Adding New York native plants to your landscape not only benefits the local ecosystem but requires less maintenance. Your outdoor space can flourish with native trees like the majestic white spruce and beautiful blue flag flowers, both perfectly suited to the Empire State.
We’ll explain how to enhance your landscape’s beauty and resilience with New York’s natural charm.
For greater local detail, we have guides to New York native plants specific to your area:
- Best Native Plants for Albany
- Native Plants for New York City Metro Area Landscapes
- Native Plants for Upstate New York Landscapes
The USDA map shows that New York planting zones range from 4a to 7b. People in zone 4a (around Lake Placid) cannot cultivate the same plants as those in zone 7b (on Long Island). Keep your New York planting zone in mind when choosing plants.
Native trees
New York’s diverse landscape is home to many native trees that can thrive in your backyard. From the towering white spruce to the vibrant red maple and the unique black gum tree, incorporating these species into your landscape supports local ecosystems and adds natural beauty to your outdoor space that will flourish for years to come.
White spruce
White spruce (Picea glauca) is native to New York and known for its classic conical shape and bluish-green needles. It adapts well to landscape planting, thriving in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can grow up to 50 feet tall, has a 20-foot spread, and is suitable for zones 2-6. White spruce is a popular choice for windbreaks, privacy screens, and Christmas trees.
Best for: Larger Upstate lawns
Red maple
The red maple (Acer rubrum) is a versatile native plant for New York landscapes, known for its red flowers and fall foliage. It thrives in various light and soil conditions, from full sun to light shade and dry to wet soils, and is flood-tolerant.
Growing up to 50 feet tall with a 30-foot spread, it suits zones 3-9, and its sap can be used to make maple syrup in winter. Its fast growth and adaptability make it a low-maintenance option for year-round color.
Best for: Urban and suburban landscapes
Black gum
Known for its brilliant fall color, black gum or black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) is a versatile New Yorker found in Central Park’s Ramble. It attracts birds, mammals, and honey bees and tolerates both salt and shade. It thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to full shade and wet to dry soil.
Reaching 50 feet tall with a 30-foot-wide spread, it’s suitable for zones 4-9. Its leaves turn vivid colors in fall, and its fruits are wildlife favorites, enhancing garden biodiversity.
Best for: Large central and southern New York State landscapes
Native shrubs
New York’s native shrubs enhance landscapes and support local wildlife. Notable choices include buttonbush for wet areas and pollinators, highbush blueberry for edible berries and seasonal beauty, and flowering raspberry for shade, vibrant flowers, and ecological benefits.
These shrubs add visual interest to gardens and provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
See our guide on how to landscape with shrubs for ideas on how to use bushes to improve the look of your property.
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a native shrub ideal for rain gardens, thriving in full sun and moist to wet soil. It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and native bees with its fragrant white flowers and supports various wildlife, including waterfowl, songbirds, and pollinators. The shrub’s seeds feed numerous bird species and its foliage hosts larvae of large moths. It grows up to 8 feet tall and wide.
Fun Fact: Humans have historically used its bark as a quinine substitute for treating malaria.
Best for: Waterfront properties
Highbush blueberry
Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) features bell-like white flowers, clusters of blueberries, and red fall foliage. It has colorful young branches and multicolored bark in winter. It tolerates flooding, requires acidic soil, and thrives in full sun to light shade, in dry to wet soil, and in zones 3-7. It can reach 10 feet in height with an 8-foot spread. Highbush blueberries are rich in iron.
Best for: Upstate rural and suburban areas
Flowering raspberry
The flowering raspberry (Rubus odoratus) is a shade-tolerant shrub with large fuzzy leaves, pink flowers, and small, dry, crumbly raspberry fruits. The fruits are edible but not tasty. It thrives in full sun to full shade, moist soil, and is suitable for zones 4-6, reaching 5 feet in height and 3 feet in spread. Ideal for shade gardens, shrub borders, native plant gardens, or naturalized areas.
Best for: Rural and suburban settings in forested regions
Native flowers
New York State has a stunning array of native flowers that bring vibrant color and ecological benefits to your landscape. Standout native flowers include Joe-Pye weed, great blue lobelia, and northern blue flag. These native New York pollinator plants attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, adding both beauty and ecological value to your landscape.
Using native flowers and other native plants in butterfly gardens is a great way to enhance your landscape. For details, see our guide: “How to Create a Butterfly Garden.”
