The Big Apple is home to an array of native plants. New York City native species like the stately gray birch and vibrant New York aster are ideal for urban outdoor spaces and thrive in the city’s environment.
These native plants offer a way to embrace nature within the concrete jungle. Discover native plants for your New York City metro area landscapes, green roofs, and balconies.
Find even more native plants options for New York in our statewide guide: “New York Native Plants for Your Landscape.”
Native trees
Adding native trees to your NYC landscape boosts its visual charm and nurtures the local ecosystem. The gray birch, Eastern cottonwood, and scarlet oak are standout choices that bring distinct advantages to the urban jungle.
These mighty trees offer a haven for wildlife, help clean the air, and manage stormwater, all while seamlessly blending nature’s beauty into the city’s vibrant backdrop.
Gray birch
Gray birch (Betula populifolia) is a versatile native plant suitable for New York landscapes. It thrives in wetland edges and upland dry areas, tolerating flooding and soil compaction while preferring acidic soils.
The gray birch can grow up to 30 feet tall and boasts distinctive white bark with black markings. Its leaves turn a vibrant yellow in autumn. It benefits wildlife by providing seeds and leaves for birds and mammals. It has a lifespan of 15 to 30 years and is a fast grower.
Best for: Urban landscapes
Eastern cottonwood
Native to New York, the Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) reaches 150 feet in height and is suitable for landscaping. It blooms with red catkins in early spring and fruits with fluffy seeds from May to June. Thriving in urban settings, it tolerates compacted soil and aids stormwater management.
Cottonwoods provide food for wildlife and withstand floods and salt but dislike shade. They are vulnerable to fire, insects, and fungi and have a short lifespan, though they grow quickly.
Best for: Large residential properties
Scarlet oak
A native New Yorker, the scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) grows 50 to 75 feet tall with a broad canopy. It has bright green leaves in the summer and turns scarlet red in the fall.
Thriving in rocky habitats, it is sensitive to soil compaction and flooding. It supports wildlife, including birds and small mammals, and can live 200-300 years. It grows at a medium to fast rate and does not tolerate shade or salt.
Best for: Large parks and urban environments
Native shrubs
By choosing native shrubs, you beautify your surroundings and create a sustainable ecosystem that requires less maintenance and fewer resources. The Carolina rose, steeplebush, and bayberry provide vibrant colors and support for local wildlife. These hardy bushes enhance the strength and allure of the city’s green spaces, blending seamlessly with the metropolitan environment.
For advice on using bushes to improve the beauty of your property, visit our guide: “How to Landscape With Shrubs.”
Carolina rose
The Carolina rose (Rosa carolina) is a deciduous, multi-stemmed, prickly shrub that grows up to 3 feet tall. It produces pink flowers in June, followed by red fruit. It thrives in dry, open areas with sandy or rocky soil, providing fruit for birds and mammals. The plant is drought-tolerant but struggles with flooding. It performs well in urban areas, tolerating soil compaction and concrete debris.
Best for: Pollinator gardens in community spaces, rock gardens, and xeriscapes. They can grow in pots on balconies and in container gardens.
Steeplebush
Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa) is a deciduous shrub native to New York that thrives in wetland habitats with acidic, sterile soil. It can grow up to 5 feet tall and produces pink flowers from July to September, with dry fruit appearing from September to October.
The plant is urban-tolerant and does well in compacted soil. It hosts some butterfly larvae. Steeplebush tolerates flooding and drought but has low salt tolerance and does not tolerate shade.
Best for: Rain gardens, community gardens, and pollinator gardens
Bayberry
Bayberry (Morella caroliniensis) is a versatile coastal plant native to Queens. It thrives in sandy soil and tolerates flooding and salt. This plant has glossy, aromatic foliage and grows in full sun to partial shade.
The shrub reaches 3 to 12 feet in height, with fragrant leaves and clusters of white berries that persist through winter. Bayberry attracts birds and butterflies, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.
Best for: Beachfront or coastal yards
Native flowers
Using native flowers in NYC’s metro landscape adds color and supports local ecosystems. Top choices include the crimson-eyed rosemallow, New York aster, and yellow wild indigo. These flowers not only beautify urban spaces but also attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, making them a sustainable choice for enhancing the city’s green spaces.
Check out our guide on the best perennials for New York landscapes for even more ideas.
Crimson-eyed rosemallow
Crimson-eyed rosemallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) is a perennial plant suitable for New York landscapes. It grows 3 to 7 feet tall and blooms with pink to white flowers from July to September. Ideal for rain gardens and stormwater management, it supports butterfly species and attracts hummingbirds. It prefers moist to wet soil, tolerates partial shade, and has moderate salt tolerance.
Best for: Balcony or roof top gardens and rain gardens
New York aster
Add some NYC charm to your landscape with the New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii). Blooming with blue flowers from August to October, it adds color to rain gardens and is a useful addition to the NYC Greenstreets program.
This native perennial is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance. Its vibrant blooms attract butterflies, making it a great choice for pollinator gardens. Thriving in wet areas, it’s perfect for city landscapes due to its salt tolerance.
Best for: Large container gardens, rain and pollinator gardens, walkway borders
Yellow wild indigo
Yellow wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) is a perennial that thrives in sandy, open, dry soils. It has low salt tolerance but strong drought resistance, with yellow flowers blooming in June and July. It serves as a host for certain types of butterflies.
