Best Rhode Island Native Plants for Landscaping 

closeup of swamp milkweed

With a wild, colorful beauty and diversity that adds a unique charm to any yard, Rhode Island native plants for landscaping offer sustainable, robust alternatives to non-native species. 

Looking for a sturdy tree to chill under or maybe some low-maintenance grass that doesn’t drink up your time and water? Or how about pretty flowers that flourish season after season? Species like the red maple (tree), New England aster (flower), or Pennsylvania sedge (grass type) are only a few of the fantastic selections that Rhode Island’s flora has to offer.

Rhode Island native trees

Red maple (Acer rubrum)

close up image of red maple
Heng Wang | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0

As the state tree of Rhode Island, the red maple is found growing naturally pretty much anywhere in the state. It blooms in early spring and offers a beautiful display of red foliage in fall.

*Note: If you’re near the ocean or where they salt the roads in winter, this tree might struggle a bit. It’s not a fan of salt spray, so plan your spot carefully. Otherwise, it’s an easy-going choice for a classic New England look. 

Landscape pro tip: Use as a focal point or shade tree in larger yards. Plant it where fall color can be appreciated. Combine with understory plants like blue flag iris for a visually appealing, layered garden design.

Main characteristics:

  • Other common names: Red maple, swamp maple, eater maple, soft maple
  • Flowers: Small, red, appearing in early spring before leaves emerge
  • Fruit: Winged seeds (samaras) in pairs, ripening in late spring
  • Status: State tree of Rhode Island; native throughout Rhode Island
  • Size: Typically grows 40 to 75 feet tall, with a spread of 20 to 50 feet
  • Growth rate: Fast-growing, especially when young
  • Shade tolerance: Moderate, can grow in full sun to partial shade
  • Adaptability: Adaptable to various soil types but prefers slightly acidic, moist soils
  • Drought tolerance: High
  • Salt spray tolerance: Low
  • Wildlife value: Seeds, buds, and flowers provide food for various animals
  • Maintenance: Low; may require occasional watering during prolonged dry periods

Concerns:

  • Surface roots: Can develop surface roots that may interfere with lawns or sidewalks
  • Weak wood: Branches can be susceptible to breakage in storms
  • Leaf litter: Produces significant lead litter, which may require cleanup

Where to buy: 

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) 

closeup of Eastern white pine plant
S. Rae | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

This towering conifer hails from Rhode Island and across New England. With its massive size, quick growth, and constant green color, it’s a top pick for sprucing up your yard year-round.

Eastern white pine is perfect if you want a bit of privacy in your yard or need some natural wind blockage. But remember one thing – just like the red maple, it doesn’t get along with salt at all. So, it’s best to avoid planting it near roads that are treated with de-icing salts in the winter. 

Cool fact: This tree has been around since colonial times and was used for shipbuilding and construction work. It’s a big part of Rhode Island’s rich maritime history.

Landscape pro tip: Plant it in groups for maximum effect.

Main characteristics

  • Status: Native throughout the inland of Rhode Island (except Newport and Bristol counties)
  • Cones: Slender, cylindrical cones 4 to 8 inches long
  • Needles: Soft, flexible, bluish-green needles in bundles of five, 3 to 5 inches long
  • Size: Typically grows 60 to 90 feet tall in landscapes, with a 25 to 45 foot spread
  • Growth rate: Fast-growing, often over 12 inches per year
  • Shade tolerance: Moderate, can grow in full sun to partial shade
  • Adaptability: Adaptable to various soil types, prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils
  • Drought tolerance: Low to moderate
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate
  • Wildlife value: Provides habitat and food for various bird species, including chickadees
  • Maintenance: Low-maintenance once established; may require spring or fall pruning

Concerns:

  • Root system: Surface roots can develop, potentially interfering with lawns or sidewalks
  • Disease susceptibility: Susceptible to white pine needle disease (WPND) and white pine blister rust
  • Pest susceptibility: Vulnerable to white pine weevil

Where to buy: 

Shadbush (Amelanchier spp.) 

closeup of shadbush plant
Dietmar Rabich  (1962–) | Wikimedia Commons | License

Shadbush is a hardy little native plant that can either be a small tree or a shrub, depending on how it grows. Before the leaves pop out, gorgeous white flowers cover each branch – hinting at summer coming soon. Come fall, its leaves turn a lovely orange and red hue.

Plus, some Amelanchier species, like A. canadensis, have moderate salt tolerance, which gives it bonus points if you’re living near the coastal area of Rhode Island. 

