Including native perennial plants and flowers in your garden is essential. These North American perennials not only enhance the environment but also improve the overall health of your garden while adding natural beauty.

Indigenous perennial plants, which are naturally found in North America, offer a range of advantages for any garden. They are flexible, easy to care for, and robust, making them vital assets for any garden.

Before Planting Perennials: Things To Know
If you’re planning to plant indigenous perennials, there are several things to be aware of. This includes information such as the soil type, moisture level, and sunlight requirements. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your perennials will thrive in their new environment.

Top 18 Flowering North American Native Perennials
Here are some of the best-performing North American indigenous perennials that are sure to make your garden look stunning:

1. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
2. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
3. Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)
4. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
5. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
6. Black-Eyed Susan/Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida)
7. Blue Cardinal Flower (Lobelia siphilitica)
8. Red Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
9. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
10. Bee Balm (Monarda)
11. Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
12. Columbine (Aquilegia sp.)
13. Viburnum (Viburnum)
14. Blue Flag Irises (Iris)
15. Tickseed (Coreopsis)
16. Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)
17. Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia and Clethra acuminata)

18. Ironweed (Vernonia)

All of these indigenous perennials offer a range of colors, textures, and shapes that can enhance any garden.

Growing native perennials is a convenient and environmentally friendly way to maintain a garden. Unlike non-native plants, these perennial species are well-adapted to the local climate and require minimal maintenance. Not only do they attract pollinators, but they also benefit the ecosystem by supporting biodiversity. Additionally, they are more resilient to climate changes and require less water, making them an ideal choice for water conservation efforts. Before you start planting, it’s important to note that native plants interact differently with the environment than non-native ones. Understanding these differences will help maintain a healthy ecosystem and promote sustainable gardening practices.

It’s important to be aware of the lifespan of the native perennials you plan to plant. Some can live for a few years, while others can last for decades. Keep in mind that not all plants will thrive in every location, even if they are native. Make sure to check your USDA hardiness grow zone and the species’ native range before planting. While this list includes 18 North American native perennials that grow well in a variety of areas, it’s still important to consider your specific situation. Some perennials can live for many years, so choose their planting location carefully. On the other hand, some native plants may only survive for 2-5 years, and this duration can vary between species. One such flowering North American native perennial is the Blanket Flower (Gaillardia).

The Blanket Flower is a robust native perennial that features vibrant and stunning colors that attract native pollinators. Its multi-colored daisy-like blooms are a sight to behold in any garden. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees love the scarlet, orange, and red petals of this flower. Moreover, it thrives under tough conditions as it is drought, heat, and humidity resistant. The blooms resemble a bi or tricolor pinwheel and last for months, making it an incredibly hardy and dependable plant. However, it’s essential to note that not all Blanket Flowers are perennials – some are annuals. Therefore, verify before adding them to your garden. Interestingly, several moth species, such as the Bina Flower Moth, Blanket Flower Moth, and Painted Schinia Moth, feed on the Blanket Flower as food for their caterpillars. The Blanket Flower is commonly found across the USA, with many species naturalized throughout the country. Lastly, another plant that shares similar properties to the Blanket Flower is the Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum).

The Anise Hyssop is a native perennial wildflower that is not only pleasing to the nose with its sweet minty licorice fragrance, but also to the eyes with its stems of fluffy purple flowers that can last for months. This plant is loved by butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees due to its abundant nectar, sweet scent, and long bloom time. Anise Hyssop is also a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that can grow in a variety of soils, making it easy to take care of. Moreover, this native wildflower is generally pest-resistant. It can thrive in full sun or partial shade, and is hardy to zones 3-6. The Celandine Poppy, also known as Stylophorum diphyllum, is another beautiful native wildflower that you might want to consider planting in your garden.

The Wood Poppy is a great choice for planting in shady areas that are difficult to grow in. It is also known as the Celandine Poppy and produces beautiful small yellow buttery flowers that look like poppies. This low-growing perennial plant thrives in full or partial shade, making it perfect for those hard-to-plant areas. The Wood Poppy has lovely gray-green leaves that are deeply lobed, and the flowers grow in clusters. It is native to the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and some parts of the Southeast and is quite durable, withstanding zones 4-9. Another popular plant is the Coneflower, scientifically known as Echinacea purpurea.

The native Coneflower is a low-maintenance perennial that thrives in most conditions. Its eye-catching flowers bloom from summer to fall, drawing a diverse group of pollinators. You can count on the Coneflower to withstand both drought and poor soil, while growing up to 3 feet tall in full sun or partial shade. Though typically purple, there are many cultivars available in shades of orange, yellow, and pink that are equally beautiful. This plant is a favorite among hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, and come autumn, local birds can enjoy feasting on its seeds too. It’s hardy to zones 3-8 and can be found throughout the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, and parts of the Southwest. Another great option for your garden is Creeping Phlox, scientifically known as Phlox subulata.

