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The Cecropia Moth is perhaps one of the most visually magnificent of our native species, but is not in fact a pollinator as the adults do not have mouthparts. Help celebrate National Moth Week!  This week, folks from all over the world are participating in a global citizen science project, taking photos of moths they attract or find, and   sharing their pictures with conservation organizations . The Owen family has always been moth appreciators and are thrilled to see them getting more media exposure for their importance not only as bioindicators but as critical pollinators ( see Brad's Pollinator Week blog ). Moths account for over 90% of the Lepidoptera class (12,000 moth species versus 825 butterfly species in North America!), and we've learned that moths pollinate at a faster rate than day-flying insects. They also work harder to get to nectar, visiting many plants that day-flying pollinators ignore. In addition to pollinating lesser-visited plants, they also feed from many of the same species that butterflies, bees and other daytime pollinators visit; this overlap in pollination could be critical at a time when we are observing major declines in pollinator populations. When we consider the massive population of moths combined with their speedy pollination skills and diverse plant selection, that’s quite the argument for planting to attract and feed moths! We often think of pollinator gardens as full of nectar-producing, colorful blooms covered in butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects. But in order for pollinating insects to get to the life stage where they can do that essential job in our gardens and native habitats, they have to have something to eat when young! Host plants are those you plant for moths, butterflies, and other insect pollinators to lay their eggs on, and they then provide food for the larval/caterpillar life stage. Host plants are essential in supporting a diversity of moths and butterflies, and even indirectly, birds–a baby bird can eat over 500 caterpillars in one day. Conveniently, many host plants offer food for caterpillars as well as food for adult pollinators - in addition to providing beauty in your landscape. It can sometimes be challenging as an environmentally conscientious gardener to be willing to share with wildlife and let go of a need for plant perfection. Many of us plant native berry and seed producing plants to support migrating birds, and we then have the dual benefit of providing them food as well as getting to enjoy birdwatching. When gardening to support moths, the reward is not as obvious - we rarely witness the adults feeding and pollinating under cover of darkness, and their young often leave their host plant's leaves full of holes (some thank you!). Rest assured that much of the hungry, hungry caterpillar damage is covered with new foliage after they've had their fill, and when you plant a full, diverse garden, you barely notice. Please never spray your plants when you see them getting munched on - while it may sometimes be a Japanese Beetle or other invasive insect causing damage (look for pheromone traps for specific species), even organic-safe treatments will kill all insects feeding from the leaves and blooms - including the ones you are trying to attract! Holes in your native plant leaves is a good thing, it just takes some mental adjustment and acceptance of imperfection in our landscape. The host plants that make the biggest impact are native trees, but many shrubs, grasses and perennials are also vital (and easier to fit in smaller yards). Note that if planting in the heat of summer (during Moth Week), you may want to wait on shrubs and trees till fall as they require more water and can therefore be more challenging to keep happy during times of drought or extreme heat. Check out this list of favorite native plants for supporting WNC moths, including both host plants and nectar-producing plants.  For a much more extensive list of plants for moths, we highly recommend the book  Gardening for Moths . White or Red Oak, Quercus alba or Quercus rubra Zone 4-8 50-80’ tall & wide Full Sun Dry to medium water, good drainage ideal but can handle a range of soils Oaks are incredible host plants – providing food to over 550 species of moths and butterflies (including the below Rosy Maple)! Oaks provide beautiful fall color and serve as excellent shade trees once mature (which can take a bit, so be patient!). Acorns are an essential food for a variety of bird and mammal species. The Rosy Maple Moth is an adorable, vibrantly colored favorite - look at that fuzzy head! River Birch, Betula nigra Zone 4-9 40-70’ tall & 40-60’ wide Full sun to part shade Medium to wet soil (great for rain gardens & streamline restoration) River Birch hosts almost 320 species of moths and butterflies (including the infamous Luna Moth)! It grows relatively fast, so can be a faster way to add shade and height to your landscape. The attractive bark, growth habit, silvery leaves, and pretty blooms make it ornamental as well as beneficial. The famous Luna Moth. Photo Credit: Painters staff member, Betsy The Imperial Moth is a gorgeous, uniquely colored large moth! Photo Credit: Painters staff member, Betsy Witch Hazel, Hamamelis Vernalis or Hamamelis Virginiana Zone 4-8 H vernalis = 6-10’ tall & 8-15’ wide, H virginiana = 15-20’ tall & wide Full sun to part shade Hamamelis vernalis likes moister soils (great for rain gardens), while Hamamelis virginiana prefers lightly moist but well drained soils A great larval host plant as well as nectar source for over 60 species of moths (including the below Friendly Probole), Witch Hazel also serves as a nesting site and provides seed to several bird species. Various parts of the plant have been used for a range of medicinal purposes by Native Americans as well as modern commercial uses. It’s also beautiful – the yellow or orange, feathery, fragrant blooms cover the branches in late fall to early winter (Common Witch Hazel), or late winter to early spring (Ozark Witch Hazel & many cultivars). The Friendly Probole is a dainty moth with lovely scalloped wings and detailed patterning. Swamp Rose Mallow, Hibiscus moscheutos Zone 5-9 3-7’ tall & 2-4’ wide Full sun Medium to wet soil (great for rain gardens) Blooms July - September This native hibiscus supports 28 species of moths and butterflies. Easy to grow in a range of soils as long as it isn’t allowed to dry out completely. Blooms best in full sun, featuring large showy flowers in shades of white to pink (and cultivars include blooms in rich reds, ombres and deeply contrasting throats). Blooms are also critical for bees, hummingbirds, orioles and more. The Delightful Bird Dropping Moth definitely fits its name! Secretive & hard to spot, Rose Mallow is a host plant. Photo Credit: Jim Brighton Pussy Willow, Salix discolor Zone 4-8 Height 6-15’ & Spread 4-12’ Full sun to part shade Medium to wet soils (great for rain gardens & streamline restoration) Blooms March-April Pussy Willow hosts 18 butterflies and moths. It’s also a lovely ornamental shrub, and can be pruned to more of a bushy shape if desired. The catkins, which look like fuzzy kitty toes and make cut flowers, produce an abundance of pollen appreciated by early foraging bees, Lepidoptera and other pollinators, while the foliage creates a dense cover that serves as nesting sites for a variety of birds. Varied parts of the plant have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes as well as weaving and wickerwork. An Io moth - famous for it's massive eyespots. Pussy Willow is one of its many host plants. Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis Zones 5-9 Height 5-12’ & 4-8’ spread Full sun to part shade Moist to fully wet soil Blooms June A Snowberry Clearwing Moth enjoying the nectar of the Buttonbush bloom. Great for wet areas, placed prone to flooding, rain gardens etc. In June, they’re covered in spherical, fragrant white blooms resembling ornaments, which will be as covered with butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and other pollinators during daylight hours as they will be with moths at night. A fabulous ornamental for naturalizing, preventing erosion, or creating a rain garden , with many wildlife benefits. Buttonbush is a host plant to over 25 species of Lepidoptera, including several sphinx moths. The lovely Hydrangea Sphinx - Buttonbush is a host plant to it along with (gasp!) hydrangeas. Photo credit: Moths of North Carolina Highbush Blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum Zone 5-8 Height 6-12’ & spread 8-12’ Full sun to part shade Consistently moist soil w/good drainage & acidic pH is ideal Blooms May, Fruits Summer Native highbush blueberries host 223 species of Lepidoptera (including beautiful, giant silk moths), and the nectar supports many bee species as well. The berries are critical food for native and migrating birds, bears, and mammals, and in our diet offer many medicinal benefits in addition to being delicious. Blueberries offer lovely blooms in spring and fall color in addition to the berries; they can be used as hedges or incorporated into an ornamental landscape for both beauty and ecological benefit. The Polyphemus, a large, showy Silk Moth with giant eye spots to deter predators. Blueberries are one of many of its host plants. Joe Pye Weed, Eutrochium sp. Zone 4-8 NATIVE perennial 4-7' tall, 3-4' wide Full sun Purply blooms summer to fall; thrives in moist, fertile soil, great height for wet spaces Deer and rabbit resistant Joe Pye is a host plant for more than forty species of moth and butterfly caterpillars, including the Clymene Moth, Three-lined Flower Moth, Ruby Tiger Moth, and the Great Tiger Moth.  Just like any host plant, you can expect some leaf damage, but know that on healthy plants, the damage will soon be hidden by new foliage and you can feel great about the mature moth or butterfly that will be sipping on the nectar of the Joe Pye come late summer and fall! Joe Pye is also an excellent source of nectar for a huge diversity of pollinators - you can't have a butterfly and moth garden without Joe Pye!! The Clymene Moth's austere black and white upper wings hide bright orange-yellow underwings. Aromatic or Smooth Aster, Symphyotrichum oblongifolium Zone 3-8 Height 1-3’ & spread 1-3’ Full sun to part shade Dry to medium soil moisture Blooms August – September This aster is host to dozens of Lepidoptera as well as many bee species. Blooming in early fall, it is an important nectar source for a wide range of pollinators during a period when many other plants are fading. Aromatic aster is a tough native plant that can tolerate a range of conditions. It is often used in ornamental landscaping as a taller border and is a popular flower for wildlife habitat restoration. The lovely daisy-like blooms are a rich purple-blue, and the foliage is fragrant, making a great cut flower. If you want the wildlife benefits but a less rangy growth habit, there are many lovely nativars with more compact habits. The Wavy Lined Emerald Moth - small, delicate, and stunning coloration. Asters are one of many host plants. Showy Goldenrod (and most Solidago), Solidago speciosa Zone 3-8 Height 2-3’ & spread 2-3 Dry to medium soil moisture Blooms July – September Goldenrod is a host plant to over 120 species of Lepidoptera, provides nectar to a range of pollinators including many long and short tongued bees, and the seeds are excellent food for a variety of songbirds. Like asters, it is commonly used in wildlife habitat restoration. Depending on the species, it may bloom anywhere from mid summer to mid fall, and will produce more blooms if deadheaded. The showy, gold blooms will attract and support butterflies galore as well as supporting many moths. The False Crocus Geometer - a small, delicate moth with unique patterning. Goldenrod is one of several host plants. Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium Zone 3-9 Hieght 2-4’ and spread 1.5-2’ Full sun Dry to medium soil moisture Seed heads/blooms August – Winter Up to 50 moth species will feed and house in Bluestem and other native prairie grasses. Very ornamental, with a variety of colors within one clump of grass and airy seed heads. A great medium to taller border. Good in rain gardens but can also be drought tolerant once established and overall tolerates a range of conditions. Great support for bees, pollinators and birds alike both providing food and housing. The Large Yellow Underwing - very camouflaged until it flashes the bright mustard lower wings. Little Bluestem is a host plant to the yellow underwing as well as many skipper species (Fun fact: skippers are a sort of intermediate species between moths and butterflies). Additional herbaceous perennials that also serve as great host or nectar plants include: Bee Balm, Milkweed, Coreopsis, Mountain Mint, Helenium, Coral Honeysuckle, Ironweed, Sedum telephium, Northern Sea Oats, Rudbeckias & Echinaceas Charismatic Megafauna Champions! What's funny about moths is that many of the showiest adults are not pollinators (several pictured above don't have mouthparts) - we like to see this as nature's little lesson in seeing beyond beauty. Of course, even if the adult moths aren't pollinators, their caterpillar young are essential to the food web - one baby bird can eat upwards of 500 caterpillars a day! Charismatic megafauna is a term used to describe animals that are deemed more attractive and appealing to the general public - they are often essential to conservation organizations when advertising and fundraising. For instance, the giant, fuzzy-headed, vibrantly orange Royal Walnut Moth (who isn't able to pollinate and is only interested in mating) is much more likely to garner interest than a small, grey-brown Grieving Woodling Moth (obviously sad because nobody knows how hard it pollinates!). That said, we have to close with one of our favorite charismatic non-pollinating species - they can't help it they're beautiful! The Hickory Horned Devil Caterpillar (Host plants include Ash, Walnut, Sumac, Sweetgum and Persimmon trees ) And the adult form - the Royal Walnut Moth (which has nonfunctioning mouthparts). Photo credit: Painters staff member Betsy Plant a diversity of host and nectar plants and you can attract and support a wide range of moths, including those that act as critical pollinators as well as those that act as food for other wildlife and food for our souls! Sources ‘Gardening for Moths – A regional guide’ . Jim McCormac & Chelsea Gottfried ‘Moths are more efficient pollinators than bees, shows new research’ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230330102153.htm ‘ Moths do the pollinator night shift – and they work harder than daytime insects’ https://theconversation.com/moths-do-the-pollinator-night-shift-and-they-work-harder-than-daytime-insects-138472 ‘How moths keep our world blooming, pollinating in the night’ https://www.oneearth.org/how-moths-keep-our-world-blooming-pollinating-in-the-night/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20moths%20interact%20with%2047,as%20a%20natural%20biodiversity%20backup .

