Native Plants

Native Plant List – North Carolina and South Carolina

Last updated: September 5, 2026

This is a "starter" list of native plants for North Carolina and South Carolina. It is intended for residential or commercial landscapers who want to create attractive and varied native landscapes.

North Carolina and South Carolina 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	W-D	50–75 ft	Buds and young twigs are red/green fall color
Sugar Maple	Acer saccharum	F-P	A	50–75 ft	Excellent fall color; beautiful large shade tree
Yellow Buckeye	Aesculus flava	P-S	A	50–75 ft	Erect clusters of yellow flowers in spring; org. fall color
Serviceberry	Amelanchier arborea	F-P	A-D	15–25 ft	Yellow/orange./red fall color; white flowers in April
Devil's Walkingstick	Aralia spinosa	F-P	A-D	10–20 ft	Thorny; 3-4" clusters of wht flowers in sum.; birds like berries
Paw Paw	Asimina triloba	P-S	A	40 ft	Unique fruit resembles & tastes like banana
Yellow Birch	Betula alleghanienses	F-P	A	60–75 ft	Does best in cool soil; 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
Sweet 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; seed attracts birds
American Hornbeam	Carpinus caroliniana	P-S	W-A	20–30 ft	Good street tree; yellow/orange/scarlet fall color
Water Hickory	Carya aquatica	F-P	W-A	60-100 ft	Bottomland tree of flooded clay flats and sloughs; bitter inedible nut
Bitternut Hickory	Carya cordiformis	F-P	A	50–70 ft	Striking yellow buds; pinnately compound leaves
Pignut Hickory	Carya glabra	F-S	D	50–60 ft	Golden-yellow fall color; rapid growth rate
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
Chinquapin	Castanea pumila	F-S	A	20–25 ft	Slender spikes of strongly scented staminate flowers
Eastern Redbud	Cercis canadensis	F-S	A-D	20–30 ft	Clusters of rosy/pink flowers (Apr); flowers line branches/trunk
Fringetree	Chionanthus virginicus	F-P	A	12–20 ft	Wispy, creamy wht. fragrant flowers in May
Yellowwood	Cladrastis kentuckea	F-P	A	30–50 ft	Clusters of fragrant/wht pea-type flowers (spr); yllw. fall color
Pagoda Dogwood	Cornus alternifolia	P-S	W-D	15–25 ft	Clusters of wht. flowers (late sum.); Black berries, fall follage
Flowering Dogwood	Cornus florida	F-S	D-A	25–30 ft	Wht. flowers in spring turn into bird-attracting berries
Stiff Dogwood	Cornus foemina	F-P	A-W	10–25 ft	Wetland shrub; white spring flowers, blue fall berries
Washington Hawthorn	Crataegus phaenopyrum	F-P	A	25–30 ft	Wht. spring flowers; red fall berries; orange/scarlet fall color
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-P	D-A	30–50 ft	Yellow/orange/mauve color; butterfly larval plant
Beech	Fagus grandifolia	F-P	A	85 ft or more	Nuts in fall attract birds/mammals/humans
Loblolly Bay	Gordonia lasianthus	F-P	W	40-60 ft	Evergreen wetland tree; needs constant moisture, acidic soil
Carolina Silverbell	Halesia carolina	F-S	A	30 ft	Drooping large white bell-shaped flowers in early spring
Common Witch-hazel	Hamamelis virginiana	F-S	A	15–30 ft	1" fragrant, creamy to bright yellow flowers in fall
American Holly	Ilex opaca	F-S	A-D	20–40 ft	To ensure fruit, one male is needed per 2-3 females
Butternut	Juglans cinerea	F	A	40-60 ft	Edible nuts; declining from butternut canker disease
Red Cedar	Juniperus virginiana	F-P	A-D	40–50 ft	Offers nesting and cover to birds
Tulip Tree	Liriodendron tulipifera	F	A	70–90 ft	Large tulip-like flowers are yellow/grn./org. in May-June
