

Soft Rush (Juncus effusus)

Soft Rush

Juncus effusus

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

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 – May in zone 5b

Solomon's Seal (Native) (Polygonatum biflorum)

Solomon's Seal (Native)

Polygonatum biflorum

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

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

Blooms Feb – Mar in zone 5b

Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)

Spiderwort

Tradescantia ohiensis

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata)

Spotted Bee Balm

Monarda punctata

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

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 5b

Sundial Lupine (Lupinus perennis)

Sundial Lupine

Lupinus perennis

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata

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

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 5b

Sweet Everlasting (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium)

Sweet Everlasting

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium

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

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 5b

Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina)

Sweet Fern

Comptonia peregrina

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

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5b

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 5b

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah'

Panicum virgatum

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

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5b

Switchgrass 'Smoking Gun' (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass 'Smoking Gun'

Panicum virgatum

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

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5b

Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana)

Tall Thimbleweed

Anemone virginiana

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

Blooms Apr – Jul in zone 5b

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 – May in zone 5b

Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

Tufted Hairgrass

Deschampsia cespitosa

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Tulip Tree

Liriodendron tulipifera

Zones 4a–9a · native to 28 states and provinces

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

Turtlehead

Chelone glabra

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Twinberry Honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata)

Twinberry Honeysuckle

Lonicera involucrata

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

Blooms Aug – Nov in zone 5b

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)

Twinflower

Linnaea borealis

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

Blooms Jun – Aug in zone 5b

Two-leaf Miterwort (Mitella diphylla)

Two-leaf Miterwort

Mitella diphylla

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

Virgin's Bower Clematis (Clematis virginiana)

Virgin's Bower Clematis

Clematis virginiana

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

Blooms Aug – Sep in zone 5b

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

Virginia Bluebells

Mertensia virginica

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

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5b

Virginia Iris (Iris virginica)

Virginia Iris

Iris virginica

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

Blooms May – Jul in zone 5b

Virginia Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

Virginia Strawberry

Fragaria virginiana

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

Western Dog Violet (Viola adunca)

Western Dog Violet

Viola adunca

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

Blooms Mar – May in zone 5b

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 5b

White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)

White Snakeroot

Ageratina altissima

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

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 5b

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild Bergamot

Monarda fistulosa

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

Blooms Jul – Sep in zone 5b

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Wild Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

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

Blooms Jul – Oct in zone 5b

Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)

Wild Geranium

Geranium maculatum

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

Blooms Apr – May in zone 5b

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 – Jul in zone 5b

Wild Raisin (Viburnum cassinoides)

Wild Raisin

Viburnum cassinoides

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

Wild Senna (Senna hebecarpa)

Wild Senna

Senna hebecarpa

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

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 5b

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

Wild Strawberry

Fragaria vesca

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

Blooms Apr – Sep in zone 5b

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 5b

Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum)

Wood Lily

Lilium philadelphicum

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

Blooms Jun – Jul in zone 5b

Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

Woodland Phlox

Phlox divaricata

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

Blooms May – Jun in zone 5b

Yellow Giant Hyssop (Agastache nepetoides)

Yellow Giant Hyssop

Agastache nepetoides

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

Blooms Jul – Aug in zone 5b

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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