If you’re a gardener residing in North America and searching for a native plant to cover the ground, look no further than creeping phlox. This plant is full of character, displaying brightly-colored and star-shaped flowers above its needle-like dark green leaves. Though it doesn’t grow tall, reaching only 3-6 inches in height, its flowers bloom in such abundance that it creates a stunning carpet of color. This adaptable and drought-tolerant plant thrives in rocky, dry, sandy, or sloping areas and spreads naturally under favorable conditions, creating a charming and tidy ground cover. Creeping phlox is hardy to zones 3-9 and is native to the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast regions of North America. Another noteworthy plant that deserves recognition is the Black-Eyed Susan/Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida).

Black-Eyed Susans, also known as Orange Coneflowers, are a beautiful addition to gardens along the Eastern U.S. seaboard. Their golden-orange petals and dark brown centers resemble daisies and add a bright pop of color to any garden. These native perennials are low-maintenance, resistant to droughts, and can tolerate poor soil. They also rarely attract pests, making them an ideal choice for those who want a fuss-free garden. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also attract beneficial insects like native bees. These flowers bloom profusely throughout the summer and can grow up to 4 feet tall. They are hardy in zones 3-9 and are commonly found in the Northeast, southeast, and mid-Atlantic regions. Another popular perennial native to these areas is the Blue Cardinal Flower, scientifically known as Lobelia siphilitica.

The Blue Cardinal Flower is a resilient short-lived perennial that is known for its stunning blue flowers and late-season growth. These native plants can grow up to 2-3 feet tall, adding a beautiful vertical dimension to any landscape. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and native long-tongued bees are attracted to the Blue Cardinal Flower. It prefers moist to wet soil and can grow in full or partial shade. The Blue Cardinal Flower is low-maintenance and rarely affected by diseases or pests. It readily self-seeds in ideal growing conditions, making it an excellent addition to any garden. This hardy plant is native to various regions of the United States, including the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest. Another popular type of Cardinal Flower is the Red Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis).

If you have a garden space that’s wet or boggy, Red Cardinal Flowers are an excellent choice. These striking plants have bright red flowers with two lips that resemble butterflies perched on tall stems. They grow to be 2-4 feet tall and add a pop of color to any landscape. Hummingbirds and butterflies love the Cardinal Flower, particularly the ruby-throated hummingbird. Not only is it visually stunning in the garden, but it’s also hardy, low-maintenance, and resistant to deer. The Red Cardinal Flower prefers moist to soggy soil and thrives in full or partial shade. It’s hardy to zones 3-9 and can be found in the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest. Another great option for your garden is Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa).

Blazing Star Liatrus is a magnificent plant that adds a touch of color to your landscape for an extended period. The vibrant orange flowers of Butterfly Weed attract not just butterflies but also many helpful insects, such as Monarch and Queen butterfly larvae, Dogbane Tiger Moths, Unexpected Cycnias, and Milkweed Tussock Moths. It’s a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that can grow in infertile soil. It prefers full sun and blooms throughout the summer. Every garden should have at least one Butterfly Weed plant, not only for the gardener’s pleasure but also for the butterflies. Bee Balm (Monarda) is a sturdy plant that thrives in zones 3-9 and is native to the Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, and Northeast regions.

Bee balm is an essential addition to any garden or landscape that aims to attract pollinators. This wildflower features showy whirlybird petals that bloom extensively throughout the season, making it a vibrant and dramatic addition to any space. The bright and bold colors of bee balm are highly attractive to pollinators, making them incredibly valuable assets to any wildflower garden or landscape. With an array of colors to choose from, you can select hot pink, lavender, purple, pastel pink, or scarlet red to suit your preference.

Monarda, a member of the mint family, is particularly favored by moth species, with some relying exclusively on this wildflower. Hummingbirds and native bees are also drawn to the bright and colorful flowers, making monarda an ideal choice for increasing biodiversity and pollinator habitat. This native perennial is hardy to zones 3-9 and is native to the Northeast and Midwest, but has become naturalized in other regions across the country.

Another great option for pollinator gardens is the blazing star (Liatris spicata). This plant features striking spikes of purple flowers that bloom during mid-to-late summer and attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Its upright growth habit also makes it a great choice for adding height and structure to your landscape.

Blazing Star Liatrus is a tall and striking native perennial that will add vibrant colors to your landscape for an extended period of time. As its name suggests, this plant is nothing short of dramatic with its beautiful purple, frilly, and fluffy flowers that grow on spikes towering 2-4 feet above needle-like foliage. When planted in large groups, the Blazing Star is truly breathtaking. This plant blooms from mid-summer until fall and is a favorite among native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Additionally, in the fall, songbirds feast on its seeds. With its fuss-free nature, hardy resilience, drought resistance, heat and cold tolerance, and ability to adapt to poor soil conditions, the Blazing Star is the ultimate wildflower. The blooms come in various shades of purple, white, or lavender, and are usually free of pests and disease. Native to the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast regions, this plant has also naturalized in other areas. Hardy to zones 3-9, the Columbine (Aquilegia sp.) is another lovely native perennial to consider.

