{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-blog-page-blog-page-js","path":"/blog/page/9/","result":{"pageContext":{"posts":[{"node":{"id":"9667e3d2-dcaa-59eb-8fe1-655d7f1993e5","slug":"when-to-fertilize-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/when-to-fertilize-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 5th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>Like us, turfgrass needs proper nutrition to grow and thrive. But grasses come in different shapes and sizes, and have different needs. So one of the keys to getting the most out of your lawn here in Indiana is to understand how and when to fertilize it.&nbsp; Fertilizing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Just as [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Like us, turfgrass needs proper nutrition to grow and thrive. But grasses come in different shapes and sizes, and have different needs. So one of the keys to getting the most out of your lawn here in Indiana is to understand how and when to fertilize it.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fertilizing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Just as there are different kinds of grasses, there are different kinds of fertilizer that affect grasses in unique ways. This guide will walk you through the best way to feed your lawn so you get the most out of it now, and year-round.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article:&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#the\">The Purpose of Fertilizer</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#do\">Do You Need to Fertilize?</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#indiana\">Indiana Fertilizer Calendar</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#is\">Is Organic Fertilizer Better?</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#fertilizer\">Fertilizer Types</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#when\">When Not to Fertilize</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#final\">Final Thoughts</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the\">The Purpose of Fertilizer</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the wild, grasses draw nutrition from decomposing organic material. It&#8217;s not as simple when the grass is in someone&#8217;s yard, though. Grass planted in rich soil thrives with just some grass clippings as food. But when soil lacks nutrition, fertilizers are sent to the rescue.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fertilizers mainly supply lawns with three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are abbreviated as N-P-K. Here&#8217;s what each of them does:</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Nutrient</strong></td><td><strong>Key Benefits</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Nitrogen</td><td>• Helps rapid growth and protein synthesis<br>• Increases leaf development for dense lawns</td></tr><tr><td>Phosphorus</td><td>• Helps early root growth<br>• Promotes plant maturity and seed development</td></tr><tr><td>Potassium</td><td>• Increases drought and disease resistance</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you embark on your fertilizing journey, make sure that you:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://turf.purdue.edu/fertilizer-calculator/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Calculate</a> how much you need.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t fertilize more than needed.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the right fertilizer.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow the instructions carefully.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep animals off your lawn for as long as advised or until the product has dried or settled (depending on the type).</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide your lawn with at least a quarter of an inch of water after you fertilize, but don’t water too heavily because you don’t want to wash away the fertilizer.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"do\">Do You Need to Fertilize?</h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fertilization.jpg\" alt=\"Man Holding the Fertilizer\" class=\"wp-image-15448\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fertilization.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fertilization-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fertilization-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fertilization-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fertilization-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-ogywa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PxFuel</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>How much fertilizer you use (or if you fertilize at all) depends on<a href=\"https://www.agry.purdue.edu/turfnew/pubs/ay-22.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> a number of factors</a>:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location: </strong>Because southern Indiana&#8217;s growing season is longer than in the state’s northern reaches, the grasses in this area need more fertilizer.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preferences:</strong> A thinner, lighter-colored grass needs less fertilizer than a dense, deep-green lawn.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Grass type: </strong>Different Indiana grasses have varying fertilizer needs.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Needs More Fertilizer</strong></td><td><strong>Needs Less Fertilizer</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Kentucky bluegrass</td><td>Zoysiagrass</td></tr><tr><td>Perennial ryegrass</td><td>Turf-type tall fescue</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Fine fescue</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Age and state of lawn:</strong> New and neglected lawns need more fertilizer.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If you leave clippings on your lawn:</strong> Leaving grass clippings on your lawn provides it with many necessary nutrients.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weather: </strong>If it’s been raining more than usual in the summer, it may necessitate more fertilizer.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil type: </strong>Very sandy and very clay-heavy soils need more fertilizer than silt loam soils.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soil test: </strong>It&#8217;s important to conduct a soil test before using fertilizer to know exactly which nutrients your grass is lacking.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What&#8217;s a soil test? </strong>&nbsp;A<a href=\"https://extension.purdue.edu/news/county/marion/2021/09/Soil-Testing-Information.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> soil test</a> analyzes the nutrient content, pH level, and other properties of the soil to determine how well your grass can grow. It identifies the nutrients your soil lacks and recommends the right fertilizer.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can do either a DIY soil test or send a soil sample to a laboratory for a detailed report. Purdue University recommends testing your soil every 3 to 5 years, but more frequent soil tests can be beneficial too.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"indiana\">Indiana Fertilizer Calendar</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need to fertilize, Purdue University recommends fertilizing in these months for optimal performance:</p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>April</strong></td><td>If you apply a pre-emergent herbicide, use a product with little to no nitrogen; if it does contain any nitrogen, it should be slow-release, ideally organic</td></tr><tr><td><strong>May</strong></td><td>If you didn’t fertilize in April, fertilize now with a product containing mostly slow-release nitrogen</td></tr><tr><td><strong>June</strong></td><td>Consider fertilizing with nitrogen if there&#8217;s been a severe disease outbreak</td></tr><tr><td><strong>July</strong></td><td>Fertilize with a product containing slow-release nitrogen if there have been above-average rainfalls or if you&#8217;ve been irrigating</td></tr><tr><td><strong>August&nbsp;</strong></td><td>Consider fertilizing with nitrogen if there&#8217;s been a severe disease outbreak</td></tr><tr><td><strong>September</strong></td><td>Fertilize with nitrogen</td></tr><tr><td><strong>October</strong></td><td>Consider fertilizing with nitrogen if there&#8217;s been a severe disease outbreak</td></tr><tr><td><strong>November</strong></td><td>Purdue University recommends using quick-release fertilizer in November, but be aware that it may be <a href=\"https://www.oceanriver.org/causes/why-not-quick-release/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">harmful to the environment and wildlife</a>; slow-release fertilizer is better</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You may not need to fertilize this much; these tips are for the most high-maintenance lawns.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>For precise dosages and more information, you can check out this<a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-27-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> lawn care calendar from Purdue University</a>.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is\">Is Organic Fertilizer Better?</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When we talk about fertilizer, we’re often referring to chemical products. However, organic fertilizers are also effective and have the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. They release nutrients slowly over time, promoting healthy soil and plant growth.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many options for fertilizing your lawn organically, but they can be summed up into these two categories:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Grass clippings:</strong> If your soil test shows that you have healthy, nutrient-rich soil, you can get away with just leaving grass clippings on your lawn after each mow. Make sure you don&#8217;t leave too much and that they aren&#8217;t stuck together.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Organic fertilizer:</strong> If your soil is lacking nutrients, you can use store-bought organic fertilizer or even<a href=\"https://islandschool.org/news/the-island-school/2018-2-15-how-to-make-your-own-effective-all-natural-fertilizer/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> make it yourself</a>.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because organic fertilizers are natural, many people think that they&#8217;re harmless. The truth is, organic fertilizers still contain ingredients that may harm people and animals. Plus, animals are often attracted to some organic fertilizers because of their smell. Moreover, many store-bought fertilizers are mixed with hazardous ingredients to make them more efficient.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>So what&#8217;s the bottom line? Regardless of which fertilizer you use, be cautious and follow the instructions carefully.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fertilizer\">Fertilizer Types</h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Different-Fertilizer.jpg\" alt=\"Man holding soil in hand and bucket of fertilizer\" class=\"wp-image-15449\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Different-Fertilizer.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Different-Fertilizer-300x206.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Different-Fertilizer-768x528.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Different-Fertilizer-480x330.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAC9bPEHbos-fertilizing-lawn/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CanvaPro</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from <strong>organic and inorganic fertilizers</strong>, fertilizers are further categorized so that homeowners can get a product that&#8217;s right for their needs.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can choose from dry or liquid fertilizers:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dry fertilizers:</strong> Usually slow-release fertilizer that comes in granular form.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Liquid fertilizers: </strong>Has to be diluted with water; usually quick release.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s also important to note the difference between slow- and quick-release fertilizers:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Slow-release fertilizers</strong> release nutrients over a longer period of time. They&#8217;re usually better for grass and the environment. Organic fertilizers are slow-release, too.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quick-release fertilizers</strong> affect soil right away. They&#8217;re sometimes used as a quick nutritional boost. But they&#8217;re more likely to cause damage to your lawn and the environment.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In summary, most lawns can benefit from using slow-release fertilizer.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"when\">When Not to Fertilize</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some conditions that aren&#8217;t ideal for fertilizing. Those include:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>In the wrong month:</strong> The best time to fertilize in Indiana is between April and November.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>During a drought:</strong> That&#8217;s right; even though applying fertilizer in <a href=\"https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/07/how-do-i-keep-my-lawn-alive-drought\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dry conditions</a> might seem like a good idea, it actually damages your grass.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>After rainfall:</strong> Fertilizing wet grass is also a bad idea. It can create runoff, and your fertilizer might not even get absorbed.</li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If you expect traffic on your lawn:</strong> You need to be sure that your lawn can be left alone after you apply fertilizer.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final\">When to Hire a Lawn Care Pro</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Feeding your lawn the right nutrients is vital to its overall health and appearance. But it&#8217;s necessary that you also perform other maintenance jobs throughout the year, such as mowing, watering, overseeding, and so forth.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sounds like a lot of work? Wikilawn connects you to the best best Indiana <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">lawn care pros</a> so let them take yard care off your to-do list.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEE6SCBZdI-fertilizer-pellets-spraying-from-spreader/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Canva Pro</a></p>\n","title":"How (And When) to Fertilize Your Lawn in Indiana","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/1789c/Fertilizer-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/107df/Fertilizer-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/293e9/Fertilizer-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/f2cbb/Fertilizer-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/1789c/Fertilizer-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/c26c2/Fertilizer-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/1dd6e/Fertilizer-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/67b76/Fertilizer-1.webp 320w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/8df11/Fertilizer-1.webp 500w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/98a65/Fertilizer-1.webp 800w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/1dd6e/Fertilizer-1.webp 960w,\n/static/56d31d86a8f5a702c7ed840a266e1d20/3cc96/Fertilizer-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How (And When) to Fertilize Your Lawn in Indiana | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Make sure your lawn gets fed with all the nutrients it craves. Here’s when and how to fertilize your lawn in Indiana."}}},{"node":{"id":"381bf1d6-38f1-5cb0-8625-812efc325c23","slug":"best-grass-seed-types-massachusetts","path":"/lawn-care/ma/best-grass-seed-types-massachusetts/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Nicki DeStasi is a writer, author, and teacher who grew up in western Massachusetts and currently resides in the Austin area. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, reading, cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, two children, dog, and cat.","name":"Nicki DeStasi","id":"ffbf62e2-d627-5a5f-a041-4eaa9ac66924","path":"/author/nicki-destasi/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9846092d7afb2db8d0a4daa2454074f0?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"33c4a526-c6f7-5d9e-96d4-d1803a4d03b7","name":"Massachusetts","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ma/"}],"date":"June 2nd, 2023","excerpt":"<p>You can do a lot in Massachusetts – get a frappe, bang a uey into Dunks, catch a game at the Garden – but the best is hanging in your yard. Gardening, sunbathing, or tossing a pigskin is even better with a luscious lawn. Whether you’re living on the Cape, the Hub, or down the [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>You can do a lot in Massachusetts – get a frappe, bang a uey into Dunks, catch a game at the Garden – but the best is hanging in your yard. Gardening, sunbathing, or tossing a pigskin is even better with a luscious lawn. Whether you’re living on the Cape, the Hub, or down the Pike in Western Massachusetts, choose one of the 5 best grass seed types for Massachusetts for a wicked awesome lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we’ll cover:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#season\">Warm-Season vs. Cool-Season Grasses</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#types\">5 Grass Seed Types for Massachusetts</a>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#fine\">Fine Fescue</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#kentucky\">Kentucky Bluegrass</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#perennial\">Perennial Ryegrass</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#tall\">Tall Fescue</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#zoysia\">Zoysiagrass</a></li>\n</ol>\n</li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About Massachusetts Grass Seed Types</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#choose\">Choosing Grass Seed Type for Your Massachusetts Lawn</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"season\">Warm-Season vs. Cool-Season Grasses</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With Massachusetts’ relatively mild summers and freezing winters, all but one type of turf (Zoysiagrass) is cool-season grass. In general, there are key differences between warm-season and cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses grow quickly and have high-drought tolerance. Conversely, cool-season grasses are resilient and luxurious.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>But those differences only scratch the surface. Here are some more differentiating characteristics between warm-season and cool-season grasses:</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warm-Season Grasses</h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The ideal time to plant is during late spring or early summer.