Why We Should Celebrate Periodical Cicadas Source: Atlas Obscura, "The Cicada Poems of Ancient Greece" Having been surrounded by an increasingly loud hum these last few weeks in Old Fort, we've had many customers ask us "What's that noise?!". No, it's not an alarm--just thousands of cicadas in the trees! Their populations are scattered around the area, so you may not have them in your community - plus, they haven't been here for almost two decades, so it's understandable if you don't remember the sound! The Periodical Cicada (Scientific name is literally Magicicada) Cicadas are an amazing and bizarre insect regardless of how long they live--most annual cicadas emerge every 1-5 years, and we hear them singing in the trees mid to late summer. Most of what we are hearing now is the Brood XIV periodical cicada, which sound a bit different and emerge earlier in the season. One of the longest lived insects, they've been underground for SEVENTEEN YEARS, and then emerge for only a few weeks of life above ground! This brood hatched 17 years ago, then dug 5-6 feet underground as tiny nymphs . They then spent almost two decades slowly growing while feeding on root sap (and doing other magical unknown things) before they dug back to the surface. After a brief period of slowly bumbling around in their final nymph stage, they undergo their last metamorphosis--literally splitting down the back and shoving out of the old shell to finish growing their wings. Now is when we really start noticing them, as they spend weeks flying around like klutzy whirligigs screaming for mates! Maybe they gross you out? Or you find the hum just a bit too loud for comfort? Or you're worried about your gardens being eaten? Freshly hatched in Old Fort, Credit: Chris Whaley Here's why Brood XIV is a good thing for WNC: SO MUCH FOOD! Adults provide an incredible amount of food for birds, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and fish - which then has a ripple effect of boosting the entire ecosystem. This is perfect timing following the loss of wildlife and habitat from Helene! (And if the world descends into further chaos, we may just want to chow down too - they're highly nutritious and considered a delicacy by many cultures.) IMPROVED SOIL STRUCTURE Nymphs burrowing up through the soil provide improved aeration and more effective water infiltration, which both helps plants survive during periods of drought and helps mitigate heavy rains as the soil can absorb more water and we have reduced runoff and potential for flooding. INCREASED SOIL FERTILITY The molts as well as any adults not eaten by predators are seemingly everywhere - and they will all be decomposing... that's a lot of natural fertilizer! This will also support plant health along with the improved aeration and water flow. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS Because of their long and very unique lifespans, periodical cicadas are very important study subjects. Changes in their populations, health and distribution can help inform studies on the effects of human development, habitat fragmentation, pollution, and climate change. Cicadas symbolize rebirth, renewal and transformation in many cultures and have been featured in poems , music, and art around the world for centuries. WNC could use such a symbol as we rebuild and recover! Read on for FAQs and fun facts! The Last Nymph Stage The Last Molt Final Winged Stage Will they ruin my gardens? Short answer--no, but taking extra care with shrubs and trees is helpful. Adult cicadas barely eat (they have something else on their minds), so no fear of your annuals and perennials being damaged. Females do cause some damage when depositing eggs - they use their ovipositor to saw into branches and then insert their eggs . This can cause leaf drop and die off of branch tips (known as 'flagging'). While it's unusual for this to cause long term damage or kill the plant, it can be helpful to cover younger shrubs and trees with a fine mesh to prevent females from accessing them. Regardless of whether you protect with mesh, we recommend taking extra care with deciduous shrubs and trees planted within the last few years (cicadas don't lay eggs in evergreens). If properly watered and mulched, your plants will be better equipped to handle any extra stress ( note that while using some compost or a root booster such as triple superphosphate when planting a new shrub or tree is often helpful, you should not fertilize them when struggling with pest or disease damage--this can lead to them putting more energy into new growth and therefore having less to defend themselves ). Why are there so many? Cicadas have evolved to survive by simply overwhelming predators by sheer numbers. They have little to no defenses, so their massive populations ensure that enough survive to breed and have young. During their peak, in highly concentrated areas, there can be up to 1.5 MILLION cicadas per acre! Tell me more about the sound. The males compete with one another to see who can make the loudest mating call by flexing their tiny cicada muscles to rapidly buckle membranes called 'tymbals' against their body. This creates a speedy clicking noise, which sounds amazingly different when thousands of cicadas are 'singing' at once. The males will often engage in synchronous chorusing - which makes them sound even louder and is hypothetically used to both grab the attention of females as well as confuse predators. Brood XIV is known to be the loudest of our cicadas, with noise levels reaching 100 decibels (comparable to a passing jet)! Those red eyes are creepy. Actually, they have 5 eyes! Three are on their forehead. So you can be extra creeped out! For more about periodical cicadas check out this excellent article from the Irvine Nature Center in Maryland. We hope we helped you see these fascinating insects in a new light! Cicada Life Cycle. Credit: Smithsonian Museum of Natural History The extremely rare Baby Rhinoceros Cicada. ... JK, it's actually an Oak Treehopper - a bit smaller, cuter, and only has 4 eyes.

