Native Plant List for New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern New Jersey
Last updated: November 12, 2026
This is a "starter" list of native plants for New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern New Jersey. It is intended for residential or commercial landscapers who want to create attractive and varied native landscapes.
See Also:
New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern New Jersey Trees
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Moisture | Height | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Elder | Acer negundo | S | W-D | 30–50 ft | Migrating birds eat seeds; male and female plants |
| Black maple | Acer nigrum | F-P | A | 60-80 ft | Like Sugar Maple but tolerates alkaline, clay soils |
| Striped Maple | Acer pensylvanicum | P-S | A-W | 16-33 ft | Shade-loving understory tree; striped bark, sex-changing flowers |
| Red Maple | Acer rubrum | F-P | W-D | 40–75 ft | Brilliant orange to crimson and scarlet in the fall |
| Silver Maple | Acer saccharinum | F-P | A-W | 60–75 ft | Lacy-like leaves with a white bloom on the underside |
| Sugar Maple | Acer saccharum | S | A | 80 ft | Fantastic orange fall color; classic maple syrup |
| Mountain Paper Birch | Betula cordifolia | F-P | A-W | 40-60 ft | Relative of Paper Birch; white peeling bark; cool, moist, high sites |
| Black or Sweet Birch | Betula lenta | F-P | A | 60 ft | Deciduous tree; wintergreen aroma from leaves, twigs |
| River Birch | Betula nigra | F | A-W | 40–70 ft | Modest yellow color; seeds attract birds |
| Gray Birch | Betula populifolia | F-P | A | 30 ft | White bark; yellow fall color |
| Hornbeam | Carpinus caroliniana | F-S | A-W | 20–30 ft | Crisp, green summer foliage turns red-orange in fall |
| Red Hickory | Carya ovalis | F-P | A-D | 60-100 ft | Deep taproot; reddish inner bark; sweet nuts; dry uplands |
| Sand Hickory | Carya pallida | F-P | D | 50-70 ft | Deep dry sand only; pale-scaled leaflets; small sweet nuts |
| Mockernut Hickory | Carya tomentosa | F-P | A-D | 50-80 ft | Slow-growing; thick-shelled nuts; very dry-tolerant on uplands |
| American Chestnut | Castanea dentata | F-P | A | 60–100 ft | Chestnut blight-susceptible; mostly stump sprouts now |
| Hackberry | Celtis occidentalis | F-P | W-D | 50–75 ft | Yellow fall color; interesting warts on trunk in winter |
| Dwarf Hackberry | Celtis tenuifolia | F-P | D-A | 15-30 ft | Small, rare limestone-loving hackberry; butterfly host |
| Eastern Redbud | Cercis canadensis | F | D | 15–25 ft | Pea-like blooms in spring along twigs and branches |
| Fringetree | Chionanthus virginicus | F-P | A | 20 ft | Show-stopping creamy white flowers in April-May |
| Flowering Dogwood | Cornus Florida | S | A | 25–30 ft | Large white flowers in spring; loved by wildlife |
| Pear Hawthorn | Crataegus calpodendron | F-P | A | 15-25 ft | Late-blooming; pear-shaped fruit persists into winter for birds |
| Fireberry Hawthorn | Crataegus chrysocarpa | F-P | A | 6-20 ft | Drought-tolerant thorny shrub; long-lasting red fruit |
| Scarlet Hawthorn | Crataegus coccinea | F-P | A-D | 20-35 ft | Also sold as C. pedicellata; glossy red fruit persists for birds |
| Kansas Hawthorn | Crataegus coccinioides | F-P | A-D | 13-23 ft | Unusually large showy flowers; pink-crimson fruit, not just KS native |
| Copenhagen Hawthorn | Crataegus intricata | F-P | A-D | 3-10 ft | Dense thorny thicket; variable fruit color; good shelterbelt plant |
| Bigfruit Hawthorn | Crataegus macrosperma | F-P | A-D | 10-23 ft | Early spring bloomer; tolerates clay soils; red fruit for birds |
| Frosted Hawthorn | Crataegus pruinosa | F-P | A-D | 7-23 ft | Thorny thicket tree; waxy-coated fruit persists into winter for birds |
| Dotted Hawthorn | Crataegus punctata | F-P | A | 15–30 ft | Thorny, flat-topped crown; red fruit persists, feeds birds in winter |