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>They grow best with temperatures between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>They tend to have thicker, rougher blades than cool-season grasses.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Typically mowed at a shorter height than cool-season grasses.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>During the winter months, warm-season grasses go dormant but come back to life once temperatures rise in the spring.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cool-Season Grasses</h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The ideal time to plant is late summer or early fall.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grow actively when the temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Typically have thin blades.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>They should be mowed at a taller height than warm-season grasses.</li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are cold-tolerant, meaning they go dormant with high temperatures but reawaken when temperatures cool.</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types\">5 Grass Seed Types for Massachusetts</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The following grass seed types are perfect for Massachusetts’ climate and soil conditions.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fine\">1. Fine Fescue</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"552\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass.jpg\" alt=\"Close up image of fine fescue grass with a hand on it\" class=\"wp-image-15472\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass-300x207.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass-768x530.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass-480x331.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://turf.purdue.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">Purdue&#8217;s Turfgrass Science Program</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fine fescue grass type is a combination of slender creeping red fescue, strong creeping red fescue, hard fescue, chewings fescue, and sheep fescue. Depending on the mixture, <a href=\"https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/planting-and-maintaining-fine-fescue-lawn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fine fescue</a> ranges from blue-green to medium green, and the blades are soft and needle-thin. As long as temperatures stay below 90 degrees, fine fescue lawns stay green throughout the summer.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification:</strong> Cool-season</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Bunch-type grass except for creeping red fescues, which have rhizomes</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shade tolerance: </strong>Moderate to high; prefers at least four hours of sunlight per day</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Drought tolerance: </strong>Moderate to high</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Foot traffic tolerance: </strong>Low to moderate</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance needs: </strong>Low</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Recommended mowing height: </strong>1.5-3 inches</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential for disease:</strong> Moderate; can be prone to diseases like <a href=\"https://ag.umass.edu/home-lawn-garden/fact-sheets/red-thread-pink-patch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">red thread</a> and snow mold</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential for pests:</strong> Moderate resistance</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil pH</strong>: 5.5- 6.5</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil type:</strong> Dry to somewhat moist, rocky, sandy, or clay soil</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notes:</strong> For best results, it’s recommended to plant this during late summer or early fall, but it also can be planted in early spring. During the germination process, which can take up to three weeks, it’s important to keep the soil moist.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kentucky\">2. Kentucky Bluegrass</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"543\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\" alt=\"Backyard featuring Kentucky bluegrass\" class=\"wp-image-13245\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard-300x204.jpeg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard-768x521.jpeg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard-480x326.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kentucky bluegrass is the most popular <a href=\"https://ag.umass.edu/crops-dairy-livestock-equine/fact-sheets/kentucky-bluegrass\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cool-season grass</a> due to its lovely dark bluish-emerald color with soft, medium to fine texture. Its self-repairing rhizomes fill in gaps and create a beautiful carpeted lawn. But its roots are short, making absorbing essential nutrients hard. Therefore, it’s best to mix <a href=\"https://ag.umass.edu/crops-dairy-livestock-equine/fact-sheets/kentucky-bluegrass\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kentucky Bluegrass</a> with other grass types like fescue or ryegrass.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification:</strong> Cool-season grass</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Rhizomes</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shade tolerance: </strong>Low to moderate – prefers full sun</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Drought tolerance: </strong>Moderate</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Foot traffic tolerance: </strong>Low to moderate, but recuperates well</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance needs: </strong>Moderate</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Recommended mowing height: </strong>2-3 inches – mow taller in the summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential for disease:</strong> Moderate to high – can be prone to summer patch, snow molds, fairy rings, leaf spot, dollar spot, chinch bugs, grubs, greenbugs, and bluegrass billbugs</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential for pests:</strong> Moderate to high</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil pH</strong>: 6-7</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil type:</strong> Well-drained, fertile soils</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notes: </strong>To ensure the best growth for this grass type, fertilize twice a year (in spring and fall) and frequently mow your lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"perennial\">3. Perennial Ryegrass</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"497\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of a perennial ryegrass\" class=\"wp-image-12224\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-300x186.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-768x477.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-400x250.jpg 400w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass-480x298.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/marygillhamarchiveproject/26820162412\" target=\"_blank\">Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project</a> / Flickr / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perennial ryegrass is a fast-growing dark green <a href=\"https://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/TURF/TURFSPECIES/perrye.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">grass</a> with a fine leaf texture. While it can easily stand alone, it’s often used as a companion (nurse grass) for other grasses and seed blends because of its low maintenance, hardiness, and resistance to pests and <a href=\"https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/gray-leaf-spot-of-ryegrass-tall-fescue\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">diseases</a>. However, while still lovely, its bunched growth habit doesn’t typically create a dense carpet-like lawn.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification</strong>: Cool-season grass</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spreads by</strong>: Bunch-type (tillers)</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shade tolerance</strong>: Low – prefers full sun</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Drought tolerance</strong>: Low – goes dormant in dry summers</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Foot traffic tolerance</strong>: High</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance needs</strong>: High – needs frequent cutting&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mowing height</strong>: 2-3 inches</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential for disease</strong>: High</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential for pests:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil pH</strong>: 6-7</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil type:</strong> Prefers fertile, well-drained soils but adapts to many soil types</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notes: </strong>The best time to fertilize perennial ryegrass in Massachusetts is in the early spring or early fall, providing optimal conditions for nutrient uptake and promoting healthy growth.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tall\">4. Tall Fescue</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\" alt=\"Close up image of tall fescue grass with a hand on it\" class=\"wp-image-15470\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://turf.purdue.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">Purdue&#8217;s Turfgrass Science Program</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tall fescue is fast-growing with shiny, wide, ribbed, dark green coarse leaves. With excellent cold tolerance, it can survive our cold winters. Due to its bunched growth, it’s best as a <a href=\"https://www.uwyo.edu/plantsciences/uwplant/forages/grasses/tall-fescue.html#:~:text=Tall%20fescue%20is%20an%20introduced,also%20has%20good%20heat%20tolerance.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">stand-alone grass</a>. When mixed with other <a href=\"https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/selection-of-grasses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">grass types</a>, your lawn grows patchy and unattractive. It doesn’t require dethatching or a lot of fertilization but may require overseeding.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification</strong>: Cool-season grass</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spreads by</strong>: Bunch-type grass – it has vertical shoots called “tillers”</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shade tolerance</strong>: Moderate to high</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Drought tolerance</strong>: Moderate</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Foot traffic tolerance</strong>: Moderate – can’t recuperate easily</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance needs</strong>: Moderate – prepare to mow often due to its fast growth rate</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mowing height</strong>: 2-4 inches</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential for disease</strong>: Low to moderate</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential for pests:</strong> Low to moderate</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil pH</strong>: 5.5-6.5</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil type:</strong> Best on clay soils high in organic matter but adapts to many soil types.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notes: </strong>For optimal growth and vibrancy of your lawn, apply fertilizer once during the fall months, preferably in September or November.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"zoysia\">5. Zoysiagrass</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4.jpg\" alt=\"Green color zoysiagrass\" class=\"wp-image-14251\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Emeraldzoysia1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Russbach at the English Wikipedia</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zoysiagrass is <a href=\"https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/zoysiagrass/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">slow-growing</a> but forms a beautiful, dense light to emerald green lawn with fine blades. It’s the only warm-season grass recommended this far north, but it will go dormant in the winter (it hides under the snow). Due to its appearance, excellent erosion control, and high foot traffic tolerance, it’s a common choice for parks, golf courses, and other public places.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Classification:</strong> Warm-season grass</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spreads by:</strong> Stolons and rhizomes</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shade tolerance: </strong>Low to moderate</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Drought tolerance: </strong>High – although it needs supplemental watering during dry periods</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Foot traffic tolerance: </strong>High</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance needs: </strong>Low to moderate</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Recommended mowing height: </strong>1-2.5 inches</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential for disease:</strong> Moderate resistance – common diseases include leaf spot, fairy rings, brown patch, powdery mildew, rust, large patch, spring dead spot, root decline, and dollar spot</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential for pests:</strong> Moderate resistance</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil pH</strong>: 6-6.5</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil type:</strong> Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained soils</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notes: </strong>It’s best to fertilize Zoysiagrass during the late spring or early summer.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Massachusetts Grass Seed Types</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I plant grass seeds in Massachusetts?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Planting grass seed in Massachusetts is a relatively easy DIY project if you follow the proper steps.<br>• <strong>Choose the right time:</strong> It varies by region and grass type. But in Massachusetts, homeowners usually plant grass in the fall.<br>• <strong>Prepare the site:</strong> Remove dead grass and grade it if needed. Also, rake where you plan to plant.<br>• <strong>Prepare the soil:</strong> <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://ag.umass.edu/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory\" rel=\"noopener\">Test</a> your soil, then fertilize it as needed.<br>• <strong>Choose the best seed:</strong> Consider your lawn’s soil, sun, and foot traffic, as well as the amount of time you have for maintenance.<br>• <strong>Plant the seed:</strong> Using a spreader, distribute grass seed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.<br>• <strong>Water appropriately:</strong> Varies by grass type. Understand your grass types’ water needs, or you could have lawn problems.<br>• <strong>Monitor seed establishment:</strong> Growth will take five to 21 days, depending on the grass type. Watch for bare spots as grass comes in. Reseed bare spots.<br>• <strong>Mow and maintain:</strong> Mow and maintain according to grass type needs.<br><br></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When should I plant grass seeds in Massachusetts?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Early fall is the best time to plant grass seed in Massachusetts. During this season, the days are cool with intermittent rain, but the ground is still warm enough for germination. This combination ensures that newly planted seeds won’t dry out.<br><br></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which Massachusetts grass type is most traffic tolerant?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Perennial ryegrass is known for its excellent traffic tolerance, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas in Massachusetts. Its ability to withstand foot traffic and recover quickly from damage makes it an ideal grass type for lawns that experience heavy use.<br><br></p> </div> </div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"choose\">Choosing Grass Seed Type for Your Massachusetts Lawn</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Several grass types grow well in Massachusetts’ sandy, acidic soil, but each has pros and cons. When choosing your grass seed type, think about your soil’s microclimate – soil, sunlight, water–and how much time you can devote to maintenance.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the end, your choice will still depend on your specific needs and preferences. If your kids or pets spend a lot of time outside, go with Perennial ryegrass. If you want to mow less often, try Zoysiagrass. Plant Kentucky bluegrass if your goal is simply a dense, beautiful lawn. Or you might want a combination of grasses to achieve a balance of desirable traits.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you’ve established your lawn, don’t forget to add the best native plants to make your landscape pop. Whether in <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/ma/boston/\">Boston</a>, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/ma/worcester/\">Worcester</a>, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/ma/springfield/\">Springfield</a>, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/ma/cambridge/\">Cambridge</a>, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/ma/lowell/\">Lowell</a>, or somewhere in between, Wikilawn can connect you with a highly-rated <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com\">lawn care pro</a> who can help keep your grass healthy.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: Boston Common / <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:People_under_tree_in_Boston_Common.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shiyang Hu</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n","title":"5 Best Grass Seed Types for Massachusetts","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.509433962264151,"src":"/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/1789c/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/107df/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 320w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/293e9/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 500w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/f2cbb/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 800w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/1789c/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 960w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/c26c2/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/1dd6e/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/67b76/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 320w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/8df11/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 500w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/98a65/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 800w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/1dd6e/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 960w,\n/static/a3fa1900403ca6eba39c73b36120f936/3cc96/People-under-tree-in-Boston-Common.