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Resource to Learn About Native Plants

The process of choosing what native plants to add to your gardens can be daunting.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite websites and resources to make this easier.

Do you have a great resource? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.
Common Redpoll by Kyle Tansley / Macaulay Library.

Resources for Learning About Native Plants

NameLinkBest use
Pollinator Partnership Guideswww.pollinator.org/guidesEnter your zip code and receive a FREE PDF document specific to your ecoregion. This resource will give you ideas of plants to add and the wildlife they will support. Great reference for beginners.
Audubon Native Plant Databasewww.audubon.org/native-plantsAfter entering your zip code, you will be presented with a variety of native plants and the birds they may attract. You can sort and filter based on what you are looking for. There is also a link to local nurseries that may carry natives.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Centerwww.wildflower.org/plants/Search by plant name (scientific or common) to learn about the growing conditions of plants. If you have a “trouble spot” enter the details on the location and the tool will feed you suggestions. Great for more advanced gardeners or those with difficult planting sites.
Gardenia: United States Native Plant Finderwww.gardenia.net/native-plants/united-statesAnother site that will let you search by region with a refined search based on the type of plants that you want to add. This site has more pictures and is visually captivating.
Garden for Wildlifewww.gardenforwildlife.com/blogs/learning-centerGFW serves as both an educational resource on native gardening for beginners and experts, as well as a plant resource. You can search by zip code, growing conditions, and wildlife preferences for identifying plants that their partner nurseries provide. They are continually expanding their offerings.
Native plant finder – National Wildlife Foundationwww.nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/PlantsSearch results are based on the historic native ranges of plants as determined by the USDA NRCS Plant Database, which are based on range maps that go down to the county level.  Another page here links to NWF Native Plant Suppliers.
USDA Celebrating Wildflowers – Linkswww.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/wildflowers/linksList of links to organizations – many state specific – that promote preservation, conservation, and knowledge about native plants. Most include a wide array of activities and information including field trips, wildflower walks, presentations, seed exchanges, native plant gardening, restoration information, photo galleries, botanical references, newsletters, plant lists, invasive plant information, and educational classes.
Wild Oneshttps://nativegardendesigns.wildones.org/nursery-list/Wild Ones offers a variety of resources for gardeners from native plant garden designs, local chapters, native plant events and nurseries to find native plants in your State.

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