30 plus native plants of Northeast USA: from Maine to Virginia

Your complete guide to stunning native plants of Northeast USA

The Northeast corridor from Maine to Virginia offers some of the most diverse and beautiful native plant communities in North America. From the rocky coasts of Maine to the Appalachian foothills of Virginia, this region supports an incredible array of native species adapted to four distinct seasons, varying elevations, and diverse soil conditions.

If you’re gardening in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Hudson Valley of New York, or the Chesapeake Bay region of Virginia, this guide will help you choose the perfect native plants for your specific location and growing conditions.

Featured Image: Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

See also: The ultimate guide to gardening with native plants: why location matters

Understanding the Northeast Growing Region

Climate Zones and Characteristics

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3b-7b

Northern Areas (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Northern New York):

• Zones 3b-5b
• Growing season: 120-160 days
• Winter lows: -25°F to -5°F
• Annual precipitation: 40-50 inches
• Challenges: Short growing season, harsh winters, acidic soils

Mid-Atlantic Areas (Southern New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia):

• Zones 6a-7b
• Growing season: 160-200 days
• Winter lows: 0°F to 15°F
• Annual precipitation: 35-45 inches
• Challenges: Hot, humid summers; variable precipitation

Regional Ecosystems

Northern Hardwood Forest

• Dominated by sugar maple, American beech, yellow birch
• Understory of native wildflowers and ferns
• Acidic, well-draining soils

Appalachian Mixed Forest

• Oak, hickory, and pine species
• Rich understory diversity
• Variable soil conditions

Coastal Plain

• Sandy, well-draining soils
• Salt-tolerant species near the coast
• Unique bog and wetland communities

Mountain Regions

• Cooler temperatures, shorter seasons
• Alpine and subalpine plant communities
• Rocky, thin soils

Essential Northeast Native Trees

Large Canopy Trees (50+ feet mature)

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

• Zones: 3-8
• Size: 60-80 feet tall, 40-60 feet wide
• Fall color: Brilliant orange, red, and yellow
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds and mammals; sap supports insects
• Growing conditions: Rich, well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Large properties, street trees, fall color displays
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 50-70 feet tall, 40-60 feet wide
• Features: Smooth gray bark, golden fall color, persistent bronze leaves
• Wildlife value: Nuts feed wildlife; bark used by bears for marking
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist, well-drained soil; partial shade tolerant
• Best for: Large shade trees, naturalizing
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

White Oak (Quercus alba)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 50-80 feet tall, 50-80 feet wide
• Features: Rounded crown, purple-red fall color
• Wildlife value: Supports 534+ species of butterflies and moths; acorns feed wildlife
• Growing conditions: Adaptable to various soils; full sun
• Best for: Long-term investment tree, wildlife habitat
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

• Zones: 3-8
• Size: 50-100 feet tall, 20-40 feet wide
• Features: Soft blue-green needles, pyramidal shape
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; nesting sites for many species
• Growing conditions: Well-drained, acidic soil; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Windbreaks, privacy screens, winter interest
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Medium Trees (25-50 feet mature)

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 40-60 feet tall, 25-35 feet wide
• Features: Red flowers in early spring, brilliant fall color
• Wildlife value: Early nectar source; seeds feed birds
• Growing conditions: Adaptable to wet or dry conditions; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Smaller properties, wet areas, early spring interest
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 20-30 feet tall, 20-30 feet wide
• Features: Smooth, muscle-like bark; orange-red fall color
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; browse for deer
• Growing conditions: Moist, rich soil; shade tolerant
• Best for: Understory tree, small spaces, naturalized areas
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 20-30 feet tall, 25-35 feet wide
• Features: Pink-purple flowers before leaves emerge, heart-shaped leaves
• Wildlife value: Early nectar source for bees; seeds feed birds
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Spring color, small gardens, woodland edges
• Native range: Pennsylvania south through Virginia

Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

• Zones: 3-8
• Size: 15-25 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
• Features: White spring flowers, purple berries, orange-red fall color
• Wildlife value: Berries feed 40+ bird species; early pollinator support
• Growing conditions: Adaptable; full sun to partial shade
• Best for: Four-season interest, edible landscaping, small spaces
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Northeast Native Shrubs

Large Shrubs (6+ feet mature)