Joe-Pye weed
A native plant, Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.) is essential for pollinators. This perennial features tall, pinkish-purple flowers that attract butterflies and bees. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and tolerates full sun to partial shade, growing 3 to 6 feet tall.
Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, it provides lasting beauty and is ideal for butterfly and pollinator gardens in zones 4-8.
Best for: Pollinator gardens and green roofs throughout New York State
Great blue lobelia
Great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is a late summer bloomer with blue flowers, thriving in sun to shade and moist to wet soil (zones 3-9). Bees pollinate it, and some insects feed on its leaves and seeds. Herbivores generally avoid it because it is poisonous if eaten, though deer may browse occasionally. It attracts hummingbirds and is ideal for rain garden beds or wetland areas. It grows 2-3 feet tall.
Best for: Rain gardens and balcony gardens across New York State
Northern blue flag
The Northern blue flag (Iris versicolor) has narrow, sword-shaped leaves and blue-violet flowers that bloom in spring. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist to wet soil, tolerating standing water. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and is suitable for zones 3-9.
Blue flag attracts bees and hummingbirds but is poisonous and can cause skin irritation in some individuals. It can also cause nausea and vomiting when ingested, especially the roots.
Best for: Pond edges and rain gardens all over New York State
Native grasses
New York State is home to a variety of native grasses that add both beauty and ecological value to your landscape. By incorporating native grasses like Pennsylvania sedge, bottlebrush grass, and little bluestem, you can create a resilient, low-maintenance garden that supports local wildlife and enhances soil health.
If you’re looking for turfgrass options, check out our guide on the best grass seed for New York lawns to help you pick the perfect grass seed for your New York State home.
Pennsylvania sedge
Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) is a versatile, low-growing perennial suitable for lawns and groundcover. It thrives in various soil and light conditions, ranging from full to partial shade, moisture levels from dry to medium dry, and is resistant to deer grazing.
It grows 4 to 12 inches high, with pale-green foliage that turns sandy-tan in fall. It’s a good option for homeowners in zones 4-8.
Best for: Green roofs and lawns
Bottlebrush grass
Native to the Finger Lakes region, bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix) is a clump-forming, cool-season grass with airy, bottlebrush-like heads. It is suitable for light shade and various soil types, including dry, clay, and limestone soils. It grows 1 to 4 feet tall and is hardy in zones 5-9. Bottlebrush grass is ideal for erosion control.
Best for: Slopes and rain gardens across New York
Little bluestem
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a drought-tolerant, visually striking, and resilient native plant for New York landscapes. It features green to blue-green leaves that turn red, gold, orange, and copper in fall, with small, fluffy white seed heads.
It thrives in full sun and dry to moist, well-drained soil, growing 1 to 3 feet tall, and is suitable for zones 3-9. It enhances aesthetics, supports wildlife, and aids in soil health and erosion control.
Best for: Lawns and balcony container gardens
Native ground covers
From the Adirondacks to Fire Island, the Empire State boasts a variety of native ground covers. Notable species include bearberry, thriving in sandy soils; bluets, which are drought-tolerant perennials; and common violet, with notable heart-shaped leaves and early spring flowers. There is a ground cover to complement any New York landscape.
Ground covers are a low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternative to traditional lawns. They need fewer chemicals and less upkeep. Check out our guide: “Best Ground Covers as Grass Alternatives.”
Bearberry
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a creeping evergreen ground cover with glossy leaves. It has white to pink lantern-shaped flowers in mid to late spring and red berries from June to November.
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it prefers dry, sandy soil but adapts to different moisture levels. Suitable for USDA zones 2-6, it is commonly found in the Adirondacks. Bearberry is ideal for rock gardens, and its berries feed local wildlife.
Best for: Rock gardens or on balconies in large pots in Upstate and western New York
Bluets
A Finger Lakes native, bluets (Houstonia caerulea) are tiny spring wildflowers that look great in ground cover and rock gardens. In dry, sunny areas, they create delicate pale blue carpets and thrive in full sun to mild shade.
These drought-tolerant perennials grow to a height of 2 to 6 inches, clustering densely. The miniature blossoms bloom from April to June, have a golden eye, and are pale blue, violet, or almost white.
