The land, water, soil, and wildlife that make up our ecosystem are all intricately connected. Intentionally planting native plants, especially trees and shrubs, is crucial for ecological health. This impact is not just important aesthetically, but also for the creation of habitat to support the diverse beneficial wildlife of our region. Plants not native to our area do not provide the same ecological value. To empower you to help make a change, see our partners at Bombus and other area native plant sales. From providing beauty, privacy, and shade to increasing biodiversity and reducing flooding, native trees and shrubs are a great choice for landscaping.
Top native plants: shrubs
Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea)
The red-twig dogwood is a striking addition to any winter landscape, thanks to its vibrant red twigs that stand out beautifully against the season’s muted backdrop. This hardy shrub not only adds visual interest during the colder months but also provides valuable food for many bird species, which eagerly feast on its fruit. Adaptable and resilient, it thrives in wet to medium soils and can even tolerate occasional flooding, making it an excellent choice for areas with challenging drainage. Best grown in full sun, the red-twig dogwood reaches a mature size of 7 to 10 feet tall and wide, naturally spreading to create a lush, eye-catching display.
Dwarf honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera)
The dwarf honeysuckle is a charming, low-growing shrub that brings beauty and ecological value to shaded garden areas. Well-suited for average to dry soils, it’s an ideal choice for spots where other plants may struggle. In spring, it produces delicate yellow flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, adding both color and life to the landscape. When planted in sunnier locations, this adaptable shrub rewards with a stunning red fall foliage display. Reaching a mature height of 2 to 3 feet and spreading 3 to 5 feet wide, the dwarf honeysuckle is perfect for naturalistic plantings, borders, or as a graceful groundcover.
New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus)
New Jersey tea is a delightful, compact shrub that adds charm and ecological benefit to any garden that receives at least a half day of sun. Its low-growing form makes it an excellent choice for borders or naturalized plantings, while its clusters of delicate flowers draw in a variety of pollinators—hummingbirds included. Though hardy and easy to care for once established, young plants may need protection from rabbits, so consider fencing early on. Reaching a mature size of 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, New Jersey tea is a resilient and beautiful addition to sun-kissed garden spaces.
Early rose (Rosa blanda)
Early rose is a true pollinator magnet, bringing vibrant life and color to the garden throughout the growing season. In summer, it delights with pretty pink flowers that attract bees and other beneficial insects, while in the fall, it produces striking red hips—the fruit of the rose—that add visual interest and seasonal flair. This versatile shrub thrives in full sun and is tolerant of clay soils, making it a great option for a wide range of garden conditions. With a mature size of 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, early rose offers both beauty and ecological value in an easy-to-prune form.
Black currant (Ribes americanum)
Black currant is a versatile and attractive shrub that offers both beauty and bounty to the garden. Known for its edible fruit, this plant produces clusters of tasty berries that can be enjoyed fresh or used in jams, jellies, and baked goods. In spring, it showcases delicate bell-shaped flowers, while fall brings a display of striking red foliage. Black currant thrives in medium to wet soils and is tolerant of occasional flooding, making it ideal for low-lying areas. It grows well in full to partial shade and reaches a mature size of 3 to 5 feet tall and about 5 feet wide, spreading gracefully to fill out garden beds or edible landscapes.
Top native plants: trees
Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Redbud is a true spring showstopper, bursting into bloom with vibrant pink to purple flowers that cover its branches before the leaves emerge. This ornamental tree brings stunning seasonal color and charm to any landscape. It thrives in average soil enriched with organic matter and adapts well to both full sun and partial shade, making it a flexible choice for a variety of garden settings. With a mature height of 20 to 30 feet and a wide, graceful spread of 25 to 35 feet, the redbud provides both beauty and shade, making it a standout feature in yards, parks, and naturalized areas.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Witch hazel is a unique and captivating native shrub, celebrated as the latest bloomer in the landscape. Offering a surprising burst of color late in the season, its delicate, fragrant flowers often linger into November, brightening up fall gardens when most other plants have faded. Witch hazel thrives in soil rich in organic matter and grows well in full to partial sun, making it a versatile choice for a variety of settings. With a mature size of 10 to 20 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide, it adds structure, seasonal interest, and a touch of magic to the garden year after year.
Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)
Blackhaw viburnum is an excellent choice for creating natural privacy screens, especially in areas where invasive buckthorn has been cleared. This shrubby tree offers multi-season beauty, featuring clusters of pretty white flowers in the spring that attract pollinators, followed by vibrant red foliage in the fall for a stunning seasonal display. It grows well in a variety of conditions and provides structure and habitat in both formal and naturalized landscapes. With a mature height of 12 to 15 feet and a spread of 8 to 12 feet, Blackhaw viburnum is a resilient and attractive option for adding both beauty and function to your garden.
Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor)
Swamp white oak is a majestic and enduring tree, perfect for landscapes with heavy clay soils or areas prone to flooding. Known for its resilience and beauty, this oak features distinctive leaves with soft, fuzzy undersides that add texture and charm throughout the growing season. It thrives in full sun and, with its impressive mature size of 50 to 60 feet tall and equally wide, provides excellent shade and habitat for wildlife. A long-lived species, swamp white oak is a smart, sustainable choice for gardeners and landowners looking to plant for the future while enhancing the natural beauty of their space.
Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
Bur oak is an ecological powerhouse, offering incredible benefits to both the environment and the landscape. This mighty native tree thrives in full sun and tolerates heavy clay soils, making it a versatile and resilient choice for a variety of sites. Known for its impressive contributions to carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, and pollinator support, the bur Oak plays a vital role in creating healthy ecosystems. Its growth is equally impressive—trees planted just a decade ago can now reach over 30 feet tall, having doubled in size over the past five years. With a mature height and spread of 70 to 80 feet, the bur oak is a lasting legacy tree that provides shade, habitat, and environmental impact for generations to come.