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 6-12 feet tall and wide
• Features: Large white flower clusters, dark purple berries
• Wildlife value: Flowers attract pollinators; berries feed 40+ bird species
• Growing conditions: Moist soil; full sun to partial shade
• Uses: Edible flowers and berries, wildlife habitat, naturalized areas
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 6-12 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
• Features: Yellow fall color, red berries, aromatic leaves
• Wildlife value: Host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterfly; berries feed birds
• Growing conditions: Moist, rich soil; partial to full shade
• Uses: Shade gardens, naturalized areas, butterfly gardens
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

• Zones: 3-8
• Size: 8-15 feet tall and wide
• Features: Yellow fall flowers, yellow fall foliage
• Wildlife value: Late-season nectar source; seeds feed birds
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist soil; partial shade
• Uses: Late fall interest, understory planting, naturalized areas
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Medium Shrubs (3-6 feet mature)

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

• Zones: 3-7
• Size: 4-6 feet tall and wide
• Features: White flower clusters, colorful exfoliating bark, red seed heads
• Wildlife value: Flowers attract pollinators; seeds feed birds
• Growing conditions: Adaptable to various soils; full sun to partial shade
• Uses: Hedge plantings, mass plantings, low maintenance landscapes
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Wild Azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides)

• Zones: 4-9
• Size: 4-6 feet tall and wide
• Features: Fragrant pink-white flowers before leaves emerge
• Wildlife value: Nectar source for butterflies and hummingbirds
• Growing conditions: Acidic, well-drained soil; partial shade
• Uses: Spring color, shade gardens, naturalized areas
• Native range: New York south through Virginia

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

• Zones: 4-8
• Size: 2-4 feet tall and wide
• Features: White flower clusters, drought tolerance
• Wildlife value: Excellent pollinator plant; host for several butterfly species
• Growing conditions: Well-drained, sandy soil; full sun
• Uses: Dry gardens, prairie gardens, pollinator gardens
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Small Shrubs (Under 3 feet)

Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 3-8 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
• Features: Bright red berries persist through winter (on female plants)
• Wildlife value: Berries feed 20+ bird species; winter food source
• Growing conditions: Moist to wet soil; full sun to partial shade
• Uses: Winter interest, wet areas, bird gardens
• Note: Need both male and female plants for berry production
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina)

• Zones: 3-7
• Size: 2-4 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide
• Features: Fragrant, fern-like foliage; nitrogen-fixing
• Wildlife value: Browse for wildlife; soil improvement
• Growing conditions: Sandy, acidic, well-drained soil; full sun
• Uses: Dry, difficult sites; erosion control; naturalized areas
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Northeast Native Perennials

Spring Wildflowers (Ephemeral bloomers)

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

• Zones: 3-8
• Size: 6-8 inches tall, 8-12 inches wide
• Features: Pure white flowers emerge before leaves
• Bloom time: March-April
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist soil; partial to full shade
• Uses: Woodland gardens, naturalizing, early spring color
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)

• Zones: 3-8
• Size: 8-12 inches tall and wide
• Features: Three-petaled white flowers, distinctive three-leaved structure
• Bloom time: April-May
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist, well-drained soil; partial to full shade
• Uses: Woodland gardens, shade borders, naturalizing
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

• Zones: 3-8
• Size: 6-8 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
• Features: Heart-shaped leaves, hidden burgundy flowers
• Bloom time: April-May
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist soil; partial to full shade
• Uses: Groundcover, woodland gardens, naturalizing
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)

• Zones: 3-8
• Size: 12-18 inches tall, spreads by rhizomes
• Features: Umbrella-like leaves, white flowers, yellow fruit
• Bloom time: April-May
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist soil; partial to full shade
• Uses: Groundcover, woodland gardens, naturalizing
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Summer Perennials

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 2-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
• Features: Lavender-pink tubular flowers, aromatic foliage
• Bloom time: July-September
• Wildlife value: Excellent for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade
• Uses: Pollinator gardens, herb gardens, naturalized areas
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

