- Native trees<\/a><\/li>
- Native shrubs<\/a><\/li>
- Native flowers<\/a><\/li>
- Native ground covers and vines<\/a><\/li>
- Native grasses and ferns<\/a><\/li>
- Where to buy Central South Carolina native plants<\/a><\/li>
- More South Carolina resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Native trees<\/span><\/h2>
Tulip tree<\/span><\/h3>
![\"soft](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_tulip_tree_liriodendron_tulipifera_in_munich_3.jpg\")
High Contrast <\/a>| Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0 DE<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera<\/em>) is a native tree known for its striking golden yellow, tulip-shaped flowers that bloom in spring. With its pyramidal shape, this tree can grow up to an impressive 120 feet tall, making it one of the largest native trees in the United States.<\/p>
If you\u2019re considering adding a tulip tree to your landscape, be sure you have plenty of space for it to thrive and that there are no overhead cables, as its towering height requires a clear vertical path.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong> <\/p>
- The tulip tree is not<\/strong> highly tolerant of heat and drought, and it is sensitive to soil compaction. <\/li>
- Plant it in well-drained soils, with acidic pH.<\/li> <\/ul>
Learn more about how to fix soil compaction in our article: \u201cWhy, When, and How to Aerate Your Lawn<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
American sycamore<\/span><\/h3>
![\"American](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/30851984865_b59b0c60dc_c-1.jpg\")
Katja Schulz<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis<\/em>) is a towering native tree found throughout South Carolina, including the Midlands. Known for its rapid growth, this tree can reach heights of up to 100 feet and spread 75 feet wide, making it a grand addition to any landscape.<\/p>
Not only is it fast-growing, but the American sycamore is also a tree that will stand the test of time, often living up to 600 years. One of its most striking features is its peeling bark, which reveals a smooth, white inner bark that stands out against the greenery.<\/p>
Growing conditions: <\/strong><\/p>
- Grow it in full sun in well-drained, medium to moist soil.<\/li> <\/ul>
Native shrubs<\/span><\/h2>
New Jersey tea<\/span><\/h3>
![\"New](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/34590891526_cda60182f1_c-1.jpg\")
Doug McGrady<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus<\/em>) is a shrub found throughout the entire state. It has clusters of delicate white flowers that bloom in spring, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and anyone who appreciates beautiful plants. <\/p>
The plant\u2019s name comes from the American Revolution, when its dried leaves were used as a tea substitute. In addition to its beauty and historical significance, New Jersey tea can also help with erosion control, stabilizing the soil with its deep root system.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong> <\/p>
- Plant it in soils with a neutral or basic pH, well-drained, and with dry to medium moisture.<\/li>
- This species is difficult to transplant.<\/li> <\/ul>
Adam\u2019s needle<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Adam's](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1024px-Yucca_filamentosa_RO1-1.jpg\")
Jerzy Opio\u0142a<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Adam\u2019s needle (Yucca filamentosa<\/em>) is an excellent choice for xeriscaping or rock gardens, thanks to its drought tolerance and striking appearance. This shrub features rigid, sword-shaped leaves that add texture and interest to the landscape. In summer, a tall flowering stalk appears, topped with bell-shaped, creamy white flowers.<\/p>
These blooms attract pollinators and also serve as a host for butterfly larvae, making Adam\u2019s needle both visually appealing and beneficial for local wildlife.<\/p>
Growing conditions: <\/strong><\/p>
- Grow it in well-drained soils with neutral pH. <\/li>
- Make sure to leave up to 5 feet of spacing.<\/li> <\/ul>
Native flowers<\/span><\/h2>
Cardinal flower<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Red](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/20951807315_1384c92d34_c-1.jpg\")
bobistraveling<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis<\/em>) is a striking native wildflower that brightens up the landscape with its tall spikes of vibrant red flowers from midsummer to early fall. The plant\u2019s shiny leaves and bold color add vertical interest to any garden.<\/p>
In addition, this wildflower provides a valuable source of pollen and nectar for pollinators. However, the plant has medium toxicity if ingested in large quantities, so be cautious when planting in areas accessible to pets or children.<\/p>
Growing conditions: <\/strong><\/p>
- Plant it in areas that provide consistent moisture. <\/li>
- Give preference to soils with acidic or neutral pH.<\/li> <\/ul>
Lizard\u2019s tail<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Lizard's](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/52617312959_aa5a573e9b_c-1.jpg\")
F Delventhal<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Lizard\u2019s tail (Saururus cernuus<\/em>) is a versatile aquatic plant, perfect for planting at the edges of ponds or even in the water itself, provided it\u2019s placed in containers. Its name comes from the unique shape of its flower spikes and the fruit that follows, resembling a lizard\u2019s tail.<\/p>
One of the plant\u2019s features is the citrusy aroma that comes from its flowers, leaves, and roots. Lizard\u2019s tail can also be grown as a ground cover.<\/p>
Growing conditions: <\/strong><\/p>