Cucumber Tree	Magnolia acuminata	P-S	A	50–75 ft	Yellow/grn. magnolia-type flowers (spr); pink/red fuit in fall
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
Umbrella Tree	Magnolia tripetala	F-P	A	15–40 ft	6-8" wht. flowers spring w/unpleasant odor; red fruit in fall
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 Tupelo	Nyssa sylvatica	F	A-D	30–60 ft	Scarlet-red fall color
Hop-hornbeam	Ostrya virginiana	P-S	A	30–60 ft	Scarlet red autumn color
Sourwood	Oxydendrum arboreum	F-S	A-D	20–30 ft	Fragrant flowers in spring; yellow/pink/red in fall
Red Spruce	Picea rubens	F-P	A	60–70 ft	Evergreen; 2" green/purple cones mature to red/brown
Slash Pine	Pinus elliottii	F	A-W	60-80 ft	Fast-growing wet-flatwoods pine; tolerates seasonal standing water
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
Sycamore	Platanus occidentalis	F-P	A-W	70–90 ft	leaves drop all summer; white molted bark
American Plum	Prunus americana	F-P	W-D	12–20 ft	White fragrant flowers in spring; 1" red/yellow fruit in summer
Chickasaw Plum	Prunus angustifolia	F-P	A-D	6–25 ft	Thorny thicket-forming plum; early white bloom, red-orange fruit
Pin Cherry	Prunus pensylvanica	F-P	W-D	25–40 ft	Leaves poisonous to livestock; fruit attracts birds
Black Cherry	Prunus serotina	F-P	D	50–80 ft	Messy tree; small edible berries in sum. attract birds
Hoptree	Ptelea trifoliata	F-S	A	15–20 ft	Small, white fragrant flowers; yellow/green fall color
White Oak	Quercus alba	F-P	D	60–90 ft	Brown/red/ bright red fall color; grows rapidly
Chapman Oak	Quercus chapmanii	F-P	A-D	6-25 ft, usually under 15 ft in scrub	Florida scrub oak; deep sand; key scrub-jay & tortoise habitat
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
Oglethorpe Oak	Quercus oglethorpensis	F-P	A-W	60-80 ft	IUCN Endangered; wet clay only; nursery-propagated stock only
Red Oak	Quercus rubra	F-P	D-A	60–75 ft	Russett red to bright red fall color; grows rapidly
Swamp Post Oak	Quercus similis	F	W-A	50-80 ft	Bottomland oak for wet, calcareous soils; slow-growing, long-lived
Post Oak	Quercus stellata	F-P	D	40–50 ft	Variable fall color; non-showy to golden-brown
Black Locust	Robinia pseudoacacia	F-P	A-D	30–50 ft	Fast nitrogen-fixer; suckers freely; toxic parts; Appalachian/Ozark
Cabbage Palm	Sabal palmetto	F-P	A-D	40–60 ft	Slow-growing coastal palm; salt, wind and drought tolerant
Coastal Plain Willow	Salix caroliniana	F-P	W	15–30 ft	Fast wet-site tree for streambanks and pond edges; not for dry soil
Common Sassafras	Sassafras albidum	F-P	D-A	30–60 ft	Yellow flowers (Apr); clear yellow/orange/pink/scarlet fall color
Gum Bumelia	Sideroxylon lanuginosum	F-P	A-D	20-40 ft	Tough, soil-adaptable shade tree; fragrant late-summer bloom; spiny
Mountain Camellia	Stewartia ovata	P-S	A-W	10–20 ft	Rare Appalachian understory tree; large white summer flowers, shade
American Linden	Tilia americana	F-S	A	60–80 ft	Clusters of creamy yellow fragrant flowers in early
Canadian Hemlock	Tsuga canadensis	F-S	A	40–60 ft	When grown in sun this evergreen requires consistent watering
Carolina Hemlock	Tsuga caroliniana	F-S	A	30–70 ft	Good screen for cool, shady areas
Slippery Elm	Ulmus rubra	F-P	A	40-60 ft	Fast shade tree; mucilaginous inner bark; some Dutch elm disease risk
Blackhaw Viburnum	Viburnum rufidulum	F-S	D-A	10–15 ft	Showy clusters of wht. flowers that leap out from follage

