Native plants for Upstate New York not only enhance the environment but also require less maintenance. Natives like the stately eastern red cedar and stunning wild bergamot can thrive in your outdoor space.
From the Adirondack Mountains and Mohawk Valley to Ithaca and the Great Lakes, discover how the natural beauty of Upstate New York native plants can enhance the appeal and long-term value of your landscape.
Interested in native plants in other regions of New York? We have a guide for Albany:
Native trees for Upstate New York
Native trees in Upstate New York, such as eastern red cedar, river birch, and tamarack, enhance the region’s beauty and ecological diversity. They support wildlife, stabilize soil, and regulate the water cycle. Native trees are vital for maintaining biodiversity and environmental balance, providing sustainable and low-maintenance landscaping options.
Eastern red cedar
The eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a tough, drought-tolerant tree that thrives in dry, harsh, rocky sites. It can grow on both limestone and acidic soils and is common in the lower Hudson and Mohawk Valleys. The tree requires full sun and can reach a height of 40 feet with a spread of 15 feet. Female trees produce small blue berry-like cones that are eaten by many birds.
River birch
A popular shade tree native to a handful of counties in Upstate New York, including Onondaga and Oneida, the river birch (Betula nigra) is known for its peeling, multi-colored bark and its ability to resist disease and heat.
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist to wet soil. It can grow up to 60 feet tall with a 30-foot spread. The river birch is also prized for its graceful, weeping branches that add elegance to any landscape.
Tamarack
The tamarack (Larix laricina) is a deciduous conifer native to The ‘Dacks, thriving in cool, wet areas with full sun and moist soil. It has soft bluish-green needles, small round cones, and a bright yellow fall color, reaching up to 50 feet in height.
Unlike most conifers, the tamarack sheds its needles annually, changing from apple green in spring to blue-green, then to a brilliant orange in late October before shedding its leaves.
Native shrubs for Upstate New York
Native shrubs in Upstate New York add charm and ecological diversity. The northern bush honeysuckle displays vibrant fall colors, alternate-leaved dogwood offers fragrant blooms, and meadowsweet provides nectar for butterflies. Incorporate these native shrubs to add beauty, fragrance, and wildlife value to your lawn.
See our guide on how to landscape with shrubs for ideas on how to use bushes to improve the look of your property.
Northern bush honeysuckle
Northern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) is a drought-resistant, deciduous shrub native to dry woodlands, making it ideal for hedgerows.
This shrub has slender stems and glossy, dark green leaves that turn yellow-orange, then red to purple in the fall. It blooms yellow flowers in June and July, attracting pollinators, and the flowers mature to red. It thrives in sun to partial shade and grows 2 to 3 feet tall.
Alternate-leaved dogwood
The alternate-leaved or pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is a large shrub or small understory tree native to Upstate New York. It is known for its fragrant, creamy-white flowers from May to June, blue-black fruits from July to August, and horizontal branches.
It thrives in partial shade and has clusters of small white flowers. The tree can grow in full sun to full shade with moist, well-drained soil, reaching a height of 20 feet and a spread of 10 feet.
Meadowsweet
In New York, meadowsweet (Spiraea alba var. latifolia) is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 6 feet tall and displays white flowers from June to August. The plant thrives in moist to wet open uplands and rocky slopes and is tolerant of both flooding and drought. It supports some butterfly larvae.
Meadowsweet is urban tolerant with low salt tolerance and can form colonies. It is susceptible to pests like the Spiraea aphid and Spiraea leaf roller moth.
Native flowers for Upstate New York
A wide range of native flowers in Upstate New York offer vibrant colors and attract pollinators. These include marsh marigolds with yellow blooms, wild bergamots with lavender flowers, and smooth white beardtongue with delicate white blossoms. These flowers promote a healthy ecosystem, enhance curb appeal, and support local wildlife.
A wonderful way to improve your landscape, support the local environment, and attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects is to create butterfly gardens with native plants. See our article on how to create a butterfly garden for more information.
Marsh marigold
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) is an early spring bloomer that thrives in wet, marshy areas, making it perfect for rain gardens and naturalized settings.
It features bright yellow flowers resembling buttercups that bloom in mid-spring, along with glossy, heart-shaped leaves. This perennial adds color while supporting local pollinators. It flourishes in moist, acidic soil with full to partial sun.
