Best Native Plants for Each Major Ecoregion

Native plants are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems. They support local wildlife, improve soil health, and require fewer resources than non-native species. Choosing the right native plants for your region not only enhances biodiversity but also creates resilient landscapes that thrive in local conditions. This article explores some of the best native plants suited to each major North American ecoregion, helping gardeners, landscapers, and conservationists make informed choices.

Introduction to Ecoregions and Native Plants

Ecoregions are areas where ecosystems share similar environmental conditions, including climate, soil types, and native species. North America is divided into several major ecoregions such as the Eastern Temperate Forests, Great Plains, Desert Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and more. Each ecoregion has unique native plants adapted to its specific environment.

Using native plants is crucial because they:

• Support local pollinators, birds, and wildlife.
• Require less water and fertilizer.
• Are naturally resistant to local pests and diseases.
• Help prevent invasive species from taking hold.

Below, we explore standout native plants for each major ecoregion with an emphasis on their ecological importance and practical uses in landscaping.

Eastern Temperate Forests

Stretching from the eastern United States to parts of Canada, this ecoregion experiences four distinct seasons with moderate rainfall.

Trees and Shrubs

• Red Maple (Acer rubrum): Versatile and fast-growing, red maple provides brilliant fall color and supports many butterflies and birds.
• American Holly (Ilex opaca): Known for glossy evergreen leaves and red berries that feed birds during winter.
• Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): A small tree or large shrub that produces edible berries loved by wildlife.

Perennials and Groundcovers

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies; drought-tolerant once established.
• Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense): A low-growing groundcover perfect for shady spots under trees.
• Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum): Elegant arching stems with white bell-shaped flowers; thrives in woodland settings.

Great Plains

Characterized by vast grasslands and prairies, this ecoregion faces extremes of drought and heat.

Grasses

• Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii): Known as the “king of grasses,” it provides excellent habitat and erosion control.
• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): A smaller grass valued for its striking reddish tones in the fall.

Wildflowers

• Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea): Nitrogen-fixing plant that enriches soil while attracting pollinators.
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): A cheerful wildflower popular in prairie restorations.
• Blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella): Drought-tolerant with vibrant red-and-yellow blooms.

Shrubs

• Leadplant (Amorpha canescens): Low-growing shrub with fragrant purple flowers; important nectar source.
• Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila): Provides fruits for birds and thrives on sandy soils common in the region.

Desert Southwest

The hot, arid conditions of deserts in Arizona, New Mexico, and neighboring areas require tough plants adapted to extreme dryness.

Cacti and Succulents

• Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea): Iconic giant cactus providing nesting sites for birds like the Gila woodpecker.
• Prickly Pear (Opuntia spp.): Edible pads and fruits; well-suited to harsh dry climates.

Shrubs

• Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata): Known for its distinctive smell after rain; a key desert species.
• Desert Sage (Salvia dorrii): Aromatic shrub attracting hummingbirds and bees.

Wildflowers

• Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata): Bright yellow flowers bloom after rains.
• Mexican Poppy (Eschscholzia mexicana): Similar to California poppy but adapted to desert environments.

Pacific Northwest

This moist region includes coastal forests with towering conifers and lush understories.

Trees

• Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii): The backbone of Pacific Northwest forests; valuable for timber and wildlife habitat.
• Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata): Known as the “tree of life” by Indigenous peoples; vital for shelter and food sources.

Shrubs

• Salal (Gaultheria shallon): Evergreen shrub with edible berries enjoyed by birds and humans alike.
• Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium): Glossy holly-like leaves with bright yellow spring flowers followed by blue berries.

Ferns & Groundcovers

• Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum): Dominates forest floors providing cover for small animals.
• Inside-out Flower (Vancouveria hexandra): Delicate flowers suited to shady woodlands.

Southeastern Coastal Plain

Warm, humid summers dominate this region’s mix of pine forests, wetlands, and coastal habitats.

Trees

• Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris): Once dominant across vast areas; restoration efforts are underway due to its ecological importance.
• Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum): Iconic wetland tree with “knees” growing around roots; provides important aquatic habitat.

Shrubs & Vines

• Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera): Aromatic evergreen shrub that offers winter food for wildlife.
• Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens): Native vine with tubular red flowers attracting hummingbirds year-round.

Wildflowers

• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): Crucial host plant for monarch butterflies; thrives in moist soils.
• Black-eyed Susan

Northern Boreal Forest

Covering much of Canada’s vast northern expanse, this cold climate features coniferous forests with short growing seasons.

Trees

• Black Spruce (Picea mariana): Adapted to wet or poor soils; important breeding habitat for many bird species.
• Tamarack/Larch (Larix laricina): Unique deciduous conifer that turns bright yellow before shedding needles.

Shrubs

• Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia): Found in acidic bogs; beautiful pink flowers support pollinators.
• Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea): Edible berries that are a traditional food source in northern communities.

Conclusion

Selecting native plants tailored to your ecoregion supports ecological health while creating sustainable landscapes. These plants are perfectly adapted to local climate patterns, soil types, and interactions with native fauna. Whether you live in the forests of the Pacific Northwest or the deserts of the Southwest, incorporating native species like big bluestem grasses or saguaro cacti can lead to thriving gardens that promote biodiversity and environmental stewardship. By planting native flora, gardeners become active participants in preserving regional heritage for future generations.