Landscape pro tip: Use as a specimen tree or in mixed shrub borders. You can combine it with New England aster for seasonal color contrast.

Main characteristics:

  • Other common names: Serviceberry and Juneberry
  • Flowers: Small, white, star-shaped flowers in early spring before leaves emerge
  • Fruit: Small, edible berries that ripen from red to purple-black in early summer
  • Status: Native throughout Rhode Island
  • Size: Typically 15 to 25 feet tall; can reach up to 40 feet depending on species
  • Growth rate: Medium
  • Shade tolerance: Full sun to partial shade
  • Adaptability: Various soil types, but prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils;
  • Drought tolerance: Moderate once established 
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate (especially A. canadensis)
  • Wildlife value: Provides food and habitat for birds and other wildlife; flowers attract pollinators
  • Maintenance: Low; may require occasional pruning

Concerns:

  • Disease susceptibility: Low risk; can be prone to leaf spot, rust, and fire blight
  • ​​Pest vulnerability: Low risk; may attract aphids, spider mites, or scale insects

Where to buy: 

Rhode Island native shrubs

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

picture of highbush blueberry plant
Pxhere

Who doesn’t love free berries? This native shrub gives you tasty fruit and pretty fall colors. Its small white or pink blossoms in the spring transform into plump berries come summer – perfect for homemade jam or an on-the-go snack during your morning stroll. In the fall, it lights up in shades of red, orange, and purple.

Plus, it’s a local bee favorite. The University of Rhode Island says, “We identified 41 species of native bees […] at cultivated highbush blueberry plantings throughout Rhode Island,” proving its importance for pollinators.

Landscape pro tip: Plant it in groups for better pollination and fruit production. Use in edible landscapes or mixed borders. Combine with Sweet Pepperbush for extended summer blooming. Plus, both prefer acidic soil, making them compatible companions.

Main characteristics:

  • Other common names: American blueberry, swamp blueberry, tall blueberry
  • Flowers: Small, white to pink, bell-shaped flowers in spring
  • Fruit: Small, edible blue berries in summer
  • Status: Native throughout Rhode Island
  • Size: Typically grows 6 to 12 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide
  • Growth rate: Slow to medium
  • Shade tolerance: Full sun to partial shade
  • Adaptability: Prefers acidic, well-drained soils (pH 4.5-5.5)
  • Drought tolerance: Moderate once established 
  • Salt spray tolerance: Low to moderate
  • Wildlife value: Provides food and habitat for more than 40 species of native bees, birds, and other wildlife
  • Maintenance: Low; may require occasional pruning

Concerns:

  • Disease susceptibility: Can be prone to various fungal diseases;
  • ​​Pest vulnerability: May attract some insect pests, but they are generally resistant.

Where to buy:

Inkberry (Ilex glabra)

white flowers of Inkberry Holly with green leaves in the background
Else Spezio | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

Inkberry is great for both coastal and inland locations in Rhode Island. This hardy evergreen grows naturally in areas such as Bristol, Newport, Washington, plus a section of Kent County. Thanks to its wetland roots, it can handle year-round moisture better than most bushes.

*Note: It’s less present further north, like Providence County.

And with its shiny, dark leaves and purplish-black berries – hence the name – it surely adds a pop of color to your yard year-round. 

Landscape pro tip: Use for low hedges or foundation plantings. Great for year-round structure in the garden. Combining it with Pennsylvania Sedge creates a beautiful groundcover underneath.

Main characteristics:

  • Other common names: Gallberry and evergreen winterberry
  • Flowers: Small, greenish-white flowers in spring
  • Fruit: Small blackberries in late fall and winter; not considered edible for people
  • Status: Found in parts of Rhode Island, including Bristol, Newport, Washington, and southern Kent counties 
  • Size: Typically grows 6 to 8 feet tall and wide
  • Growth rate: Slow
  • Shade tolerance: Full sun to partial shade
  • Adaptability: Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions: clay, loam, acid, neutral;
  • Drought tolerance: Low to moderate
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate
  • Wildlife value: Flowers attract pollinators, especially bees; berries provide winter food for birds; Low; may require occasional pruning to maintain shape
  • Maintenance: Low; occasional pruning in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches

Concerns:

  • Spread control: May sucker and spread if not controlled
  • Pruning needs: Can become leggy with age if not pruned
  • Pollination requirements: Requires both male and female plants for berry production
  • ​​Pest and disease vulnerability: Low risk; may be susceptible to leaf spot, rust, and scale insects

Where to buy:

Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)

closeup of Clethra alnifolia plant
Sten Porse | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0

When summer hits, many of the wonderful blossoms of spring have faded away… but not sweet pepperbush. Also known as summersweet, this native shrub rocks your garden with fragrant white or pink blooms in mid to late summer when other flowers start to slow down.