| Fleshy Hawthorn | Crataegus succulenta | F-P | A-W | 13-26 ft | Most wide-ranging US hawthorn; thorny thicket shrub, red fleshy fruit |
| Green hawthorn | Crataegus viridis | F-P | A-W | 20-35 ft | Small tree, white spring flowers, red fruit holds into winter |
| American Beech | Fagus grandifolia | S | A | 50–75 ft | Dark green summer foliage turns to golden |
| White Ash | Fraxinus americana | F-P | A | 60–80 ft | Yellow, maroon, purple fall color; butterfly larval plant |
| Black Ash | Fraxinus nigra | F-P | W | 40-60 ft | Swamp tree; Critically Endangered due to emerald ash borer |
| Green Ash | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | F-P | A | 50–60 ft | Grows fast; tolerates salt; yellow fall color |
| Pumpkin Ash | Fraxinus profunda | F-P | W | 80-100 ft | Largest swamp ash; buttressed trunk; velvety twigs; uncommon |
| Blue Ash | Fraxinus quadrangulata | F-P | A-D | 50-70 ft | Four-angled corky twigs; limestone soils; borer-tolerant ash |
| Butternut | Juglans cinerea | F | A | 40-60 ft | Edible nuts; declining from butternut canker disease |
| Eastern Red Cedar | Juniperus virginiana | F-P | D-A | 30–40 ft | Good for screening; attracts birds |
| Sweet Gum | Liquidambar styraciflua | F-S | A-W | 60–100 ft | Yellow, orange, scarlet, purple in fall; fruit litter prob. |
| Tulip Poplar | Liriodendron tulipifera | F | A | 40–100 ft | Attracts hummingbirds, squirrels; butterfly host plant |
| Sweetbay Magnolia | Magnolia virginiana | P-S | A-W | 20–30 ft | 3" creamy white lemon-scented flowers all summer |
| Sweet Crabapple | Malus coronaria | F-P | A | 15-30 ft | Fragrant pink spring blooms; sour fruit feeds birds; forms thickets |
| Black Gum | Nyssa sylvatica | F-P | A | 40–60 ft | Yellow, orange, red, purple in fall; fruit attracts birds |
| Table Mountain Pine | Pinus pungens | F | D | 20-40 ft | Rocky ridgetops only; spiny serotinous cones; fire-adapted |
| Pitch Pine | Pinus rigida | F | D-A | 40–60 ft | Fire-adapted conifer for sandy, rocky, or barren infertile sites |
| American Sycamore | Plantanus occidentalis | F-P | A-W | 70–100 ft | Leaves drop all summer; white mottled bark |
| Eastern Cottonwood | Populus deltoides | F-P | A-W | 40–50 ft | Short-lived; messy tree; modest fall color |
| Swamp Cottonwood | Populus heterophylla | F-P | W | 60-90 ft | Fast-growing obligate wetland tree; heart-shaped leaves; cottony seeds |
| Wild Plum | Prunus americana | F-P | W-D | 12–20 ft | Nice flowers in spring; 1" red-yellow fruit; low upkeep |
| Canada Plum | Prunus nigra | F-P | A-W | 15–30 ft | Very cold-hardy thicket plum; fragrant bloom, tart fruit |
| Black Cherry | Prunus serotina | F-P | A-W | 50–80 ft | Prized wood; edible fruit; leaves, twigs, bark poison |
| White Oak | Quercus alba | F-P | D | 60–100 ft | Brown, red, wine fall color; birds, squirrels eat acorns |
| Swamp White Oak | Quercus bicolor | P-S | W | 50–60 ft | Yellow to red-purple fall color |
| Scarlet Oak | Quercus coccinea | F-P | D | 75 ft | Brilliant scarlet fall color; rapid growth |
| Shingle Oak | Quercus imbricaria | F | A-W | 50-65 ft | Willow-like unlobed leaves; tolerates clay/wet soil; avoid spring cuts |
| Blackjack Oak | Quercus marilandica | F | A-D | 20–50 ft | Tolerates poor, dry, rocky soil; very slow-growing |
| Chinkapin Oak | Quercus muehlenbergii | F-P | A-D | 40-60 ft | Limestone-loving shade tree; sweet low-tannin acorns feed wildlife |
| Pin Oak | Quercus palustris | P-S | A-W | 60–80 ft | Russett, bronze, red fall color |
| Dwarf Chinkapin Oak | Quercus prinoides | F-P | D-A | 4-6 ft | Clonal shrub oak; sweet acorns; thrives in dry sandy/rocky soil |
| Chestnut Oak | Quercus prinus | P | A | 60–70 ft | Useful lumber; acorns feed much wildlife |
| Red Oak | Quercus rubra | F-P | D-A | 60–75 ft | Russet red to bright red fall color; grows rapidly |
| Shumard Oak | Quercus shumardii | F-P | A | 60-100 ft | Fast-growing large shade tree, tolerant of alkaline soil |
