20 Indiana Native Plants for Your Landscape

closeup of Physostegia virginiana plant

Indiana’s rich soil isn’t just for corn and watermelon; it’s also perfect for cultivating native plants. Adding Indiana native plants that thrive in this climate, like the tulip tree and black-eyed Susan, will transform your yard.

So, as you plan your next landscaping project, consider the many benefits, such as wildlife support and water conservation, of the following native plants:

Indiana native trees

1. Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Dark purple flowers from a pawpaw tree
Plant Image Library from Boston, USA | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 2.0

The pawpaw tree is a true gem among Indiana native trees, mainly because of its unique fruit. Locals often call it the Hoosier banana because of its slight banana taste. You can find pawpaw trees in almost every county and state park in Indiana, making them a familiar and cherished part of the landscape.

Plant type: Deciduous tree

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9

Sun: Full sun, partial shade

Soil: Loam, acid, or neutral

Fragrance: Fermenting grapes

Bloom time: Spring

Water needs: Average

Mature height: 15 to 30 feet

Potential hazards: Leaves are toxic if ingested. Ingesting the fruit could cause stomach pain for some people.

Maintenance: Prune congested or damaged shoots. 

2. Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

soft yellow petals of a flower from a tulip tree
High Contrast | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0 DE

The tulip tree is Indiana’s state tree (as well as Kentucky’s and Tennessee’s), and it is a stunning addition to any landscape. It produces colorful green and yellow tulip-like flowers that add a vibrant touch to your yard. The tulip tree also offers essential habitat for wildlife, making it a valuable part of the local ecosystem.

Pro tip: If you’re on the hunt for morels in Indiana, try looking near these trees. 

Plant type: Deciduous tree

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Acidic, moist, and well-draining soils 

Fragrance: Floral

Bloom time: May-June 

Water needs: Average 

Mature height: 70 to 90 feet 

Potential hazards: No hazards

Maintenance: Avoid pruning mature trees unless there is dead or diseased wood.

3. Mitten tree (Sassafras albidum)

closeup of a mitten tree plant
Katja Schulz | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Mitten trees, often called sassafras trees, are known for their roots and bark, which can be used to make tea and root beer. It’s also a crucial winter food source for deer and rabbits. Unfortunately, since 2019, some sassafras trees in southern Indiana have been wilting, and it’s unclear why. Despite this, this tree remains a cherished part of Indiana’s landscape.

Plant type: Deciduous tree

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Sun: Full sun, partial sun

Soil: Moist, well-drained soils; acid or neutral

Fragrance: Star anise, cinnamon, citrus, and vanilla

Bloom time: March-May

Water needs: Average

Mature height: 30 to 60 feet

Potential hazards: Contains safrole, a carcinogenic

Maintenance: Applying a layer of mulch around the base can help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

4. Red maple (Acer rubrum)

close-up of red maple leaves on a thin branch
Pixabay

The maple tree is one of the first trees to flower in Indiana, showing off its reddish flowers and fruit early in the season for a nice pop of color in your yard. Come fall, its leaves turn stunning shades, adding more interest to the landscape. While it’s a popular choice for ornamental gardens, you can also find maple trees growing in Indiana’s woodlands.

Plant type: Deciduous tree

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Sun: Full sun, partial shade

Soil: Prefers well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic soils

Fragrance: Sweet cherry or almond flower scent

Bloom time: March-April

Water needs: Average

Mature height: 50 to 80 feet

Potential hazards: Toxic to horses

Maintenance: Low. Prune during the dormant season.

Indiana native flowers

1. Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

red and yellow columbine flower
Art Poskanzer | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Columbine is more prevalent in northern Indiana, but you can find it throughout the state. It features striking red and yellow flowers that attract pollinators like bumblebees, beetles, and hummingbirds. With its fern-like foliage, Columbine adds a delicate beauty to any garden, in whatever Indiana planting zone you’re located.