Sweet pepperbush’s flowers come together into upright spikes and stick around for several weeks. They’re also popular with bees and butterflies, which are still active toward the end of summer.

Landscape pro tip: Plant near patios or walkways to enjoy its fragrant flowers. Combine sweet pepperbush with blue flag iris for a stunning contrast in moist gardens. Their different leaf shapes – broad and sword-like – add visual interest and depth to your landscape.

Main characteristics:

  • Other common names: Summersweet, coastal sweet pepperbush
  • Flowers: Fragrant, white or pink, bottlebrush-like spikes in late summer (July to August)
  • Fruit: Small, brown capsules that persist through winter; *not edible
  • Status: Native throughout Rhode Island, including coastal areas
  • Size: Typically grows 4 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide
  • Growth rate: Moderate
  • Shade tolerance: Full sun to full shade, but flowers best in partial shade
  • Adaptability: Prefers moist, acidic soils but tolerates a range of conditions; sand, loam, clay
  • Drought tolerance: Moderate once established
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate
  • Wildlife value: Attracts numerous pollinators, including butterflies and bees; seeds eaten by birds
  • Maintenance: Low; may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain shape in late winter

Concerns:

  • Spread: Can spread by suckers, forming colonies if not managed
  • Moisture needs: While drought-tolerant once established, it performs best with consistent moisture
  • Winter look: This shrub drops its leaves in winter. If you’ve planted it among evergreens, you might see some bare spots in your yard during the cold months.

Where to buy:

Rhode Island native flowers 

Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) 

closeup of northern blue flag plant
Nichole Ouellette | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0

The blue flag iris is a tough and beautiful flower that really stands out with blue-violet blooms every spring. It thrives in different soils but loves wet spots. Do you have an area near a pond or stream? Perfect. This plant adds a splash of color there like no other.

It’s found across most parts of Rhode Island, except Kent County. It’s not naturally occurring in this region, so if you’re from there, check with local horticultural experts on how well the plant will adapt.

Landscape pro tip: Use in rain gardens or along water edges. Plant in groups for the best visual impact. Combine with swamp milkweed or sweet pepperbush for a wetland garden look.

Main characteristics:

  • Other common names: Wild iris, blue flag, purple iris
  • Flowers: Violet-blue flowers with yellow and white markings, blooming in late spring to early summer (May to July)
  • Status: Native to most of Rhode Island, except Kent County
  • Size: Typically grows 24 to 36 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide
  • Shade tolerance: Full sun to partial shade;
  • Adaptability: Prefers wet to moist, acidic, and neutral soils; tolerates standing water; clay, loam
  • Drought tolerance: Low
  • Salt spray tolerance: Low to moderate
  • Wildlife value: Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators
  • Maintenance: MModerate; may benefit from dividing every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor; needs deep watering; If the top inch of soil is dry, it’s time to water.

Concerns:

  • Toxicity: All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, so keep an eye on pets and kids.

Where to buy:

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

bright red blooms of cardinal flower
DM | Flickr | CC BY-ND 2.0

Have you ever seen a cardinal flower up close? If not, it’s time you do. The color of these flowers is what really makes them special – they’re a bold red that just lights up any garden. You can find it almost everywhere in the state except for Bristol County. This beauty blooms from July to September. 

Standing between 2 and 4 feet tall, cardinal flowers are a perfect pick if you want something to stand up tall in your garden.

Landscape pro tip: Pair cardinal flower with New England aster for a vibrant late-season display. These native plants bloom together from late summer to fall, creating a stunning color combination in your garden.

Main characteristics:

  • Other common names: Red Bay, scarlet lobelia
  • Flowers: Scarlet red, tubular, two-lipped, 1 to 2 inches long, in tall spikes
  • Status: Native to Rhode Island (except Bristol County)
  • Size: Typically 2 to 5 feet tall, 12 to 24 inches wide
  • Shade tolerance: Full sun to partial shade
  • Adaptability: Prefers loam, moist to wet soils, but adapts to various soil types
  • Drought tolerance: Low
  • Salt spray tolerance: Low
  • Wildlife value: Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies; seeds eaten by small birds
  • Maintenance: Moderate; Requires consistently moist soil

Concerns:

  • Toxicity: All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested in large quantities;
  • Short-lived: May need replanting every few years

Where to buy:

New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

New England Aster
hedera.baltica | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

New England asters are great for bringing amazing late summer (August to October) color to a Rhode Island garden. They bloom in a mix of pink or purple with yellow centers, adding an extra pop to any backyard space.