| Black Oak | Quercus velutina | P-S | D | 50–60 ft | Reddish brown fall color |
| Black Locust | Robinia pseudoacacia | F-P | A-D | 30–50 ft | Fast nitrogen-fixer; suckers freely; toxic parts; Appalachian/Ozark |
| Bebb Willow | Salix bebbiana | F-P | A-W | 5-20 ft | Fast-growing wetland shrub; early bee forage; tolerates heavy soils |
| Heartleaf Willow | Salix eriocephala | F-P | A-W | 10-20 ft | Shrubby wetland willow; silky catkins; roots easily from cuttings |
| Black Willow | Salix nigra | F-P | A-W | 50 ft or more | Host plant for butterflies |
| Balsam Willow | Salix pyrifolia | F-P | W | 3-16 ft | Cold-climate bog shrub; fragrant leaves; needs wet soil |
| Sassafras | Sassafras albidum | F-P | D-A | 30–60 ft | Yellow flwrs (Apr); yellow, orange, pink, scarlet in fall |
| Showy Mountain Ash | Sorbus decora | F-P | A | 15–30 ft | Cold-hardy small tree; winter berries bitter; not Europ. mountain ash |
| Basswood | Tilia americana | P-S | A-W | 60–80 ft | Wood used for carving; nectar makes honey; seeds attract wildlife |
| Slippery Elm | Ulmus rubra | F-P | A | 40-60 ft | Fast shade tree; mucilaginous inner bark; some Dutch elm disease risk |
| Rock Elm | Ulmus thomasii | F-P | A-D | 60-80 ft | Corky-winged bark; dry rocky uplands; tougher wood than American elm |
| Prickly Ash | Zanthoxylum americanum | P-S | A | 6-15 ft | Thorny thicket shrub; host plant for giant swallowtail butterflies |
New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern New Jersey Shrubs
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Moisture | Height | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speckled Alder | Alnus rugosa | F-P | A-W | 15–25 ft | Provides wildlife habitat |
| Smooth Alder | Alnus serrulata | F-S | W | 15–20 ft | Yellow and orange fall colors; fruit eaten by birds |
| Shadbush Serviceberry | Amelanchier canadensis | F | D | 1–20 ft | White flowers bloom in early spring; edible fruit |
| Allegheny Serviceberry | Amelanchier laevis | F-P | D-A | 40 ft | Showy white flowers (Mar-June); edible fruit (Jun-Jul) |
| Roundleaf Serviceberry | Amelanchier sanguinea | F-P | A-D | 4-10 ft | Thicket-forming shrub for dry, sandy or rocky soil; sweet edible fruit |
| Red Chokeberry | Aronia arbutifolia | F-P | W-D | 5–10 ft | Bright red fruit and scarlet to pinkish-orange fall color |
| Black Chokeberry | Aronia melanocarpa | F-P | D-W | 3–5 ft | Dependable showy orange, burgendy, purple fall color |
| Sea Myrtle | Baccharis halimifolia | F-P | W | 3–10 ft | White flower heads; attractive fall foliage |
| Bog Birch | Betula pumila | F-P | W | 2-10 ft | Wetland obligate shrub; calcareous fens & bogs; not for dry sites |
| Buttonbush | Cephalanthus occidentalis | F-P | W-A | 3–8 ft | Blooms attract butterflies; emergent in shallow water |
| Leatherleaf | Chamaedaphne calyculata | F-P | W | 1-3 ft | Evergreen bog shrub; acidic, saturated soil; early white flowers |
| Sweet Pepperbush | Clethra alnifolia | F-P | W-A | 2–4 ft | Ivory white fragrant blooms in summer |
| Silky Dogwood | Cornus amomum | P-S | A-W | 6–15 ft | Flat white flower head mid-spring -- not fragrant |
| Gray Dogwood | Cornus racemosa | F-S | W-D | 8–15 ft | 2" dia. hemispherical inflorescences for 1 wk, May-Jun |
| Red-osier Dogwood | Cornus sericea | F-P | W-A | 3–10 ft | White flowers in spring; twigs, berries turn red in fall |
| Swamp Loosestrife | Decodon verticillatus | F-P | W | 3-8 ft | Wetland shrub for pond margins; tolerates standing water |
| Northern Bush Honeysuckle | Diervilla lonicera | F-P | A-D | 2-4 ft | Suckering shrub for dry rocky sites; yellow flowers age red |
| Trailing Arbutus | Epigaea repens | P-S | A | 4-6 in | Fragrant evergreen groundcover; acidic soil; never dig from wild |
| Witchhazel | Hamamelis virginiana | F-S | A-D | 8–20 ft | Golden yellow flowers in fall |
| Beach Heather | Hudsonia tomentosa | F | D | 6-12 in | Silvery dune mat; needs full sun, pure sand, excellent drainage |
