- Vermont native trees<\/a><\/li>
- Vermont native shrubs<\/a><\/li>
- Vermont native flowers<\/a><\/li>
- Vermont native groundcovers<\/a><\/li>
- Vermont native grasses<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about Vermont native plants<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Vermont native trees<\/span><\/h2>
Black cherry (Prunus serotina)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"White](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/41040165825_5e8a47882b_c-1.jpg\")
Andreas Rockstein<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you have an open spot where you\u2019d like to throw some shade, black cherry is an excellent option. This native tree offers beautiful white blossoms in spring, followed by tasty cherries that attract birds like the woodpecker. <\/p>
Careful, though: It can get quite large and messy, and the fallen cherries leave stains behind. Plant it away from patios, decks, and driveways to avoid cleanup headaches. <\/p>
- Plant type: <\/strong>Deciduous tree<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Statewide<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>3-9<\/li>
- Growing conditions:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade; prefers well-drained, moist, rich soils but can tolerate sandy and clay soils<\/li>
- Bloom time:<\/strong> Late spring<\/li>
- Fragrance:<\/strong> Mildly fragrant flowers<\/li>
- Fruit:<\/strong> Dark purple, sweet, edible cherries<\/li>
- Mature height: <\/strong>50 to 80 feet<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Medium<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Low; minimal pruning required<\/li> <\/ul>
Red maple (Acer rubrum)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"close](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Red-maple-1.jpg\")
Heng Wang<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Red maple is a common sight throughout Vermont, excluding the higher elevations of the Northeast Kingdom. In the fall, its leaves turn a bright red that lights up your yard like a sunset over Lake Champlain. It can grow up to 60 feet tall, so it\u2019s great for providing shade or as a striking focal point. <\/p>
- Plant type: <\/strong>Deciduous tree <\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Most of Vermont, except for Washington and Caledonia counties<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3-9<\/li>
- Growing conditions:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, slightly acidic soils<\/li>
- Bloom time:<\/strong> Early spring<\/li>
- Fragrance:<\/strong> Mild<\/li>
- Fruit:<\/strong> Red samaras (winged seeds)<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 40 to 60 feet<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Medium to high<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Low<\/li> <\/ul>
American black elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"White](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/52134752634_e89d805244_c-1.jpg\")
Stephanie Harvey<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you\u2019re looking for a hardy, low-maintenance small tree that adds beauty and wildlife to your yard, consider the American black elderberry. It blooms fragrant white flowers in early to mid-summer, attracting all sorts of pollinators, including some native Vermont species like the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. <\/p>
These blossoms later give way to deep purple berries that are edible when cooked. The raw leaves, stems, and unripe berries are poisonous, so be careful. <\/p>
- Plant type:<\/strong> Small tree or shrub <\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Throughout Vermont, except for the Champlain Valley region (Washington, Addison, Orange, Franklin, and Caledonia counties)<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>3-9<\/li>
- Growing conditions:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade; tolerates both wet and dry conditions but does best in rich, moist soils<\/li>
- Bloom time: <\/strong>June through July<\/li>
- Fragrance:<\/strong> Sweet scent<\/li>
- Fruit:<\/strong> Dark purple drupes<\/li>
- Mature height: <\/strong>5 to 12 feet<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Medium to high<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/li> <\/ul>
Northern red oak (Quercus rubra)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
While native to much of Vermont, the northern red oak thrives in the warmer southern regions of the state, where it can often be spotted towering over other trees in mixed hardwood forests. It offers plenty of shade and serves as a fantastic habitat for local wildlife. Plus, its acorns are a favorite snack for squirrels and deer. <\/p>
- Plant type:<\/strong> Deciduous tree <\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Most of Vermont, except Franklin, Essex, Washington, and Caledonia counties<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>3-9<\/li>
- Growing conditions:<\/strong> Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade; well-drained, acidic, sandy to loamy soils<\/li>
- Bloom time: <\/strong>March to May<\/li>
- Fragrance:<\/strong> Not particularly fragrant<\/li>
- Fruit: <\/strong>Acorns<\/li>
- Mature height: <\/strong>50 to 75 feet<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Medium<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Low, but watch for pests like oak wilty<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Vermont native shrubs<\/span><\/h2>
Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"image](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/32047714591_ecefc9e30b_c-1.jpg\")
Doug McGrady<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Nannyberry is a versatile shrub that shines as a single eye-catching plant or a dense hedge for privacy. Its thick, arching branches are a favorite spot for birds and little animals to hide. In spring, it blooms with beautiful white flowers that give way to clusters of blue-black berries in autumn. If you want to encourage a fuller shape, prune it in early spring before new growth starts.<\/p>
- Plant type:<\/strong> Deciduous shrub<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Throughout Vermont, except Orleans and Windham counties<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3-8<\/li>
- Growing conditions:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade; wet, well-drained, clay, loam, and sandy soils<\/li>
- Bloom time:<\/strong> May to June<\/li>
- Fragrance:<\/strong> Non-fragrant<\/li>
- Fruit:<\/strong> Blue-black drupes<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 10 to 18 feet<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Medium<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Low<\/li> <\/ul>