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Seed Types for Massachusetts | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"There are 5 best grass seed types for Massachusetts, including fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass."}}},{"node":{"id":"e789dc81-88dd-51d4-b4b7-95edbbecdae7","slug":"best-native-plants-new-england","path":"/lawn-care/new-england/best-native-plants-new-england/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"42adf9a6-64c0-5d84-ac5a-2561efc3210c","name":"New England","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/new-england/"}],"date":"May 29th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>Where can we start with this beautiful and historic North American region? The Green Mountains in Vermont, and Bartholomew’s Cobble in Massachusetts are just a few attractions New England has to offer. However, you may sometimes need to help mother nature carry out its duties of maintaining the local ecosystem. By growing the best native [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Where can we start with this beautiful and historic North American region? The Green Mountains in Vermont, and Bartholomew’s Cobble in Massachusetts are just a few attractions New England has to offer. However, you may sometimes need to help mother nature carry out its duties of maintaining the local ecosystem. By growing the best native plants for New England, you’ll get to support the region’s diverse wildlife and create a beautiful backyard to enjoy apple ciders in the fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we will cover:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#best\">Best Native Plants for New England</a>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#anemone\">Canadian Anemone</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#bower\">Virgin’s Bower</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#milkweed\">Swamp Milkweed</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#serviceberry\">Serviceberry</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#nannyberry\">Nannyberry</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#balm\">Bee Balm</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#winterberry\">Winterberry</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#maple\">Red Maple</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#goldenrod\">Seaside Goldenrod</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#sedge\">Pennsylvania Sedge</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#plum\">Beach Plum</a></li>\n</ol>\n</li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#choose\">How to Choose Native Plants for Your New England Landscape</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About New England Native Plants</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#find\">Where to Find Native Plants in New England</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best\">Best Native Plants for New England</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>New England lies in <a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USDA plant hardiness zones</a> 3 through 7. This region in the northeast is characterized by hot summers, short springs, and harsh winters with heavy snow. New England is home to many plant species to help you design a colorful, fragrant, and aesthetically pleasing garden. The following native species are able to thrive in the region’s climate and support the local wildlife habitat.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"anemone\">1. Canadian Anemone (<em>Anemone canadensis</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone.jpg\" alt=\"Canadian Anemone\" class=\"wp-image-15884\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canadian-Anemone-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anemone_canadensis01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Meneerke bloem</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canadian anemone is a herbaceous perennial that can be planted near streams, ponds, and water gardens. It produces masses of upward-facing white flowers that bloom in mid-spring to early summer, preferably in sunny areas. This native plant spreads vigorously from underground rhizomes, and will gradually form large colonies.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canadian anemone is native to every state in New England, though it does not attract beneficial insects and pollinators.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Herb</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>3 to 8</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Partial shade to full shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Moderately moist, sandy soil</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>April to August</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium; water weekly or when topsoil is completely dry</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>Up to about 30 inches tall</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>Toxic to humans, pets, and other animals if eaten in large quantities</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low; keep the soil moist</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bower\">2. Virgin’s Bower (<em>Clematis virginiana</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Virgins-Bower.jpg\" alt=\"Virgin’s Bower\" class=\"wp-image-15886\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Virgins-Bower.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Virgins-Bower-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Virgins-Bower-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Virgins-Bower-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Virgins-Bower-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clematis_virginiana_001.JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">I, SB Johnny</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Virgin’s bower is a large, deciduous climber with masses of fragrant, white flowers. It can spread aggressively by self-seeding. Plume-like seed heads are left by the passing female flowers, keeping the plant’s visual appeal. Virgin’s bower is great for the local wildlife, attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Native to every state in New England, this shade-tolerant vine is great for covering walls, arbors, or fences.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Vine</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>3 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Partial sun</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Organic-rich, well-drained loamy or silty soil</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Sweet smelling</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>July &#8211; September</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium to High</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>12 to 20 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>Poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Medium</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"milkweed\">3. Swamp Milkweed (<em>Asclepias incarnata)</em></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\" alt=\"Swamp Milkweed\" class=\"wp-image-13078\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Asclepias_incarnata_-_Swamp_Milkweed.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fritzflohrreynolds</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Swamp milkweed is a clump-forming perennial that is a great fit for New England gardens. The fragrant, lilac-pink flowers are a great source of nectar for bees, beneficial insects, and butterflies. This plant’s umbels give way to attractive seed pods in the fall, adding to its visual appeal. Swamp milkweed is the perfect plant for cottage or butterfly gardens.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Milkweed species are host plants for Monarch butterflies and critical for their survival. Help these beautiful creatures reverse their fortune by adding this native plant to your garden.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Herb</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>3 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Sweet smelling</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Midsummer to fall</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>High</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>4 to 6 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards:</strong> Poisonous to humans and animals in large quantities</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"serviceberry\">4. Serviceberry (<em>Amelanchier)</em></h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Known for its drought tolerance, serviceberry is a New England native perennial that can be used as an attractive, ornamental shrub. In mid-spring, compact clusters of white flowers emerge just before the leaves. They are followed by sweet berries in early summer, consumed by both humans and birds.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding beauty to any landscape, the foliage of light-green leaves turns to shades of yellow and orange in the fall. Serviceberry can be planted in each of the region’s six states.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 4 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun or partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Loamy or sandy; well-drained&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Lightly scented</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Spring and summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Low</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>3 to 16 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nannyberry\">5. Nannyberry (<em>Viburnum lentago</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"573\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of nannyberry plant\" class=\"wp-image-15404\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1-300x215.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1-768x550.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1-480x344.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/douglas_mcgrady/32047714591\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Doug McGrady</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nanyberry is a native perennial that can be used as a large, deciduous shrub or a multi-stemmed small tree. It is admired for its attractive fall foliage and eye-catching flower clusters. The creamy-white flowers emerge from large buds that are held above the foliage. They are non-fragrant and loved by pollinators such as bees and butterflies.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fall, the blossoms give way to bluish-black berries with red bright stalks. These berries are edible, and can be used to make tasty jams for the entire family. Nannyberry is a durable, slightly shade-tolerant plant that can be grown throughout New England.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Shrub or small tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness zones:</strong> 2 to 8</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Clay, loam, sand, moist, well-drained soil</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Wet sheep wool when over-ripe</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>April &#8211; June</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Average</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 10 to 20 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"balm\">6. Bee Balm (<em>Monarda</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Bergamot-or-Bee-Balm-Monarda-Fistulosa.jpg\" alt=\"Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm (Monarda Fistulosa)\" class=\"wp-image-12627\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Bergamot-or-Bee-Balm-Monarda-Fistulosa.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Bergamot-or-Bee-Balm-Monarda-Fistulosa-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Bergamot-or-Bee-Balm-Monarda-Fistulosa-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Bergamot-or-Bee-Balm-Monarda-Fistulosa-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wild-Bergamot-or-Bee-Balm-Monarda-Fistulosa-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Monarda_fistulosa_-_Wild_Bergamot_(12775811995).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USFWS Mountain-Prairie</a> / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain</p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bee balm is one of the showiest summer-blooming perennials you can plant in your front or backyard. It has very distinctive flower-heads that create captivating border displays. Bee balm’s blooms consist of two-lipped tubular flowers which rest upon a whorl of decorative bracts. It combines well with other summer perennials such as phlox and daylilies.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bee balm is another native plant that supports the local wildlife, attracting the likes of hummingbirds and butterflies. If you wish to have a flamboyant garden, beebalm cultivars don’t disappoint. They are available in shades of red, purple, violet, white, and pink.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Perennial plant</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>4 to 9&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun, partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Chalk, clay, loam, sand</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Minty aroma when leaves are crushed</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>July &#8211; August</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Average</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>10 to 12 inches&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance</strong>: Average</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"winterberry\">7. Winterberry (<em>Ilex verticillata</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"558\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Winterberry.jpg\" alt=\"Winterberry\" class=\"wp-image-15890\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Winterberry.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Winterberry-300x209.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Winterberry-768x536.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Winterberry-480x335.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/71119007@N03/50365121931\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Under the same moon&#8230;</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Living up to its name, winterberry adds color to the winter landscape. It is a slow-growing shrub that produces small, greenish-white flowers in late spring or early summer. These flowers are followed by a profusion of red berries that are eaten by birds. Both male and female shrubs are needed to produce berries. Additionally, the male must bloom at the same time as the female plant. Winterberry needs full sun to bear plenty of fruits and maintain its aesthetic appearance.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hardiness zones:</strong> 3 to 9&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Clay, loam, sand, moist, acidic&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time:</strong> April &#8211; July</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs:</strong> Medium to high</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 3 &#8211; 15 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazard:</strong> Mild toxicity to humans, pets, and other animals if ingested.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"maple\">8. Red Maple (<em>Acer rubrum</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"604\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Maple.jpg\" alt=\"picture of a red maple tree with red leaves\" class=\"wp-image-12252\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Maple.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Maple-300x227.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Maple-768x580.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Maple-480x362.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=12819&amp;picture=red-maple-tree\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Public Domain Pictures</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Red maple is a popular plant in New England that’s known for its lovely fall color. It is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can provide enough shade to counter the scorching sun. Tiny red flowers appear just before the leaves in early spring, followed by red fruits.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Red maple is just as attractive during the winter season, mostly due to its smooth gray bark. With very little pruning required, this native tree serves as a great specimen plant for lawns and streets throughout the northeast region.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>3 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun, partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Chalk, clay, loam, sand</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Sweet cherry or almond flower scent</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>March &#8211; April</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Average</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 40 to 70 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>Toxic to horses</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"goldenrod\">9. Seaside Goldenrod (<em>Solidago sempervirens</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Seaside-Goldenrod.jpg\" alt=\"Seaside Goldenrod\" class=\"wp-image-15885\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Seaside-Goldenrod.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Seaside-Goldenrod-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Seaside-Goldenrod-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Seaside-Goldenrod-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Seaside-Goldenrod-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/treegrow/5054019965\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Katja Schulz</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seaside goldenrod is a herbaceous, perennial wildflower that requires very little maintenance, easily grown in every New England state. It has a tight clump of evergreen basal leaves that bloom in late summer to fall. These leaves bear large, deep-yellow flowers that are an excellent nectar source for honeybees and butterflies. Additionally, the dried seeds serve as a valuable food source for local birds.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seaside goldenrod is highly salt-tolerant, making it a great choice of plant for coastal landscapes.