First of all, how do we at Painters define a groundcover?  We think of groundcovers as low growing, spreading perennials that require moderate to minimal maintenance to succeed.  You may choose a groundcover for attractive foliage and to add some lushness to an area. You may want a pop of color with blooms or to simply fill a large space. Sometimes, groundcovers can include a mass of mid-sized plants to cover a larger area and we've included a few of those here too. Areas needing groundcover could be full sun, full shade, steep slopes, or flat rock gardens. And ideally, you are probably interested in something that requires minimal care and that will self-multiply or spread for affordability! We’ve chosen plant recommendations here that address these many needs. Sometimes you may be able to fill part of the area by sowing seed, but it’s typically well-worth investing the upfront cost and time in planting established groundcover-friendly plants as your foundation. This is a dual investment in time and ecology, as it can mean less lawn, lawn care, or aggressive invasive plants. In this blog, we've made sure to grow, market, and include only groundcover plants that are currently considered to be non-invasive, and many are in fact native. One overlapping category of groundcover plants are those that are helpful in preventing erosion on steep hillsides or stream banks .  While some of our suggestions will work for such situations, there are also many deeply-rooting grasses, shrubs, and trees that are ideal but do not spread like groundcovers, so we will treat those as another topic. Read our blog about erosion control and plants we recommend for this . Here are some of our favorite perennial groundcover options organized from sun to shade: Pinks -- Dianthus 'Baths Pink' (Also love 'Flashing Lights', 'Arctic Fire' & 'Firewitch' - bu t not available this spring.) Perennial, full/part sun 6" tall, 8-12" wide Dainty pink blooms in late spring Grass-like blue-gray foliage Silene 'Carol Jean White' or 'Carol Jean Pink' Perennial (z5-10) full sun 3-5'' tall, 2' wide A flower-power evergreen groundcover that picks up blooming late spring where creeping phlox leaves off, providing a cheerful blanket of color right through to the end of summer Excellent heat tolerance; thrives in evenly moist soil Creeping Speedwell -- Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue' Perennial (z6-9) full sun 4-6'' tall, 18-24'' wide Petite cobalt-blue flowers with white centers bloom in spring Semi-evergreen foliage turns burgundy in cold weather Excellent groundcover for sharp-draining soil Deer and rabbit resistant Blue Rug Juniper -- Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' NATIVAR evergreen shrub (z3-9) full sun 6" tall, 6-8' wide Thick, dense, silvery blue foliage, at home in rock gardens or spilling over walls Drought tolerant, unlike many junipers; perfect groundcover for sunny, dry, sloped sites Creeping Thyme -- Thymus serpyllum 'Magic Carpet' or 'Pink Chintz' Perennial, full sun 1-2'' tall, 1-2' wide Aromatic foliage, rarely used for cooking, spreads in a tight, ground-hugging carpet; emits an invigorating scent when trodden upon (tolerates light foot traffic) Smothered in pink blooms in summer, adored by bees! Must have sharp-draining soil; thrives in sunny herb or rock gardens, perfect between stepping stones Caraway Thyme - Thymus herba barona Perennial, full sun 3-6'' tall, 1-2' wide (one of the fastest spreaders of the thymes) Useful and delicious, with the fragrance of caraway seeds, serves as both a culinary herb and an evergreen groundcover Clusters of pink flowers bloom in summer, beloved by bees Must have sharp-draining soil to thrive; tolerant of drought and light foot traffic, deer resistant (We also grow and love Red Creeping Thyme, Thymus praecox  'Coccineus' - similar to Caraway in size, it offers rich reddish blooms, but is a bit slower to spread.) Elfin Thyme -- Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' Perennial (z4-8) full sun 1-2'' tall, 12-18'' wide Extremely tiny leaves, lavender-pink blooms early summer Mat-forming habit; perfect carpeting for fairy gardens or tucked around stepping stones Thrives in loose, gritty, nutrient-poor soils with sharp drainage Candytuft -- Iberis sempervirens 'Summer Snowdrift' Perennial (z6a-9b) full sun 5-8'' tall, 9-12'' wide Fragrant, pure white flowers bloom spring to summer atop evergreen, carpet-forming foliage Low maintenance, deer resistant; works wonderfully in beds or containers Cotoneaster -- Cotoneaster dammeri 'Lowfast' Evergreen shrub (z5-8) full sun-part shade 1' tall, 8-12' wide As the name suggests, grows low and fast, covering problem areas quickly Trailing stems root wherever they touch the ground; great choice for slopes or erosion control Small white flowers in spring, followed by abundant bright red berries Deer resistant, drought tolerant; aka bearberry cotoneaster Dwarf Blue Plumbago -- Ceratostigma plumbaginoides Perennial (z5-9) part-full sun 6-8'' tall, 12-18'' wide Profuse, vivid, sky-blue flowers mid to late summer, dark green foliage turns a beautiful bronze-red in fall Deer resistant and durable -- even produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of weeds, making this a most excellent and attractive groundcover choice Lamb's Ear -- Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' Perennial (z4-9) full sun 3-8'' tall, 1-2' wide Velvety soft, silvery foliage has a pleasing look and texture; excellent for sensory gardens Can suffer in high humidity; benefits from a bit of light afternoon shade in hot summers Great groundcover for dry, well-drained, rocky areas Creeping Phlox or Thrift -- Phlox subulata (Multiple Varieties and Colors) NATIVE cultivar, part/full sun 3-6" tall, 12" wide Semi-evergreen foliage spreads into a dense groundcover, often out-competing weeds & grass Profusion of early blooms welcomes spring to the garden Hardy Ice Plant -- Delosperma cooperi Perennial (z6-10), full sun 3-6" tall, 12-24" spread Evergreen succulent foliage makes great ground cover Magenta pinkish-purple flowers late spring-frost Drought tolerant, low maintenance Northern Sea Oats -- Chasmanthium latifolium NATIVE perennial grass (z5-9) full sun-part shade 2-3' tall and wide Clump-forming, good for naturalizing and stabilization Dangling oat-like seedheads in fall and winter Self sows Native Stonecrop -- Sedum ternatum 'Larinem Park' NATIVAR perennial (z3-9), full sun-full shade 3-4'' tall, 1-2' wide More tolerant of shade and moist soil than other sedums Excellent groundcover for rock gardens, woodland edges, or dry shade (needs more moisture in full sun) Dainty white spring blooms support early season pollinators Stonecrop -- Sedum 'Angelina' Perennial (z3-11) full sun-part shade 4-6'' tall, 6-12'' wide Evergreen lime-green needle-like foliage turns orange in cold weather Yellow flower clusters in summer Low maintenance, year-round color; thrives in sharp-draining soil Known for being able to out-compete weeds Carolina Campion -- Silene caroliniana 'Hot Pink' NATIVAR perennial (z5-8) full sun-part shade 1' tall and wide Semi-evergreen groundcover, bright pink spring blooms Must have excellent drainage to thrive; prefers sandy, gravelly soil and a bit of afternoon shade Tiny sticky hairs discourage predation from insects; aka wild pink or sticky catchfly Ornamental Clover  -- Trifolium repens   Perennial (z4-10) full-part sun, 2-4'' tall, 5-7'' wide Grow your own luck with this eye-catching groundcover, where every clover is a four-leaf clover! White flowers bloom spring to summer, loved by bees Spreads quickly; cascades beautifully over edges of containers or walls Short Toothed Mountain Mint -- Pycnanthemum muticum 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year - for good reason! NATIVE perennial (z3-9) full-part sun 2-3' tall and wide -- a bit taller than other lower growing plants but great en masse at a woodland edge Fragrant leaves smell of spearmint A phenomenal pollinator plant with lovely silver bracts and blooms Not overly aggressive but will spread Appalachian Mountain Mint -- Pycnanthemum flexuosum NATIVE perennial (z6-8) full-part sun 2-3' tall, 3-4' wide -- a bit taller than other lower growing plants but great en masse at a woodland edge Aromatic, silvery white flowers on sturdy, upright stems summer-long Red-tinged foliage in fall Dwarf-Eared Coreopsis -- Coreopsis auriculata 'Nana' NATIVAR perennial (z4-8) full sun-part shade 6-9'' tall, 1-2' wide Easy care, deer resistant groundcover with yellow spring-summer blooms; evergreen foliage turns burgundy in fall Thrives in moist, well-drained soil; not as drought tolerant as other coreopsis species Hardy Geranium 'Bevan's Variety' -- Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety' (Watch for this one in future seasons at Painters! Not currently available for Spring 2025) Perennial (z3-8) full-part sun 10-12'' tall, 18-24'' wide Abundant clusters of pink-purple flowers late spring through summer Semi-evergreen, fragrant, light green foliage takes on purples tones in fall Effective at choking out weeds; ideal attractive groundcover Cranesbill Geranium 'Midnight Ghost' -- Geranium pratense  'Midnight Ghost' Perennial (z4-8) full-part shade 6-8'' tall, 1-3' wide Exquisite white flowers positively glow against rich, dark chocolatey, purple-red foliage, blooming all summer long An excellent drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant, attractive groundcover Bearberry -- Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Watch for this one in the Fall 2025 Season! Not currently available for Spring 2025) NATIVE evergreen shrub (z2-6) full sun-part shade 6-12'' tall, 3-6' spread Slow-growing groundcover; drought tolerant White-pink blooms, red berries Creeping St. John's Wort -- Hypericum calycinum (Watch for this one in the Fall 2025 Season! Not currently available for Spring 2025) Perennial (z5-9) full sun-part shade, 12-18'' tall, 1-2' wide Cheery yellow-blooming groundcover Best blooms in full sun, but tolerant of a wide range of conditions Rapid spread by underground stems; evergreen in mild winters Spreading Bellflower -- Campanula carpatica 'Pearl Deep Blue' Perennial (z3-8) full sun-part shade 8'' tall, 1-2' wide Blue-violet, upward-facing bells of flower spring to summer Dainty, compact, mounding foliage, excellent for edging and containers Prefers well-drained soil and cooler summer temperatures Lithodora -- Lithodora diffusa 'Blue Star' or 'Grace Ward' Perennial (z6-8) part shade-full sun 6-12'' tall, 2-3' wide Vigorous semi-evergreen groundcover with brilliant blue star-shaped blooms; a lovely