| Winterberry | Ilex verticillata | F-P | W-A | 6–10 ft | Greenish white flowers bloom in spring |
| Virginia Sweetspire | Itea virginica | F-P | W-D | 3–6 ft | White blooms in early summer; red, orange in fall |
| Marsh Elder | Iva frutescens | F | A-W | 8 ft | Evergreen; inconspicuous flowers |
| Bog Laurel | Kalmia polifolia | F-P | W | 1-2 ft | Low bog shrub; needs year-round saturated acidic peat |
| Spicebush | Lindera benzoin | P-S | W-A | 8–15 ft | Yellow blooms in early spring |
| Staggerbush | Lyonia mariana | F-P | A-D | 2-6 ft | Needs dry, sandy, acidic soil; avoid clay and lime |
| Wax Myrtle | Myrica cerifera | P-S | D-A | 15–20 ft | Olive-green leaves, fragrant when crushed |
| Northern Bayberry | Myrica pensylvanica | F | D-W | 5–8 ft | Semi-evergreen; transplants well |
| Common Ninebark | Physocarpus opulifolius | F-P | A-D | 5–10 ft | Thicket-forming; responds to pruning; purple foliage |
| Allegheny Plum | Prunus alleghaniensis | F-P | A-D | 3–12 ft | Uncommon Appalachian thicket plum; early pink-white bloom |
| Beach Plum | Prunus maritima | F | A-D | 10 ft | White spring blossoms; fruit used to make preserves |
| Bear Oak | Quercus ilicifolia | F | D | 6-15 ft | Thicket-forming shrub oak; dry sandy/rocky barrens only |
| Roseshell Azalea | Rhododendron prinophyllum | F-P | A-D | 4-8 ft | Fragrant pink azalea; disjunct range, tolerates drier rocky sites |
| Fragrant Sumac | Rhus aromatica | F-P | D | 2–6 ft | Showy orange to reddish-purple fall color |
| Dwarf-winged Sumac | Rhus copalina | F-P | D | 20–30 ft | Red fall color; winter food for birds and wildlife |
| Smooth Sumac | Rhus glabra | F | D-A | 9–15 ft | Velvety red fruit on female plants lasts into winter |
| Staghorn Sumac | Rhus typhina | F | D | 9–15 ft | Vibrant red and gold autumn foliage |
| Swamp Rose | Rosa palustris | F | W-A | 4–6 ft | Frag. flowers (summer); red hips (winter); fall color |
| Northern Dewberry | Rubus flagellaris | F-P | D-A | 6-12 in (trails 3-8 ft) | Trailing bramble, roots at tips; prickly stems; spreads readily |
| Black Raspberry | Rubus occidentalis | F-P | A | 3-6 ft | Fast-spreading edge bramble; cut spent canes after fruiting |
| Silky Willow | Salix sericea | F-P | W-A | 12 ft | Provides good wildlife habitat |
| Elderberry | Sambucus canadensis | F-P | W-A | 5–10 ft | Pinnate leaves; blooms in early summer |
| Three-Toothed Cinquefoil | Sibbaldiopsis tridentata | F-P | A-D | 2-6 in | Evergreen mat for rocky, lean soil; rare/high-elev only south of VA |
| Poison Sumac | Toxicodendron vernix | F-P | W | 6-30 ft | Severely allergenic wetland shrub; identification only, do not plant |
| Velvetleaf Blueberry | Vaccinium myrtilloides | F-P | A-D | 6–24 in | Low colonial shrub; edible berries; needs acidic, well-drained soil |
| Arrowwood | Viburnum dentatum | F-P | W-A | 6–12 ft | Creamy-white blooms in spring |
| Squashberry | Viburnum edule | P-S | A-W | 2-6 ft | Cold-hardy boreal shrub; tart edible red berries, moose browse |
| Nannyberry | Viburnum lentago | F-P | A-D | 18 ft | White flat-topped inflorescenses 5" diameter in May |
| Black Haw | Viburnum prunifolium | F-P | A-D | 8–15 ft | Creamy-white flowers in spring |
| Downy Arrowwood | Viburnum rafinesqueanum | F-P | A-D | 4–8 ft | Compact native viburnum for dry shade; fall color |
| Cranberry Bush | Viburnum trilobum | F-P | A-W | 8–12 ft | White flowers; bright red edible bird-attracting fruit |
New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern New Jersey Perennials - Sun
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Moisture | Height | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nodding Wild Onion | Allium cernuum | F-P | A-D | 8–20 in | Dry soil; nodding white-pink summer flowers; deer resistant |
| Wild Chives | Allium schoenoprasum | F-P | W-A | 8–20 in | Native chive of wet shores and meadows; lavender globes June–Aug |