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant Type:</strong> Wildflower</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 3 to 10</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun:</strong> Full Sun</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Loam and Sandy soils</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Sweet-smelling</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom Time:</strong> Late summer to fall</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water Needs:</strong> High</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature Height:</strong> 2 to 6 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sedge\">10. Pennsylvania Sedge (<em>Carex pensylvanica</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"514\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pennsylvania-Sedge.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of pennsylvania sedge grass\" class=\"wp-image-12497\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pennsylvania-Sedge.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pennsylvania-Sedge-300x193.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pennsylvania-Sedge-768x493.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pennsylvania-Sedge-480x308.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carex_pensylvanica_kz1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pennsylvania sedge is a low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial that forms a tuft of green arching leaves in spring and summer. It spreads via underground rhizomes to form large colonies. It is a valuable and shade-tolerant groundcover, making it an ideal turf alternative for dry, shady areas.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pennsylvania sedge can attract birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. It is drought-tolerant and very easy to grow, making it a popular addition to lawns across New England.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant</strong> <strong>type</strong>: Grass/Grass-like</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA</strong> <strong>Hardiness</strong> <strong>Zone</strong>: 3 to 8</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun</strong>: Full sun, partial shade, full shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil</strong>: Adaptable; dry to moist soils</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom</strong> <strong>time</strong>: May to July</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water</strong> <strong>needs</strong>: Low</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature</strong> <strong>height</strong>: Up to about 10 inches tall</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance</strong>: Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"plum\">11. Beach Plum (<em>Prunus maritima</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"491\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Beach-Plum.jpg\" alt=\"Beach Plum\" class=\"wp-image-15883\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Beach-Plum.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Beach-Plum-300x184.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Beach-Plum-768x471.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Beach-Plum-480x295.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/marygillhamarchiveproject/24215746368/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beach plum is a dense, suckering shrub with white flowers and glossy, dark green leaves. It was a staple food source for early settlers in this part of North America. It bears fruits which ripen from August to October, attracting birds and other wildlife. Unfortunately, the seeds found inside the fruits are toxic to humans and should never be eaten. For this plant to thrive, it needs a sunny location with good drainage. <a href=\"https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PRMA2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Beach plum</a> can provide your garden with a beautiful fall color, able to grow throughout the region with the exception of Vermont.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant Type: </strong>Shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>3 to 8&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun:</strong> Full sun</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Sandy or gravelly soils</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Sweetly-scented</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom Time: </strong>April &#8211; June</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water Needs:</strong> Average</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature Height:</strong> 3 to 6 feet tall</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential Hazards: </strong>Toxic to humans; seeds found inside fruits should never be eaten</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"choose\">How to Choose Native Plants for Your New England Landscape</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With many plant species native to New England, you’ll need to consider several key points before choosing the right garden plants:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Your property’s plant hardiness zone</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soil type</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sun exposure levels</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water availability</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your area’s climate</li>\n\n\n\n<li>Desire to obtain a low-maintenance landscape&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to note that some plants might be native to a certain state, such as Maine, but not to every county or area. The climate in coastal Maine is not the same as in the mountains, potentially affecting a plant’s growing conditions.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About New England Native Plants</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the different state flowers in this northeastern region? </strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">New England may be classified as one region, but let’s not forget that it includes six distinct states. Whichever part of New England you’re from, you tend to take pride in your own state flower. All of the state flowers are native to New England, with some able to grow across the entire Northeast.<br/><br/>• Vermont: Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)<br/>• Massachusetts: Trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens)<br/>• Connecticut: Mountain laurel (Kalmia Latifolia)<br/>• Maine: White pine oak (Pinus strobus)<br/>• New Hampshire: Purple lilac (Syringa vulgaris)<br/>• Rhode Island: Common blue violet (Viola sororia)<br/><br/></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are some invasive plant species in New England?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Invasive plants are a threat to the local ecosystem and survival of many indigenous species. As a result, every state in the US works hard to identify and eliminate invasive species that disrupt the proper growth of native plants. The six states of New England are no exception.<br/><br/>While some can be found more in certain states than others, here are some of the region’s invasive plant species:<br/>• Amur maple (Acer ginnala)<br/>• Mexican fireweed (Kochia scorparia)<br/>• Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus)<br/>• Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)<br/>• Japanese sedge (Carex kobomugi)<br/><br/></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What other plants are native to New England?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">In addition to the plants mentioned above, here are some more New England native plants for you to consider:<br/>• Coastal sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)<br/>• Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)<br/>• Elderberry (Sambucus)<br/>• Pennsylvania bittercress (Cardamine pensylvanica)<br/>• Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)<br/>• Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)<br/>• New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)<br/><br/></p> </div> </div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"find\">Where to Find Native Plants in New England</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the many great things about native plants is that they can be found throughout nature. You may sometimes find these plants growing near your own property. If a plant is accustomed to the area’s climate, then it will naturally grow with little to no help from us humans.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find several plant nurseries and garden centers that specialize in plants native to your state or area.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Native plants are an excellent low-maintenance addition to your New England landscape. To further minimize your outdoor chores, hire a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">lawn care pro near you</a> to handle your yard’s mowing, edging, and trimming.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: Little Pond &#8211; Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens / <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Little_pond_-_Coastal_Maine_Botanical_Gardens_-_DSC03108.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daderot</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC0</a></p>\n","title":"11 Best Native Plants for New England","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/1d17424290c81945bf4726b355541d66/1789c/Little-pond-Coastal-Maine-Botanical-Gardens.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1d17424290c81945bf4726b355541d66/107df/Little-pond-Coastal-Maine-Botanical-Gardens.jpg 320w,\n/static/1d17424290c81945bf4726b355541d66/293e9/Little-pond-Coastal-Maine-Botanical-Gardens.jpg 500w,\n/static/1d17424290c81945bf4726b355541d66/f2cbb/Little-pond-Coastal-Maine-Botanical-Gardens.jpg 800w,\n/static/1d17424290c81945bf4726b355541d66/1789c/Little-pond-Coastal-Maine-Botanical-Gardens.jpg 960w,\n/static/1d17424290c81945bf4726b355541d66/c26c2/Little-pond-Coastal-Maine-Botanical-Gardens.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/1d17424290c81945bf4726b355541d66/1dd6e/Little-pond-Coastal-Maine-Botanical-Gardens.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1d17424290c81945bf4726b355541d66/67b76/Little-pond-Coastal-Maine-Botanical-Gardens.webp 320w,\n/static/1d17424290c81945bf4726b355541d66/8df11/Little-pond-Coastal-Maine-Botanical-Gardens.webp 500w,\n/static/1d17424290c81945bf4726b355541d66/98a65/Little-pond-Coastal-Maine-Botanical-Gardens.webp 800w,\n/static/1d17424290c81945bf4726b355541d66/1dd6e/Little-pond-Coastal-Maine-Botanical-Gardens.webp 960w,\n/static/1d17424290c81945bf4726b355541d66/3cc96/Little-pond-Coastal-Maine-Botanical-Gardens.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Best Native Plants for New England","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Want to support the local wildlife and refresh your outdoor living space? Explore the best native plants for New England to help you get started right away."}}},{"node":{"id":"4117cfd1-d2b9-5ebc-934a-8c3d719d4601","slug":"native-trees-washington","path":"/lawn-care/wa/native-trees-washington/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"7987b7f7-662d-55d4-9011-4af5647aa2dd","name":"Washington","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wa/"}],"date":"May 29th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>Within the picturesque landscapes of Washington State, a realm of natural treasures awaits. Here, native trees proudly stand as guardians of the land, their roots firmly grounded in this diverse region. These majestic trees native to Washington State offer many advantages, providing a food source for wildlife and a source of inspiration for the vibrant [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Within the picturesque landscapes of Washington State, a realm of natural treasures awaits. Here, native trees proudly stand as guardians of the land, their roots firmly grounded in this diverse region. These majestic trees native to Washington State offer many advantages, providing a food source for wildlife and a source of inspiration for the vibrant culture that thrives throughout the state.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the towering forests of Olympic National Park to the urban arboreal havens of Seattle and Tacoma, Washington&#8217;s native trees add a distinct flavor to each cityscape, infusing the air with a crisp freshness that invigorates both body and spirit.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we’ll cover the following:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#eight\">8 Trees Native to Washington State</a>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#fir\">Douglas Fir</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#cedar\">Western Red Cedar</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#spruce\">Sitka Spruce</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#pine\">Ponderosa Pine</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#alder\">Red Alder</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#birch\">Paper Birch</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#madrone\">Pacific Madrone</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#dogwood\">Pacific Dogwood</a></li>\n</ol>\n</li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About Trees Native to Washington State</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#find\">Where to Find Native Trees and Plants in Washington State</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"eight\">8 Trees Native to Washington State</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fir\">1. Douglas Fir <em>(Pseudotsuga Menziesii)</em></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Douglas-Fir.jpg\" alt=\"Douglas Fir\" class=\"wp-image-15904\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Douglas-Fir.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Douglas-Fir-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Douglas-Fir-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Douglas-Fir-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Douglas-Fir-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pseudotsuga_menziesii_-_Douglas_fir_-_52487233714.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matt Lavin</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the magnificent forests of Washington, the douglas fir reigns supreme as a true giant among trees. Standing tall and proud, it boasts an impressive stature, earning its reputation as one of the largest trees on our planet. This majestic conifer is one of the most important timber species in the United States.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a young evergreen tree, douglas fir has a narrow and spired pyramidal shape. Its lower branches gracefully droop while the upper ones ascend with determination. When mature, it undergoes a stunning metamorphosis. The once conical form gives way to a cylindrical silhouette, shedding its lower branches until only the top third of the tree remains adorned with verdant foliage.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 5 to 7</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial shade.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Clay, clay, loam. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Evergreen<strong> </strong>perennial.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>A delightfully sweet scent fills the air when the Douglas fir needles are gently crushed.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Season of interest: </strong>All year.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Moderate</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>40 to 80 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low. Keep it well watered since it is intolerant to drought. It is easy to transplant when it is small.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cedar\">2. Western Red Cedar <em>(Thuja Plicata)</em></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Red-Cedar.jpg\" alt=\"Western Red Cedar\" class=\"wp-image-15910\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Red-Cedar.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Red-Cedar-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Red-Cedar-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Red-Cedar-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Red-Cedar-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Western_Red_Cedar,_Blarney_Castle,_House_%26_Gardens,_Blarney_%28506741%29_%2828524190885%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Deep within the lush forests of Washington, the western red cedar stands as a living testament to the passage of time. With a lifespan that stretches across centuries, some of its elder brethren boast an astounding age exceeding a millennium, proudly bearing the weight of history upon their sturdy branches.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Western Red Cedar showcases a silhouette that ranges from narrow to broad, resembling a pyramidal shape. This resilient giant may develop a buttressed base. Trees in compact spaces find an elegance in their narrower shape, while those gifted with abundant room embrace a broader form.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 5 to 7</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial shade.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Moist, fertile, well-drained soils</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Evergreen perennial.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>When crushed it emits a distinctive, sweet pineapple or pear drop-like smell.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Spring</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Moderate.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>50 to 70 feet.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Moderate. It does not tolerate drought.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"spruce\">3. Sitka Spruce <em>(Picea Sitchensis)</em></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"508\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sitka-Spruce.jpg\" alt=\"Sitka Spruce\" class=\"wp-image-15908\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sitka-Spruce.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sitka-Spruce-300x191.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sitka-Spruce-768x488.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sitka-Spruce-480x305.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/12567713@N00/5711379003\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">born1945</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the beautiful woodlands of Washington, the Sitka spruce stands tall. This noble native tree is a sight to behold, with an open crown that reaches towards the sky, adorned with branches that sway and dance. Its vibrant foliage showcases stiff, four-sided needles in a mesmerizing blue-green hue.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sitka spruce’s ever-transforming bark changes from smooth and silvery gray in its youth to purplish-brown hues when mature.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 7 to 8</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Clay, loam,<strong> </strong>sand. Acid, neutral. Well-drained.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Evergreen<strong> </strong>perennial.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Sitka spruce essential oil&#8217;s piney, earthy, woodsy scent can offer relief and relaxation during the cold season.