15 Native Plants To Add To Your Yard

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Native Plants for the Midwest

Because much of the habitat in the Midwest (Zones 3 through 6) is fragmented and distressed by pesticides, planting pollinator sanctuaries can really help vulnerable swaths of bees, moths, butterflies and birds. Here are some plants that greatly help support the Midwest’s valuable pollinators and other insects.

Blue wood aster

The lavender blooms are an important nectar source for pollinators in the late fall. This mix also contains native, keystone perennials that are vital for bees in early spring, like golden Alexander and Jacob’s Ladder. Good for full sun and part shade.

Eastern columbine

This is vital for hummingbirds because it provides nectar for three seasons and harbors beneficial insects. Bees also adore its yellow and red tubular blooms. This mix adds cardinal flower and bee balm, which together act as a hummingbird welcome mat. Plant in part shade.

Wild bergamot

Aka bee balm, wild bergamot is another long bloomer. It’s particularly helpful for the small black sweat bee, which depends on it in the Midwest. Bee balm also helps wasps that eat certain pest species. It’s easy to plant from seed, producing lavender blooms that attract hummingbirds and other native bees as well.

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Native Plants for the Southeast

Humid days and blazing sun can make planting in the Southeast (Zones 8 through 9) easy yet surprisingly challenging. These conditions can sometimes encourage pest insect species. But because native plants foster native insects, they can help naturally keep pests in check.

Here are some native plants that grow readily in the Southeast while providing crucial support for local insects and pollinators.

Butterfly milkweed

With the recent severe decline of monarch butterflies, planting milkweed native to your area is more important than ever. But beyond that, butterfly milkweed supports an ecosystem for other insects, including queen butterflies. This shrublike perennial with bright orange flowers likes full sun and is ideal for larger spaces. Growing milkweed plants is the most effective way to sustain monarch butterflies.

Lanceleaf coreopsis

This tough plant can thrive in the heat and poor, sandy soil. Plus, its showy yellow blooms attract all sorts of pollinators.

Try it along the border of a native plant garden or wildflower meadow. It blooms in May and June, likes full sun and works well in containers or pots. This mix adds a brilliant accent of colors with blazing star, scarlet sage and lanceleaf coreopsis.

Golden fleece autumn goldenrod

Because this goldenrod species is compact, it’s good as edging or a container plant. It blooms from mid-September to October, great for late-season pollinators. This adaptable perennial also thrives in full sun and part shade.

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Native Plants for the Southwest

With sweeping deserts and mostly sunny days, plants native to the Southwest (Zones 7 through 9) have adapted to thrive with little water or shade. These harsh conditions mean native plants here are especially valuable to local wildlife. Here are some to try.

Spider milkweed

Spider milkweed’s nectar-rich yellow and green flowers attract a range of pollinators. But of course, milkweed is best known for its vital role as a host plant to monarchs; their populations have declined 85% or more in the West in the last two decades.

This milkweed species is drought tolerant with showy off-white blossoms. It’s also short, good for smaller gardens. Plant in the fall. Spring flowers will start in the second year.

Cusp blazing star

The dramatic, tall shafts of cusp blazing star will be covered with lavender-pink blooms, and butterflies will find them in late summer. It’s versatile and easy to maintain thanks to its long roots. It also attracts hummingbirds, rabbits and deer.

Wrinkle-leaf goldenrod

Nectar-rich wrinkle-leaf goldenrod‘s yellow booms pop in late summer to fall, helping migrating monarchs. It’s also good for other pollinating insects. Plant this tough, robust perennial in full sun.

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