Plant type: Wildflower

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Sun: Full sun, partial shade

Soil: Medium moisture, well-drained soils

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: None

Bloom time: May-July

Water needs: Low, average

Mature height: 1 to 2 feet

Potential hazards: Moderately flammable. Contact with the sap might irritate the skin.

Maintenance: Low. Deadhead blooms as needed, cut back in late summer.

2. Large-flowered trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)

closeup of Large flowered Trillium plant
Joshua Mayer | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

The large-flowered trillium is a bit harder to find, especially in the wild, where it’s more common in northeast Indiana. Adding this plant to your garden means you’ll have a unique native beauty to showcase. True to its name, it has beautiful large white flowers that turn a rosy hue as they mature.

Plant type: Wildflower

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8 

Sun: Partial sun, shade

Soil: Humus-rich, well-drained soil

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: N/A

Bloom time: May-June

Water needs: Average

Mature height: 1 to 2 feet

Potential hazards: Its toxicity is unknown, so be cautious, and don’t eat any part of this plant.

Maintenance: Low

3. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susan
Pixabay

The black-eyed Susan is a breeze to care for and propagate, making it a favorite among gardeners. It adds a burst of beautiful yellow color to your garden with its blooms from early summer to fall. Adapted to all of Indiana, this plant thrives in a variety of conditions.

Plant type: Wildflower

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained soils

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Hint of anise scent

Bloom time: June-October

Water needs: Moderate

Mature height: 2 to 3 feet

Potential hazards: Toxic to cats

Maintenance: Low. Remove and discard spent flowers.

4. Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana)

closeup of the obedient plant flowers
F. D. Richards | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

The obedient plant is more common in northwest Indiana. Despite its name, it’s not very obedient and can spread aggressively. If you want to keep it under control, read our article on How to Start a Container Garden or plant it in a dry area. This plant features beautiful, showy flowers that attract pollinators, adding a lovely touch to your garden.

Plant type: Wildflower

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Sun: Full sun, partial sun

Soil: Prefers fertile, moist, and well-drained soils

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Slightly floral

Bloom time: Late summer to early fall

Water needs: Average

Mature height: 3 to 4 feet

Potential hazards: None

Maintenance: Low, average

Indiana native shrubs

1. Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

picture of buttonbush plant
PublicDomainPictures

The buttonbush, often called the honey plant, is a wetland shrub known for its spherical flower heads that resemble pincushions. Its glossy, whorled leaves add to its charm. This shrub is perfect for planting on the edge of ponds, making it an excellent choice for wet areas in your landscape.

Plant type: Deciduous shrub

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-11

Sun: Full sun, partial sun

Soil: Moist and humus-rich soils

Fragrance: Honey-like scent

Bloom time: Summer

Water needs: Average, high

Mature height: 5 to 12 feet

Potential hazards: Contains cephalathin, which can induce paralysis, vomiting, and convulsions when ingested.

Maintenance: Low

2. Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

Clusters of white flowers from a wild hydrangea plant
F. D. Richards | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

The smooth hydrangea is commonly found along woodlands and waterways of central and southern Indiana. This shrub features large, rounded clusters of delicate green flowers that fade to white, adding a touch of elegance to any garden. If you live in hotter areas, like Evansville, plant smooth hydrangeas in more shaded areas.

Plant type: Deciduous shrub

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Sun: Full sun, partial sun

Soil: Well-drained soils

Fragrance: Sweet

Bloom time: Summer through fall

Water needs: Average

Mature height: 3 to 5 feet

Potential hazards: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Maintenance: Low. Prune in late winter or early spring.

3. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

picture of a Winterberry holly plant
Under the same moon… | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Winterberry can be found throughout Indiana but is more common in the northern counties. This plant is a standout in the winter landscape, adding color with its bright red berries. The branches are also perfect for making floral arrangements for Christmas.

Plant type: Deciduous shrub

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Sun: Full sun, partial sun

Soil: Well-drained, acidic soils

Fragrance: Mildly floral

Bloom time: June to July

Water needs: Average, high

Mature height: 3 to 15 feet

Potential hazards: Toxic if ingested

Maintenance: Low. Prune in early spring.

