Pennsylvania is home to a stunning variety of indigenous plants that can transform any garden into a natural haven. From colorful blooms to lush greenery, these plants thrive beautifully in the state's unique environment.
If you're looking for vibrant flowers to brighten up your yard or hardy plants that require minimal upkeep, there are plenty of options to explore.
In this blog, we're going to explore some of the most eye-catching plants indigenous to Pennsylvania that can make your landscape truly eye-catching. As your number one provider of top-notch landscape design and installation services in PA, we have plenty of ideas to make your garden beautiful!
Key Takeaways
Native plants are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and perfectly suited to Pennsylvania's climate and soil.
They enhance soil health and help prevent erosion, making them a sustainable choice for landscaping.
With a variety of beautiful options, from trees to ground covers, Pennsylvania's native plants can transform any landscape.
The Many Benefits of Using Native Plant Species in a Landscape
Native plants bring more than just beauty to your landscape—they're easy to care for, resilient, and fit naturally into Pennsylvania's environment. These plants thrive with minimal maintenance, thanks to their natural adaptation to local soil and weather.
Many native plant species are drought tolerant, reducing the need for constant watering, while their natural resistance to pests means less worry about harmful chemicals.
Native plants also help improve soil health, stabilizing the ground and preventing erosion, especially in areas with wet soil or steep slopes. Plus, they blend seamlessly with other native perennials, offering year-round interest.
If you're looking for more responsible landscaping techniques, choosing Pennsylvania native plants is a smart choice. They will enhance your garden's natural beauty and support the local environment without the hassle of high maintenance.
Top Native Trees of Pennsylvania
While Pennsylvania is known for many tree species, these are a solid choice for your landscape:
Red maple (Acer rubrum)
A classic Pennsylvania native, the red maple is a fast-growing shade tree known for its stunning red foliage in the fall. It's a favorite for adding vibrant color to your landscape, especially in areas with moist soils. Perfect for responsible landscaping techniques, this tree thrives with minimal care, making it an excellent addition to native plant landscaping.
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
If you're looking for a tree that blooms early, the Eastern Redbud is ideal for smaller spaces. This Pennsylvania native features light pink blooms in early spring, adding a splash of color. Its rounded growth habit and tolerance for part shade make it a versatile choice for gardens.
White oak (Quercus alba)
Known for its majestic appearance and longevity, the white oak is not only a beautiful shade tree but also ideal for wildlife. Its deep roots help stabilize soil, making it great for areas prone to erosion.
This woody tree is a staple among Pennsylvania's native plant species and is perfect for large, open landscapes.
Popular Shrubs that Are Native to Pennsylvania
When it comes to adding structure and seasonal interest to your garden, native shrubs offer both beauty and resilience. Here are a few standout choices for Pennsylvania landscapes.
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
With early spring blooms and a wildlife-friendly nature, Spicebush is a great choice for Pennsylvania native plant landscaping. It thrives in moist soils and adds vibrant yellow flowers to your garden, especially in woodland gardens with partial shade. This shrub is ideal for gardeners looking to support local birds and other wildlife.
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Bright red berries that last through winter make Winterberry a standout for year-round interest. This Pennsylvania native shrub thrives in wet soil and is perfect for adding color to your garden, especially in the colder months when other plants may fade. It also tolerates a variety of conditions, from full sun to part shade.
Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
A beautiful evergreen shrub that offers year-round color and texture. Inkberry is ideal for adding structure to your landscape and is drought-tolerant once established. It performs well in acidic soil and is a popular pick for Pennsylvania gardens looking for low-maintenance greenery with visual appeal.
For a list of more shrubs that thrive in Pennsylvania, read: Top Pennsylvania Flowering Shrubs for Stunning Landscapes
Native Grasses and Ground Covers
Grasses and ground covers create depth and texture in your landscape. These native options below are ideal for adding structure and filling in spaces naturally.
Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
This tall, native ornamental grass offers movement and height to any garden. Big bluestem thrives in full sun, producing tall spikes that add a natural, prairie-like charm. It's also drought tolerant, making it a resilient choice for well-drained soil.
Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)
Perfect for shady spots, wild ginger is a low-growing ground cover that's ideal for filling in areas under trees or in woodland gardens. Its large, heart-shaped leaves form clumps that help retain moist soils while adding year-round interest to the landscape.
Incorporating Native Plants into Your Garden
Blending native plants with your existing garden can create a harmonious and sustainable space that thrives with less effort. Native species are naturally adapted to Pennsylvania's environment, making them perfect for gardeners looking for beautiful, low-maintenance options.