summer-blooming complement to the spring bloom of creeping phlox Tolerates full sun in cooler climates; appreciates afternoon shade in hot summers Thrives in rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soil Bugleweed or Ajuga -- Ajuga reptans (Many varieties and colors) Perennial, full-part shade Most varieties at Painters this season are 3-6'' tall and 12'' wide Dense, rapidly spreading groundcover Spikes of lavender-blue flowers bloom in spring, adored by pollinators Dead Nettle -- Lamium maculatum 'Orchid Frost' (Dead Nettle) Perennial (z3-8) part-full shade 6-10'' tall, 1-2' wide Mat-forming groundcover with variegated heart-shaped foliage Pink-purple flowers in late spring and later rebloom Green and Gold -- Chrysogonum virginianum NATIVE perennial (z6-8) full-part shade 3-6'' tall, 18-24'' spread Yellow blooms April-October, with a lull during hottest months A great shade groundcover and one of our most popular Sweet Woodruff -- Galium odoratum (Limited stock for Spring 2025) Perennial (z4-8) part-full shade 6-12'' tall, 10-18'' wide Fragrant and vigorous groundcover for moist, shady areas White star-shaped flowers in late spring Creates a carpet of green foliage, can naturalize if conditions are right Barrenwort -- Epimedium 'Pretty in Pink' Perennial (z4-8) part-full shade 1-2' tall, 2-3' wide Marvelously attractive groundcover for dry shade; covered in whimsical pink flowers in spring, foliage takes on dramatic bronze tones in spring and fall Vigorous, low maintenance, durable; drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant Aka fairy wings Allegheny Spurge -- Pachysandra procumbens NATIVE perennial (z4-9) full-part shade 6-10'' tall, 1-2' wide Semi-evergreen, silvery mottled foliage Fragrant flower spikes in spring Slower growing but so worth it! Pennsylvania Sedge -- Carex pennsylvanica NATIVE perennial (z4-8) part-full shade 8-12'' tall and wide Tiny brown flowers in spring mature to sac-like bracts Semi-evergreen; deer resistant and easy to grow Ostrich Fern -- Matteuccia struthiopteris NATIVE perennial (z3-7) part-full shade 2-5' tall, 3-4' wide -- while a tall groundcover option, beautiful en masse as an understory plant Tall, majestic fronds resemble ostrich feathers Thrives in rich soil with constant moisture Hostas Perennial (z3-9), part-full shade in general, though some are bred for more sun tolerance Leaf sizes range from 2" long to over a foot, and most varieties feature mid-summer bloom spikes of white or purple, many quite fragrant. The size of the plant can range drastically, but most range from 1-2.5’ tall and 1.5x3.5’ wide.  While hostas can handle our native soils, they do best in richer, more fertile soils and with good drainage - so for best performance and size, you definitely want to amend your soil. Hostas are often beloved by both deer and slugs - we carry many cultivars that are slug resistant, but deer are another story (we recommend frequent applications of   Green Screen   around your beds).  We carry a range of leave colors, shapes, and sizes along with variation in the total plant size.  Some unique options we have this year include: Captains Adventure (a true collector’s hosta with very unusual leaf variegation), Blue Mouse Ears (tiny, adorable, rich blue-green), Blue Umbrellas ( an immense variety with thick, blue-green, corrugated leaves), and Beach Boy (their thick leaves have good resistance to slug onslaught). Woodland Phlox -- Phlox divaricata 'May Breeze' or 'Blue Moon' (Spring 2025 stock SOLD OUT. Watch for these favorites in future seasons at Painters!) NATIVAR perennial (z4-8) full-part shade 12-15'' tall and wide Lovely, fragrant, white or purple-blue spring blooms, perfect for filling in around bulbs or perennials Forms large colonies over time; drought tolerant once established Wild Ginger -- Asarum canadense (Spring 2025 stock SOLD OUT. Watch for this one in future seasons at Painters!) NATIVE perennial (z4-6) full-part shade 6-12'' tall, 12-18'' wide Cup-shaped, purplish brown flowers appear in spring Attractive groundcover for shade Meehan's Mint -- Meehania cordata NATIVE perennial (z4-8) part-full shade 6'' tall, 12-18'' wide Low maintenance, deer resistant, shade tolerant groundcover, with lovely lavender-blue blooms in spring A unique mint that spreads politely, not thuggishly; thrives in rich, moist woodland soil Click here for a printable list: Updated and republished 05/2025

Painters Greenhouse gift certificates can be purchased online and make a great present for all the plant lovers in your life! Available in increments ranging from $10-$500 and delivered immediately to your inbox, our gift certificates are a great way to give a gift that keeps growing. They also make a convenient last minute gift! GIVE THE GIFT OF PLANTS PURCHASE A PAINTERS GREENHOUSE GIFT CERTIFICATE Painters Greenhouse Gift Certificate Enter amount $ Quantity Buy Now Digital gift certificates can be purchased online here. Simply fill in the form with your desired gift amount and email address for delivery. Your certificate will be sent via email to your chosen recipient or you can email it to yourself to print at home. Payment are processed on the web platform, but you do not need an account to pay with a credit card. Physical gift certificates can be purchased at Painters Greenhouse during open hours!