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Season of interest: </strong>All year</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Moderate.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>50 to 250 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pine\">4. Ponderosa Pine <em>(Pinus Ponderosa)</em></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ponderosa-Pine.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of popinenderosa\" class=\"wp-image-14820\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ponderosa-Pine.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ponderosa-Pine-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ponderosa-Pine-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ponderosa-Pine-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ponderosa-Pine-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/6299103798\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matt Lavin</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>The mighty ponderosa pine is a true icon of the Western United States. This magnificent pine stands tall and proud and is known for its dominance and value as a timber resource. Its dark yellowish-green needles, arranged in bundles of three, create a lush and vibrant canopy that captivates the eye.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we venture closer, we can admire the tree&#8217;s fascinating transformation. Young trees boast a striking dark brown to black bark. Yet, as the ponderosa pine matures, its bark evolves into a warm orangish-brown hue adorned with intricate furrows and large scaly plates. Truly a spectacle to behold, this tree embodies strength and resilience.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 3 to 7</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Well-drained.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Evergreen perennial.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>The bark, stems, and needles emit a resinous or turpentine scent when broken or crushed.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Spring</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Moderate.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>60 to 125 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>Induces abortion in cattle.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low. No tolerance for shade. Established trees tolerate some dry soil conditions.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alder\">5. Red Alder <em>(Alnus Rubra)</em></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Alder.jpg\" alt=\"Red Alder\" class=\"wp-image-15020\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Alder.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Alder-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Alder-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Alder-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Alder-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Red_Alder_3850.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chris Light</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>This deciduous tree exudes grace and elegance in the forests of Washington. Standing tall with a straight trunk and crowned with pointed or rounded branches, the red alder is a sight to behold. Its bark, adorned in a mottled pattern of light gray to whitish hues, is remarkably smooth to the touch.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what truly sets this tree apart is its ability to nurture its surroundings. Beneath the surface, they develop intriguing swellings or root nodules housing nitrogen-fixing bacteria, nature&#8217;s very own soil enrichers. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into valuable chemicals that act as natural fertilizers, nourishing the surrounding plants.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>5 to 10</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun, partial sun, shade.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Clay, chalk, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist, but well-drained soil.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Deciduous<strong> </strong>Perennial.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>The bark has a<strong> </strong>strong aromatic smell similar to cottonwood.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Season of interest: </strong>Spring</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Wet.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>66 to 98 feet.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low. The growth rate of this tree is quite rapid, and it spreads through the dispersal of its seeds. It favors the combination of cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers for optimal growth and development.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"birch\">6. Paper Birch <em>(Betula Papyrifera)</em></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Paper-Birch.jpg\" alt=\"Paper Birch\" class=\"wp-image-15907\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Paper-Birch.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Paper-Birch-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Paper-Birch-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Paper-Birch-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Paper-Birch-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Betula_papyrifera_%28Paper_Birch%29_%2832080171872%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plant Image Library</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>This tree tells a story with its ever-evolving shape and captivating features. When young, the paper birch takes on a loosely pyramidal form. As it matures, its silhouette transforms into a charming irregular oval to a rounded shape, often retaining low branches.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The paper birch can be trained to grow with multiple trunks, creating a picturesque display. But what steals the show is its exquisite bark. Cloaked in a pristine white coat, it exfoliates gracefully, unveiling strips of papery wonder that reveal a beautiful orange-brown inner bark. Over time, as the tree matures, black markings emerge, painting a stunning contrast on its snowy canvas.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 2 to 7&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial shade.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Deciduous perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong>It has a sweet woody sappy green fragrance.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Season of interest: </strong>Spring</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Moderate.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>50 to 70 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Moderate.It is better to prune during its dormant season. It is important to avoid pruning during winter or spring when the sap is actively flowing, as it may result in bleeding.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"madrone\">7. Pacific Madrone <em>(Arbutus Menziesii)</em></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Madrone.jpg\" alt=\"Pacific Madrone\" class=\"wp-image-15906\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Madrone.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Madrone-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Madrone-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Madrone-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Madrone-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/brewbooks/373239929\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">brewbooks</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Pacific madrone is a tree that dazzles the senses with its splendid display of springtime elegance. As the season blooms, this tree adorns itself with white bell-shaped flowers, creating a breathtaking spectacle. But the magic doesn&#8217;t end there, for these blossoms give way to round fruits that mature into a striking shade of red, adding a vibrant burst of color to the forest landscape. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bark sheds its old skin to reveal its true beauty. From its stunning flowers to its fiery fruits and the captivating spectacle of its peeling bark, the Pacific madrone invites us to celebrate the ever-changing nature and find joy in the vibrant tapestry of life.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>7 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to part shade.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Evergreen perennial.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>It exudes a strong honey smell that attracts bees and fruit-eating birds like waxwings and robins.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Season of interest: </strong>Spring</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Low to moderate&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>20 to 80 feet.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low. They are difficult to transplant and can be slow to establish.</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dogwood\">8. Pacific Dogwood <em>(Cornus Nuttallii)</em></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Dogwood.jpg\" alt=\"Pacific Dogwood\" class=\"wp-image-15905\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Dogwood.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Dogwood-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Dogwood-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Dogwood-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Dogwood-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2338_PacificDogwood.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Paul Schultz from Kenmore, USA</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Pacific dogwood tree presents itself with a dense, conical, or rounded crown. Its branches, arranged in a graceful, horizontal-tiered fashion, create a picturesque display that evokes a sense of serenity and harmony. The Pacific dogwood has delicate, white flowers.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the seasons shift, the Pacific dogwood continues to delight. It adorns itself with orange to red fruits, adding a touch of autumnal splendor to the landscape. And when the foliage begins its transition, the tree&#8217;s leaves transform into a captivating shade of yellow-orange, painting the surroundings with a vibrant burst of color.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 7 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial sun.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Deciduous<strong> </strong>perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> It has a strong but pleasant floral scent similar to sweet honeysuckle.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Season of interest:</strong> Spring</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Moderate</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>15 to 40 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Moderate. Established plants have some drought tolerance.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Trees Native to Washington State</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the tallest native tree species in Washington State?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">In the vast landscapes of Washington, the western red cedars claim the title of the state&#8217;s towering giants. These majestic evergreen conifers dominate the coastal regions, reaching impressive heights of 100 to 200 feet and boasting 9 feet or more diameters.<br/><br/></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What other native trees can I see in Washington?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Here&#8217;s a list of other native tree species in Washington:<br/>• Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)<br/>• Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)<br/>• Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia)<br/><br/></p> </div> </div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"find\">Where to Find Native Plants and Trees in Washington State</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When embarking on a backyard landscaping project in Washington, tapping into the expertise of local nurseries becomes crucial. Opting for native trees and plants from these nurseries ensures they are well-suited to the region&#8217;s climate and soil conditions, enhancing their resilience and long-term maintenance.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that Washington State predominantly falls under <a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USDA hardiness zones</a> 7 and 8, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 5 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, selecting suitable plants or trees is the first step in creating a thriving landscape. Ongoing care and maintenance are vital for its sustained health and vitality.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>To ensure the best results for your yard, consider hiring a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">lawn care pro near you</a> to handle the mowing, trimming, and edging. We can connect you with trusted pros in <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/wa/seattle/\">Seattle</a>, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/wa/tacoma/\">Tacoma</a>, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/wa/spokane/\">Spokane</a>, and many other cities throughout the state.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: The Washington State Capitol Building / <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CAPITOL.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pastajosh</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n","title":"8 Trees Native to Washington State","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/1789c/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/107df/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 320w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/293e9/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 500w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/f2cbb/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 800w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/1789c/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 960w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/c26c2/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/1dd6e/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/67b76/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 320w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/8df11/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 500w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/98a65/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 800w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/1dd6e/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 960w,\n/static/c9da6866d196f17b71600270fa9a00c2/3cc96/The-Washington-State-Capitol-Building.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Trees Native to Washington State","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the 8 trees native to Washington State, boosting aesthetics and supporting local ecosystem preservation."}}},{"node":{"id":"06b1c012-b4a8-5bd1-ab44-db02882c2ecd","slug":"best-native-plants-pacific-northwest","path":"/lawn-care/pacific-northwest/best-native-plants-pacific-northwest/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"e3d78548-e4c5-5661-afcd-3346a26d8d46","name":"Pacific Northwest","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/pacific-northwest/"}],"date":"May 27th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>From the Oregon Coast to the Olympic National Park, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) has many places you can visit to take in the natural, organic beauty of native plants and wildlife. Falling in love with the diverse flora of the area can leave you wanting more. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>From the Oregon Coast to the Olympic National Park, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) has many places you can visit to take in the natural, organic beauty of native plants and wildlife. Falling in love with the diverse flora of the area can leave you wanting more. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best native plants for the Pacific Northwest. You can create a smaller version of a diverse plant culture in your yard.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article allows you to invite as much of the Pacific Northwest’s native roots into your yard as you’d like. We’ve identified shrubs, wildflowers, perennials, and other native vegetation you can place in flower beds, plant as groundcovers or lawn specimens, or use in any way you prefer.</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#best\">11 Best Native Plants for Your Pacific Northwest Yard</a>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#currant\">Red Flowering Currant</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#columbine\">Western Columbine</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#dogwood\">Red-Osier Dogwood</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#grape\">Tall Oregon Grape</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#camas\">Common Camas</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#elderberry\">Pacific Red Elderberry</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#serviceberry\">Serviceberry</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#oceanspray\">Oceanspray</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#orange\">Lewis&#8217; Mock Orange</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#yarrow\">Common Yarrow</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#huckleberry\">Evergreen Huckleberry</a></li>\n</ol>\n</li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#choose\">How to Choose Native Plants for Your Pacific Northwest Landscape</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About Native Pacific Northwest Plants</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#find\">Where to Find Native Plants in Pacific Northwest</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best\">11 Best Native Plants for Your Pacific Northwest Yard</h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"currant\">1. Red Flowering Currant (<em>Ribes sanguineum</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of Red Flowering Currant plant\" class=\"wp-image-15138\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant.jpg 1200w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant-980x735.jpg 980w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Flowering-Currant-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/nordique/5636287572\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peter Stevens</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although this shrub’s <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://www.pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=91\" target=\"_blank\">edible berries</a> have been accused of being insipid, they have been used to make juice, pies, syrup, and wine. Birds and mammals, like deer, squirrels, and foxes, also like the taste of the fruit. If you don’t mind sharing, red flowering currant is a good choice for your home. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>This shrub also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. They won’t fight with the mammals or you over the fruit, because the pollinators and birds are drawn to the showy, drooping pinkish-red flowers.