North Carolina and South Carolina Shrubs

Common Name	Scientific Name	Sun	Moisture	Height	Comments
Tag Alder	Alnus serrulata	F-P	W	40 ft	Can fix nitrogen
Roundleaf Serviceberry	Amelanchier sanguinea	F-P	A-D	4-10 ft	Thicket-forming shrub for dry, sandy or rocky soil; sweet edible fruit
Climbing Aster	Ampelaster carolinianus	F-P	A-W	4-12 ft	Scrambling shrub; fall lavender blooms; wants moisture, support
Red Chokeberry	Aronia arbutifolia	F-P	W-A	6–11 ft	Red berries load shrub & are eaten by mammals and birds
Black Chokeberry	Aronia melanocarpa	F-P	D-W	3–5 ft	Dependable showy orange, burgundy & purple fall color
Sea Oxeye Daisy	Borrichia frutescens	F	W-A	1–3 ft	Salt-marsh subshrub; tolerant of tidal flooding and salt spray
Sweetshrub	Calycanthus floridus	P-S	A	6–10 ft	Interesting brown blooms Apr-July
New Jersey Tea	Ceanothus americanus	F-P	D	36 in	Short spikes of tiny white flowers in June
Leatherleaf	Chamaedaphne calyculata	F-P	W	1-3 ft	Evergreen bog shrub; acidic, saturated soil; early white flowers
Cinnamonbark	Clethra acuminata	F-P	A	8–15 ft	Twisted racines of white lily-of-the-valley like fragrant flowers
Sweetfern	Comptonia peregrina	F-P	A-D	2–4 ft	Lacy serrated foliage which is pleasantly aromatic
Silky Dogwood	Cornus amomum	F-S	A-W	6–10 ft	Creamy white flowers May-Jun; no fall color
Hazelnut	Corylus americana	F-S	A	12–15 ft	Edible nuts; suckering
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
Bush-honeysuckle	Diervilla sessilifolia	F-S	A	4–6 ft	Small yellow flowers on tips of new growth all summer
Trailing Arbutus	Epigaea repens	P-S	A	4-6 in	Fragrant evergreen groundcover; acidic soil; never dig from wild
Coralbean	Erythrina herbacea	F-P	D-A	3-10 ft	Scarlet spring flowers before leaves; toxic seeds; thorny stems
Hearts-a-bustin	Euonymus americanus	P-S	A	4–6 ft	Purplish flowers in May; Red seed pods in Sept, attracts birds
Swamp Privet	Forestiera acuminata	F-P	W-A	10-20 ft	Wetland shrub; tolerates standing water; blooms before leaves
Large Fothergilla	Fotherfilla major	F-P	A	6–10 ft	Showy, fragrant flowers in spring; spectacular fall leaves
Dwarf Fothergilla	Fothergilla gardenii	F-P	A-W	2-3 ft	Fragrant spring blooms; brilliant fall color; needs moist acidic soil
Swamp Jessamine	Gelsemium rankinii	P-S	W-A	10-20 ft climbing vine	Toxic wetland vine; unscented flowers, needs wet acidic soil
Snowhill Hydrangea	Hydrangea arborescens	P-S	A	4–6 ft	Large clusters of flat, creamy white flowers Jun-Jul
Dense Hypericum	Hypericum densiflorum	F-P	W-D	4–6 ft	Golden yellow 1" flowers in late spring
Shrubby St.John's Wort	Hypericum prolificum	F-P	A	1–5 ft	Showy 1" yellow flowers bloom Jun-Sept
Longstalk Holly	Ilex collina	P-F	W-A	6-13 ft	Rare deciduous bog holly, long red fruit stalks; needs wet acidic soil
Mountain Winterberry	Ilex montana	F-P	A	15–40 ft	Red berries on female plants
Common Winterberry	Ilex verticillata	F-S	A-W	6–15 ft	Red berries on female plants persist into winter & attract birds
Virginia sweetspire	Itea virginica	F-S	W	3–6 ft	Spectacular long lasting yellow, orange, crimson fall color
Mountain Laurel	Kalmia latifolia	F-P	A	8–10 ft	Pink, red, or white flowers in late spring
Drooping leucothoe	Leucothoe fontanesiana	P-S	A	3–5 ft	Lance-shaped leaves on slender stems. few branches
Gopher Apple	Licania michauxii	F-P	D	6-12 in	Spreading groundcover; favorite food of gopher tortoise
