- Rhode Island native trees<\/a><\/li>
- Rhode Island native shrubs<\/a><\/li>
- Rhode Island native flowers\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Rhode Island native grasses\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about Rhode Island native plants for landscaping<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Rhode Island native trees<\/span><\/h2>
Red maple (Acer rubrum)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"close](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Red-maple-1.jpg\")
Heng Wang<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | C<\/a>C BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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.<\/p>
*Note<\/strong>: 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. <\/strong>Otherwise, it’s an easy-going choice for a classic New England look. <\/p>
Landscape pro tip:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>
Main characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>
- Other common names<\/strong>: Red maple, swamp maple, eater maple, soft maple<\/li>
- Flowers:<\/strong> Small, red, appearing in early spring before leaves emerge<\/li>
- Fruit:<\/strong> Winged seeds (samaras) in pairs, ripening in late spring<\/li>
- Status: <\/strong>State tree of Rhode Island; native throughout Rhode Island<\/li>
- Size: <\/strong>Typically grows 40 to 75 feet tall, with a spread of 20 to 50 feet<\/li>
- Growth rate:<\/strong> Fast-growing, especially when young<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate, can grow in full sun to partial shade<\/li>
- Adaptability: <\/strong>Adaptable to various soil types but prefers slightly acidic, moist soils<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: High<\/li>
- Salt spray tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Wildlife value:<\/strong> Seeds, buds, and flowers provide food for various animals<\/li>
- Maintenance:<\/strong> Low; may require occasional watering during prolonged dry periods<\/li> <\/ul>
Concerns:<\/strong><\/p>
- Surface roots<\/strong>: Can develop surface roots that may interfere with lawns or sidewalks<\/li>
- Weak wood: <\/strong>Branches can be susceptible to breakage in storms<\/li>
- Leaf litter: <\/strong>Produces significant lead litter, which may require cleanup<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy:<\/strong> <\/p>
- October Glory Red Maple – Wilscape Nursery & Garden Center RI, MA, CT<\/a> <\/li>
- Amazon.com<\/a><\/li>
- The Home Depot<\/a> <\/li> <\/ul>
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) <\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Eastern-white-pine-1.jpg\")
S. Rae<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This towering conifer hails from Rhode Island and across New England. With its massive size, quick growth, and constant green color, it\u2019s a top pick for sprucing up your yard year-round.<\/p>
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\u2019t 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. <\/p>
Cool fact: <\/strong>This tree has been around since colonial times and was used for shipbuilding and construction work. It\u2019s a big part of Rhode Island\u2019s rich maritime history.<\/p>
Landscape pro tip:<\/strong> Plant it in groups for maximum effect.<\/p>
Main characteristics<\/strong><\/p>
- Status: <\/strong>Native throughout the inland of Rhode Island (except Newport and Bristol counties)<\/li>
- Cones:<\/strong> Slender, cylindrical cones 4 to 8 inches long<\/li>
- Needles:<\/strong> Soft, flexible, bluish-green needles in bundles of five, 3 to 5 inches long<\/li>
- Size: <\/strong>Typically grows 60 to 90 feet tall in landscapes, with a 25 to 45 foot spread<\/li>
- Growth rate:<\/strong> Fast-growing, often over 12 inches per year<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate, can grow in full sun to partial shade<\/li>
- Adaptability: <\/strong>Adaptable to various soil types, prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: Low to moderate<\/li>
- Salt spray tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Wildlife value:<\/strong> Provides habitat and food for various bird species, including chickadees<\/li>
- Maintenance:<\/strong> Low-maintenance once established; may require spring or fall pruning<\/li> <\/ul>
Concerns<\/strong>:<\/p>
- Root system:<\/strong> Surface roots can develop, potentially interfering with lawns or sidewalks<\/li>
- Disease susceptibility:<\/strong> Susceptible to white pine needle disease (WPND) and white pine blister rust<\/li>
- Pest susceptibility:<\/strong> Vulnerable to white pine weevil<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy: <\/strong><\/p>
- Wilscape Nursery & Garden Center RI, MA, CT<\/a> <\/li>
- The Home Depot<\/a><\/li>
- Amazon<\/a> <\/li> <\/ul>
Shadbush (Amelanchier spp.) <\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shadbush-1.jpg\")
Dietmar Rabich (1962\u2013)<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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.<\/p>
Plus, some Amelanchier species, like A. canadensis, have moderate salt tolerance, <\/strong>which gives it bonus points if you\u2019re living near the coastal area of Rhode Island. <\/p>