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This edible plant is low-maintenance. She thrives best in well-drained, rocky soil, but also tolerates poor soil. This shrub grows in both full sun and partial shade.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once red flowering currant, also called blood currant, is established, she is drought tolerant. Start her off with plenty of water in her first one to two seasons.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plant red flowering currant as hedges or in a wildlife garden. She’ll also do well in rain gardens and xeriscape landscapes.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Native Regions: </strong>All</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Deciduous shrub &nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hardiness zones:</strong> 5 to 9&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun, partial shade&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Prefers well-drained, rocky soil but tolerates poor soil&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Sweet sage-rosemary</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Spring&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Water the first two summers of establishment&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>8-10 feet&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"columbine\">2. Western Columbine <em>(Aquilegia formosa)</em></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Columbine.jpg\" alt=\"Western Columbine\" class=\"wp-image-15921\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Columbine.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Columbine-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Columbine-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Columbine-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Columbine-600x600.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Western-Columbine-480x480.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Western_Columbine_%28Aquilegia_formosa%29_%287180514174%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Franco Folini from San Francisco, USA</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Western columbine is great for a softer touch to your home garden. She has delicate-looking red and yellow flowers that flare outward at the bottom. But beware: columbine is not as innocent as she seems. She contains a toxin that can cause stomach issues and heart palpitations.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Western columbine will only last about two to three years. However, she proliferates by self-seeding. Hummingbirds and butterflies enjoy the blossoms that sprout in late spring to early summer.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This plant is commonly found in moist areas, like woodlands and forests. She grows well in a variety of soil types, just as long as the soil drains well. Columbine prefers the shade but will work with full sun if she is kept moist. She is easy to grow and works well in shade gardens and borders.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Native Regions: </strong>All</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Flower</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>3 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun or partial shade (preferably)</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Chalky, clay, loamy, or sandy soil that’s well-drained and nutrient-rich</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>N/A</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Late spring to early summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Average</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>1 to<strong> </strong>3 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>Contain toxin that can cause stomach issues or heart palpitations</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance</strong>: Low; deadhead fading blooms and cut back in mid-summer</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dogwood\">3. Red-Osier Dogwood (<em>Cornus sericea</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of Redosier Dogwood\" class=\"wp-image-14497\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Red-Osier_Dogwood_%283630083646%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jason Hollinger</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Red-osier dogwood is also known as red twig dogwood. She distinguishes herself with stems that are a bright red in the fall and winter. The spring brings a cluster of white flowers, which turn to white berries in the summer. Pollinators and butterflies are attracted to the flowers, while birds satisfy their hunger with the berries.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Red-osier grows quickly, but you can root prune this plant to control her size. This shrub is a good candidate for movement because she transplants successfully.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you like to see color in the winter, red-osier will make great shrub borders.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Native regions: </strong>All</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hardiness zones:</strong> 2 to 7</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Chalk, clay, loam, sand, moist, adaptable to a wide range of soils.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong>&nbsp; Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Spring and summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium to high</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 6 to 9 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Medium. Use a spade to root prune if you want to stop her from vigorously spreading. Prune in early spring to encourage new stem growth.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"grape\">4. Tall Oregon Grape (<em>Mahonia aquifolium)</em></h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"543\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Mahonia_aquifolium.jpg\" alt=\"Blue colored Tall oregon grape with green leaves\" class=\"wp-image-14011\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Mahonia_aquifolium.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Mahonia_aquifolium-300x204.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Mahonia_aquifolium-768x521.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Mahonia_aquifolium-480x326.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mahonia_aquifolium.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The original uploader was Meggar at English Wikipedia.</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tall Oregon grape, also called holly-leaved barberry, is an excellent choice for homes with small children or pets. Unlike western columbine, tall Oregon grape is non-toxic and has been used for its <a href=\"http://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?id=224\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medicinal properties</a>. It is both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The flowers emerge bright and yellow in the spring. The blue-colored berries, which resemble grapes, arrive in the summer. Pollinators are attracted to the cluster of showy petals, while birds and wildlife get a mouthful of the purplish berries.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tall Oregon grape thrives in partial to full shade. This shrub makes a tasty hedge or addition to woodland and shade gardens.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Native regions: </strong>All<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hardiness zones: </strong>5 to 8</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Partial shade to full shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Loam, acidic, well-drained</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Honey</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Spring</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 6 to 8 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"camas\">5. Common Camas (<em>Camassia quamash</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Camas-Camassia-quamashh.jpg\" alt=\"Purple Color flower with green leaves\" class=\"wp-image-15051\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Camas-Camassia-quamashh.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Camas-Camassia-quamashh-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Camas-Camassia-quamashh-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Camas-Camassia-quamashh-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Camas-Camassia-quamashh-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flickr_-_brewbooks_-_Camassia_quamash.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">brewbooks from near Seattle, USA</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common camas could be mistaken for grass, except for the beautiful light blue flowers that grow atop the long grass-like blades. The petals blossom from late spring to early summer. Common camas has low to medium maintenance requirements, and she is highly pest and disease resistant.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>She thrives best when planted in the fall and when she receives full sun. Camas adapts to partial shade, but will only grow a percentage of her potential in shady conditions.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>She works well planted in groups. Add color to beds and borders with common camas, or by using this wildflower as underplantings for shrubs and roses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Native regions: </strong>All</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Flowering plant/wildflower&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hardiness zones: </strong>3 to 8 &nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun, very little shade&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>High organic matter with good drainage; tolerates seasonally moist soil&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Spicy;<strong> </strong>Smells like molasses when boiled<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Late spring to early summer&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Average (Natively found in moist, spring meadows that dry by late spring) &nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>Up to 30 inches&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low to medium&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"elderberry\">6. Pacific Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/217464248_8be3dd9dcc_o-1.jpg\" alt=\"red berries on brown stem of a plant\" class=\"wp-image-14762\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/217464248_8be3dd9dcc_o-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/217464248_8be3dd9dcc_o-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/217464248_8be3dd9dcc_o-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/217464248_8be3dd9dcc_o-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/217464248_8be3dd9dcc_o-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/brewbooks/217464248\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">brewbooks</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you’re looking for a plant that brings color during the fall, pacific red elderberry is for you. She blooms a cluster of white flowers in late spring to early summer. The berries emerge in the fall bringing both nourishment for birds and autumn color. As tasty as the fruit may look, be mindful that the berries are toxic when uncooked.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pacific red elderberry grows naturally in moist woodlands and stream banks. She is accustomed to moist soil and is a great choice to plant next to a creek. This shrub also works well in borders and beds. Just make sure she gets enough sun or she will not grow to her fullest potential.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Native regions: </strong>All</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hardiness zones: </strong>3 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun:</strong> Partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Well-drained, loamy</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Deciduous</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Skunk smell</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>March &#8211; July</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>3 to 10 feet in a garden (up to 18 feet in the wild)</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>The seeds are poisonous, and the raw berries may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Medium; prune to contain the spread</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"serviceberry\">7. Serviceberry (<em>Amelanchier alnifolia</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"516\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Serviceberry-Amelanchier-alnifolia.jpg\" alt=\"White color flower with green leaves\" class=\"wp-image-15047\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Serviceberry-Amelanchier-alnifolia.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Serviceberry-Amelanchier-alnifolia-300x194.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Serviceberry-Amelanchier-alnifolia-768x495.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Serviceberry-Amelanchier-alnifolia-480x310.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amelanchier_alnifolia_var._semiintegrifolia_4.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thayne Tuason</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serviceberry is another plant that offers homeowners tasty treats. The berries have been used to make jellies and jams and for medicinal purposes.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>White flowers blossom in mid-spring and attract pollinators. Birds come for the berries. Serviceberry will grow in full sun or partial shade. To make sure she sprouts her tasty berries, plant her where she will receive lots of sunlight.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serviceberry does well in pollinator gardens and, of course, edible gardens.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Native regions: </strong>All&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 4 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun or partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Loamy or sandy; well-drained&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Lightly scented</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Spring and summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Low</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>3 to 16 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"oceanspray\">8. Oceanspray (<em>Holodiscus discolor</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oceanspray-1.jpg\" alt=\"Oceanspray\" class=\"wp-image-15919\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oceanspray-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oceanspray-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oceanspray-1-768x510.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oceanspray-1-480x319.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Holodiscus_discolor,_Union_Bay_Natural_Area_01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joe Mabel</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oceanspray has green leaves that are hairy on one side. The small petaled white flowers bloom from late spring to late summer. Oceanspray bears fruit that often remains into the fall and winter. Bees and hummingbirds enjoy this shrub, which can grow as tall as 20 feet.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oceanspray is a good choice for all three states in the Pacific Northwest. This plant is adaptable to multiple soil types. She is also drought-tolerant, making her ideal for the PNW areas that are prone to seasonal desert-like conditions.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oceanspray is pest- and disease-resistant and requires little pruning. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance shrub, oceanspray will fit well in your cottage or coastal garden.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Native regions:&nbsp; </strong>All</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hardiness zones: </strong>6 to 9&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial sun</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Loam, chalk, clay, sand, well-drained, dry to moist</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Sweet and sugary</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>June &#8211; August</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs:</strong> Low to Medium</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 3 to 10 feet tall, but can reach heights up to 20 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"orange\">9. &nbsp;Lewis&#8217; Mock Orange (<em>Philadelphus lewisii</em> Pursh)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lewis-Mock-Orange-Philadelphus-lewisii.jpg\" alt=\"White color flowers with green pollens\" class=\"wp-image-15056\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lewis-Mock-Orange-Philadelphus-lewisii.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lewis-Mock-Orange-Philadelphus-lewisii-300x240.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lewis-Mock-Orange-Philadelphus-lewisii-768x614.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lewis-Mock-Orange-Philadelphus-lewisii-480x384.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:J20150521-0013%E2%80%94Philadelphus_lewisii%E2%80%94RPBG_%2818249095168%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">John Rusk from Berkeley, CA, United States of America</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0\" target=\"_blank\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lewis’ mock orange is also referred to as wild mock orange, named for the sweet scent that is similar to orange blossoms. This shrub bears white flowers in the spring and summer. You’ll not only give back to the ecosystem because mock orange attracts butterflies, but this sweet-smelling plant is also a shelter for wildlife.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>A property with full sun or partial shade will give this plant a thriving environment. Although rich soils are her preference, mock orange adapts to a variety of soil types. She has a fibrous root system that helps prevent erosion.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plant mock orange in borders, hedges, and low-maintenance landscaping designs.