Spicebush	Lindera benzoin	P-S	A	6–12 ft	Yellow spicily fragrant flowers in 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
Turk's Cap	Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii	P-S	A	2–6 ft	Shade-tolerant; red hummingbird flowers; dies back in freeze
Mock Orange	Philadelphus inodorus	F-P	W	10–12 ft	White fragrant blooms smell like orange blossoms
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
Needle Palm	Rhapidophyllum hystrix	P-S	A	3–6 ft	Cold-hardy native shrub palm; sharp needles at base; shade
Flame Azalea	Rhodod. calendulaceum	P-S	A	4–8 ft	Yellow, orange, scarlet flowers in late spring
Carolina Rhododendron	Rhodod. carolinianum	P-S	A	3–5 ft	Light to dark pink flowers mid-May; evergreen
Pinxter Azalea	Rhodod. periclymenoides	P-S	A	6–10 ft	Variable flower color - often pink flowers before leaves emerge
Sweet Azalea	Rhododend. arborescens	F-S	A	3–6 ft	Fragrant white to pink flowers, red stamen in early summer
Rosebay Rhododendron	Rhododend. maximum	P-S	A-W	15–40 ft	Huge clusters of white to deep pink flowers with yellow spots
Mountain Rosebay	Rhododendron catawbiense	F-S	A	6–10 ft	5-6" unbel of lilac-purple to pale pink flowers mid-spring
Oconee Azalea	Rhododendron flammeum	F-P	A-D	4-8 ft	Toxic flame-orange azalea; dry woods, deer-resistant
Pinkshell Azalea	Rhododendron vaseyi	F-P	A-W	5–10 ft	Pink/white flowers with orange freckles emerge before leaves
Smooth Sumac	Rhus glabra	F-P	D-A	9–15 ft	Velvety red fruit on female plants that persist into winter
Carolina Rose	Rosa carolina	F-P	W-D	3–4 ft	Yellow, orange, red fall color; pink flowers May-July
Swamp Rose	Rosa palustris	F-P	A-W	4–6 ft	Fragrant flowers in summer, red hips in fall
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-S	W-A	12 ft	Provides good wildlife habitat
Elderberry	Sambucus canadensis	F-S	A-W	5–12 ft	Showy white flowers in July, edible fruit in Sept
Saw Palmetto	Serenoa repens	F-P	A-D	3-8 ft	Slow-growing evergreen understory palm; sharp saw-toothed petioles
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
Coral Berry	Symphoricar. orbiculatus	F-S	A	2–5 ft	Bell shaped flowers become clusters of large pink berries
Poison Sumac	Toxicodendron vernix	F-P	W	6-30 ft	Severely allergenic wetland shrub; identification only, do not plant
Highbush Blueberry	Vaccinium corymbosum	F-P	D-W	6–12 ft	Excellent fall color; fruit readily eaten by humans & wildlife
Cranberry	Vaccinium macrocarpon	F-P	W-A	4–8 in	Pink bell-shaped flowers in spring; edible fruits
Lowbush Blueberry	Vaccinium pallidum	F-P	A-D	12–16 in	Sets some fruit even in shade; has white/pink flowers
Deerberry	Vaccinium stamineum	F-P	A	10–15 ft	Twisted trunks; bell-shaped flowers; sweet, spicy tasting fruit
Rabbiteye Blueberry	Vaccinium virgatum	F-P	A-D	6-15 ft	Needs acidic soil; plant 2+ for fruit; edible berries, bird favorite
Maple-leaf Viburnum	Viburnum acerifolium	F-P	A-D	6 ft	Pie-shapedclusters of creamy-white flowers; beautiful fall color
Hobblebush	Viburnum alnifolium	P-S	A	6–10 ft	White flowers; red to black berries; yellow/orange/red fall color
Witherod Viburnum	Viburnum cassinoides	F-S	A-W	5–6 ft	White flowers; green, pink, red, blue, & black berries
Arrowwood	Viburnum dentatum	F-P	W-A	6–12 ft	Creamy-white blooms in spring
Walter's Viburnum	Viburnum obovatum	F-P	A-W	6-15 ft	Dense evergreen shrub, white spring flowers, bird-friendly fruit
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

