These native plants are well-adapted to the growing conditions in USDA hardiness zone 7 and will provide a variety of colors, textures, and habits to your garden while also supporting local wildlife and pollinators!
1) Arkansas blue star (Amsonia hubrichtii)
This beautiful, native perennial features delicate, star-shaped blue flowers in spring and stunning golden foliage in fall. Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Low maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.
2) Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Attract a flurry of butterflies with this vibrant, orange-flowered perennial. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and low maintenance, it’s a must-have for any butterfly garden.
3) Aromatic aster (Aster oblongifolius)
The lovely, fall-blooming aster has a profusion of lavender-blue flowers that attract pollinators. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and easy to grow, it’s perfect for a splash of late-season color.
4) Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis)
Boasting stunning spikes of blue, pea-like flowers, this native perennial is a showstopper. Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and low maintenance, it’s an excellent choice for the back of borders.
5) Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’)
A graceful, upright ornamental grass with feathery plumes that dance in the breeze. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Low maintenance and deer-resistant, it’s perfect for adding texture and movement to your garden.
6) American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
The beautyberry is true to its name, with clusters of bright purple berries in fall. Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Low maintenance and drought-tolerant, it’s a favorite of birds and wildlife.
7) Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus)
Delight your senses with this fragrant, native shrub that features unique, maroon flowers in spring. Plant in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Low maintenance and pest-resistant, it’s a charming addition to any garden.
8) Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
This native sedge forms a lush, green groundcover that thrives in shade. Plant in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Low maintenance and deer-resistant, it’s an excellent alternative to traditional lawn grass.
9) New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus)
Attract a buzzing array of pollinators with this native shrub’s fluffy, white flowers. Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and low maintenance, it’s a delightful choice for a wildlife-friendly garden.
10) Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
A beloved, native tree that provides a spectacular display of pink, pea-like flowers in early spring. Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Low maintenance and adaptable, it’s a stunning addition to any landscape.
11) White turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
As the name suggests, this plant has white, hooded flowers that resemble a turtle’s head! Plant in partial shade and moist soil. Low maintenance and deer-resistant, it’s a favorite of bumblebees and other pollinators.
12) Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)
Enjoy the sweet fragrance of this native shrub’s white, bottlebrush flowers in summer. Plant in full sun to partial shade and moist, acidic soil. Low maintenance and pest-resistant, it’s a delightful choice for a sensory garden.
13) Threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata)
A cheery, native perennial that features a profusion of yellow, daisy-like flowers all summer long. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and low maintenance, it’s perfect for a sunny border or rock garden.
14) Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Attract a variety of pollinators with this iconic, native perennial’s purple, daisy-like flowers. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and low maintenance, it’s a must-have for any pollinator garden.
15) Hollow Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium fistulosum)
A showcase of large, pink flower clusters that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Plant in full sun to partial shade and moist soil. Low maintenance and deer-resistant, it’s a stunning addition to the back of a border.
16) Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum)
Another charming, native perennial that has delicate, pink flowers in spring and attractive foliage throughout the season. Plant in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Low maintenance and pest-resistant, it’s perfect for a woodland garden.
17) Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)
Don’t let the name fool you – this native perennial features cheerful, yellow flowers in late summer and fall. Plant in full sun and moist soil. Low maintenance and deer-resistant, it’s a great choice for a late-season pollinator garden.
18) American alumroot (Heuchera americana)
A perennial with attractive, lobed foliage and delicate, white flowers in spring. Plant in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Low maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, it’s perfect for a shaded garden.
19) Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
This native shrub features large, white flower clusters in summer that gradually turn pink. Plant in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Low maintenance and adaptable, it’s a beautiful choice for a woodland edge or shrub border.
20) Northern blue flag (Iris versicolor)
A native iris with stunning, blue-purple flowers in late spring and attractive, sword-like foliage. Plant in full sun to partial shade and moist to wet soil. Low maintenance and pest-resistant, it’s a great choice for a rain garden or pond edge.
21) Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica)
A shrub with fragrant, white flower spikes in summer and brilliant red foliage in fall. Plant in full sun to partial shade and moist, acidic soil. Low maintenance and adaptable, it’s a versatile choice for a shrub.
22) Blazing star (Liatris spicata)
Striking, purple flower spikes that bloom from the top down, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and low maintenance, it’s a fantastic addition to a pollinator garden.
23) Bee balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee balm boasts vibrant, red flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plant in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Deer-resistant and easy to grow, it’s perfect for a pollinator or herb garden.
24) Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
An ornamental grass with airy, pink-tinged flower panicles and attractive, blue-green foliage that turns golden in fall. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and low maintenance, it’s a stunning choice for a meadow or prairie-style garden.
25) Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata)
This native, spring-blooming perennial has delicate, blue-purple flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Plant in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Low maintenance and pest-resistant, it’s a lovely choice for a woodland or rock garden.
26) Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana)
Obedient plant showcases spikes of pink or white flowers that remain in place when moved, hence the name. Plant in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Deer-resistant and easy to grow, it’s a great choice for a cottage or pollinator garden.
27) Orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida)
A summer-blooming perennial that features bright, yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark centers that attract pollinators. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and low maintenance, it’s a cheerful addition to any sunny garden.
28) Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
This native, ornamental grass grows with blue-green foliage that turns a stunning rust color in fall and fluffy, silver-white seed heads. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and low maintenance, it’s perfect for a prairie or meadow-style garden.
29) Wrinkleleaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)
Wrinkleleaf goldenrod displays plumes of golden-yellow flowers in fall that attract pollinators. Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and easy to grow, it’s a great choice for a fall pollinator garden.
30) New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
A native with a profusion of purple, daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators. Plant in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Low maintenance and deer-resistant, it’s a stunning addition to a late-season garden.