Indiana native ground covers

1. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

closeup of virginia creeper branch
Pixabay

Virginia creeper is a versatile vine that also forms a dense ground cover. It is also easy to grow and attracts pollinators. However, be cautious about planting it near your house, as its tendrils can cement themselves into walls, making removal difficult without causing damage.

Plant type: Vine/ground cover

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-11

Sun: Full sun, partial sun, shade

Soil: Well-drained soils; tolerates a wide range of soils

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: None

Bloom time: Late spring to summer

Water needs: Low, average

Mature height: 30 to 50 feet

Potential hazards: Poisonous

Maintenance: Low, average. Has to be trimmed regularly.

2. Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reptans)

jacob’s ladder
Pixabay

Jacob’s ladder is a low-growing plant that makes a fantastic flowering ground cover for Hoosiers. It has beautiful bell-shaped flowers in shades of light blue to purple, adding daintiness to beds and borders. It is also easy to maintain, making it the perfect choice for enhancing your garden with native beauty.

Plant type: Wildflower/ground cover

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Sun: Full sun, partial sun

Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Mildly floral

Bloom time: Late spring and early summer

Water needs: Average

Mature height: 1 to 2 feet

Potential hazards: None

Maintenance: Average

Indiana native grasses

1. Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

big bluestem grasses
Matt Lavin | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

Big bluestem is a tall perennial native grass that’s easy to grow in any soil, making it a great choice for Indiana homeowners. Its height can even serve as a natural privacy screen. The foliage starts green and transforms into a rich orange in the fall, adding seasonal interest to your landscape.

Plant type: Grass

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained soils

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: N/A

Bloom time: August to September

Water needs: Low, average

Mature height: 4 to 6 feet

Potential hazards: None

Maintenance: Low. Cut back or mow in late winter.

2. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

closeup image of switchgrass
Matt Lavin | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

Switchgrass is versatile, serving both as a landscaping plant and forage in Indiana. You can find it as a potted plant in greenhouses, making it easy to add to your garden. This ornamental grass features reddish-purple flower panicles from late summer to fall, adding visual interest. It is also a hardy plant that usually stands through winter and tolerates drought well.

Plant type: Grass 

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Sun: Full sun, partial sun

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: None

Bloom time: Late summer to fall

Water needs: Average

Mature height: 3 to 6 feet

Potential hazards: Can cause skin irritation in some people.

Maintenance: Low. Needs to be cut to the ground in late winter.

3. Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

closeup of Indian Grass
Matt Lavin | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

Indian grass is another versatile option, used for livestock forage, hay crops, and landscaping. As a warm-season grass, it grows most during the summer. It features golden-orange, feathery flower panicles that rise above the foliage. Indiangrass is also very low-maintenance, making it the perfect choice for those looking for an easy-care native plant.

Plant type: Grass

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained soils

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: None

Bloom time: August-September

Water needs: Low

Mature height: 3 to 5 feet

Potential hazards: Plants that are less than 8 inches tall (young plants) can have lethal levels of cyanide.

Maintenance: Low. Cut old foliage in spring.

Indiana native ferns

1. Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum)

closeup of Adiantum pedatum plant
Stan Shebs | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0

The maidenhair fern is adapted to thrive throughout Indiana, from South Bend in the Michiana region to Evansville. It boasts bright-green, fine-textured foliage that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. It’s an excellent option for shaded areas that need a bit of life, as this plant thrives in the shade.

Plant type: Fern

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Sun: Partial sun, shade

Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soils

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: None

Bloom time: N/A

Water needs: Average

Mature height: 1 to 3 feet

Potential hazards: None

Maintenance: Low

2. Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

closeup of Christmas Fern plant
Cranbrook Science | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

The Christmas fern is another great option for shaded gardens. Its name comes from pioneers who used it to make Christmas wreaths, since it stays green throughout winter (one of the few in Indiana). With its darker hue compared to the maidenhair fern, planting both can create a garden with varied textures and colors.