North Carolina and South Carolina Herbaceous Perennials

Common Name	Scientific Name	Sun	Moisture	Height	Comments
Doll's eyes	Actea pachypoda	P-S	A	12–24 in	Small white flowers Apr-May; poisonous white berries Aug-Sep
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
Blue Star	Amson.tabernaemontana	F-P	A	24–36 in	Blue showy flowers in May
Narrowleaf Bluestar	Amsonia ciliata	F-P	D-A	1.5-2 ft	Thread-like foliage; blue flowers; gold fall color; deer-proof
Wood Anemone	Anemone quinquefolia	P-S	A	4–8 in	Spring-ephemeral groundcover; toxic sap, disappears by early summer
Thimbleweed	Anemone virginiana	S	A	12–36 in	Lovely large white flowers followed by fluffy seed heads
Field Pussytoes	Antennaria neglecta	F-P	D-A	2–12 in	Drought-tolerant mat-forming groundcover; host plant for American lady
Pussy's Toes	Antern. planaginfolia	F	A	6–12 in	Forms a low mat of little rosettes of white-wooly leaves
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	12–24 in	Unique red & yellow flowers attract hummingbirds
Wild Sarsaparilla	Aralia nudicaulis	P-S	A	1-2 ft	Rhizomatous woodland ground cover; white umbels, dark berries
Green Dragon	Arisaema dracontium	P-S	W-A	12–36 in	Simular to Jack-in-the-pulpit; goes dormant mid-summer
Jack-in-the-Pulpit	Arisaema triphyllum	P-S	A	12 in	Spathe appears Mar-May; red berries late summer, fall
Goat's Beard	Aruncus dioicus	F-P	A	4–7 ft	Feathery plumes of cream-colored flowers rise above foliage
Little Brown Jugs	Asarum arifolium (syn. Hexastylis arifolia)	P	A	4–8 in	Spotty groundcover, heart-shaped leaves, jug-shaped flowers
Wild Ginger	Asarum canadense	P-S	A	6 in	Evergreen groundcover with heart-shaped glossy leaves
Butterfly Weed	Asclepias tuberosa	F	D	12–24 in	Clusters of brilliant orange flowers Jun-Aug
White Wood Aster	Aster divaricatus	P-S	A-D	2–4 ft	Showiest of shade-loving asters; white flowers in late spring
False Goats Beard	Astilbe biternata	P	A	3–6 ft	Fern-like foliage and plume flowers
Wild Indigo	Baptisia tinctoria	F	A	24–36 in	Small yellow flowers July-Aug
American Sea Rocket	Cakile edentula	F	D	6-18 in	Annual beach dune pioneer; salt-tolerant; not native on Pacific coast
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
Fox sedge	Carex vulpinoidea	F-P	A-W	1–3 ft	Sunny wet meadow sedge; bristly brown spikes; rain gardens, pond edges
Blue Cohosh	Cauloph. thalictroides	P-S	A-W	12–36 in	Green flowers Apr-May; blue poisonous berries
Pink turtlehead	Chelone lyonii	F-P	A-W	2–4 ft	Showy pink flowers July-Sept
Rose Turtlehead	Chelone obliqua	F-P	A-W	2-3 ft	Late-summer hooded pink flowers; bumblebee favorite for moist soil
Green-and-Gold	Chrysogonu. virginainum	P-S	A	8 in	Yellow flowers contrast green foliage in spring & fall
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	12–36 in	Slender candle-like clusters of white slowers in summer & fall
White Clintonia	Clintonia umbellulata	P-S	A-W	6–16 in	Shade woodland groundcover; speckled white flowers, blue-black berries
Atlantic Pigeonwings	Clitoria mariana	F-P	D	1–2 ft	Twining vine; dry sandy/rocky soil; showy upright lavender flowers
Mouse-eared Coreopsis	Coreopsis auriculata	F	A	18 in	Rich yellow flower head spring to frost if dead-headed
Large-flowered Coreopsis	Coreopsis grandiflora	F-P	A-D	1-2 ft	Short-lived perennial, self-seeds readily; lean sandy soil