We offer a broad selection of vegetables, herbs, fruiting shrubs, and fruiting trees. You will find heirloom varieties as well as those bred for disease resistance, container gardening, and more. Each year we grow both classic and unique cultivars, focusing on varieties that are proven to grow well in our climate. Our herb selection, full of unusual varieties, is especially celebrated, particularly during our annual spring Herb Fest. EDIBLES We offer a broad selection of vegetables, herbs, fruiting shrubs, and fruiting trees. You will find heirloom varieties as well as those bred for disease resistance, container gardening, and more. Each year we grow both classic and unique cultivars, focusing on varieties that are proven to grow well in our climate. Our herb selection, full of unusual varieties, is especially celebrated, particularly during our annual spring Herb Fest. We are committed to locate and purchase only non-GMO vegetable and herb varieties. In the rare case of pest or disease outbreaks on edibles, we use only organic-safe treatments. Spring 2025 Tomato Timeline Spring 2025 Perennial Edibles Spring 2025 Vegetables & Herbs Resources: Fruit Tree Pollination Guide Blueberry Pollination Guide Guide to Cool Season Veggies at Painters Vegetable Gardening 101 Growing Edibles in Small Spaces 2025 Perennial Edibles Full lists for the 2025 Spring Season. Some items are still growing in and will be made available when fully ready. Watch our newsletter for weekly additions or see our Tree & Shrub Availability for prices and quantities. Name Variety Scientific Name Notes Self-Fruitful Apple Golden Delicious Malus domestica Excellent for pies, sauce, cooking, and juicing. A critical pollinator to many other varieties; does well cross-pollinated by Fuji Apple Fuji Malus domestica crisp & juicy texture, great for applesauce Apple Honeycrisp Malus domestica very crisp and sweet, large fruit Apple McIntosh Malus domestica good for eating fresh or cooking. Cross-pollinate with Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn Apple Gala Malus domestica sweet and popular, keeps well Apple Pink Lady Malus domestica tart yet sweet, very popular flavor Apple Red Delicious Malus domestica disease resistant, high yielding, pollinates many others Apple Wolf River Malus domestica Huge fruits (up to 1 pound each!), great for cooking Apricot Mormon Prunus armeniaca Large, sweet fruits have pits that can be eaten like almonds; aka sweet-pit Self Fruitful Apricot Early Golden Prunus armeniaca freestone and flavorful, good for baking, drying, or fresh eating Blackberry Natchez Rubus x ripens sooner than most other thornless varieties Blackberry, Thornless Chester Rubus fruticosus most winter-hardy of thornless varieties, tolerates heat/humidity, sweet fruit Self Fruitful Blackberry, Thornless Twilight Rubus bred for outstanding flavor, early-ripening, high-yielding Blackberry, Thornless Triple Crown Rubus hybrid large, firm and sweet berries, thornless and fast growing Self Fruitful Blueberry, Lowbush Tiny Blue Vaccinium angustifolium smaller and sweeter berry, petite spring blooms and attractive fall color Self Fruitful Blueberry, Northern Highbush Chandler Vaccinium hybrid exceptionally large sweet berries, mid season & very long harvest Blueberry, Northern Highbush Duke Vaccinium hybrid leading early cultivar, high yeild & tasty berries, pretty fall foliage Self Fruitful Blueberry, Northern Highbush Blueray Vaccinium hybrid handles both cold winters & hot summers, very large sweet midseason berries Self Fruitful Blueberry, Northern Highbush Sweetheart Vaccinium hybrid produces *two* crops each summer, self-fertile but add other varieties for improved yields Self Fruitful Blueberry, Northern Highbush Bluegold Vaccinium hybrid heavy crops, excellent flavor, compact habit, midseason Self Fruitful Blueberry, Northern Highbush Bluecrop Vaccinium hybrid high yields of sweet fruit midsummer Blueberry, Northern Highbush Patriot Vaccinium hybrid more spreading habit can be good for containers, mildly sweet berries Blueberry, Rabbiteye Climax Vaccinium hybrid heat resistant, high yielding, sweet & lightly spicy fruit Blueberry, Rabbiteye Premier Vaccinium hybrid large and flavorful berries mid to late spring Blueberry, Southern Highbush Pink Lemonade Vaccinium hybrid sweet pink fruit, pretty fall color, midseason fruit Self Fruitful Cherry Combo Cherry Prunus avium Multiple varieties grafted onto the same tree eliminates the need to plant others for pollination Self Fruitful Cherry, Nanking Prunus tomentosa red fruits, varying from tart to sweet; excellent in pies and jams, & adored by birds Cherry, Sweet 'Bing' Prunus avium ***difficult to grow in warm climates (z5-7)***, needs another sweet cherry Cherry, Sweet Black Heart Prunus avium older heirloom variety harder to find; ***difficult to grow in the Southeast due to high summer humidity*** Cherry, Sweet Rainier (yellow/white) Prunus avium Purportedly attracts fewer birds than red varieties do Chestnut Dunstan Castanea dentata x mollissima at only 3-5 years old, begins producing heavy annual crops of large, sweet-tasting nuts Chokeberry, Black Viking Aronia melanocarpa nutrient-rich berries are too tart to eat fresh but perfect for jams and juices Citrus Trees and Shrubs Various Lemon, Lime, Orange, etc... (NOTE: quantities are limited) Crabapple Robinson Malus good for making jellies and feeding the birds Crabapple Prairifire Malus disease resistant, easy to grow, good cross-pollinator for apple trees Cranberry Hibiscus (African Rosemallow) Hibiscus acetosella Burgundy leaves have a tart, lemony taste and retain their vibrant color even after cooking, imbuing foods with both beauty and flavor Self Fruitful Elderberry Sambucus canadensis native shrub, showy, fragrant white spring blooms lead to tasty black berries in late summer Fig 'Chicago Hardy' Ficus carica abundant fruit, hardy variety, does well in NC Fig 'Violette de Bordeaux' Ficus