• Zones: 3-8
• Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1 foot wide
• Features: Red and yellow spurred flowers, delicate foliage
• Bloom time: May-July
• Wildlife value: Attracts hummingbirds and long-tongued bees
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; partial shade
• Uses: Rock gardens, woodland edges, hummingbird gardens
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
• Features: Bright yellow flowers with dark centers
• Bloom time: July-October
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; attracts butterflies and bees
• Growing conditions: Adaptable; full sun to partial shade
• Uses: Perennial borders, meadow gardens, cut flowers
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
• Features: Purple-pink flowers with prominent orange cones
• Bloom time: June-September
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed goldfinches; attracts butterflies
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; full sun
• Uses: Perennial borders, prairie gardens, cut flowers
• Native range: Pennsylvania south through Virginia

Fall-Blooming Perennials

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

• Zones: 4-8
• Size: 3-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Features: Purple flowers with yellow centers
• Bloom time: August-October
• Wildlife value: Critical late-season nectar for migrating monarchs
• Growing conditions: Moist soil; full sun
• Uses: Back of borders, naturalized areas, monarch gardens
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 2-4 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Features: Arching sprays of bright yellow flowers
• Bloom time: August-October
• Wildlife value: Essential fall nectar source; supports 115+ moth and butterfly species
• Growing conditions: Adaptable; full sun to partial shade
• Uses: Naturalized areas, fall gardens, pollinator support
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 4-7 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
• Features: Large dome-shaped clusters of pink-purple flowers
• Bloom time: July-September
• Wildlife value: Butterfly magnet; attracts dozens of species
• Growing conditions: Moist soil; full sun to partial shade
• Uses: Back of borders, rain gardens, butterfly gardens
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Northeast Native Grasses and Sedges

Ornamental Grasses

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
• Features: Blue-green foliage turns orange-red in fall
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; nesting material
• Growing conditions: Well-drained soil; full sun
• Uses: Prairie gardens, mass plantings, erosion control
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica)

• Zones: 3-8
• Size: 6-12 inches tall, slowly spreading
• Features: Fine-textured grass alternative
• Wildlife value: Seeds feed birds; early season growth
• Growing conditions: Dry to average soil; partial shade to full shade
• Uses: Lawn alternative, woodland gardens, erosion control
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 3-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Features: Airy seed heads, golden fall color
• Wildlife value: Important bird food; nesting cover
• Growing conditions: Adaptable; full sun
• Uses: Rain gardens, prairie plantings, erosion control
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Northeast Native Ferns

Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

• Zones: 3-8
• Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
• Features: Evergreen fronds, leathery texture
• Growing conditions: Rich, moist soil; partial to full shade
• Uses: Groundcover, woodland gardens, winter interest
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)

• Zones: 3-9
• Size: 3-6 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
• Features: Large, impressive fronds; golden fall color
• Growing conditions: Consistently moist soil; partial shade
• Uses: Rain gardens, pond edges, specimen planting
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

• Zones: 3-8
• Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
• Features: Delicate, lacy fronds
• Growing conditions: Moist, rich soil; partial to full shade
• Uses: Woodland gardens, shade borders, naturalizing
• Native range: Throughout the Northeast

Planting Combinations for Northeast Gardens

Woodland Garden Combination

Canopy: Sugar Maple, American Beech Understory: American Hornbeam, Serviceberry Shrubs: Spicebush, Wild Azalea Perennials: Trillium, Wild Ginger, Mayapple Groundcover: Christmas Fern, Pennsylvania Sedge

Pollinator Garden Combination

Trees: Eastern Redbud, Red Maple Shrubs: Ninebark, New Jersey Tea Perennials: Wild Bergamot, Purple Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, New England Aster Grasses: Little Bluestem

Rain Garden Combination

Trees: Red Maple, Serviceberry Shrubs: Elderberry, Winterberry Holly Perennials: Joe Pye Weed, Blue Flag Iris Grasses: Switchgrass Ferns: Royal Fern

Dry Garden Combination

Trees: White Oak, Eastern White Pine Shrubs: New Jersey Tea, Sweet Fern Perennials: Wild Bergamot, Black-Eyed Susan Grasses: Little Bluestem, Pennsylvania Sedge

Seasonal Planting Calendar for the Northeast

Spring (March-May)

Early Spring (March-April):

• Plant bare-root trees and shrubs while dormant
• Direct seed cool-season wildflowers
• Divide and transplant established perennials

Late Spring (May):