Whorled Tickseed	Coreopsis major	F-P	D-A	2–4 ft	Whorled leaves, bright yellow summer blooms, pollinator favorite
Coreopsis	Coreopsis pubescens	F	A	3–4 ft	Bright golden yellow flowers all summer
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
Carolina Larkspur	Delphinium carolinianum	F-P	A-D	1-3 ft	Toxic to livestock & pets; blue flowers; dry, sharp drainage
Squirrel Corn	Dicentra canadensis	P-S	A	6–10 in	Spring ephemeral woodland wildflower; toxic, deer resistant
Bleeding Heart	Dicentra eximia	P-S	A	12–18 in	Attractive foliage & interesting pink & white flowers
Venus Flytrap	Dionaea muscipula	F	W	4–12 in	Carnivorous; wet acidic sand; needs winter rest; never wild-dug
Shooting Star	Dodecatheon meadia	F-P	A	12–24 in	Delicate white to pink petals, red & yellow center
Trout Lily	Erythroni. americanum	P-S	A	3–6 ft	Large low-petaled yellow flowers
Joe-Pye Weed	Eupatorium fistulosum	F-P	A	5–8 ft	Purplish-pink flowers explode in Aug/Sept attracting butterflies
Wild Strawberry	Fragaria virginiana	F-P	A-D	6 in	Forms groundcover; tasty fruit in early summer
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
Wintergreen	Gaultheria procumbens	P-S	A	4–8 in	Pink flowers in summer followed by edible fruit that persists
Wild Geranium	Geranium maculatum	F-S	A	12–24 in	1" lavender-purple clowers in spring & summer
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	A	4–9 in	White, pink, blue, or purple solitary flowers in spring
Alumroot	Heuchera americana	S	D	12–36 in	Greenish-purple bell-shaped flowers bloom on leafless stalks
Hairy Alumroot	Heuchera villosa	P-S	A-D	8-12 in (to 3 ft bloom)	Rock-dwelling native parent of 'Bronze Wave' & other cultivars
Jewelweed	Impatiens capensis	F-P	A	36 in	Beautiful orange flowers attract butterflies & hummingbirds
Dwarf Crested Iris	Iris cristata	P-S	A-D	4–8 in	Pale lavender-blue, crested flowers Apr-May
Dixie Iris	Iris hexagona	F-P	W-A	2-3 ft	Marsh/swamp iris; violet-blue blooms spring; needs wet to moist soil
Dwarf Violet Iris	Iris verna	P	D-A	4-6 in	Tiny fragrant woodland iris; needs sandy, dry, well-drained soil
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
Blazing Star	Liatris spicata	F	A	36 in	Tall purple spikes bloom after 2-3 years
Turks-cap Lily	Lilium superbum	F-P	A	4–6 ft	Gorgeous orange flowers; morning sun & afternoon shade
Cardinal Flower	Lobelia cardinalis	F-P	W	3–5 ft	Terminal clusters of bright red flowers each 1 1/2" long in fall
Lobelia	Lobelia puberula	F-S	A-W	2–4 ft	Spikes of flowers range from pale blue to violet
Great Lobelia	Lobelia siphilitica	P-S	W	12–36 in	Elongated clusters of pale to dark blue flowers in late summer
Fringed Loostrife	Lysimachia ciliata	F-P	A-W	24–36 in	Yellow flowers grow upside-down
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
Littleleaf Sensitive-briar	Mimosa microphylla	F	D-A	trailing, 3-6 ft spread	Trailing legume; touch-sensitive leaves; pink pom-pom flowers
Winged Monkeyflower	Mimulus alatus	P-S	W-A	1-3 ft	Wet-soil wildflower; violet blooms July-Sept; shade to part shade
White Four O'Clock	Mirabilis albida	F-P	D	1-2.5 ft	Prairie taproot perennial, evening pink blooms; very drought tolerant
Partridge Berry	Mitchella repens	P-S	A	3 in	Elegant pink flowers, red edible fruit,dense/creeping groundcvr
Bishop's Cap	Mitella diphylla	P-S	A-D	12–24 in	Produces distinctive clusters of tiny white flowers