These perennial flowers grow well in most parts of Rhode Island but may be less common in southeastern areas like Kent, Newport, and Washington counties. 

Check with your local nursery or extension office for accurate information about planting these in your area. 

Landscape pro tip: Use in meadow plantings or perennial borders. Deadhead to promote continued blooming. Combine it with switchgrass for a prairie-inspired look.

Main characteristics:

  • Other common names: Michaelmas daisy
  • Flowers: Purple or pink with yellow centers, daisy-like, blooming in late summer to fall
  • Status: Native to Rhode Island (except Kent, Washington, and Newport counties)
  • Size: Typically 3 to 7 inches tall, colonizes
  • Shade tolerance: Full sun to partial shade
  • Adaptability: Prefers moist, well-drained soils, loam, clay, chalk, sand
  • Drought tolerance: Moderate
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate (CZ2 – Tolerates coastal conditions, but in a more protected or indirect way)
  • Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies and bees, important for late-season pollinators
  • Maintenance: Moderate; may require staking or pruning to prevent flopping

Concerns:

  • Disease vulnerability: Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions
  • Spread: Can spread aggressively in ideal conditions

Where to buy:

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

cluster of small pink swamp milkweed
Justin Meissen | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

As the name suggests, the swamp milkweed thrives in damp soil. This plant is an excellent choice if you have soil that tends to stay moist or wet – maybe a low spot where rainwater accumulates? 

Swamp milkweed grants us fragrant, deep pink to mauve flowers from mid-summer until early fall (usually June to October).

Landscape pro tip: Plant in butterfly gardens or moist areas. Group with other native perennials.

Main characteristics:

  • Other common names: Rose milkweed
  • Flowers: Purple or pink with yellow centers, daisy-like, blooming in mid-summer to early fall
  • Status: Native throughout Rhode Island, including coastal areas
  • Size: Height 3 to 5 feet, spread 24 to 36 inches
  • Shade tolerance: Full sun to partial shade
  • Adaptability: Prefers medium to wet soil but tolerates drier soils, loam, clay
  • Drought tolerance: Moderate
  • Salt spray tolerance: Low 
  • Wildlife value: High; attracts a wide variety of pollinators, particularly native bees and butterflies. Hosts 12 butterfly and moth species, including the Monarch.
  • Maintenance: Low-maintenance; cut back the previous season’s stalks in early spring if desired

Concerns:

  • Disease vulnerability: Susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot in humid conditions; Can be susceptible to aphid infestations when stressed by drought or when root-bound in containers.

Where to buy:

Rhode Island native grasses 

Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)

closeup image of Pennsylvania sedge
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0

If you’re looking for a grassy look but don’t want to care for a real lawn, Pennsylvania sedge is just what you need. This native grass can grow easily in many parts of Rhode Island – except Newport and some of Bristol County.

And the best part? It’s not high-maintenance like a usual grass lawn. You don’t need to mow it every week, and once established, it’s pretty much okay, even in dry spells.

Landscape pro tip: It is ideal for shaded or woodland areas. It really catches the eye in large groups, where its thin leaves arch gracefully to touch the ground. 

Main characteristics:

  • Other common names: Penn Sedge, Early Sedge
  • Status: Native to Rhode Island (except Newport and parts of Bristol County)
  • Size: Typically 6 to 10 inches tall, forms dense clumps or mats, colonizes
  • Shade tolerance: Prefers partial to full shade
  • Adaptability: Adapts to various soil types, including sandy or loamy soils
  • Drought tolerance: Moderate once established
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate (CZ1 and CZ2 – Tolerates coastal conditions)
  • Wildlife value: Provides cover for small animals and food for some bird species
  • Maintenance: Low; may benefit from occasional mowing or raking

Concerns:

  • Intolerant to soil compaction: Sensitive to soil compaction, which may require periodic soil aeration in high-traffic areas

Where to buy:

Switch panicgrass (Panicum virgatum)

closeup of panic switchgrass
Jebulon | Wikimedia Commons | CC0 1.0

Switch panicgrass is winning over garden lovers across Rhode Island. With its towering height and steady stance, this native grass fills up your yard with life. You might even catch it swaying in the wind, a sight that’s truly unique. 

