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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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)
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)
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)
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 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 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
