- Native flowers<\/a><\/li>
- Native shrubs<\/a><\/li>
- Native trees<\/a><\/li>
- Native ground covers<\/a><\/li>
- Native vines<\/a><\/li>
- Native ferns<\/a><\/li>
- Where to buy Upstate South Carolina native plants<\/a><\/li>
- More South Carolina resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Native flowers<\/span><\/h2>
Showy goldenrod<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/51855643567_a8bc15fa0b_c-1.jpg\")
Rachel Veal<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa<\/em>) is a wildflower native to Pickens and Cherokee counties in Upstate South Carolina. As its name suggests, this plant produces bright yellow blooms that are as eye-catching as they are beneficial. The flower provides nectar and pollen for beneficial insects.<\/p>
This plant grows between 2 to 7 feet tall, and it is low-maintenance. It is an ideal choice for cottage gardens, though it may be subjected to some foliar diseases, such as rust.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Grow it in well-drained soils, in full sun. <\/li>
- Try to provide up to 3 feet of spacing.<\/li> <\/ul>
Carolina lily<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/carolina-lily-1.jpg\")
Wasrts<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The Carolina lily (Lilium michauxii<\/em>) is a stunning Upstate South Carolina native plant. Its unique flowers, with a mix of orange and yellow petals speckled with brown and recurved upward, make it a showstopper in any summer garden. This lily blooms in the heat of summer, and it is one of the few that emits a pleasant scent.<\/p>
While it\u2019s a fantastic addition for adding color to your garden, beware that Carolina lily is toxic to cats, so plant it with caution if you have feline companions. Learn about other toxic plants in our article: \u201cCommon Indoor and Outdoor Plants Poisonous to Cats<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Plant it in full sun, in well-drained soils. <\/li>
- It can be planted between other flowers.<\/li> <\/ul>
Wild geranium<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Wild](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/154864476_3f96d3a236_c-1.jpg\")
Nic McPhee<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum<\/em>), also known as spotted cranesbill, is a perennial native that produces delicate pink flowers. It blooms from mid-spring to late spring, adding a soft touch to your garden. This plant is perfect for those looking to enhance shaded areas, as it thrives in partial sun or shade. <\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Grow it in well-drained, rich soils, acidic to neutral, providing at least 1 foot of spacing.<\/li> <\/ul>
Native shrubs<\/span><\/h2>
Smooth sumac<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Bright](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/50668097881_48ed1f8d3a_c-1.jpg\")
Judy Gallagher<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra<\/em>) is a shrub native to Upstate South Carolina that can add bold color and texture to your landscape. It features fern-like leaves that turn vibrant shades of red and orange in the fall, making it a showy addition to your garden.<\/p>
In addition, smooth sumac also produces red, conical fruiting clusters that attract birds and other wildlife. The fruit can also be boiled to make tea. Smooth sumac can grow up to 15 feet tall.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Grow this plant in an area where it won\u2019t be an issue if it spreads into a colony.<\/li>
- It thrives in well-drained, moist soils.<\/li> <\/ul>
Blackhaw viburnum<\/span><\/h3>
![\"bunches](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_34086388245_9587f7eb42_c.jpg\")
Kayja Schulz<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium<\/em>) is a large shrub, often considered a small tree due to its size, growing between 12 and 15 feet tall. In spring, it bursts into bloom with clusters of tiny white flowers that attract a variety of pollinators.<\/p>
After the flowering period, blackhaw produces berries that not only attract birds and other wildlife but can also be enjoyed by people. These berries can be eaten raw or used to make delicious jams.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Grow it in well-drained, moist soils. <\/li>
- Provide 12 feet of spacing.<\/li> <\/ul>
Native trees<\/span><\/h2>
American persimmon<\/span><\/h3>
![\"American](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/51569957554_4110418138_c-1.jpg\")
Puddin Tain<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana<\/em>) is best known for its large, orange fruit, which becomes edible once soft and adds a unique flavor to your landscape\u2019s offerings. But this tree also brings aesthetic appeal throughout the year: In fall, its glossy leaves turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange.<\/p>
Even in the winter, when the leaves have fallen, the dark, deeply furrowed, and checkered bark adds visual interest, creating a beautiful silhouette. This tree is also a grand presence, growing up to 80 feet tall.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- This tree tolerates various soil conditions but prefers well-drained soils.<\/li> <\/ul>
Eastern red cedar<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Eastern](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/17097948709_8110422fe3_c-1.jpg\")
Nicholas_T<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana<\/em>) is a conifer that often resembles an exclamation point due to its upright, narrow shape. This tree offers two different visual experiences depending on whether you plant a male or female specimen. Male trees produce tiny brown cones that shed pollen, while female trees display dark purple-blue cones covered in white wax.<\/p>
Though it grows slowly, the Eastern red cedar can reach up to 40 feet tall, making it a long-lasting addition to your landscape. This is one of the best native plants for Greenville<\/a>.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- It will not tolerate poorly drained soils. <\/li>
- It is susceptible to twig blight, rust, scale, and bagworms.<\/li> <\/ul>
Native ground covers<\/span><\/h2>
Crested iris<\/span><\/h3>
![\"light](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_1024px-iris_cristata_eco_bluebird_3455977784.jpg\")
Drew Avery<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Crested iris (Iris cristata<\/em>) is a ground cover native to Union and Cherokee counties in Upstate South Carolina, but it can be found throughout the Mountain and Piedmont regions. This plant spreads quickly, creating a lush, bright green mat wherever it\u2019s planted.<\/p>