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Native regions:&nbsp; </strong>All</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hardiness zones: </strong>4 to 8</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun, partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Prefers gravelly and nutrient-rich soils, but tolerates a variety of soil types, like chalk, loam, and sand</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Deciduous</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Orangey scent</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Spring and summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Low-medium</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>5 to 8 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>Toxic to cats</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"yarrow\">10. Common Yarrow (<em>Achillea millefolium</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg\" alt=\"White Color small flower with blur background\" class=\"wp-image-15378\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Common_Yarrow_%28Achillea_millefolium%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jitaeri</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common yarrow boasts clusters of tiny petaled white flowers. She attracts pollinators but is toxic to pets. She can cause skin irritation and increased photosensitivity if touched, so yarrow is another plant to keep out of the reach of small children. It may seem ironic, but this plant has also been used for <a href=\"https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/achillea-millefolium/#poison\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medicinal purposes</a> to treat stomach aches, rashes, and fevers.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>She is low-maintenance and although she prefers moist soil that is well-drained, she tolerates multiple soil types. You will see a lot of her if you plant her in flower or garden beds, as she is prone to spread aggressively. If you’re looking for a flowering groundcover to replace some turfgrass, common yarrow is a good choice.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Native regions:&nbsp; </strong>All</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant Type:</strong> Wildflower</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 3 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun:</strong> Full sun</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Moist but well-drained, all soil types</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Pine</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom Time/Season of Interest:</strong> Late spring, summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water Needs:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature Height:</strong> 1 to 3 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential Hazards:</strong> Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested; for humans, may cause skin irritation or increase photosensitivity if touched</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance Needs:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"huckleberry\">11. Evergreen Huckleberry (<em>Vaccinium ovatum</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of Evergreen Huckleberry\" class=\"wp-image-14021\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/39114468694_a55e6cddd3_c-1-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/john_d_rusk/39114468694\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">John Rusk</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Evergreen huckleberry has edible berries that grow in the summer. With this evergreen, you can feed the wildlife and birds that nibble on the fruit. The berries have been used to make pies and jellies.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>This shrub is an attractive display, with her white flowers and reddish leaves appearing in the spring. She thrives best in full sun or part shade.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>While she tolerates yards with trees blocking the sunlight, she may not bear flowers or fruit if she is planted in full shade. On the other hand, huckleberry grows <a href=\"http://www.pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=277\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tallest in the shade</a>. In the sun she may reach 3 feet; in the shade, she may tower at heights up to 10 feet.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for some ingredients for jam or syrup and a plant for your xeriscape design? This shrub is drought-resistant, so she’ll fit in well. Huckleberry is also an excellent choice for hedges and rain gardens or planted next to patios.</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Native regions: </strong>Washington and Oregon; not native to Idaho</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Needled Evergreen shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hardiness zones: </strong>7 to 9&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Sun or shade; prefers partial or full shade&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Tolerates sand, clay, and soils low in organic content; requires acidic soil</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Musky&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Feb &#8211; July&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Low, Medium to wet&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>2 to 10 feet tall; grows taller in shade&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>High&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"choose\">How to Choose Native Plants for Your Pacific Northwest Yard</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choose plants in your area’s <a href=\"https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USDA hardiness zone</a>. Hardiness zones help gardeners know which plants will survive their area’s coldest winter temperatures. It will still take work to maintain the plants, but because the plants have adapted to the area, they will need less fertilizing, watering, and other upkeep tasks than non-native plants.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing your soil type, how well it drains, and how much sun or shade your yard receives helps you choose plants that are well-suited for your home. Select plants that your yard’s size can accommodate. For example, a small property is probably not a good fit for a Douglas fir tree, which grows very large.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also a good idea to choose plants that have a maintenance schedule that matches your availability to care for them. Likewise, select plants that fit your family’s composition. Be mindful of vegetation with hazard precautions if you have small children or pets.</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Native Pacific Northwest Plants</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What plants are the best native plants for Seattle?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Seattle’s best native plants include:<br/>• Pacific Bleeding Heart<br/>• Vine Maple<br/>• Wild Ginger<br/>• Salal<br/>• Evergreen Huckleberry<br/><br/></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the best native plants for Washington?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Here are some of the best native plants for Washington:<br/>• Velvet Lupine<br/>• Sagebrush<br/>• Western Columbine<br/>• Vine Maple<br/>• Salal<br/>• Indian Plum<br/><br/></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the best native plants for Idaho?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">These are some native plants best for the state of Idaho:<br/>• Golden Currant<br/>• Woods&#8217; Rose<br/>• Rose Spirea<br/>• Roundleaf Snowberry<br/><br/></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the best native plants for Oregon?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Oregon’s best native plants include:<br/>• Western Bleeding Heart<br/>• Salal<br/>• Vine Maple<br/>• Pacific Beach Strawberry<br/><br/></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the advantages of using native plants?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Native plants are beneficial to the environment in many ways, including reducing pollutants that enter the water supply and sustaining the ecosystem. Growing native plants can also reduce your workload by decreasing the time you spend maintaining them. Here are some advantages of using native plants:<br/><br/>• Adaptability and low maintenance: Native plants are adapted to the local environment, including soil conditions and climate, so they are more likely to thrive with less watering and fertilizing. Once native plants are established, in addition to needing less watering and fertilizing, they typically require less maintenance overall.<br/>• Higher tolerance and cleaner water: Native plants generally have a higher tolerance for local diseases and pests, requiring fewer pesticides, herbicides, and other chemical treatments. This means fewer harmful substances run off into the water.<br/>• Biodiversity: Native plants sustain biodiversity and support the local ecosystem by providing food sources and habitat to pollinators, insects, and wildlife.<br/><br/></p> </div> </div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"find\">Where to Find Native Plants in Pacific Northwest</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With all of the parks, waterfronts, and outdoor scenery across the Pacific Northwest, you have more than likely seen a diverse array of native plants. To find vegetation for your home, <a href=\"https://kingcounty.gov/services/environment/stewardship/nw-yard-and-garden/native-plant-resources-nw.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">King County</a> has plant guides and other information that can help you identify flora in the Washington and PNW area. <a href=\"https://extension.oregonstate.edu/collection/native-plant-gardening\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oregon State University</a> is another resource for native plants in the PNW area.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you have the resources you need for your native plant oasis, make sure you have a lawn that is lush and healthy, too. Contact a <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com\">lawn care pro near you</a> to do the mowing, edging, and trimming so you can spend more time enjoying the waterfall at Multnomah Falls.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: The Oregon Garden / <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/travelsalem/8319977888\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Travel Salem</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-ND 2.0</a></p>\n","title":"11 Best Native Plants for the Pacific Northwest","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/1789c/The-Oregon-Garden.jpg","srcSet":"/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/107df/The-Oregon-Garden.jpg 320w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/293e9/The-Oregon-Garden.jpg 500w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/f2cbb/The-Oregon-Garden.jpg 800w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/1789c/The-Oregon-Garden.jpg 960w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/c26c2/The-Oregon-Garden.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/1dd6e/The-Oregon-Garden.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/67b76/The-Oregon-Garden.webp 320w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/8df11/The-Oregon-Garden.webp 500w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/98a65/The-Oregon-Garden.webp 800w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/1dd6e/The-Oregon-Garden.webp 960w,\n/static/51fec25990c4c27a1e3bc97a94d6277a/3cc96/The-Oregon-Garden.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Best Native Plants for the Pacific Northwest","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"This article highlights the best native plants for the Pacific Northwest to build a beautiful garden that helps sustain the local ecosystem."}}},{"node":{"id":"b77c2294-a62d-5127-a649-8236d7ea62dc","slug":"native-trees-and-shrubs-michigan","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/native-trees-and-shrubs-michigan/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"}],"date":"May 27th, 2023","excerpt":"<p>Despite large seasonal changes in temperature, you can still enjoy games, barbecues, and other outdoor activities in your Michigan lawn. But if your outdoor living space looks dull and lifeless, it won’t feel all that inviting. Avoid that scenario and get started on a new landscaping project with some of the best native trees and [&hellip;]</p>\n","content":"\n<p>Despite large seasonal changes in temperature, you can still enjoy games, barbecues, and other outdoor activities in your Michigan lawn. But if your outdoor living space looks dull and lifeless, it won’t feel all that inviting. Avoid that scenario and get started on a new landscaping project with some of the best native trees and shrubs for Michigan yards.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we will cover:</p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#native\">Native Trees and Shrubs for Michigan Yards</a>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#basswood\">Basswood</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#maple\">Red Maple</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#honeysuckle\">Northern Bush Honeysuckle</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#oak\">White Oak</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#elderberry\">Red Elderberry</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#buttonbush\">Common Buttonbush</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#nannyberry\">Nannyberry</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#serviceberry\">Serviceberry</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#dogwood\">Flowering Dogwood</a></li>\n</ol>\n</li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#choose\">How to Choose Native Trees and Shrubs for Your Michigan Landscape</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ About Michigan Native Trees and Shrubs</a></li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#find\">Where to Find Michigan Native Trees and Shrubs</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"native\">Native Trees and Shrubs for Michigan Yards</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Wolverine State lies in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 6. All the plants in the upcoming section are a great fit for these zones, as well as Michigan’s year-round climate. Choosing the right plants for your area will ensure a healthy growth with minimal maintenance. <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/michigan/best-native-plants-michigan/\">Michigan native plants</a> can boost the local ecosystem and serve as a valuable food source for the local wildlife habitat. </p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"basswood\">1. Basswood (<em>Tilia americana</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Basswood.jpg\" alt=\"Basswood\" class=\"wp-image-15943\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Basswood.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Basswood-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Basswood-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Basswood-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Basswood-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tilia_americana_-_American_Basswood.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fritzflohrreynolds</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Basswood is a large, deciduous shrub adorned with an ovate-rounded crown. It boasts large, dark green leaves that turn yellow-green in the fall. Creamy-yellow, fragrant flowers appear in early summer. They are highly attractive to bees and contribute to the production of honey. The blossoms are followed by hard-shelled nutlets that ripen in late summer. Basswood can be used as a shade or street tree.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA hardiness zones: </strong>2 to 8</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun, partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Chalk, clay, loam, sand</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Sweetly scented</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>April &#8211; July</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Low, average</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>50 to 80 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"maple\">2. Red Maple (<em>Acer rubrum</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"604\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Maple.jpg\" alt=\"picture of a red maple tree with red leaves\" class=\"wp-image-12252\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Maple.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Maple-300x227.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Maple-768x580.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Maple-480x362.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=12819&amp;picture=red-maple-tree\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Public Domain Pictures</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/red_maple\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Red maple</a> is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can provide your Michigan lawn with a lovely fall color. Tiny red flowers appear in early spring, followed by red fruits. For those seeking a low-maintenance yard, red maple trees require very little pruning.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to its smooth gray bark, this native perennial is just as attractive during the winter. Red maple is an excellent choice as specimen planting for lawns and streets.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: </strong>3 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun, partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Chalk, clay, loam, sand</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Sweet cherry or almond flower scent</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>March &#8211; April</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Average</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 40 to 70 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>Toxic to horses</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"honeysuckle\">3. Northern Bush Honeysuckle (<em>Diervilla lonicera</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Bush-Honeysuckle-1.jpg\" alt=\"Northern Bush Honeysuckle\" class=\"wp-image-15944\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Bush-Honeysuckle-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Bush-Honeysuckle-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Bush-Honeysuckle-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Bush-Honeysuckle-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Bush-Honeysuckle-1-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diervilla_lonicera_kz02.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>This densely branched, deciduous shrub thrives in a wide range of light and soil conditions. It forms an attractive, colorful mound of lance-shaped, shiny leaves. A profusion of yellow to orange flowers appear in the lower leaf axils and at the branch tips. The blossoms are magnets for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Over time, this native shrub forms broad thickets that provide shelter for ground-nesting birds.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Northern bush honeysuckle becomes drought-tolerant once established. It is perfect for shrub borders, woodland or butterfly gardens.