Columbines are a wonderful option for adding variety to your garden with their beautiful assortment of colors and unique blossoms. These elegant flowers have long spurs that nod gracefully, making them a perfect addition to any wildflower or shade garden. North America is home to many species of Columbine, but Canadian Columbine, Western Columbine, and Rocky Mountain Columbine are the most readily available. Not only do Columbines attract butterflies and hummingbirds, but they also thrive in partial shade and are incredibly easy to grow. It’s worth noting that hardiness and native range vary depending on the species. Additionally, Viburnum is another great option to consider for your garden.

Although many Viburnum species can be found in North America, not all of them are native to the region. Hence, it’s important to verify the species before planting them. The native Viburnums are crucial for the environment, providing many benefits. For example, Possumhaw (V.nudum) is a good host for hummingbird clearwing moths and spring azure butterflies, while Arrowwood Viburnum (V.dentatum) and Nannyberry (V.lentago) are both hosts to blue azure butterfly larvae. Mapleleaf Viburnum (V.acerifolium) is an ideal larval host for the Celastrina ladon butterfly. Viburnums are large shrubs with broad deep-green leaves that change colors in autumn. They produce flowers that form broad, slightly rounded clusters made up of hundreds of tiny white flowers and also produce plentiful berries in the fall that serve as a crucial food source for songbirds and wildlife. These plants are available in various hardiness zones and native ranges, depending on the species. Blue Flag Irises (Iris) are another type of plant.

North America boasts a variety of Blue Flag Irises, specifically five species that can be found in different parts of the continent ranging from the Pacific Coast to the southeast. These flowers are truly stunning, featuring long petals and sepals adorned with intricate blue hues and deep purple veining, as well as yellow and white markings. The leaves of the iris are sword-shaped, clustered together and have a lush green color. Since they thrive in moist soil, these native North American plants are perfect for areas that remain waterlogged and soggy. Moreover, Blue Flag Irises tend to spread over time, forming delightful clusters. They are especially ideal for wetland gardens, around ponds and streams, and as border flowers. It is worth noting that the hardiness and native range of each iris species may differ. Additionally, Coreopsis, also known as Tickseed, is another plant native to North America.

Tickseed is a popular choice among pollinators, but not so much for deer. If you’re dealing with pesky deer in your yard or garden, Tickseed might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Despite its unfortunate name, this native perennial is both stunningly beautiful and valuable.

The bright, golden yellow daisy-shaped flowers of Coreopsis are hard to miss, and they bloom for several months, providing a colorful display that will light up your landscape. Butterflies, moths, native bees, and beetles can’t resist Tickseed, while deer tend to avoid it altogether.

Not only is Coreopsis attractive to pollinators, but it’s also tolerant of harsh conditions like drought, heat, humidity, and poor soil. When planted in large groupings, these plants can create an impressive display. And if you’re looking for variety, there are 45 different species of Coreopsis native to North America to choose from.

Another hardy option for your garden is the Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos).

If you’re looking for a stunning and vibrant addition to your garden, then the perfect choice would be the Hardy Hibiscus. This shrub is known for its large, show-stopping blooms that come in shades of pink, rose, or white with a contrasting red or burgundy center. Although each bloom only lasts a couple of days, the Hardy Hibiscus produces so many in rapid succession that it leaves you breathless.

It blooms from mid-summer through early fall, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to its giant flowers. Interestingly, this shrub also serves as a host to 28 species of butterflies and moths. Aside from its beautiful flowers, the Hibiscus leaves are also very attractive, with large, heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges.

Hardy Hibiscus is native to the eastern US, Midwest, and Southwest and can withstand zones 5-9 temperatures. Another shrub that you might want to check out is the Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia and Clethra acuminata), which is also known for its lovely flowers and foliage.

The Pepperbush is a delightful shrub that emits a pleasant scent, and it’s also resistant to pesky deer and other pests. This wetland shrub boasts numerous tiny flowers that are irresistible to bumblebees, making it a stunning addition to any landscape. The Pepperbush is known for its extended blooming period throughout the summer, providing much-needed nectar for pollinators when other plants aren’t flowering. This plant is incredibly versatile and can thrive in full sun or partial shade while adapting to different soil types. As a native perennial, the Pepperbush offers a fuss-free solution for a hedge or border, growing slowly but steadily. It’s also remarkably disease and pest-resistant, and deer are not known to nibble on it. There are only two North American native varieties of Pepperbush. It’s hardy enough to survive in zones 3-9, and it’s found in Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest regions. Another beautiful native perennial is the Ironweed (Vernonia).

The Ironweed plant is a magnificent addition to any small garden space. Its slender form and tall height make it ideal for narrow areas or the back of a border. During late summer, the tiny purple flowers that sit atop its upright stems create a stunning visual display. The clusters of flowers can contain up to 50 blooms each and attract bees and butterflies to their nectar. This native perennial is an essential food source for butterflies during the late season. It thrives in moist soils and can grow well in full sun or partial shade. Keep in mind that the hardiness and native range may vary depending on the Ironweed species.