This plant can grow in both medium and coarse soils but not in compacted soil. Its extensive root system helps it resist drought. Additionally, it is a low-maintenance choice and deer-resistant.
Best for: Ground-level gardens or large planters, xeriscapes, and borders
Native ferns
Native ferns play a crucial role in New York City’s landscapes, offering both visual appeal and ecological benefits. The New York fern, Christmas fern, and cinnamon fern are three outstanding species for the NYC metro area. These ferns enhance biodiversity, provide year-round natural beauty, prevent soil erosion, offer shelter to small wildlife, and contribute to the overall health of urban ecosystems.
New York fern
The New York fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis) is a perennial with delicate fronds reaching 1 to 2 feet tall. It thrives in damp woodlands and tolerates urban conditions. While offering minimal wildlife value, it excels at erosion control due to its rapid spread. Salt-intolerant but deer-resistant, its elegant fronds and adaptability make it a versatile choice for NYC landscapes.
Best for: Wooded areas with moist to wet soils
Christmas fern
A native evergreen fern that is ideal for New York’s urban settings is the Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides). It forms bushy fronds 1 to 3 feet tall, producing spores from May to October. Thriving in rich, well-drained soil, it’s drought-tolerant, moderately salt-tolerant, and shade-loving.
This fern withstands urban pollution, offering year-round greenery and slope stabilization with its clustered, persistent fronds.
Best for: Shaded urban gardens, slope stabilization, and evergreen ground cover. Suitable for large container gardens.
Cinnamon fern
The cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum) is a native perennial that features large fronds in circular clusters, reaching 2 1⁄2 to 3 feet tall. Thriving in moist areas, it’s perfect for rain gardens. This fern adapts to various soils, tolerates both flooding and drought, and prefers shade. Its distinctive cinnamon-colored fronds add visual appeal in the fall, making it a valuable addition to NYC’s green spaces.
Best for: Shaded areas, rain gardens, and bioswales for stormwater management
Native grasses
Native ornamental grasses like Indiangrass, big bluestem, and switchgrass are excellent choices for enhancing the beauty and resilience of your New York City area landscape. These locally adapted grasses bring natural elegance and ecological balance to urban spaces.
If you’re interested in lawn grass instead, refer to our guide on the best grass seed for New York lawns for the top turfgrass choices across the Empire State.
Indiangrass
Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), a native New York perennial reaching 3 to 7 feet, thrives in urban settings. Ideal for rain gardens and green streets, it aids in stormwater management and shelters wildlife. Its moderate drought and salt tolerance suit various city environments.
Indiangrass enhances landscapes year-round, featuring yellow spring flowers and later developing striking purple-yellow to bronze flower clusters.
Best for: Xeriscaping and large landscapes
Big bluestem
Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a tall native grass ideal for NYC landscapes. Growing 3 to 9 feet, its stems change from blue-green to purple when flowering. Its distinctive turkey’s foot-shaped blooms appear from July to September.
Drought-tolerant and moderately salt-resistant, big bluestem thrives in urban settings. While attractive to butterflies, it can spread quickly in favorable conditions.
Best for: Large landscapes, borders, and rain gardens
Switchgrass
An indigenous grass that flourishes in urban areas, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grows up to 6 feet tall. It’s ideal for runoff areas and produces long stems of tiny flowers from July to September.
This versatile grass adapts to various soils, withstands flooding and drought, and tolerates moderate salinity and partial shade. While it may face weed competition in rich soils, regular spring pruning promotes healthy growth and helps combat weeds.
Best for: Landscapes and expansive green roof projects
What to read next
Look into more resources to improve your grass and landscape in New York. These tutorials will offer helpful insights and pointers for designing a lovely outdoor space, whether you’re seeking the best grass seed or need to find your planting zone.
FAQ: NYC native plants
Where can I buy native plants in the New York City metro area?
Native plants for the New York City metro area are available from local plant societies and nurseries. The New York Botanical Garden offers a comprehensive list of native plant sources, including:
- Greenbelt Native Plant Center, run by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
- Native Plant Center at SUNY Westchester Community College
- Long Island Natives
- Native Plant Society of Staten Island
Moreover, numerous local community gardens and environmental organizations in the NYC metro area host native plant sales throughout the year. For information on upcoming events and sales, contact your local parks department or nature center.
How do I choose native plants for my NYC landscape?
To choose native plants for your landscape in New York City and create a sustainable environment, consider the following steps:
- Determine your New York planting zone
- Assess your landscape’s conditions (sun exposure, soil type, moisture levels)
- Research native species adapted to urban environments
- Consider plants that support local wildlife and pollinators
What are the benefits of planting native species in New York City?
Native plants are resilient and sustainable choices for NYC landscapes. Using native New York City plants in urban landscaping offers several advantages:
- Lower water consumption due to adaptation to local rainfall patterns
- Reduced maintenance needs in the challenging city environment
- Support for local wildlife and pollinators in urban ecosystems
- Improved air quality and stormwater management in dense urban areas
Check out our guide for more reasons you should grow native plants.
When to call a pro
Ready to transform your urban space into a thriving green oasis, but unsure where to begin? Lawn Love can connect you with local lawn care experts who specialize in native plant species. These skilled professionals will help you design a sustainable, eye-catching landscape that truly captures the spirit of the Big Apple.
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Main Image Credit: Uwe W. | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0