In the growing season, switchgrass sprouts bright green leaves that turn golden yellow as fall arrives. Plus, it’s perfect for fighting erosion, especially in coastal areas where it helps keep dunes intact.

Switchgrass also comes in flashier varieties that add more color to your yard:

  • Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’: It stands out with its blue-green leaves that turn golden yellow in fall.
  • Panicum virgatum ‘Hanse Herms’: Red-tipped leaves that change into pure red during the fall season.

Landscape pro tip: Use in mass plantings for erosion control or as a backdrop in perennial borders.

Main characteristics:

  • Status: Native throughout Rhode Island, including coastal areas
  • Size: Typically 3 to 6 feet tall and 24 to 36 inches wide
  • Shade tolerance: Prefers partial to full shade
  • Adaptability: Adapts to various soil types, including sandy or loamy soils
  • Drought tolerance: Moderate once established
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate (CZ1 and CZ2 – Tolerates coastal conditions)
  • Wildlife value: Provides cover for small animals and food for some bird species
  • Maintenance: Low; may benefit from occasional mowing or raking

Concerns:

  • Intolerant to soil compaction: Sensitive to soil compaction, which may require periodic soil aeration in high-traffic areas

Where to buy:

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Closeup of Little Bluestem grass
Joshua Mayer | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

Little bluestem is a tough, drought-tolerant prairie grass that adds a whole lot of interest to your yard. It starts the year with greenish-blue leaves, turning purple-bronze in fall, and then taking on warm beige tones over winter. 

*Note: This grass may not be the best choice if you’re in Kent and Bristol counties, as it is not native to these areas. So, if you reside there, please make sure you check with local horticulture experts for any specific adaptations.

Apart from that, it holds up well against strong winds and dry conditions – perfect for Rhode Island’s rough weather changes. 

Landscape pro tip: Use in rock gardens or dry areas. Plant in groups for the best visual impact.

Main characteristics:

  • Status: Native throughout Rhode Island, except Kent and Bristol counties
  • Size: Typically 12 to 48 inches tall and 8 to 24 inches wide
  • Shade tolerance: Prefers full sun, does not tolerate shade
  • Adaptability: Adapts to poor, dry soils; loam, chalk, sand
  • Drought tolerance: High; very drought-tolerant once established
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate; tolerant to coastal regions
  • Wildlife value: Provides cover for small animals and food for some bird species
  • Maintenance: Low; cut old foliage in spring before new growth

Concerns:

  • Soil and light tolerance: Does not tolerate wet, poorly drained soil or shade

Where to buy:

*For more helpful information on how to find a local nursery, check out Coastal Plant Suppliers by Species

FAQ About Rhode Island Native Plants for Landscaping

Are violets native to Rhode Island?

Violets, specifically the Viola sororia species, also known as “Common Blue Violet,” are native to Rhode Island. They are found across most parts of the state (except parts of Washington County.) 

In fact, this versatile flower has been chosen as Rhode Island’s official state flower. So, if you’re thinking about adding it to your landscape, you’re backing a local favorite.

What cactus is native to Rhode Island?

The Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa) is native to Rhode Island. It can be found naturally growing in sandy coastal areas and rocky outcrops in the state.

Are hydrangeas native to Rhode Island?

Hydrangeas are not native to Rhode Island. The few populations found in New England, including Rhode Island, are considered introduced rather than naturally occurring.

Hire a local lawn care pro

Rhode Island’s blend of coastal airs, changing seasons, and varying soil conditions across counties like Newport to Providence means that every yard is unique. To get the best results, mix and match these native options based on your home’s conditions.

If gardening isn’t your thing, or you just need some extra expertise, a pro can help make your landscaped dream a reality.  Lawn Love connects you with the best local gardeners who know all about Rhode Island’s native plants. 

Moreover, we also have local lawn care pros who can handle general lawn care maintenance for a healthy, beautiful yard.

Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Lawn Love may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.

Main Image Credit: Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) | Wikimedia Commons | License

Luminita Toma

Luminita Toma is a nature-loving writer who simply adores pretty flowers and lawns. After plenty of research and writing on lawn care and gardening, she's got a keen eye for plants and their maintenance. When she's got some spare time, there's nothing she enjoys more than chilling with her friends, hitting the theatre, or traveling.