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Native Plant List for Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia

Last updated: September 4, 2026

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This is a "starter" list of native plants for Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is intended for residential or commercial landscapers who want to create attractive and varied native landscapes.

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Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia Trees

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height Comments
Fraser Fir Abies fraseri F-P A 30-50 ft High-elevation conifer; needs cool, moist climate
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 A-W 40–60 ft Excellent fall color, red buds and twigs late winter
Sugar Maple Acer saccharum F-P A 50–75 ft Excellent fall color, beautiful large shade tree
Canada Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis F A-W 25 ft Showy, white flowers (Mar-Jun); edible fruit (Jun-July)
Smooth Serviceberry Amelanchier laevis F-P D-A 40 ft Showy, white flowers (Mar-Jun); edible fruit (Jun-July)
Paw Paw Asimina triloba P-S A 40 ft Unique fruit resembles & tastes like banana
Yellow Birch Betula alleghaniensis F-P A 60–75 ft Does best in cool soils, beautiful bark
Mountain Paper Birch Betula cordifolia F-P A-W 40-60 ft Relative of Paper Birch; white peeling bark; cool, moist, high sites
Black Birch Betula lenta F-P A 40–55 ft Golden yellow fall color
River Birch Betula nigra F A-W 40–70 ft Modest yellow fall color; seeds attract birds
Water Hickory Carya aquatica F-P W-A 60-100 ft Bottomland tree of flooded clay flats and sloughs; bitter inedible nut
Pignut Hickory Carya glabra P-S D 50–60 ft Golden yellow fall color; rapid growth rate
Shagbark Hickory Carya ovata F-P A 70–90 ft Yellow to gold-brown fall color; squirrels eat 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
Redbud (Eastern) Cercis canadensis P-S A 20–30 ft Rosy, pink flowers in early spring
Atlantic White Cedar Chamaecyparis thyoides P-S A-W 40–50 ft Green to bluish-green needle-like foliage
Fringetree Chionanthus virginicus F-P A 12–20 ft Wispy, creamy, white fragrant flowers in May
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum P-S A-W 6–15 ft Flat, white flower head mid-spring- not fragrant
Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida P-S D-A 25–30 ft White flowers (spring); berries attract birds (fall)
Stiff Dogwood Cornus foemina F-P A-W 10–25 ft Wetland shrub; white spring flowers, blue fall berries
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
Persimmon Diospyros virginiana F-S D-A 30–50 ft Yellow/orange/mauve fall color; butterfly larval plant
American Beech Fagus grandifolia F-S A 50–80 ft Golden brown fall color; nuts attract birds & squirrels
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 pensylvanica F-P A 50–60 ft Grows fast, tolerates salt; yellow fall color
Butternut Juglans cinerea F A 40-60 ft Edible nuts; declining from butternut canker disease
Red Cedar (Eastern) Juniperus virginiana F-P D-A 30–40 ft Good for screening; attracts birds
Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua F-S A-W 60–95 ft Brilliant ylw/orng/scarlet/prpl fall color; fruit litters lawn
Tulip-tree Liriodendron tulipifera F A 40–95 ft Attracts hummingbirds/birds/squirrels; butterfly host