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness zone: </strong>3 to 7</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time:</strong> Summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Low, average</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil: </strong>Not particular; grows in range of soil types and withstands dry and seasonally flooded soils</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 2 to 4 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance: </strong>Low, prune in late winter</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"oak\">4. White Oak (<em>Quercus alba</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Oak.jpg\" alt=\"White Oak\" class=\"wp-image-15851\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Oak.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Oak-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Oak-768x513.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Oak-600x400.jpg 600w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Oak-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/timevanson/16783815557/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tim Evanson</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>White oak is a large, deciduous perennial that’s another great option for a shade or lawn tree. Pink leaves emerge in spring, followed by yellow-green catkins. White oak will eventually give way to brown, oval acorns that are a valuable source of food for birds and small mammals.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once established, white oak trees will adopt drought-resistant and salt-tolerant qualities. If your outdoor living space is large enough, this native perennial can be a valuable specimen tree.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type: </strong>Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 3 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun or partial sun</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Moist but well-drained clay, loam, sandy soils</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Vanilla</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>April to May</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Low</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>100 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>Toxic to horses</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"elderberry\">5. Red Elderberry (<em>Sambucus racemosa</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1022\" height=\"768\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Elderberry-Sambucus-racemosa.jpg\" alt=\"Red Color Elder Berry\" class=\"wp-image-15057\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Elderberry-Sambucus-racemosa.jpg 1022w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Elderberry-Sambucus-racemosa-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Elderberry-Sambucus-racemosa-768x577.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Elderberry-Sambucus-racemosa-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Elderberry-Sambucus-racemosa-980x736.jpg 980w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Elderberry-Sambucus-racemosa-480x361.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1022px) 100vw, 1022px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sambucus_racemosa_in_Slovenia_%2816099655778%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Red elderberry is a deciduous, suckering shrub that performs best in humus-rich, well-drained soils. Abundant clusters of white flowers appear near the branch in late spring to early summer, which attract butterflies and hummingbirds. In the fall, the blossoms give way to berries that are devoured by birds. This easy-to-grow shrub fits beautifully in mixed borders, or can be used as a specimen plant.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 3 to 7</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun or partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Moist and well-drained&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Flowers have floral scent; leaves have unpleasant, stinky odor when crushed</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Spring and summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>&nbsp;Medium; water in the absence of rain</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>3 to 9 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>Seeds are poisonous; raw berries are toxic</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Medium; prune to contain spread</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"buttonbush\">6. Common Buttonbush (<em>Cephalanthus occidentalis</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"563\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Buttonbush.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of the flowers of a Buttonbush plant\" class=\"wp-image-13384\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Buttonbush.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Buttonbush-300x211.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Buttonbush-768x540.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Buttonbush-480x338.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cephalanthus_occidentalis_occidentalis1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Cosmonaut</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common buttonbush is a multi-stemmed, ornamental shrub that is suited for wet soils. This native perennial has a foliage of oval, glossy bright green leaves. It boasts long-lasting, spherical flower heads in early summer to early fall. Each flower head is packed with creamy-white flowers that are very attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. <a href=\"https://www.gardenia.net/plant/cephalanthus-occidentalis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Common buttonbush</a> fits perfectly in cottage, bog, or rain gardens.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Shrub</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 5 to 11</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun:</strong> Full sun, partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Loam, sand</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Dried flowers and leaves smell like freshly-mown grass</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time:</strong> June &#8211; September</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs:</strong> Average, high</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 5 to 12 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential hazards: </strong>Poisonous to humans, pets, and other animals if ingested.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nannyberry\">7. Nannyberry (<em>Viburnum lentago</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"573\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1.jpg\" alt=\"closeup image of nannyberry plant\" class=\"wp-image-15404\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1-300x215.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1-768x550.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Nannyberry-1-480x344.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/douglas_mcgrady/32047714591\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Doug McGrady</a> / Flickr / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nannyberry is a native perennial that can serve as a large, suckering shrub or a multi-stemmed small tree. Masses of creamy-white flower clusters emerge in spring, elegantly held above the handsome foliage of dark green leaves. The flowers are loved by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The blooms give way to bluish-black berries with bright red stalks in fall.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>These fruits are quite tasty, and can be eaten fresh from the shrub or used to make jams. This durable, pest-free shrub can be used in shrub borders or as a specimen plant.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Shrub or small tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness zones:</strong> 2 to 8</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun to partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Clay, loam, sand, moist, well-drained soil</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance: </strong>Berries smell like wet sheep’s wool when overripe<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time:</strong> April &#8211; June</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height:</strong> 10 to 20 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"serviceberry\">8. Serviceberry (<em>Amelanchier alnifolia</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"516\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Serviceberry-Amelanchier-alnifolia.jpg\" alt=\"White color flower with green leaves\" class=\"wp-image-15047\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Serviceberry-Amelanchier-alnifolia.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Serviceberry-Amelanchier-alnifolia-300x194.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Serviceberry-Amelanchier-alnifolia-768x495.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Serviceberry-Amelanchier-alnifolia-480x310.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amelanchier_alnifolia_var._semiintegrifolia_4.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thayne Tuason</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/serviceberry/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Serviceberry</a> is a drought-tolerant, deciduous perennial that can be used as an attractive, ornamental shrub. In addition to aesthetics, serviceberry plants can be used for erosion control.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>The foliage of light-green oval leaves turns to shades of orange and red in the fall. In mid-spring, compact clusters or white flowers emerge just before the leaves. They are followed by sweet, blue-colored berries in early summer. Both birds and humans share their love of these berries.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Shrub or small tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 4 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Full sun or partial shade</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> Loamy or sandy; well-drained&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Lightly scented</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>Spring and summer</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Low</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>3 to 16 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dogwood\">9. Flowering Dogwood (<em>Cornus florida</em>)</h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida.jpg\" alt=\"White color Flowring dogwood\" class=\"wp-image-14002\" srcset=\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida.jpg 800w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-300x225.jpg 300w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-768x576.jpg 768w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-510x382.jpg 510w, https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" /></figure></div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cornus_florida_Arkansas.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eric Hunt</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0</a></p>\n\n\n\n<p></p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/dogwood/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Flowering dogwood</a> is another native perennial that can be used as a large shrub or a small, deciduous tree. It is a popular landscape tree that’s regarded by many gardeners as one of the best flowering trees. Its blossoms give way to rounded, glistening orange-red fruits in the summer. It is perfect for a low-maintenance landscape, as it does not require regular pruning.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plant type:</strong> Tree</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:</strong> 5 to 9</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sun: </strong>Grows best in part shade but can tolerate full sun</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Soil:</strong> organically rich, moist, acidic soil&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duration:</strong> Perennial</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fragrance:</strong> Slightly fragrant&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bloom time: </strong>March &#8211; June</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Water needs: </strong>Medium</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mature height: </strong>15 to 30 feet, sometimes reaching up to 40 feet</p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Low</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"choose\">How to Choose Native Trees and Shrubs for Your Michigan Yard</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The plant hardiness zone isn’t the only factor that determines the plants ability to thrive in Michigan. If your lawn is too shady, do not go for plants that require full sun to grow, or ones that will bring even more shade to your backyard. You’re trying to create an inviting outdoor living space, not a place for Dracula to rest in. Homeowners should also consider the different soil types, availability of water, and other significant factors that help in establishing Michigan native plants.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ About Michigan Native Trees and Shrubs</h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the most common trees in Michigan?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">There are plenty of trees that thrive in Michigan’s climate and hardiness zones. Shrubs are equally important in this current article, so we had to share the spotlight.<br><br><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/education/michigan-species/plants-trees/sugarmaple\" rel=\"noopener\">Sugar maple</a>, or <em>acer saccharum</em>, is one of the most common trees found in Michigan’s forests. The fruit of the tree is called a samara, it contains seeds that are adored by squirrels and other small mammals.&nbsp;<br><br>As for the state tree, it’s the eastern white pine (<em>pinus strobus</em>). It was officially made Michigan’s tree on March 4, 1955. Not only is it commonly found across the state, but it symbolizes Michigan’s rich logging history.<br><br></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are some other native trees and shrubs you can add to your Michigan lawn?</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Nothing would make us happier than to provide you with as many Michigan native plants as possible! But don’t worry, we will keep the list short and interesting enough.<br><br>Some perennials may only thrive in southern parts of the state, some just the north, which is why this article focused on plants that can grow in almost every part of Michigan. In addition to the abovementioned trees and shrubs, here are some species for you to consider:<br>• Red hickory (<em>Carya ovalis</em>)<br>• Poke milkweed (<em>Asclepias exaltata</em>)<br>• Common ninebark (<em>Physocarpus opulifolius</em>)<br>• Gray dogwood (<em>Cornus racemosa</em>)<br>• Snowberry (<em>Symphoricarpos</em>)<br>• Black gum tree (<em>Nyssa sylvatica</em>)<br>• Northern red oak (<em>Quercus rubra</em>)<br><br></p> </div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are some of the worst invasive trees and shrubs in Michigan?&nbsp;</strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Every state in North America has to deal with invasive species, whether they are trees, shrubs, wildflowers, or even insects. Michigan is no different, and there are plenty of invasive trees and shrubs that can disrupt the growth and survival of native species.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>According to the Michigan State University Extension, here are some of the worst <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/invasive-species/InvasivePlantsFieldGuide.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">invasive plants</a> to look out for:<br>• Black alder (<em>Alnus glutinosa</em>)<br>• Black locust (<em>Robinia pseudoacacia</em>)<br>• Norway maple (<em>Acer platanoides</em>)<br>• Autumn olive (<em>Elaeagnus umbellata</em>)<br>• Black jetbead (<em>Rhodotypos scandens</em>)<br>• Amur honeysuckle (<em>Lonicera maackii</em>)<br><br></p> </div> </div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"find\">Where to Find Michigan Native Trees and Shrubs</h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you regularly enjoy hiking or exploring the endless wonders of mother nature, then odds are you’ve come across native trees or shrubs. Plants that grow naturally in Michigan can be found in forests, national parks, or even wetlands. You can also find plenty of native shrubs and trees at local nurseries or garden centers.&nbsp;</p>\n\n\n\n<p>But why stop at native plants? Make it a complete project and revamp your outdoors with <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/michigan/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-michigan/\">low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Michigan</a>. </p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite planting low-maintenance trees and shrubs, your lawn may still require the occasional mowing or edging. Hire <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/\">a local lawn care professional</a> and cross lawn chores off your to-do list. You can find trusted professionals in <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/mi/grand-rapids/\">Grand Rapids</a>, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/mi/detroit/\">Detroit</a>, <a href=\"https://www.wikilawn.com/lawn-care/mi/grandville/\">Grandville</a>, and many other cities across the state.</p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Photo Credit: William Henry Wilson House / <a href=\"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_Henry_Wilson_House_%28Michigan%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Notorious4life (talk) (Uploads)</a> / Wikimedia Commons / <a href=\"https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC0</a></p>\n","title":"9 Native Trees and Shrubs for Michigan Yards","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/6d75697cada1a3e3ab30cc00beee7100/1789c/William-Henry-Wilson-House-Michigan.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6d75697cada1a3e3ab30cc00beee7100/107df/William-Henry-Wilson-House-Michigan.jpg 320w,\n/static/6d75697cada1a3e3ab30cc00beee7100/293e9/William-Henry-Wilson-House-Michigan.jpg 500w,\n/static/6d75697cada1a3e3ab30cc00beee7100/f2cbb/William-Henry-Wilson-House-Michigan.jpg 800w,\n/static/6d75697cada1a3e3ab30cc00beee7100/1789c/William-Henry-Wilson-House-Michigan.jpg 960w,\n/static/6d75697cada1a3e3ab30cc00beee7100/c26c2/William-Henry-Wilson-House-Michigan.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6d75697cada1a3e3ab30cc00beee7100/1dd6e/William-Henry-Wilson-House-Michigan.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6d75697cada1a3e3ab30cc00beee7100/67b76/William-Henry-Wilson-House-Michigan.webp 320w,\n/static/6d75697cada1a3e3ab30cc00beee7100/8df11/William-Henry-Wilson-House-Michigan.webp 500w,\n/static/6d75697cada1a3e3ab30cc00beee7100/98a65/William-Henry-Wilson-House-Michigan.webp 800w,\n/static/6d75697cada1a3e3ab30cc00beee7100/1dd6e/William-Henry-Wilson-House-Michigan.webp 960w,\n/static/6d75697cada1a3e3ab30cc00beee7100/3cc96/William-Henry-Wilson-House-Michigan.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Native Trees and Shrubs for Michigan Yards","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Native plants can do so much for your lawn and surrounding ecosystem. 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