Best for: Container or border gardens or to frame walkways in urban, suburban and rural areas
Common violet
Common violet (Viola sororia) is a charming native groundcover known for its heart-shaped leaves and delicate purple flowers. Growing 4 to 8 inches tall, it thrives in partial shade to full sun and moist, well-drained soil, suitable for zones 3-9. Appreciated for its early spring blooms and ability to spread, it adds a touch of whimsy to gardens, lawns, and woodland areas.
Fun fact: The flowers are edible and can be used to add color to salads or as a garnish.
Best for: Shaded areas, woodland gardens, and naturalized lawns across New York State
Native vines
Native vines are excellent additions to New York landscapes. Limber honeysuckle attracts pollinators with its colorful flowers, and Virginia creeper turns deep red or purple in fall. Other options include summer grape, which provides fruit and rustic charm and the hop vine, which contributes to New York’s agricultural heritage while offering shade and natural screening.
Your landscape will look stunning and be more sustainable when these native climbers are included.
Limber honeysuckle
Limber honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica), also known as smooth-leaved honeysuckle or red honeysuckle, is a hardy small vine with large oblong leaves and early spring flowers in yellow, red, or purple hues. It is beneficial for bumblebees.
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to dry or wet soil. It can grow up to 15 feet tall in zones 3-8. Found throughout New York State, limber honeysuckle produces berries and flowers that birds love, making it an excellent choice for attracting wildlife and pollinators to your garden. This low-maintenance plant is a beautiful addition to any landscape.
Best for: Rocky woodland areas with moist soil
Virginia creeper
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a fast-growing native vine known for its compound leaves with five leaflets. These leaves turn brilliant shades of red and purple in fall, creating a stunning visual display. This perennial vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
Virginia creeper blooms in spring and summer, adding vibrant color to gardens. However, it’s important to note that the plant is poisonous to humans if ingested and can become flammable when dry.
Best for: Covering screens, trellises, or slopes.
Summer grape
Summer grape (Vitis aestivalis) is a vigorous climber with large dark green leaves. It flowers in summer and produces sweet or tart grapes, depending on picking time. It requires regular pruning and thrives in full sun and moist to dry soil. Growing 50 to 75 feet in zones 5-9, it is a parent of wine grape hybrids, including the famous Norton variety known for its high-quality red wine.
Best for: Lawns with enough room (and enough sun) for a trellis
Hops
The common hop vine (Humulus lupulus) is a vigorous, fast-growing plant ideal for shade coverage. It is known for its multi-lobed leaves and flowers used to flavor beer.
The vines, also called bines, thrive in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. It can grow up to 30 feet and is suitable for zones 4-8. The flowers of the hop plant provide flavor and aroma to beer. Over a century ago, hops were a key agricultural commodity in New York.
Best for: Upstate or rural areas
What to read next
Explore more resources to enhance your New York landscape and lawn. Whether you’re looking for the best grass seed, want to understand planting zones, or discover the top perennials, these guides will provide valuable insights and tips for creating a beautiful outdoor space:
FAQ: New York native plants
Where can I buy native New York plants?
You can buy New York native plants from local plant societies, garden centers, and nurseries that carry them. Your local governing offices, like the Westchester County office, may offer native plant programs.
The New York Botanical Garden also has a list of New York Native Plant Societies, which include the following:
- Greenbelt Native Plant Center, run by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
- The Native Plant Center at SUNY Westchester Community College
- Long Island Natives
- Native Plant Society of Staten Island
- Finger Lakes Native Plant Society
What are the benefits of planting native species in New York?
There are several advantages to using native New York plants in your landscaping, such as:
- Lower water use
- Reduced upkeep needs
- Helping local wildlife and the ecosystem thrive
Native plants are durable and sustainable options for your landscape because they are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. To read more about this topic, dive into the many benefits of native plants.
How do I choose native plants for my landscape in New York?
Consider your specific region, such as Upstate New York, the Hudson Valley, or Long Island, and your New York State planting zone when choosing native plants in New York. Soil conditions, sunlight, and landscape goals are also important. Consulting local experts or nurseries can help ensure your landscape thrives and supports local wildlife.
When to call a pro
If you’re unsure about selecting, planting, or maintaining native plants in your New York landscape, it’s a good idea to call a professional. Lawn Love can connect you with local lawn care experts who specialize in native plant species.
They can provide personalized advice, design a sustainable and beautiful landscape, and ensure your garden thrives with minimal maintenance.
Main Image Credit: Sten Porse | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0