Wild bergamot
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a New York native ideal for landscapes. It grows in clumps and features late-summer lavender flowers that attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
The plant has minty-smelling leaves, thrives in full sun, and adapts to dry to moist soil. It is both flood- and drought-tolerant and reaches a height of 3 to 4 feet. Powdery mildew can, however, develop if the weather is damp.
Smooth white beardtongue
Smooth white beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), also known as foxglove beardtongue, is a great choice for pollinator gardens or perennial borders. It blooms for a long time in early summer, featuring white flowers with tiny purple veins.
The ‘Husker Red’ cultivar is popular for its dark leaves with red veins. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade with dry to moist, well-drained soil and can reach a height of 1 to 4 feet.
Native grasses and sedges for Upstate New York
For adding beauty and resilience to your landscape, native grasses of Upstate New York are excellent choices. They thrive locally and add natural elegance. Notable options include big bluestem with its tall stems, woodland sedge for shaded areas, and prairie dropseed with its fine texture and fragrance. These grasses can transform your landscape with local charm and ecological harmony.
If you’re looking for turfgrass options instead, check out our guide on the best grass seed for Upstate New York to find the best choice for your lawn.
Big bluestem
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a well-known prairie grass ideal for New York landscapes. It features tall clumps and “turkey foot” seed heads that turn copper and gold in the fall.
Thriving in full sun and dry to moist soil, it can reach heights of 4 to 8 feet. This low-maintenance plant provides habitat for wildlife and is a great choice for adding vertical elements to landscapes and creating a natural prairie look.
Woodland sedge
Woodland or Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) is a versatile, low-growing perennial that can be used for lawns. This deer-resistant plant grows 4 to 8 inches high and forms a delicate groundcover in shade but is clump-forming in the sun. It thrives in various light and soil conditions, from full sun to full shade and from dry to moist, well-drained soils.
Northern prairie dropseed
Northern prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is an easy-to-grow ornamental grass native to Albany, Warren, and Jefferson counties. In spring, this grass forms elegantly curved tufts of delicate seed heads and flowers. Often used as ground cover on dry, sunny sites, it features dense clumps of long, thin leaves, delicate open seed heads, and a golden fall color.
Northern prairie dropseed thrives in full sun with dry to moist, well-drained soil, growing 1 to 3 feet tall.
What to read next
Find more resources to improve your lawn and landscape in Upstate New York. These guides offer insightful advice and helpful hints for creating a beautiful outdoor space in the heart of the Empire State.
Whether you’re searching for the best grass seed, want to understand planting zones, or learn about the top perennials in the area, these detailed instructions will meet all your landscaping needs.
- The Best Grass Seed for New York Lawns
- When to Plant Grass Seed in New York
- The Best Perennials for Upstate New York Landscapes
FAQ: Upstate New York native plants
Where can I buy Upstate New York native plants?
You can purchase Upstate New York native plants from local native plant societies, centers, and nurseries in the region. Your local government offices may also offer native plant programs. Additionally, SUNY ESF provides a list of native plant suppliers for locals interested in adding beauty and ecological value to their landscapes. A few of these places include:
- Finger Lakes Native Plant Society
- Hudson Valley Seed Company
- Catskill Native Nursery
- American Beauties Native Plants
In Upstate New York, what are the benefits of using native plants?
Using native New York plants offers several advantages. Here are some reasons to grow native plants in your New York landscape:
- Decreased water consumption
- Reduced maintenance needs
- Enhanced support for regional wildlife
- Well-suited to the local climate
How do I choose native plants for my landscape in New York?
To choose native plants for your landscape in Upstate New York and create a sustainable environment, consider the following steps:
- Determine your Upstate New York planting zone
- Assess your garden’s conditions
- Research native species
- Consider wildlife support
- Consult local resources for plant sourcing
When to call a pro
Consult a local landscape professional if you need assistance to select, plant, or maintain native plants in your Upstate New York landscape. From the Adirondacks and the Hudson Valley to the shores of the Great Lakes, Lawn Love can connect you with lawn care experts who specialize in native plants.
You can unwind and watch as your yard becomes a verdant haven, thanks to the expertise of lawn care specialists in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, Binghamton, and Utica. They offer personalized advice, craft sustainable and beautiful landscapes, and ensure your garden flourishes with minimal upkeep.
Main Image Credit: Julie Anne Workman | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0