- If you want to keep it contained, plant it in containers, as this plant will spread to form large colonies.<\/li> <\/ul>
Native ground covers and vines<\/span><\/h2>
Purple passionflower<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Purple](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/53802308375_569f8ebcb2_c-1.jpg\")
Judy Gallagher<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata<\/em>) is a fast-growing vine that stands out because of its extraordinary flowers. The blooms are truly unique, with a striking fringe of wavy purple filaments that attract a variety of pollinators and serve as a host for butterfly larvae.<\/p>
After the flowers, the plant produces fruits known as maypops, about the size of an orange. These fruits are edible and can be enjoyed fresh or used to make jams. <\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong> <\/p>
- This plant does not tolerate poorly drained soils. <\/li>
- Plant it in medium to moist soils, in full sun or partial shade.<\/li> <\/ul>
Partridge berry<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Partridge](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/25719072110_e87d03a64b_c-1.jpg\")
Joshua Mayer<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Partridge berry (Mitchella repens<\/em>) is a charming creeping vine commonly used as a ground cover, with its trailing stems growing close to the ground. This plant features glossy green leaves, delicate little white flowers, and bright red berries, which can be enjoyed as a natural Christmas decor and as beautiful accents in your landscape.<\/p>
Partridge berry also has the advantage of thriving in partial shade or full shade, making it perfect for shaded areas of your garden where other plants might struggle.<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong> <\/p>
- Grow it in well-drained soil, with acidic pH, preferably in the shade.<\/li> <\/ul>
Native grasses and ferns<\/span><\/h2>
Pink muhly grass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Pink](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/8154947318_3b2df2dcc1_c-1.jpg\")
Heather Paul<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris<\/em>) is an ornamental grass native to central and coastal South Carolina. It is one of the best native plants for Columbia<\/a>. It adds a soft, airy look to your landscape with its beautiful plumes of pink flower panicles that appear from early to late fall. This grass typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet, and it\u2019s both long-lived and easy to care for. <\/p>
You can learn more about other ornamental grasses for the Palmetto State in our article: \u201cNative Ornamental Grasses for South Carolina Landscapes<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Growing conditions: <\/strong><\/p>
- Grow it in well-drained soils, with dry to medium moisture. <\/li>
- This plant\u2019s native habitats are rocky or clay soils.<\/li> <\/ul>
Cinnamon fern<\/span><\/h3>
![\"sunlight](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Osmundastrum-cinnamomea.jpg\")
James St. John<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum<\/em>) is a native fern well-suited to boggy areas along streams or shaded ledges in South Carolina. This fern gets its name from the cinnamon-colored, narrow spikes that rise from its center, adding a unique visual element to the plant\u2019s green foliage.<\/p>
It\u2019s an excellent choice for adding texture to wet areas in your landscape, such as rain gardens or pond edges. For more information on the matter, you can read our guide: \u201cHow to Build a Rain Garden<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Growing conditions:<\/strong> <\/p>
- Plant it in partial sun or full shade, in moist, well-drained soils, with an acidic pH.<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy Central South Carolina native plants<\/span><\/h2>
The South Carolina Native Plant Society has two local chapters that cover the Midlands area:<\/p>
- Midlands Chapter<\/a><\/li>
- Savannah River Chapter<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
You can check the one nearest to your city for monthly meetings or plant sales. You can also buy native plants from local nurseries and native plants websites, such as:<\/p>
- Garden for Wildlife<\/a><\/li>
- Carolina Wild<\/a><\/li>
- Wingard\u2019s Market<\/a><\/li>
- Rare Roots<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
More South Carolina resources<\/span><\/h2>
Native plants are a great starting point for building a beautiful landscape in Central South Carolina, but what about a lush, green lawn? Check out these other articles for more information on how to care for your lawn in the region:<\/p>
- When to Plant Grass Seed in South Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Grass for Central 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>
If you\u2019re not sure where to start with South Carolina\u2019s native plants, or you prefer leaving the work to the pros, don\u2019t hesitate to contact a local gardening professional<\/a> who can help bring your native landscape vision to life.<\/p>
- The Best Grass for Central South Carolina<\/a><\/li>
- Carolina Wild<\/a><\/li>
- Savannah River Chapter<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Midlands Chapter<\/a><\/li>
- Plant it in partial sun or full shade, in moist, well-drained soils, with an acidic pH.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Grow it in well-drained soil, with acidic pH, preferably in the shade.<\/li> <\/ul>
- If you want to keep it contained, plant it in containers, as this plant will spread to form large colonies.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Plant it in well-drained soils, with acidic pH.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Native shrubs<\/a><\/li>