Bee Balm	Monarda didyma	F-P	A	3–4 ft	Edible leaves; red flowers attract bees/hummingbirds
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
Allegheny Spurge	Pachysand. procumbens	S	A	9–12 in	Mottled purple leaves; flowers are white with pink tinge
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
Phacelia	Phacelia bipinnatifida	P-S	A	12–36 in	Reseeds readily; contact can cause allergic reaction
Chalice Phlox	Phlox amoena	F-P	A	24–36 in	Clusters of fragrant rose&white flowers, attracts hummingbirds
Carolina Phlox	Phlox carolina	F-P	A	3–4 ft	Thick leaves & showy flower clusters
Wild Blue Phlox	Phlox divaricata	P-S	A	12–18 in	Fragrant lavender-blue flowers Apr-May
Spotted Phlox	Phlox maculata	F-P	A-W	2-3 ft	Fragrant pink wet-meadow perennial; blooms June-Aug
Trailing Phlox	Phlox nivalis	F-P	D	4-8 in	Mat-forming sandhill groundcover; needs sharp drainage
Garden Phlox	Phlox paniculata	F-P	A	2–4 ft	Clusters of magenta, pink lavender, or white flowers Jul-Sep
Creeping Phlox	Phlox stolonifera	P-S	A	6–12 in in flower	White, pink, purple to violet trumpet-shaped flowers in spring
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
Golden Aster	Pityopis graminifolia	F	A-D	24 in	Leaves look like silvery grass blades; Numerous yellow flowers
Solomon's Seal	Ploygonatum biflorum	P-S	A	24–36 in	1/2" bell-shaped greenish-white flowers hang from leaf axils
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	A-D	24–36 in	2-4" flower heads with 10-20 bright yellow petals summer/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	6–10 in	2" white flowers with yellow centers; roots have red sap
Purple Pitcher Plant	Sarracenia purpurea	F-P	W	4-12 in (rosette)	Carnivorous bog obligate; needs sphagnum/peat & rainwater
Oconee Bells	Shortia galacifolia	F-P	A	8 in	Waxy leaves & dainty, frilly, parasol-like white flowers in May
Fire Pink	Silene virginica	F-P	A	10–20 in	Deep red-pink flowers attract hummingbirds
Prairie Dock	Silphium terebinthinaceum	F	A	4-10 ft	Giant basal leaves; bare flower stalk; deep taproot, drought-tough
Blue-eyed Grass	Sisyrinchium mucronatum	F-P	A-D	12 in	Rich blue/purple flowers with yellow centers May-Jul
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
Winkle-leaf Goldenrod	Solidago rugosa	F	A-D	2–5 ft	Tiny flowers look like strings of yellow baeds Aug-Oct
Georgia Aster	Symphyotrichum georgianum	F-P	A	1-3 ft	Rare; nursery stock only, never wild-collect
Aromatic Aster	Symphyotrichum oblongifolium	F	D-A	1-2.5 ft	Dry/rocky sites; cultivar 'October Skies' widely sold
Late Purple Aster	Symphyotrichum patens (syn. Aster patens)	F-P	A-D	12–36 in	1 1/2" bright violet-blue flowers with yellow centers
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
Bush Pea	Thermopsis villosa	F-P	A	3–5 ft	1" yellow flowers crowd long narrow erect clusters spring/sum
Foamflower	Tiarella cordifolia	P-S	A	6–12 in	Evergreen groundcover; feathery white flowers Apr-Jun
Virginia Spiderwort	Tradescantia virginiana	F-P	A-W	1-2 ft	Grass-like clumps; purple flowers close by afternoon
Wingstem	Verbesina alternifolia	F-P	A-W	3-8 ft	Spreads by rhizome in moist soil; late-summer yellow blooms
New York Ironweed	Vernonia neveboracensis	F	A-W	4–7 ft	Intense reddish-purple thistle-like heads
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
Yellow-root	Xanthorhiz. simplicissima	F-S	A	24 in	Bright green celery-like folliage; racemes of purple flowers