Fraser Magnolia Magnolia fraseri P-S A 30–50 ft Huge fragrant flowers; rose-pink fruit; needs moist cove soil
Bigleaf Magnolia Magnolia macrophylla P-F A-W 30-40 ft Largest native leaf & flower; needs shelter from wind, rich moist soil
Sweetbay Magnolia Magnolia viginiana 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
Water Tupelo Nyssa aquatica F-P W 80–100 ft Swamp tree with buttressed base; source of tupelo honey
Black Gum Nyssa sylvatica F-P A 40–60 ft Yellow/orange/red/purple fall color; fruit attracts birds
Shortleaf Pine Pinus echinata F-P D 70–90 ft Dark blue-green needles; seeds eaten by 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
Pond Pine Pinus serotina F W-A 40-70 ft Wet, acidic soil; fire-adapted; crooked form; coastal plain NJ-AL
Loblolly Pine Pinus taeda F D-W 50–90 ft Dark green needles; rapid growth; seeds for brids
Virginia Pine Pinus virginiana F D 15–40 ft Foliage useful for Christmas decor., seeds for birds
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis F-P A-W 70–95 ft Leaves drop all summer; white mottled bark
Chickasaw Plum Prunus angustifolia F-P A-D 6–25 ft Thorny thicket-forming plum; early white bloom, red-orange fruit
Wild Black Cherry Prunus serotina F-P D 50–80 ft Messy; small, edible berries in summer; attracts birds
White Oak Quercus alba F-P D 60–90 ft Brown/red/wine fall color; acorns for birds/squirrels
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
Southern Red Oak Quercus falcata P-S D-A 70–90 ft Brown fall color; drought tolerant
Sand Live Oak Quercus geminata F A-D 20–40 ft Scrubby evergreen oak for dry sand; scrub-jay habitat plant
Darlington Oak Quercus hemisphaerica F D-A 60-80 ft Fast, semi-evergreen; sandy soil; avoid spring pruning (oak wilt)
Shingle Oak Quercus imbricaria F A-W 50-65 ft Willow-like unlobed leaves; tolerates clay/wet soil; avoid spring cuts
Bluejack Oak Quercus incana F D 30-50 ft Slow-growing sandhill tree for deep, dry sand only
Turkey Oak Quercus laevis F D 20-30 ft Deep dry sand only; sandhill/scrub specialist, poor in garden soil
Overcup Oak Quercus lyrata F A-W 40-60 ft Bottomland tree; flood-tolerant; acorn cup encloses most of nut
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
Water Oak Quercus nigra F-P A-W 50–80 ft Fast-growing oak; weak wood, short-lived; heavy acorn producer
Pin Oak Quercus palustris P-S A-W 60–80 ft Russett/bronze/red fall color
Willow Oak Quercus phellos F-P A-W 60–80 ft Yellow to yellow-brown fall color; less mesy oak variety
Northern Red Oak Quercus rubra F-P D-A 60–75 ft Russett 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
Post Oak Quercus stellata F D 40–50 ft Variable fall color; non-showy to golden brown
Black Oak Quercus velutina P-S D 50–60 ft Reddish brown fall color
Smooth Sumac Rhus glabra F D-A 9–15 ft Velvety red fruit on female plants;persist into winter
Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia F-P A-D 30–50 ft Fast nitrogen-fixer; suckers freely; toxic parts; Appalachian/Ozark
Black Willow Salix nigra F-P A-W 50 ft or more Host plant for butterflies
Sassafras Sassafras albidum F-P D-A 30–60 ft Yllw flowers (April) clear yllw/orng/pink/scarlet fall color
Mountain Camellia Stewartia ovata P-S A-W 10–20 ft Rare Appalachian understory tree; large white summer flowers, shade
Slippery Elm Ulmus rubra F-P A 40-60 ft Fast shade tree; mucilaginous inner bark; some Dutch elm disease risk

Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia Shrubs

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height Comments
Common Alder Alnus serrulata F-S W 15–20 ft Yellow & orange fall color; fruit eaten by birds
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 P-S A-W 6–10 ft Red berries load shrub; eaten by mamals & birds
Black Chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa F-P D-W 3–5 ft Dependable showy orange/burgandy/purple fall color
Sea Oxeye Daisy Borrichia frutescens F W-A 1–3 ft Salt-marsh subshrub; tolerant of tidal flooding and salt spray
Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis F-P W 6–12 ft Creamy, white somewhat fragrant flowers (Jun-Aug)
Leatherleaf Chamaedaphne calyculata F-P W 1-3 ft Evergreen bog shrub; acidic, saturated soil; early white flowers
Sweet Pepper-bush Clethra alnifolia P-S A-W 5–8 ft Small white fragrant flowers(Jul-Aug); yellow leaves fall
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum P-S A-W 6–10 ft Creamy white flowers (May-Jun); no fall color
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
Black Huckleberry Gaylussacia baccata P-S D-A 12–36 in Edible fruit- ancestor of blueberries
Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana P-S D-A 15–30 ft Fragrant creamy to bright yellow flowers in fall
Beach Heather Hudsonia tomentosa F D 6-12 in Silvery dune mat; needs full sun, pure sand, excellent drainage
Longstalk Holly Ilex collina P-F W-A 6-13 ft Rare deciduous bog holly, long red fruit stalks; needs wet acidic soil
Inkberry Ilex glabra P-S D-A 4–8 ft Evergreen shrub; forms suckering colonies
Winterberry Ilex verticillata F-P A-W 6–15 ft Bright-red berries into winter; attracts birds
Virginia Willow Itea virginica P-S W 3–6 ft Spectacular & long-lasting yllw/orng/crimson fall color
Marsh Elder Iva fruitescens F A-W 8 ft No fall color; inconspicuous flowers; evergreen
Mountain Laurel Kalmia latifolia P-S A 5–12 ft Evergreen foliage; pink-white showy flowers (May-Jun)
Spicebush Lindera benzoin S A 6–12 ft Yllw, spicily-fragrant flowers (late winter);red fruit in fall
Staggerbush Lyonia mariana F-P A-D 2-6 ft Needs dry, sandy, acidic soil; avoid clay and lime
Southern Wax Murtle Myrica cerifera P-S D-A 15–20 ft Leaves are fragrant when crushed; olive green in color
Northern Bayberry Myrica pensylvanica F D-W 5–8 ft Semi-evergreen; transplants well
Mountain Fetterbush Pieris floribunda P-S A 3-6 ft Toxic evergreen; smooth leaves, upright flowers unlike Jap. Pieris
Bear Oak Quercus ilicifolia F D 6-15 ft Thicket-forming shrub oak; dry sandy/rocky barrens only
Pinxter Flower Rhododendron periclymenoides P-S A-W 4–6 ft Pale, pink flowers in late May
Swamp Azalea Rhododendron viscosum F-P A-W 2–8 ft Very fragrant, sticky, white flowers in early summer
Fragrant Sumac Rhus aromatica F-P D 2–6 ft Showy orange to reddish-purple fall color
Pasture Rose Rosa carolina F-P D-A 12–36 in 1" pink flowers (Jun-July)
Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis F-P A 3-6 ft Fast-spreading edge bramble; cut spent canes after fruiting
Common Elderberry Sambucus canadensis F A-W 5–12 ft Showy white flowers (July); edible fruit (Sep)
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
Lowbush Blueberry Vaccinium angustifolium F D 6–24 in Twiggy shrub, wht flowers (May); red/bronze fall color
Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum F-S D-W 6–12 ft Excellent fall color; fruit edible for humans/wildlife
Arrowwood Viburnum Viburnum dentatum F-P D-A 5–9 ft Flowers (May-June); small blue-black berries in fall
Possum-haw Viburnum Viburnum nudum P-S W 5–20 ft Clusters of small, white flowers (May-July)
Black-haw Viburnum Viburnum prunifolium F-P A 12–15 ft White flowers (spring); fruit attracts birds; edible
Adam's Needle Yucca filamentosa F-P A-D 2-3 ft (flower stalk to 8 ft) Evergreen rosette; curly leaf filaments; tall white flower spike

Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia Flowering Perennials

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height Comments
White Snakeroot Ageratina altissima P-S A-W 1-4 ft Toxic woodland perennial; part shade, moist soil; spreads by rhizome
Nodding Wild Onion Allium cernuum F-P A-D 8–20 in Dry soil; nodding white-pink summer flowers; deer resistant
Wood Anemone Anemone quinquefolia P-S A 4–8 in Spring-ephemeral groundcover; toxic sap, disappears by early summer
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 Sarsaparilla Aralia nudicaulis P-S A 1-2 ft Rhizomatous woodland ground cover; white umbels, dark berries
Heart-leaved Aster Aster cordifolius F-P A 1–4 ft Blue-purple flowers (Aug-Nov)
Whte Wood Aster Aster divaricatus F-P D-A 12–36 in Clusters of white flowers late summer into fall
New England Aster Aster novae-angliae F-P D-A 3–7 ft Bright lavender flowers with yellow centers late sum-fall
New York Aster Aster novi-belgii F-P A 3–4 ft Flowers purple with yellow centers; bloom early fall
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-P W 12–24 in 1-1.5" bright yellow flowers in spring and summer
White Turtlehead Chelone glabra P-S W 12–36 in White to pink 1-1.5" flowers summer into fall
Rose Turtlehead Chelone obliqua F-P A-W 2-3 ft Late-summer hooded pink flowers; bumblebee favorite for moist soil
Green and Gold Chrysogonum virginianum P A 4–10 in Long-blooming spreading groundcover; part shade; woodland edges
Water Hemlock Cicuta maculata F-P W 3-6 ft Extremely toxic; wetlands/ditches only, not for gardens
Black Cohosh Cimicifuga racemosa P-S A 3–8 ft Long slender clusters of white flowers in summer, fall
White Clintonia Clintonia umbellulata P-S A-W 6–16 in Shade woodland groundcover; speckled white flowers, blue-black berries
Whorled Tickseed Coreopsis major F-P D-A 2–4 ft Whorled leaves, bright yellow summer blooms, pollinator favorite
Pink Tickseed Coreopsis rosea F-P W-A 8–20 in Rare pondshore native; wet sandy soil only; never wild-collect
Threadleaf Coreopsis Coreopsis verticillata F-P A-D 1-3 ft Fine thread-like foliage; long summer bloom; spreads by rhizomes
American Dittany Cunila origanoides F-P A-D 8-18 in Fragrant, late-blooming; needs lean rocky soil, not rich beds
Squirrel Corn Dicentra canadensis P-S A 6–10 in Spring ephemeral woodland wildflower; toxic, deer resistant
Dutchman's Breeches Dicentra cucullaria S A 5–12 in White and yellow pantaloon-like flowers in spring
Shooting Star Dodecatheon meadia F-P D 12–24 in 1" flower with 5 lilac, pink, white petals facing backwards
White Trout Lily Erythronium albidum P-S A 4–10 in Spring ephemeral; slow to establish, never dig from the wild
Mistflower Eupatorium coelestinum F-S A 12 in Attractive lavender flowers bloom in August
Common Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum F-P A-W 2–4 ft Flat-top clusters of small white flowers in the fall
Galax Galax urceolata P-S A 6–12 in (flowers to 2.5 ft) Evergreen Appalachian groundcover; white flower wands; shade
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
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
Sharp-lobed Hepatica Hepatica acutiloba S D-A 4–9 in White, pink, blue, or purple solitary flowers in spring