| Blue Star | Amsonia montana | F-P | A | 24 in | Light blue flowers in May |
| Canada Anemone | Anemone canadensis | F-P | A | 12–18 in | Strong growing plant produces single white blooms |
| Field Pussytoes | Antennaria neglecta | F-P | D-A | 2–12 in | Drought-tolerant mat-forming groundcover; host plant for American lady |
| Mountain Death Camas | Anticlea elegans | F-P | A-D | 1-2.5 ft | HIGHLY TOXIC bulb/foliage; do not confuse with edible Camassia |
| Wild Columbine | Aquilegia canadensis | P-S | A-D | 12–30 in | Unique red and yellow flowers attract hummingbirds |
| Butterfly Weed | Asclepias tuberosa | F | A-D | 24–36 in | Brilliant orange flowers; butterfly host plant |
| New England Aster | Aster novi-angliae | F | A | 3–7 ft | Bright lavender flwrs with yellow ctrs late summer-fall |
| False Indigo | Baptisia australis | F | A-D | 3–6 ft | Blue spikes of pea-shaped flowers (May-Jun) |
| Boltonia | Boltonia asteroides | F | A-D | 4 ft | Tall plant with white or pink flowers, resemble asters |
| American Sea Rocket | Cakile edentula | F | D | 6-18 in | Annual beach dune pioneer; salt-tolerant; not native on Pacific coast |
| Marsh Marigold | Caltha palustris | F | W | 12–24 in | 1-1.5" bright yellow flowers in spring and summer |
| Fox sedge | Carex vulpinoidea | F-P | A-W | 1–3 ft | Sunny wet meadow sedge; bristly brown spikes; rain gardens, pond edges |
| River Oats | Chasmanthium latifolium | F-S | A | 4 ft | Grass turns copper in fall; bamboo-like appearance |
| White Turtlehead | Chelone glabra | F-P | A | 12–36 in | White to pink 1-1.5" flowers summer into fall |
| Pink Turtlehead | Chelone lyonii | F-P | A-W | 2–4 ft | Showy pink flowers July through September |
| Water Hemlock | Cicuta maculata | F-P | W | 3-6 ft | Extremely toxic; wetlands/ditches only, not for gardens |
| Atlantic Pigeonwings | Clitoria mariana | F-P | D | 1–2 ft | Twining vine; dry sandy/rocky soil; showy upright lavender flowers |
| Tickseed | Coreopsis lanceolata | F-P | D-A | 12–36 in | Showy deep yellow flowers on tall stems in May, June |
| Whorled Tickseed | Coreopsis major | F-P | D-A | 2–4 ft | Whorled leaves, bright yellow summer blooms, pollinator favorite |
| American Dittany | Cunila origanoides | F-P | A-D | 8-18 in | Fragrant, late-blooming; needs lean rocky soil, not rich beds |
| Pale Coneflower | Echinacea pallida | F-P | D-A | 24–36 in | Large daisy-like flowers with drooping purp-pink petals |
| Purple Coneflower | Echinacea purpurea | F | A-D | 36 in | Daisy-like flowers with rose-purple rays |
| Joe-Pye-Weed | Eupatorium spp. | F-P | A | 6–8 ft | Pink, purple or white flowers |
| Wild Geranium | Geranium maculatum | F-S | A | 12–24 in | 1" lavender-purple flowers in spring and summer |
| Swamp Sunflower | Helianthus angustifolius | F | A | 6 ft | Yellow flwrs in late summer, fall; more blooms in June |
| Woodland Sunflower | Helianthus divaricatus | F-P | A-D | 2½–6 ft | Rhizomatous colonizer for dry shade; yellow blooms July–Sept |
| Western Sunflower | Helianthus occidentalis | F-P | A-D | 2–4 ft | Naked flower stalk above basal rosette; dry sun, not aggressive |
| Cow parsnip | Heracleum maximum | F-P | A-W | 4-8 ft | Striking wildflower; sap is phototoxic, causes skin burns in sun |
| Alumroot | Heuchera americana | F-P | A | 12–36 in | Grn-purp bell-shaped flwrs on leafless stalk (spr-sum) |
| Halberd-leaf Rosemallow | Hibiscus laevis | F-P | W-A | 3-6 ft | Wetland perennial; not for standing water over crown |
| Swamp Rose Mallow | Hibiscus moscheutos | F | A | 4–7 ft | 4-6" wht-pink flwrs with purp-crimson base (sum-fall) |
| Blue Flag Iris | Iris versicolor | F-P | A | 24–36 in | 3-4" blue flowers with yellow and white markings |
| Tall Blue Lettuce | Lactuca biennis | F-P | A-W | 3–8 ft | Biennial; milky sap can irritate skin |
| Blazing Star | Liatris spp. | F-P | A-D | 12–36 in | Spike-like flowers late summer and early fall |
