Native Plants to North and South Carolina

Ever since I took botany in college, the importance of growing plants native to where I live has been important to me. That's not to say I don't enjoy my orchids or that I will only grow native plants in our new backyard, but I think it's an important thing to consider when planting a garden. It's helpful to the environment to support plants that often get pushed out of existence by non-native, invasive plants. Also, water requirements for plants native to a region are more likely to be fulfilled by the natural rainfall of that region (maybe with a little help from your hose). If you live in southern California like I did, or other arid regions, it is most beneficial to your water bill, and for water conservation in general, if you plant native species that are drought-tolerant. A little research is required, but you might be surprised what you may find!

Now that we live in the Charlotte, NC area, it has been a goal of mine to gradually learn some of the plants native to this area so that we can plan our backyard trees, shrubs and flowers. I was pretty excited to find the Plant Native site which lists native plants (and their characteristics) in the location that you choose. The list is limited to the United States. It also has a nursery search that allows you to find nurseries in your area that carry native plants!