Round-lobed Hepatica Hepatica americana S D-A 4–6 in White, pink, blue, or purple solitary flowers in spring
Cow parsnip Heracleum maximum F-P A-W 4-8 ft Striking wildflower; sap is phototoxic, causes skin burns in sun
Alumroot Heuchera americana S D 12–36 in Grn-purple bell-shped flwrs on leaflss stalk in spring
Hairy Alumroot Heuchera villosa P-S A-D 8-12 in (to 3 ft bloom) Rock-dwelling native parent of 'Bronze Wave' & other cultivars
Eastern Rosemallow Hibiscus moscheutos F W 4–7 ft 4-6" white-pink flowers, purplish-crimson base sum, fall
Dwarf Crested Iris Iris cristata P-S A 4–8 in Pale lavender-blue crested flowers Apr-May
Dwarf Violet Iris Iris verna P D-A 4-6 in Tiny fragrant woodland iris; needs sandy, dry, well-drained soil
Virginia Blue Flag Iris virginica F-P W 12–24 in Blue sepals curve down; yellow base blooms late spring
Seashore Mallow Kosteletzkya pentacarpos F-P W 3–6 ft Salt-tolerant marsh native; pink blooms July–Oct
Tall Blue Lettuce Lactuca biennis F-P A-W 3–8 ft Biennial; milky sap can irritate skin
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 cluster of bright-red flowers 1.5" long in fall
Great Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica P-S W 12–36 in Elongated cluster of pale drk- blue flwrs summer/fall
Lupine Lupinus perennis F-P D 24–36 in Spikes of lavender flowers in early summer
Lanceleaf Loosestrife Lysimachia lanceolata P-F A-W 1-2 ft Nodding yellow blooms on prairie perennial; needs consistent moisture
Starry False Lily Maianthemum stellatum P-S A-D 8-18 in Rhizomatous woodland groundcover; starry flowers; berries inedible
American Wild Mint Mentha arvensis F-P W-A 6in-2ft Native wetland mint; spreads by rhizome; flowers at leaf joints
Virginia Bluebells Mertensia virginica P-S A-W 12–24 in Nodding, trumpet-like 1" lt. blue flwrs spring/summer
Early Saxifrage Micranthes virginiensis F-S D-A 4–12 in 5-petaled white flowers with 10 bright yellow stamen
Winged Monkeyflower Mimulus alatus P-S W-A 1-3 ft Wet-soil wildflower; violet blooms July-Sept; shade to part shade
Monkeyflower Mimulus ringens F W 12–36 in 1" violet flowers in summer and fall
Spotted Beebalm Monarda punctata F D 1-3 ft Thyme-scented; purple-spotted flowers draw wasps and bees
Indian Pipe Monotropa uniflora S A-W 3-10 in Non-photosynthetic; parasitizes fungi; never dig or transplant
Eastern Prickly-pear Opuntia humifusa F D 4–12 in (spreads 2–6 ft) Native cactus, yellow flowers, sharp glochids, sandy/rocky soil
Yellow wood sorrel Oxalis stricta F-S W-A 4-12 in Weedy native groundcover; oxalate leaves, not for eating
American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius P-S A 8-24 in Shade woodland herb; wild roots scarce/protected, buy nursery stock
Wild Quinine Parthenium integrifolium F-P A-D 2-4 ft Long-blooming white prairie forb; handle foliage with gloves
Arrow Alum Peltandra virginica F-P D 12–24 in Spathe in May to July
Spotted Phlox Phlox maculata F-P A-W 2-3 ft Fragrant pink wet-meadow perennial; blooms June-Aug
Moss Phlox Phlox subulata F D 4–6 in Trumpet-shaped red, purple, violet, pink, white flwrs
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