Plant type: Fern

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Sun: Partial sun, shade

Soil: Prefers rich, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils

Duration: Evergreen

Fragrance: None

Bloom time: N/A

Water needs: Average

Mature height: 1 to 2 feet

Potential hazards: None

Maintenance: Low. You can remove dead fronds when necessary.

Indiana native vines

1. Virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiana)

small white flowers of virgin's bower
Melissa McMasters | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Virgin’s bower is a native Indiana plant often mistaken for its look-alike, the invasive Clematis terniflora. One way to tell them apart is by their leaves — the native species has toothed leaves. Virgin’s bower is common in open areas and forest edges throughout Indiana. From August to September, it produces profuse blossoms that can even cover the foliage.

Plant type: Vine

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Sun: Full sun, partial sun

Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soils

Duration: Deciduous

Fragrance: Sweet

Bloom time: August to September

Water needs: Average

Mature height: 10 to 20 feet

Potential hazards: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Maintenance: Low. Prune in late winter or early spring.

2. Purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

closeup of the purple passionflower
Pick him! | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

The purple passionflower, or maypop, is more common in southern Indiana and also in Cass County. As a rare species, it may be harder to find in greenhouses and can be pricier, but it may be worth it. This vine features beautiful, unique purple flowers that attract pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It also produces edible fruits.

Plant type: Vine

USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-11

Sun: Full sun, partial sun

Soil: Prefers well-drained soils

Duration: Perennial

Fragrance: Sweet

Bloom time: Summer

Water needs: Low, average

Mature height: 6 to 8 feet

Potential hazards: Foliage and roots may be toxic

Maintenance: Low, average. Prune in late winter or early spring.

Native plants for northern Indiana

Northern and southern Indiana have different climates, which means that plants that thrive in each region can vary a lot. In northern Indiana, especially in the northwest with counties like Starke, Pulaski, and Jasper, plants need to be more cold-hardy to withstand the harsher winters.

However, in the northeast, temperatures are a bit milder, and it’s not uncommon to see Amish buggies alongside native plants. Here are some native plants for northern Indiana:

  • Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
  • Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
  • Large-flowered trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)
  • Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
  • Spotted Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

Native plants for southern Indiana

Southern Indiana enjoys milder temperatures, making it an ideal environment for a wide variety of plants, vegetables, and fruits, including juicy watermelons. Here are some native plants for southern Indiana:

  • Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
  • Purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
  • Goat’s beard (Aruncus dioicus)
  • Roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii)
  • Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

FAQ about Indiana native plants

Where can I buy Indiana native plants?

The Indiana Native Plant Society offers a list of trusted nurseries and garden centers that sell local native plants. You can use their map to find the one nearest your city. You’re in luck if you want native plants in the Indianapolis metro area — there’s a high concentration of sellers there. (Check out our list of the Best Native Plants for Indianapolis before you go.)

Through a partnership with Stantec, the Indiana Wildlife Federation sells native plant kits. The kits include Indiana native pollinator plants, plants for shaded areas, rain gardens, and more. 

Is creeping thyme native to Indiana?

No, creeping thyme is not native to Indiana. It is native to northern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. However, this plant is adapted to the USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9, so it has the hardiness to survive Indiana’s 5b to 7a zones.

Is lavender native to Indiana?

No, lavender is not native to Indiana. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India. The common lavender’s USDA hardiness zones are 5 to 9, so it will tolerate Indiana’s climate.

Call the professionals

Whether you’re in the colder northern Indiana or in the milder southern Indiana, there’s a wide variety of native plants perfect for your yard. For help planting your native plants and maintaining your lawn in the Hoosier state, call a local lawn care pro.

Main Image Credit: F. D. Richards | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

Maria Isabela Reis

Maria Isabela Reis is a writer, psychologist, and plant enthusiast. She is currently doing a PhD in Social Psychology; and can't help but play with every dog she sees walking down the street.