| Great Blue Lobelia | Lobelia siphilitica | F-P | A-W | 12–36 in | Elongated cluster of pale-dark blue flwrs late sum-fall |
| Lanceleaf Loosestrife | Lysimachia lanceolata | P-F | A-W | 1-2 ft | Nodding yellow blooms on prairie perennial; needs consistent moisture |
| American Wild Mint | Mentha arvensis | F-P | W-A | 6in-2ft | Native wetland mint; spreads by rhizome; flowers at leaf joints |
| Spotted Beebalm | Monarda punctata | F | D | 1-3 ft | Thyme-scented; purple-spotted flowers draw wasps and bees |
| Monarda | Monarda spp. | F-P | A | 3–4 ft | Bloom July-August and beyond; attracts hummingbirds |
| Bay Forget-me-not | Myosotis laxa | F-P | W-A | 4-16 in | Tiny blue wildflower for wet soil; native, not the garden species |
| American Lotus | Nelumbo lutea | F | W | Leaves/flowers 1-6 ft above water | Aquatic perennial; large ponds/lakes only |
| Spatterdock | Nuphar advena | F-P | W | 0-1 ft above water | Aquatic perennial; shade-tolerant, tolerates slow current |
| American White Waterlily | Nymphaea odorata | F | W | Floating leaves; no emergent height | Aquatic perennial; still water 1-4 ft deep |
| Eastern Prickly-pear | Opuntia humifusa | F | D | 4–12 in (spreads 2–6 ft) | Native cactus, yellow flowers, sharp glochids, sandy/rocky soil |
| Switch Grass | Panicum virgatum | F | A | 4–5⅓ ft | Warm season grass; sod forming; red-tinged foliage |
| Wild Quinine | Parthenium integrifolium | F-P | A-D | 2-4 ft | Long-blooming white prairie forb; handle foliage with gloves |
| Beardtongue | Penstemon spp. | F | D | 2–4 ft | Attracts hummingbirds |
| Spotted Phlox | Phlox maculata | F-P | A-W | 2-3 ft | Fragrant pink wet-meadow perennial; blooms June-Aug |
| Summer Phlox | Phlox paniculata | F-P | A-W | 2–4 ft | Attractive fall flowers attract butterflies |
| Texas Frogfruit | Phyla nodiflora | F-P | W-D | 2-6 in, spreading 3+ ft | Mat-forming lawn alternative; butterfly host; tolerates mowing |
| Pokeweed | Phytolacca americana | F-P | A | 4-10 ft | Poisonous perennial; exceptional fall bird food; self-sows |
| Common Cinquefoil | Potentilla simplex | F-P | A-D | 4-10 in | Mat-forming groundcover; tolerates mowing, poor soil; deer resistant |
| Rabbit Tobacco | Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium | F-P | A-D | 1-3 ft | Annual/biennial; dry poor soils; cream everlasting flowers fall |
| Gray-headed Coneflower | Ratibida pinnata | F-P | A-D | 3-5 ft | Long-blooming prairie perennial with drooping yellow rays, anise scent |
| Cloudberry | Rubus chamaemorus | F-P | W | 4-10 in | Acidic bog only; rare outside AK; dioecious, needs both sexes to fruit |
| Brown-eyed Susan | Rudbeckia fulgida | F-P | A | 5 ft | Good, lasting cut flowers |
| Wild Petunia | Ruellia humilis | F-P | D-A | 6-18 in | Low bushy prairie/glade native; drought-tolerant, butterfly host plant |
| Lyreleaf Sage | Salvia lyrata | F-P | A-D | 0.5-2 ft | Flat lobed rosette; lavender spikes; tolerates mowing, self-seeds |
| Purple Pitcher Plant | Sarracenia purpurea | F-P | W | 4-12 in (rosette) | Carnivorous bog obligate; needs sphagnum/peat & rainwater |
| Tall Goldenrod | Solidago altissima | F-P | A-D | 3–7 ft | Spreads by rhizome; vital late-season pollinator nectar source |
| Canada Goldenrod | Solidago canadensis | F-P | A | 2-5 ft | Fast-spreading fall bloomer, superb for pollinators; needs room |
| Goldenrod | Solidago spp. | F | A-D | 3–7 ft | Common yellow wildflower |
| Aromatic Aster | Symphyotrichum oblongifolium | F | D-A | 1-2.5 ft | Dry/rocky sites; cultivar 'October Skies' widely sold |
| Tall Meadow-rue | Thalictrum pubescens | F-S | A-W | 3-6 ft | Airy white summer bloom; moist to wet soil; sun to shade |
| Virginia Spiderwort | Tradescantia virginiana | F-P | A-W | 1-2 ft | Grass-like clumps; purple flowers close by afternoon |
| White Vervain | Verbena urticifolia | F-P | A | 2-5 ft | Airy white spikes; moist soil; native alt to V. bonariensis |