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum P-S A 12–18 in 1" sol. white bloom at fork of 2 leaf stalks in spring
Solomon's Seal Polygonatum biflorum P-S D-A 24–36 in .5" bell-shaped green-white flwrs hang from leaf axils
Pickerel Weed Pontederia cordata F W 2–4 ft Spikes of bright lavender or blue flowers summer - fall
Bowman's Root Porteranthus trifoliatus P-S A 24–36 in Narrow white-pink scraggly 5-petal flwrs in early summer
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
Orange Coneflower Rudbeckia fulgida F-P A-W 18-36 in Long-blooming rhizomatous native; good pollinator & finch food plant
Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta F-P D-A 24–36 in 2-4" flwr head with 10-20 bright yellow petals, sum-fall
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
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis S A 6–12 in 2" white flowers with yellow centers
Purple Pitcher Plant Sarracenia purpurea F-P W 4-12 in (rosette) Carnivorous bog obligate; needs sphagnum/peat & rainwater
Lizard's Tail Saururus cernuus F-P W 12–36 in Slender raceme of small shite flowers that droops at tip
Wild Stonecrop Sedum ternatum P-S A 4–5 in Flowers have 4-5 white petals with sharp points in spring
Fire Pink Silene virginica F-P D-A 12–18 in 1" red flowers with 5 spreading petals, 2-pronged at tip
Prairie Dock Silphium terebinthinaceum F A 4-10 ft Giant basal leaves; bare flower stalk; deep taproot, drought-tough
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
Zigzag Goldenrod Solidago flexicaulis P-S A 1–3 ft Shade-loving goldenrod with zigzag stem; blooms late summer-fall
Roughstem Goldenrod Solidago rugosa F-P A 2–5 ft Tiny flowers like strings of yellow beads (Aug-Oct)
Seaside Goldenrod Solidago sempervirens F-P A 1–8 ft 3" clusters bright yellow flwrs from clusters, sum-fall
Aromatic Aster Symphyotrichum oblongifolium F D-A 1-2.5 ft Dry/rocky sites; cultivar 'October Skies' widely sold
Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus P-S W-A 1–2 ft Deep-shade wetland forb; thermogenic spring bloom; toxic raw
Tall Meadow-rue Thalictrum pubescens F-S A-W 3-6 ft Airy white summer bloom; moist to wet soil; sun to shade
Clumping Foamflower Tiarella cordifolia S A 6–12 in Narrow cluster of small white flowers
Virginia Spiderwort Tradescantia virginiana F-P A-W 1-2 ft Grass-like clumps; purple flowers close by afternoon
White Trillium Trillium grandiflorum S A 6–24 in 2-2.5" white-pink flwr on eraect stalk with 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
Blue Vervain Verbena hastata F-P A-W 5 ft Small flowers crowded on terminal spikes (Jun-Oct)
Wingstem Verbesina alternifolia F-P A-W 3-8 ft Spreads by rhizome in moist soil; late-summer yellow blooms
New York Ironweed Vernonia noveboracensis F-P W 4–6 ft Purple flowers attract butterflies in summer
Marsh Blue Violet Viola cucullata F-P W 6–12 in Violet flowers with spurred lower tip blooms spring-summer
Common Blue Violet Viola sororia F-S A-W 3-8 in Spreads by rhizome; fritillary butterfly host
Walter's Violet Viola walteri P-S A-W 2–4 in Trailing groundcover for shaded, lime-rich woodland soil
Barren Strawberry Waldsteinia fragarioides P-S A 3-6 in Evergreen woodland groundcover; yellow flowers; fruit not edible

Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia Ferns and Vines

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height Comments
Western Maidenhair Fern Adiantum aleuticum F-S W-A 1-3 ft Fan-shaped fronds on black stems; moist, mineral-rich rock crevices.
Maidenhair Fern Adiantum pedatum S A 18–36 in Tiny fan-shaped fronds held on delicate black stems
Climbing Fumitory Adlumia fungosa P-S A-W 6-13 ft (vine) Lacy biennial vine; small pink flowers; climbs rocks/shrubs.
Heartleaf Peppervine Ampelopsis cordata F-P A-W 15-25 ft (climbing vine) Fast-growing vine; multicolored berries not edible for people
American Groundnut (Potato Bean) Apios americana F-P W-A 6-10 ft (vine) Twining vine, fragrant maroon flowers, edible tubers; moist soil
Dutchman's Pipe Aristolochia macrophylla F-S A-W 20-30 ft Twining vine; pipevine swallowtail host plant; toxic, do not ingest
Spurred Butterfly Pea Centrosema virginianum F-P A-D trailing to 3-6 ft Twining native vine; lavender pea flowers; sunny, sandy, dry soil
Woolly Lip Fern Cheilanthes tomentosa F-P D 6-15 in Rock-crevice fern; curls in drought, regreens with rain; no rich soil
Western Blue Virgin's Bower Clematis occidentalis P-F A 1-10 ft Wiry climbing vine; rocky, well-drained sites only
Vasevine Clematis viorna F-P A 3-10 ft Well-mannered native vine for fences; part shade at roots
Atlantic Pigeonwings Clitoria mariana F-P D 1–2 ft Twining vine; dry sandy/rocky soil; showy upright lavender flowers
Woodvamp Decumaria barbara P-S W-A 20-40 ft (climbing) Clinging vine for shaded, moist sites; fragrant white summer flowers
Wild Yam Dioscorea villosa P A-W 10-20 ft (twining vine) Twining woodland-edge vine; heart-shaped leaves, winged seed capsules
Wild Cucumber Echinocystis lobata F-P A-W 15-25 ft (annual vine) Fast annual vine; spiny inedible fruit; reseeds readily
Scouring Rush Equisetum hyemale F-P W-A 2-5 ft Evergreen, jointed stems; spreads by rhizome; toxic to livestock
Climbing False Buckwheat Fallopia scandens F-P A-W 10-20 ft (vine) Fast twining native vine; fall/winter bird seed; give it room
Oak Fern Gymnocarpium dryopteris P-S W-A 6-14 in Spreading colony fern for cool, moist deep shade
Hops Humulus lupulus F-P A-W 15-25 ft (vine) Twining perennial vine; toxic to dogs; female plants produce hop cones
Wild Potato Vine Ipomoea pandurata F-P D-A 10-16 ft (trailing vine) Deep taproot, showy white/pink flowers; root not edible raw
Limber Honeysuckle Lonicera dioica F-P A-D 3-10 ft vine Non-invasive native vine; berries for birds only; hummingbirds
Moonseed Menispermum canadense P-F A-W Climbs 15-20 ft Twining native vine; poisonous fruit resembles wild grapes
Climbing Hempvine Mikania scandens F-P W 6–12 ft Twining wetland vine; frothy white blooms; host for little metalmark
Littleleaf Sensitive-briar Mimosa microphylla F D-A trailing, 3-6 ft spread Trailing legume; touch-sensitive leaves; pink pom-pom flowers
Sensitive Fern Onoclea sensibilis F-P A-W 12–24 in Deeply pinnate leaves; poisonous to livestock
Royal Fern Osmunda regalis P A-W 2–6 ft Tiny fan-shaped fronds held on delicate black stems
Cinnamon Fern Osmundastrum cinnamomeum F-P A-W 2–4 ft Circular cluster of arching fronds; cinnamon fronds
Virginia Creeper Parthenoc. quinquefolia F-P A 30–50 ft Excellent red fall color; attracts birds; salt tolerant
Purple Cliffbrake Pellaea atropurpurea F-P D 4-12 in Evergreen rock fern; needs limestone crevices, not garden soil
Broad Beech Fern Phegopteris hexagonoptera P-S A-W 8-20 in Deciduous colonial fern, winged rachis; spreads by rhizome in shade
Resurrection Fern Pleopeltis michauxiana P-S D 2-10 in fronds Epiphytic fern on bark; shrivels when dry, greens up after rain
Christmas Fern Polystich. acrostichoides S A 12–36 in Deeply pinnate leaves; poisonous to livestock
Northern Dewberry Rubus flagellaris F-P D-A 6-12 in (trails 3-8 ft) Trailing bramble, roots at tips; prickly stems; spreads readily
Smooth Carrionflower Smilax herbacea P-S A 6–15 ft (vine) Herbaceous vine; carrion-scented flowers; non-woody, no prickles
Laurel Greenbrier Smilax laurifolia F-P W 20–40+ ft (vine) Evergreen wetland vine forms dense thorny thickets
Roundleaf Greenbrier Smilax rotundifolia F-S A-D 10–20+ ft (vine) Thorny climbing vine; dense wildlife cover, winter berries
Marsh Fern Thelypteris palustris F-P W 1-2.5 ft Spreads by rhizome; wetland fern, tolerates more sun than most ferns
Riverbank Grape Vitis riparia F-P W-A 20-50 ft (climbing vine) Vigorous riverbank vine; cold-hardy parent of hybrid wine grapes
Muscadine Vitis rotundifolia F-P A Climbing vine, 60-100 ft Vigorous native grape; edible fruit; needs sturdy support
Wisteria frutescens Wisteria frutescens F-P A-W 30 ft Scented mauve flowers spotted with yellow

Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia Grasses

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height Comments
American Beach Grass Ammophila breviligulata F A-D 2–4 ft Dune-building rhizomatous grass; pure sand; not for inland gardens
Big Bluestem Andropogon gerardii F-P D-A 4–7 ft Warm-season;grn/bl-grn leaves;orange/red in fall
Broomsedge Andropogon verginicus F-P D-W 4 ft Grn leaves & stem turn dark red/purple/orange in fall
Bluejoint Reedgrass Calamagro. canadensis F-P A-W 2–4 ft Cool season grass; sod-forming
Eastern narrowleaf sedge Carex amphibola P-S A-W 8–20 in Clump-forming woodland sedge for dry to medium shade
Cherokee Sedge Carex cherokeensis P-S A-W 12-20 in Arching evergreen shade sedge; substitute for liriope/mondo grass
Long Hair Sedge Carex crinita F-P A-W 2–5 ft Seeds are eaten by waterfowl
Gray's sedge Carex grayi P-S A-W 18–36 in Spiky mace-like seed heads; great for rain gardens, wet shade
Lake sedge Carex lacustris F-P W 2–4 ft Spreading wetland sedge for shoreline stabilization, standing water
Creeping Sedge Carex laxiculmis P-S A-D 0.3–1.5 ft Evergreen dry-shade sedge; slow clumping groundcover, deer resistant
Sallow Sedge Carex lurida F-P A-W 12–36 in Green sedge; low maintenance
Pennsylvania Sedge Carex pensylvanica F-S D-A 12 in Greens early in spring; fine-leaved clumping perennial
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
Tussock Sedge Carex stricta F-P A-W 24–36 in Evergreen; blue flowers; best color in full sun
Texas Sedge Carex texensis P-S A-D 4–12 in Fine-textured native lawn alternative for dry to moist shade
Fox sedge Carex vulpinoidea F-P A-W 1–3 ft Sunny wet meadow sedge; bristly brown spikes; rain gardens, pond edges
Poverty Oatgrass Danthonia spicata F-S D-A 30 in Short-leaved, light green, tufted perennial
Common Spikerush Eleocharis palustris F-P W 8–32 in Rhizomatous wetland sedge; stabilizes pond/stream margins
Virginia Wildrye Elymus virginicus P-S D-A 36 in Distinguished by relatively stiff, erect spikes
Canada Rush Juncus canadensis F-P A-W 36 in Rapid growth; green foliaged flower
Soft Rush Juncus effusus F-P A-W 36 in Bright green cylindrical stems have no nodes or leaves
Rice Cutgrass Leersia oryzoides F-P A-W 5 ft Saw-toothed leaf edges can readily tear the flesh
Coastal Panic Grass Panicum amarum F D 12–24 in Clumping grass; grws well in sand good for beachfront
Switch Grass Panicum virgatum F-P D-W 4–6 ft Bluish cast in summer; reddish fall color
Starrush Whitetop Rhynchospora colorata F-P W-A 8-20 in Wetland sedge with star-shaped white bracts; rain gardens, pond edges
Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium F-P D-A 2–4 ft Brt. grn-light blue leaves turn tan/copper/orange/red
Chairmaker's Bulrush Schoenoplectus americanus F-P W 1-4 ft Leafless triangular-stemmed sedge; fresh/brackish marshes, pond edges
Woolgrass Bulrush Scirpus cyperinus F-P A-W 6 ft Inflorescense wooly-looking when mature
Indian Grass Sorghastrum nutans F-P D-A 12–24 in Late sum. silky-golden flowering plumes above foliage
American Burreed Sparganium americanum F-P W 24 in Leaf blades thick, strap-like; spherical bur-like flowers
Smooth Cordgrass Spartina alterniflora F W 1–7 ft Native Atlantic/Gulf marsh grass; invasive on Pacific Coast
Gama Grass Tripsacum dactyloides F-P A-W 5 ft Rich green foliage; distinctive flowers in spring
Broad-leaved Cattail Typha latifolia F A-W 6–10 ft Cylindrical flower mid-late sum.; fresh/dried arrangements
Sea Oats Uniola paniculata F D 3–6 ft Dune-builder; protected, do not pick from wild beaches
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

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3 thoughts on “Native Plant List for Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia”

  1. nice that maryland, virginia and west virginia are covered in one starter list. handy if you live near the state lines.

    Reply

    1. Thank you for the kind words! Wishing you a great growing season. -Plant Native Team

      Reply

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