North Carolina and South Carolina Ferns

Common Name	Scientific Name	Sun	Moisture	Height	Comments
Maidenhair Fern	Adiantum pedatum	P-S	A	18–36 in	Tiny fan-shaped deep blue-green fronds held on black stems
Lady Fern	Athyrium felix-femina	S	A-W	18–24 in	Delicate & lacy arching fronds have dark red stems at maturity
Woolly Lip Fern	Cheilanthes tomentosa	F-P	D	6-15 in	Rock-crevice fern; curls in drought, regreens with rain; no rich soil
Hay-scented Fern	Dennstaedtia punctiloba	S-F	A	36 in	Fronds smell like hay when crushed
Scouring Rush	Equisetum hyemale	F-P	W-A	2-5 ft	Evergreen, jointed stems; spreads by rhizome; toxic to livestock
Sensitive Fern	Onoclea sensibilis	F-P	W	12–24 in	Deeply pinnate leaves; poisonous to livestock
Cinnamon Fern	Osmunda connamomea	P-S	A-W	2–4 ft	Clusters of arching fronds; cinnamon colored fertile fronds
Royal Fern	Osmunda regalis	P	A-W	2–6 ft	Bipinnate blade; pinnae resemble locust tree leaves
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	P-S	A	12–36 in	Stiff deep green fronds are once-pinnate
Southern Shield Fern	Thelypteris kunthii	P-S	A-W	2-4 ft	Spreading evergreen-to-semi-evergreen fern for shade groundcover
Marsh Fern	Thelypteris palustris	F-P	W	1-2.5 ft	Spreads by rhizome; wetland fern, tolerates more sun than most ferns

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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9 thoughts on “Native Plant List – North Carolina and South Carolina”

Art says:

March 10, 2026

Does anyone know how the North Carolina and South Carolina lists differ? I’m near the border and want to check both.

Joyce Gray says:

April 6, 2026

having north carolina and south carolina together is handy, i garden near the border and always end up checking both.

1. admin says:
  
  April 7, 2026
  
  We appreciate that, Joyce! Happy gardening! 🌿 -Plant Native Team
  
Dorothy says:

April 8, 2026

do the tables mention which of these handle sandy coastal soil? mostly looking at the south carolina side.

Sam L. says:

May 3, 2026

How long did it take you all to see results? I planted some back in March and nothing yet.

Zach says:

June 26, 2026

the see-also link on north carolina flowering shrubs looks like a good place to start with our blank yard.

robin65 says:

August 10, 2026

are the tables split by plant type? trying to plan half an acre and want to pick trees separately from shrubs.

Thomas says:

August 12, 2026

Some good points here. I’ve had mixed results personally but worth trying again.

1. admin says:
  
  August 12, 2026
  
  You’re right that soil prep is crucial — we should probably expand on that. Thanks for the feedback! -Plant Native Team

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Native Plant List – North Carolina and South Carolina