• Plant container-grown trees, shrubs, and perennials after last frost
• Direct seed warm-season wildflowers
• Establish new garden beds

Summer (June-August)

Early Summer (June-July):

• Continue planting container plants with adequate watering
• Collect and plant fresh seeds from spring bloomers
• Maintain newly planted areas

Late Summer (August):

• Begin fall planting preparations
• Collect seeds from summer bloomers for fall planting
• Reduce planting activities during hottest weather

Fall (September-November)

Early Fall (September-October):

• Prime planting season for trees, shrubs, and perennials
• Direct seed wildflowers for spring germination
• Plant spring bulbs

Late Fall (November):

• Complete tree and shrub planting before ground freezes
• Mulch newly planted areas
• Begin winter preparation

Winter (December-February)

• Plan next year’s garden additions
• Order seeds and plants for spring delivery
• Study and research new native plant options
• Indoor seed starting for species requiring cold stratification

Regional Considerations

Northern Northeast (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont)

Focus on cold-hardy species (Zones 3-5):

• Paper Birch, Balsam Fir, White Spruce
• Mountain Ash, Common Elderberry
• Rhodora, Labrador Tea
• Bunchberry, Twinflower

Challenges:

• Short growing season
• Harsh winters
• Acidic soils
• Limited plant availability

Southern Northeast (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia)

Take advantage of longer growing season (Zones 6-7):

• Tulip Tree, Sweetgum, Southern Magnolia
• Mountain Laurel, Wild Azalea
• Coral Honeysuckle, Virginia Creeper
• Wild Ginger, Green and Gold

Challenges:

• Hot, humid summers
• Drought stress
• Urban heat islands
• Deer pressure

Coastal Areas

Emphasize salt-tolerant species:

• Red Cedar, Pitch Pine
• Bayberry, Beach Rose
• Seaside Goldenrod, Salt Marsh Aster
• American Beach Grass

Challenges:

• Salt spray
• Sandy soils
• Wind exposure
• Storm damage

Sourcing Northeast Native Plants

Regional Native Plant Nurseries

New England:

• New England Wild Flower Society (Massachusetts)
• American Meadows (Vermont)
• Natureworks (Connecticut)

Mid-Atlantic:

• Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (Pennsylvania)
• Toadshade Wildflower Farm (New Jersey)
• American Native Plants (Maryland)

Native Plant Societies

• New England Wild Flower Society
• Pennsylvania Native Plant Society
• Virginia Native Plant Society
• Native Plant Society of New Jersey

Seed Sources

• Ernst Conservation Seeds (Pennsylvania)
• Eden Brothers (New Jersey)
• American Meadows (Vermont)

Success Tips for Northeast Native Gardening

Site Assessment

1. Determine your exact hardiness zone (microclimates matter)
2. Test soil pH (many Northeast soils are naturally acidic)
3. Assess drainage (clay soils common, especially in valleys)
4. Evaluate sun/shade patterns through all seasons

Plant Selection Strategy

1. Start with easy, reliable species (Wild Bergamot, Black-Eyed Susan, Serviceberry)
2. Choose plants native to your specific state/region
3. Consider mature sizes in smaller residential landscapes
4. Plan for four-season interest

Establishment Care

1. Water consistently the first two growing seasons
2. Mulch with shredded leaves or other organic matter
3. Protect from deer with fencing or repellents as needed
4. Be patient – many natives are slow to establish but long-lived

Long-Term Management

1. Allow natural leaf litter to remain for wildlife habitat
2. Divide spreading perennials every 3-5 years
3. Remove invasive species promptly (garlic mustard, autumn olive, multiflora rose)
4. Enjoy the wildlife your native garden will attract

The Northeast offers incredible opportunities for native plant gardening. From the spring ephemeral wildflowers that carpet the forest floor to the brilliant fall colors of native maples and asters, these plants provide year-round beauty while supporting local ecosystems. Start with a few reliable species, learn what works in your specific conditions, and gradually expand your native plant paradise.

Remember: the key to success is choosing plants that are truly native to your specific region within the Northeast. A plant that’s native to Virginia might not be hardy in Maine, so always verify the natural range and hardiness of any species you’re considering.

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Ready to start your Northeast native garden? Check out our seasonal planting guides and connect with your local native plant society for hands-on support and locally-sourced plants.

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