For full sun areas, consider choices like Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), which adds brilliant orange flowers and thrives in well-drained soil.
In partial shade, opt for plants like Virginia bluebells or Wild blue phlox, both of which offer vibrant light blue flowers and tolerate moist soils.
For those tricky full shade spots, Wild ginger makes an excellent ground cover, thriving in moist soil and helping to stabilize it with its clumping habit.
It's important to choose nursery propagated native plants from local sources to ensure you're getting species well-suited to the region. Avoid invasive plants which can outcompete Pennsylvania native plants and disrupt your garden's natural balance.
By using responsible landscaping techniques and blending native perennials with your existing plants, you'll create a landscape that looks stunning through every season.
Caring for Indigenous Plants
Native plants have a natural advantage in this state's landscape. Since they're native to Pennsylvania, they are easier to care for and resilient in the face of various conditions.
When it comes to maintenance, Pennsylvania native plants require fewer soil amendments compared to non-native plants, as they are naturally adapted to local soil types, including acidic soil or moist soils. Plants like the Cardinal flower and White wood aster grow beautifully in fertile soil with little extra attention.
Seasonal care
Seasonal care will keep your native garden thriving year-round. In early spring, give your plants a good start with proper watering, especially the new plantings. Perennial plants like wild ginger will start forming clumps at around this time.
As the temperatures rise in early summer, the tall spikes of yellow flowers and the bold, brilliant orange flowers of Butterfly weed will bloom, creating a vibrant display.
Heading into early fall, woody trees like Eastern White Pine and flowering dogwood begin to prepare for cooler weather, so reduce watering as the growing season comes to a close. Native perennials will benefit from some pruning, but be sure to leave enough stems for winter interest and local wildlife.
Common Misconceptions About Native Plants
There are a few myths floating around about native plants, and it's time to set the record straight.
Myth 1
One common misconception is that native species are hard to find or less attractive compared to their non-native counterparts. In reality, Pennsylvania native plants are widely available at most nurseries, especially those that focus on nursery-propagated native plants.
You can easily incorporate stunning options like Cardinal Flower, with its bold red blooms, or Virginia Bluebells, which show off delicate light blue flowers in early spring. These native species can rival any ornamental plant in beauty and charm.
Myth 2
Another myth is that native plants don't fit well into modern landscapes, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Many native plants can look as polished or wild as you want. Native perennials are also perfect for mixed borders and garden beds and blend seamlessly with existing plants to create a balanced design.
Beyond their looks, native species are also functional—they are often drought tolerant, low-maintenance, and help stabilize soil on stream banks or sloped areas.
Myth 3
Don't buy into the myth that native plants only support a limited variety of wildlife. In fact, they play a crucial role in local ecosystems, providing food and shelter for many native pollinators, local wildlife, and beneficial insects. Plus, you'll be helping reduce the spread of non-native species by choosing plants that are naturally suited to Pennsylvania's native plants.
With so many options available, from the stately Eastern white pine to the delicate White wood aster, incorporating native species into your garden isn't just responsible—it's a beautiful, modern choice that will enhance your landscape for years to come.
Make Your Landscape the Talk of Your Neighborhood
Native plants bring beauty, resilience, and effortless care to any garden. Incorporating native species into your landscape can elevate your outdoor space while reducing maintenance.
Landscape II specializes in creating stunning, sustainable landscapes that highlight the best of native plant life. We'll help you with one or all phases of your landscaping project, from helping you choose the perfect perennial plants for your space to full installations.
Book your free consultation today to start transforming your residential or commercial garden with plants that thrive naturally in our region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pennsylvania's native plant?
Pennsylvania is home to a variety of native plants, but one standout is the Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), which is also the state flower. This evergreen shrub blooms with beautiful clusters of white and pink flowers in early summer.
Curious about other plants that thrive in Pennsylvania? Check out our this blog.
What is the native tree of Pennsylvania?
The Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is Pennsylvania's state tree. This evergreen is a majestic species that provides shade and creates a rich habitat for wildlife. It thrives in well-drained, moist soils and is often found along stream banks.
What are two plant resources grown in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you'll commonly find Eastern White Pine and Spicebush (Lindera benzoin). The Eastern White Pine is a fast-growing evergreen tree, while Spicebush is a native shrub known for its fragrant yellow flowers in early spring.
How many plant species are there in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania boasts over 2,100 native plant species, including wildflowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses. These plants contribute to the state's biodiversity and provide critical resources for local wildlife and pollinators.
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