| Wingstem | Verbesina alternifolia | F-P | A-W | 3-8 ft | Spreads by rhizome in moist soil; late-summer yellow blooms |
New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern New Jersey Perennials - Shade
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Sun | Moisture | Height | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maidenhair Fern | Adiantum pedatum | P-S | A | 18–36 in | Airy fan-shaped bl-grn fronds on delicate black stems |
| White Snakeroot | Ageratina altissima | P-S | A-W | 1-4 ft | Toxic woodland perennial; part shade, moist soil; spreads by rhizome |
| Wood Anemone | Anemone quinquefolia | P-S | A | 4–8 in | Spring-ephemeral groundcover; toxic sap, disappears by early summer |
| Wild Columbine | Aquilegia canadensis | P-S | A-D | 12–30 in | Unique red and yellow flowers attract hummingbirds |
| Wild Sarsaparilla | Aralia nudicaulis | P-S | A | 1-2 ft | Rhizomatous woodland ground cover; white umbels, dark berries |
| Spikenard | Aralia racemosa | P-S | A-W | 3–5 ft | Bushy plant; sm. wht flwrs produce red berries in fall |
| Jack-in-the-Pulpit | Arisaema triphyllum | P-S | A | 12 in or more | Spathe appears Mar-May; red berries late summer-fall |
| Goat's Beard | Aruncus dioicus | P-S | A | 4–6 ft | 6-10" plumes of small cream-colored flowers |
| Wild Ginger | Asarum canadensis | P-S | A | 6 in | Evergreen ground cover; heart-shaped glossy leaves |
| Blue Wood Aster | Aster cordifolius | P-S | A-D | 12–36 in | Blue flowers in September-October |
| Wild Calla | Calla palustris | P-S | W | 6-12 in | Bog/pond-margin arum; needs saturated soil or shallow water |
| Creeping Sedge | Carex laxiculmis | P-S | A-D | 0.3–1.5 ft | Evergreen dry-shade sedge; slow clumping groundcover, deer resistant |
| Seersucker Sedge | Carex plantaginea | P-S | A | 8–12 in | Puckered-leaf shade sedge; rich moist soil, slow clump, deer resistant |
| Eastern star sedge | Carex radiata | P-S | A-W | 8–18 in | Fine-leaved woodland sedge; shade; good dry-shade groundcover |
| River Oats | Chasmanthium latifolium | F-S | A | 4 ft | Grass turns copper in fall; bamboo-like appearance |
| Green-and-Gold | Chrysogonum virginianum | F-P | A | 6–12 in | Yellow blooms early spring through summer |
| Black Cohosh | Cimicifuga racemosa | P-S | A | 3–8 ft | Long slender candle-like clusters of wht flwrs; sum-fall |
| Spring Beauty | Claytonia virginica | S-F | A | 3–5 ft | Pink-white flowers Feb-May; plant dormant after |
| White Clintonia | Clintonia umbellulata | P-S | A-W | 6–16 in | Shade woodland groundcover; speckled white flowers, blue-black berries |
| Squirrel Corn | Dicentra canadensis | P-S | A | 6–10 in | Spring ephemeral woodland wildflower; toxic, deer resistant |
| Dutchman's Breeches | Dicentra cucullaria | S | A | 12 in | White-yellow flowers resemble pantaloons in spring |
| Fringed Bleeding Heart | Dicentra eximia | P-S | A | 12–18 in | Attractive foliage and pink and white flowers |
| Shield Fern | Dryopteris spp. | P-S | A | 18–24 in | Varied genera of ferns, some with interesting fall color |
| White Trout Lily | Erythronium albidum | P-S | A | 4–10 in | Spring ephemeral; slow to establish, never dig from the wild |
| Yellow Trout Lily | Erythronium americanum | P-S | A | 3–6 in | Large, six-petalled yellow flowers |
| Sweet-scented Bedstraw | Galium triflorum | P-S | A | 6-24 in trailing groundcover | Fragrant shade groundcover for rich, consistently moist soil |
| Wild Geranium | Geranium maculatum | F-S | A | 12–24 in | 1" lavender-purple flowers in spring and summer |
| Indian Physic | Gillenia stipulata | P-S | D-A | 2-3 ft | Airy white flowers; dry shade perennial; root historically emetic |
| Oak Fern | Gymnocarpium dryopteris | P-S | W-A | 6-14 in | Spreading colony fern for cool, moist deep shade |
| Alumroot | Heuchera americana | S | D | 12–36 in | Green-purple flwrs bloom on leafless stalks spr-sum |