Landscape pro tip: <\/strong>Use as a specimen tree or in mixed shrub borders. You can combine it with New England aster for seasonal color contrast.<\/p>
Main characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>
- Other common names:<\/strong> Serviceberry and Juneberry<\/li>
- Flowers:<\/strong> Small, white, star-shaped flowers in early spring before leaves emerge<\/li>
- Fruit:<\/strong> Small, edible berries that ripen from red to purple-black in early summer<\/li>
- Status:<\/strong> Native throughout Rhode Island<\/li>
- Size:<\/strong> Typically 15 to 25 feet tall; can reach up to 40 feet depending on species<\/li>
- Growth rate:<\/strong> Medium<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade<\/li>
- Adaptability:<\/strong> Various soil types, but prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils;<\/li>
- Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate once established <\/li>
- Salt spray tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate (especially A. canadensis)<\/li>
- Wildlife value:<\/strong> Provides food and habitat for birds and other wildlife; flowers attract pollinators<\/li>
- Maintenance:<\/strong> Low; may require occasional pruning<\/li> <\/ul>
Concerns:<\/strong><\/p>
- Disease susceptibility: <\/strong>Low risk; <\/strong>can be prone to leaf spot, rust, and fire blight<\/li>
- \u200b\u200bPest vulnerability:<\/strong> Low risk; may attract aphids, spider mites, or scale insects<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy:<\/strong> <\/p>
- Amazon.com<\/a> <\/li> <\/ul>
Rhode Island native shrubs<\/span><\/h2>
Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"picture](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Highbush-blueberry.jpg\")
Pxhere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Who doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>
Plus, it\u2019s a local bee favorite. The University of Rhode Island<\/a> says, \u201cWe identified 41 species of native bees […] at cultivated highbush blueberry plantings throughout Rhode Island<\/em>,” proving its importance for pollinators.<\/p>
Landscape pro tip: Plant it in groups for better pollination and fruit production<\/strong>. Use in edible landscapes or mixed borders. Combine with Sweet Pepperbush<\/strong> for extended summer blooming. Plus, both prefer acidic soil, making them compatible companions.<\/p>
Main characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>
- Other common names:<\/strong> American blueberry, swamp blueberry, tall blueberry<\/li>
- Flowers:<\/strong> Small, white to pink, bell-shaped flowers in spring<\/li>
- Fruit:<\/strong> Small, edible blue berries in summer<\/li>
- Status:<\/strong> Native throughout Rhode Island<\/li>
- Size:<\/strong> Typically grows 6 to 12 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide<\/li>
- Growth rate:<\/strong> Slow to medium<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade<\/li>
- Adaptability:<\/strong> Prefers acidic, well-drained soils (pH 4.5-5.5)<\/li>
- Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate once established <\/li>
- Salt spray tolerance:<\/strong> Low to moderate<\/li>
- Wildlife value:<\/strong> Provides food and habitat for more than 40 species of native bees, birds, and other wildlife<\/li>
- Maintenance:<\/strong> Low; may require occasional pruning<\/li> <\/ul>
Concerns:<\/strong><\/p>
- Disease susceptibility: <\/strong>Can be prone to various fungal diseases;<\/li>
- \u200b\u200bPest vulnerability: <\/strong>May attract some insect pests, but they are generally resistant.<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy:<\/strong><\/p>
- Amazon.com<\/a><\/li>
- The Home Depot<\/a> <\/li>
- Nature Hills <\/a>N<\/a>ursery<\/a> <\/li> <\/ul>
Inkberry (Ilex glabra)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"white](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/4660897847_e96b7bf7b7_c-1.jpg\")
Else Spezio<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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.<\/p>
*Note: <\/strong>It’s less present further north, like Providence County.<\/p>
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. <\/p>
Landscape pro tip: <\/strong>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.<\/p>
Main characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>
- The Home Depot<\/a> <\/li>
- \u200b\u200bPest vulnerability: <\/strong>May attract some insect pests, but they are generally resistant.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Flowers:<\/strong> Small, white to pink, bell-shaped flowers in spring<\/li>
- Other common names:<\/strong> American blueberry, swamp blueberry, tall blueberry<\/li>
- \u200b\u200bPest vulnerability:<\/strong> Low risk; may attract aphids, spider mites, or scale insects<\/li> <\/ul>
- Flowers:<\/strong> Small, white, star-shaped flowers in early spring before leaves emerge<\/li>
- The Home Depot<\/a><\/li>
- Disease susceptibility:<\/strong> Susceptible to white pine needle disease (WPND) and white pine blister rust<\/li>
- Cones:<\/strong> Slender, cylindrical cones 4 to 8 inches long<\/li>
- Amazon.com<\/a><\/li>
- Weak wood: <\/strong>Branches can be susceptible to breakage in storms<\/li>
- Flowers:<\/strong> Small, red, appearing in early spring before leaves emerge<\/li>
- Rhode Island native shrubs<\/a><\/li>