In mid-spring, crested iris adds a burst of color to your landscape with its delicate violet flowers. It\u2019s an ideal plant for cottage or rock gardens. However, this plant is toxic to pets, so it\u2019s best to pick another one if you have them running around your yard \u2014 just make sure it\u2019s not one of the most poisonous plants for dogs<\/a>.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Plant it in moist, well-drained soils, acidic to neutral. <\/li>
- Remove dead foliage in autumn.<\/li> <\/ul>
Native vines<\/span><\/h2>
Carolina spinypod<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Carolina](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/large-1.jpg\")
Michael Ellis<\/a> | inaturalist.org | CC BY 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Carolina spinypod (Matelea carolinensis<\/em>), or the maroon Carolina milkvine, is a unique vine that stands out in any garden with its heart-shaped leaves and maroon flowers. If you\u2019re looking for something different from the usual Virginia creeper, this plant offers a distinctive touch to your landscape. Carolina spinypod can climb up to 12 feet, but it will need a support structure to reach its full potential.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Grow it in acidic, well-drained soils, medium to moist. <\/li>
- This plant does not tolerate poorly drained soils.<\/li> <\/ul>
Trumpet honeysuckle<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Trumpet-honeysuckle-1.jpeg\")
Matt Lavin<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens<\/em>) is denser and more showy than the Carolina spinypod, making it a bold choice for your garden, if that\u2019s what you\u2019re looking for. It has clusters of tubular red flowers that stand out, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. This vine can climb up to 20 feet if supported, and its evergreen foliage ensures year-round interest.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Grow it in acidic or neutral, well-drained, moist soils. <\/li> <\/ul>
Native ferns<\/span><\/h2>
Christmas fern<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Christmas-Fern.jpg\")
Cranbrook Science<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides<\/em>) is a fern commonly found throughout South Carolina, including the Upcountry. Its rich, dark green fronds add texture and depth to your landscape, besides providing year-round interest. <\/p>
In some areas, Christmas fern can even serve as a ground cover, enhancing shaded garden spaces. While this plant doesn\u2019t produce flowers to attract pollinators, it stands out by providing shelter for songbirds in the winter months.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- Plant it in organically rich, dry to medium moisture, well-drained, and acidic soils.<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy Upstate South Carolina native plants<\/span><\/h2>
The South Carolina Native Plant Society has a local chapter<\/a> in Upstate South Carolina, with monthly meetings, field trips, projects, and the Upstate Native Nursery<\/a>. In this nursery, you\u2019ll be able to volunteer to help conserve native plants or get native plants from their native plant sales. <\/p>
You can also buy from the following nurseries:<\/p>
- Carolina Wild<\/a><\/li>
- South Pleasantburg<\/a><\/li>
- Garden for Wildlife<\/a><\/li>
- Martin Garden Center<\/a><\/li>
- Lichtenfelt Nurseries<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
More South Carolina resources<\/span><\/h2>
Planting native plants is just the start of your journey to a beautiful Upstate South Carolina landscape. Check out these other articles for more tips and tricks on lawn care and landscaping in the region:<\/p>
- Native Ornamental Grasses for South Carolina Landscapes<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Grass for Upstate South Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- When to Plant Grass Seed in South Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- The Most Common Weeds in South Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- When to Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control in South Carolina<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Call a professional<\/span><\/h2>
Native plants are well-adapted to Upstate\u2019s environment and typically require minimal care, but you still need to plant them. If the thought of handling this yourself seems daunting, give a local gardening pro a call<\/a>. They can help you design and maintain a beautiful native landscape in South Carolina.<\/p>
\t\t\t\t\t\tSources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t
<\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t- Gardenia<\/a><\/li>
- South Carolina Native Plant Society<\/a><\/li>
- USDA Plants Database<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>
Main Photo Credit: Thomas Shahan<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Transform your landscape with Upstate South Carolina native plants like showy goldenrod, perfect for supporting wildlife and adding beauty.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":31910,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[186],"tags":[1143],"class_list":["post-31210","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-south-carolina","tag-landscaping-sc"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/52951657215_c6d7e656fb_k-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Maria Isabela Reis","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/maria-isabela-reis\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31210","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31210"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31210\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31910"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31210"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31210"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31210"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- South Carolina Native Plant Society<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Grass for Upstate South Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- South Pleasantburg<\/a><\/li>
- Carolina Wild<\/a><\/li>
- Plant it in organically rich, dry to medium moisture, well-drained, and acidic soils.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Grow it in acidic or neutral, well-drained, moist soils. <\/li> <\/ul>
- This tree tolerates various soil conditions but prefers well-drained soils.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Grow it in well-drained, rich soils, acidic to neutral, providing at least 1 foot of spacing.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Native shrubs<\/a><\/li>