| Hairy Alumroot | Heuchera villosa | P-S | A-D | 8-12 in (to 3 ft bloom) | Rock-dwelling native parent of 'Bronze Wave' & other cultivars |
| Wood Nettle | Laportea canadensis | P-S | A-W | 1-5 ft | Stinging hairs; moist shade; red admiral butterfly host |
| Twinflower | Linnaea borealis | P-S | A-W | 2-4 in | Evergreen groundcover for cool, acidic, shaded sites; slow to spread |
| Cardinal flower | Lobelia cardinalis | F-P | W | 3–5 ft | Terminal clusters of bright red flowers 1.5" long in fall |
| Great Blue Lobelia | Lobelia siphilitica | P-S | W | 12–36 in | Elongated cluster of pale-dark blue flwrs late sum-fall |
| Starry False Lily | Maianthemum stellatum | P-S | A-D | 8-18 in | Rhizomatous woodland groundcover; starry flowers; berries inedible |
| Virginia Bluebells | Mertensia virginica | P-S | A-W | 12–24 in | Nodding, trumpet-like 1" blue flwrs spring, early sum. |
| Winged Monkeyflower | Mimulus alatus | P-S | W-A | 1-3 ft | Wet-soil wildflower; violet blooms July-Sept; shade to part shade |
| Indian Pipe | Monotropa uniflora | S | A-W | 3-10 in | Non-photosynthetic; parasitizes fungi; never dig or transplant |
| Cinnamon Fern | Osmunda cinnamonea | P-S | A-W | 2–4 ft | Circ. cluster of arching fronds, reddish fertle fronds |
| Royal Fern | Osmunda regalis | P | A-W | 2–6 ft | Bipannate blade; pinnae resemble locust tree leaves |
| Yellow wood sorrel | Oxalis stricta | F-S | W-A | 4-12 in | Weedy native groundcover; oxalate leaves, not for eating |
| Allegheny spruge | Pachysandra procumbens | P-S | A | 9–12 in | Spikes of pink, white flwrs (spr); dark foliage in shade |
| American Ginseng | Panax quinquefolius | P-S | A | 8-24 in | Shade woodland herb; wild roots scarce/protected, buy nursery stock |
| Creeping Phlox | Phlox stolonifera | P-S | A | 6–12 in in flower | White, pink, purple-violet trumpet-shaped flwrs (spr) |
| Jacob's Ladder | Polemonium reptans | P-S | A | 12 in | Terminal clusters of light blue bell-shaped flwrs (Apr) |
| Carolina Wild Petunia | Ruellia caroliniensis | P-F | A-D | 1–2 ft | Dry-shade wildflower; daily lavender blooms, buckeye butterfly host |
| Smooth Ruellia | Ruellia strepens | P-S | A-W | 1–3 ft | Shade-tolerant bottomland wildflower; long bloom, buckeye host |
| Bloodroot | Sanguineria canadensis | S | A | 6–10 in | 2" white flwrs with yellow centers; roots have red sap |
| Zigzag Goldenrod | Solidago flexicaulis | P-S | A | 1–3 ft | Shade-loving goldenrod with zigzag stem; blooms late summer-fall |
| Smooth Hedgenettle | Stachys tenuifolia | P-F | A-W | 1-3 ft | Pink mint flowers Jun-Aug; wet meadows/rain gardens; spreads rhizome |
| Celandine Poppy | Stylophorum diphyllum | S | A | 18 in | 2" wide lemon-yellow flowers bloom spring, early sum |
| Skunk Cabbage | Symplocarpus foetidus | P-S | W-A | 1–2 ft | Deep-shade wetland forb; thermogenic spring bloom; toxic raw |
| Foamflower | Tiarella cordifolia | P-S | A | 6–12 in | Evergreen ground cover; feathery flowers Apr-June |
| Trillium | Trillium spp. | S | A | 6–12 in | White or pink flowers have three broad petals |
| American Stinging Nettle | Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis | P-S | A-W | 3–7 ft | Stings on contact, wear gloves; native butterfly host plant |
| Common Blue Violet | Viola sororia | F-S | A-W | 3-8 in | Spreads by rhizome; fritillary butterfly host |
| Barren Strawberry | Waldsteinia fragarioides | P-S | A | 3-6 in | Evergreen woodland groundcover; yellow flowers; fruit not edible |
| Sun Exposure | Soil Moisture | Drought Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| F = Full Sun | W = Wet | E = Excellent |
| P = Part Sun | A = Average | G = Good |
| S = Shade | D = Dry | M = Moderate |
| P = Poor |
Looking for a nursery that carries native New York, Pennsylvania & New Jersey plants?
Browse our native plant nursery directory: New York · Pennsylvania