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"close](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Cephalanthus-occidentalis.jpg\")
The Cosmonaut<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Buttonbush is perfect for planting near ponds, streams, or rain gardens since it loves wet soil and can even grow in standing water. That\u2019s why it does best in cities with high annual rainfall, like Burlington, Montpelier, or Brattleboro. However, if you live in drier areas, like Rutland or Bennington, you can still grow buttonbush successfully \u2014 just make sure to water it regularly, about once a week during dry spells. <\/p>
It has a spreading, irregular shape that makes it look a bit like a small tree. In mid-summer, you\u2019ll see its white flowers blooming in round clusters that resemble little pincushions. These flowers attract many pollinators, including bumblebees and butterflies like titan phinx. Once they’re pollinated, they turn into reddish-brown nutlets that provide food for a wide range of birds, including wood ducks and shorebirds.<\/p>
- Plant type:<\/strong> Deciduous shrub<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Warmer southern regions of Vermont, including parts of the Champlain Valley and areas south of the Green Mountains<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 5-9<\/li>
- Growing conditions:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade; thrives in medium to wet soils, including clay and loam<\/li>
- Bloom time:<\/strong> June to September<\/li>
- Fragrance:<\/strong> Sweet floral scent<\/li>
- Fruit:<\/strong> Nutlets<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 5 to 12 feet<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>High<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Low<\/li> <\/ul>
Common winterberry (Ilex verticillata)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_286298228_f96e14b470_c.jpg\")
liz west<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Want to brighten up your winter landscape? Try planting winterberry near your front porch or along a garden path. This shrub grows thick and has shiny green leaves in summer, so some might mistake it for holly. However, unlike holly, winterberry loses its leaves in the fall, allowing its bright red berries to take center stage during the winter months.<\/p>
These berries stick around long after the leaves drop in fall, even during mud season when other plants are struggling. Plus, they\u2019re a great food source for birds like the American Robins and the Eastern Bluebird. <\/p>
- Plant type:<\/strong> Deciduous shrub<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Statewide, except for Orange, Washington, Lamoille, and Caledonia regions<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3-9<\/li>
- Growing conditions:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade; thrives in moist, acidic soils<\/li>
- Bloom time:<\/strong> April to June<\/li>
- Fragrance:<\/strong> Non-fragrant<\/li>
- Fruit:<\/strong> Bright red drupes<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 6 to 10 feet<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>High<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Low<\/li> <\/ul>
Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/32050973671_44586ca7a9_c-1.jpg\")
Doug McGrady<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> With its lovely clusters of creamy white flowers in spring and striking blue berries in late summer, silky dogwood is a beautiful addition to any sunny spot in your yard. It\u2019s pretty low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and watering once established. To keep silky dogwood’s roots cool during Vermont’s hot summers, spread a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base.<\/p>
- Plant type: <\/strong>Deciduous shrub<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Most of Vermont but not to Washington, Lamoille, Essex, and Orleans counties<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 4-8<\/li>
- Growing conditions:<\/strong> Full sun, but tolerates partial shade; prefers well-drained, moist soils<\/li>
- Bloom time:<\/strong> May to June<\/li>
- Fragrance:<\/strong> Non-fragrant<\/li>
- Fruit:<\/strong> Blue drupes<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 6 to 12 feet<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>High<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Low<\/li> <\/ul>
Vermont native flowers<\/span><\/h2>
Joe pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum)<\/em><\/span><\/h3>
![\"Purple](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/52655854646_e5c4d64f2a_c-1.jpg\")
F Delventhal<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Joe-Pye weed is a summertime staple in our Green Mountain State gardens \u2014 from the Champlain Valley to the Northeast Kingdom. This wildflower features beautiful pink-purple flowers that bloom in large clusters from mid- to late summer.<\/p>
It can grow up to 7 feet tall, so it\u2019s best suited for the back of flower beds or grouped with other taller plants. However, it spreads quickly through its underground roots and by self-seeding, so it\u2019s not a good option for small yards or tight landscapes. <\/p>
- Plant type:<\/strong> Perennial wildflower<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Throughout Vermont, but not to Windham, Washington, Lamoille, Franklin, Orleans, and Essex<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>3-9<\/li>
- Growing conditions:<\/strong> Prefers full sun to partial shade and consistently moist, well-drained soils<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Throughout Vermont, but not to Windham, Washington, Lamoille, Franklin, Orleans, and Essex<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Most of Vermont but not to Washington, Lamoille, Essex, and Orleans counties<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Statewide, except for Orange, Washington, Lamoille, and Caledonia regions<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Warmer southern regions of Vermont, including parts of the Champlain Valley and areas south of the Green Mountains<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Throughout Vermont, except Orleans and Windham counties<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Most of Vermont, except Franklin, Essex, Washington, and Caledonia counties<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Throughout Vermont, except for the Champlain Valley region (Washington, Addison, Orange, Franklin, and Caledonia counties)<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Most of Vermont, except for Washington and Caledonia counties<\/li>
- Native range: <\/strong>Statewide<\/li>
- Vermont native shrubs<\/a><\/li>