carica Reliable, long-beloved cultivar, prized for luscious purple fruit with rich red flesh Self Fruitful Fig 'Celeste' Ficus carica high yielding; noted for its cold-hardiness but benefits from extra protection over winter Goji Berry Lycium barbarum easy to grow, prolific Self Fruitful Grape, blue-black, seedless Concord Vitis labrusca one of best blue-black grapes, good for preserves & juice Self Fruitful Grape, purple-black 'Southern Home' Vitis rotundifolia x vinifera hybrid muscadine grape known for its ornamental foliage Self Fruitful Grape, yellow-green, seedless Himrod Vitis x fruits ripen early and keep well; sweet, juicy, and crisp, delicious for fresh eating or great for drying into raisins Self Fruitful Hardy Kiwi Prolific Actinidia arguta Self fertile, small fruits, takes several years to produce Self Fruitful Hazelnut, American Corylus americana similar in flavor to the European hazelnut; plant two or more to ensure nut production Hops Cascade Humulus lupulus used primarily for brewing beer, imparting a pleasantly bitter, citrusy flavor Self Fruitful Loganberry Rubus × loganobaccus Cross between a N. American blackberry and a European raspberry Self Fruitful Mulberry Illinois Everbearing Morus exceptionally rewarding, and easy to grow Self Fruitful Mulberry, Red Morus rubra sweet, juicy blackberry-like fruits are too delicate for commercial sale; a real homegrown treat! Patio Fruit Various (NOTE: quantities are limited) Paw Paw Asimina triloba beautiful native tree, unique blooms, needs a different cultivar/plant 3 ss Peach Elberta Prunus persica ideal for fresh eating, canning, or freezing Self Fruitful Peach Belle of Georgia Prunus persica white flesh, freestone, sweetly flavored; excellent for baking, canning, and fresh eating Peach Redhaven Prunus persica great flavor, vigorous, disease resistant Self Fruitful Pear Kieffer Pyrus communis flavorful, heavy yields, tolerates drought & flood, plant another pear for best production Pear, Asian Shinseiki Pyrus pretty, fragrant blooms in spring, heavy fruiting, pollinate w/any other pear Pear, Asian Shinko Pyrus sweet, juicy and very crisp, apple shaped fruit, pollinate w/any other pear Pear, European Moonglow Pyrus communis Large, blushed fruits with a soft, juicy texture, excellent fresh or cooked Pecan, Hardy Carya illinoinensis bears delicious thin-shelled nuts Persimmon, American Diospyros virginiana delicious when ripe, fantastic in cakes and puddings; leaves can also be used for tea Plum Methley Prunus salicina great vigor & production, beauiful spring blooms Self Fruitful Plum Santa Rosa Prunus salicina sweet, firm fruit, beautiful habit and spring blooms Self Fruitful Plum, European Greengage Prunus domestica Green-yellow fruits with golden flesh, lovely to look at and delicious to eat Self Fruitful Pomegranate Salavatski Punica granatum highly productive, and one of the most cold hardy cultivars available; can be grown in zone 6b with winter protection Self Fruitful Raspberry Heritage Rubus idaeus everbearing cultivar, one of the most popular varieties grown worldwide Raspberry Fall Gold Rubus idaeus var. strigosus large, sweet-tart yellow berries in spring & fall, thorned canes Self Fruitful Raspberry Caroline Rubus idaeus disease-resistant; prune spent canes after summer fruiting Raspberry, Black Munger Rubus occidentalis noted for its excellent flavor, nutritious fruits, higher in antioxidants than red raspberries Raspberry, Purple Royalty Rubus x extra-sweet, juicy berries; one of the most popular varieties grown worldwide Self Fruitful Sargent Crabapple Malus sargentii persistent, 1/3 inch red fruits attract birds and other wildlife South Sea Salad Tree Auntie Lilli's Abelmoschus manihot Variegated foliage and yellow-pink blooms; both are edible and highly nutritious. Enjoy raw in salads or cooked like spinach Self Fruitful Strawberry, Everbearing Quinault Fragaria x ananassa Best flavor, but do not hold well - eat right away Self Fruitful Strawberry, June Bearing Chandler Fragaria x ananassa last longer after picking, and production through spring into summer Self Fruitful Spring 2025 Perennial Edibles 2025 Vegetable & Herb Growing List All items listed are intended for sale during our spring retail season, and will be made available for purchase as they reach optimum maturity and health. Scroll down for our Tomato timeline or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know what’s coming out each week! Name Variety Anise Hyssop Arugula Astro Basil Thai Siam Queen Basil Rutgers Devotion DMR Basil African Blue Basil Red Rubin Basil Holy Basil Cinnamon Basil Prospera DMR Basil Lettuce Leaf Tuscany Basil Sweet Large Leaf Italian Basil Lemon Basil Everleaf Genovese Bay Laurel Borage Broccoli Imperial Brussels Sprouts Jade Cross Bunching Onions White Lisbon Cabbage Savoy Ace Cabbage Ruby Perfection Cabbage Stonehead Cabbage, Chinese China Express Calendula Catnip Cauliflower Snow Crown Cauliflower, Romanesco Veronica Chamomile, German/Common Chives Common Chives Garlic Cilantro Santo Collards Flash Comfrey Coriander, Vietnamese Cucumber Marketmore 76 Organic (slicer) Cucumber Homemade Pickles Curry Dill Fernleaf Dill Fernleaf Dill Bouquet Eggplant Millionaire Eggplant Shooting Stars Eggplant Black Beauty Eucalyptus Baby Blue Bouquet Fennel, Bronze Feverfew French Tarragon Jewels of Opar Kale Red Russian Kale Vates Kale Beira (Sea) Kale, Lacinato (Dinosaur) Toscano Kohlrabi Kossak Lavender La Diva Big Night Lavender Grosso Lavender Super Blue Lavender Provence Lavender Anouk Lavender Phenomenal Lavender Hidcote Blue Leek King Richard Lemon Balm Mandarina Lemon Balm Lemon Verbena Lemongrass, East Indian Lettuce, Bibb Buttercrunch Lettuce, Leaf Lolla Rossa Lettuce, Leaf Encore Mix Lettuce, Leaf Salad Bowl Green Lettuce, Romaine Parris Island Lovage Marjoram, Sweet Mexican Mint Marigold Mint Grapefruit Mint Strawberry Mint Berries and Cream Mint, Apple Mint, Curly Mosquito Plant Mustard Greens, Mizuna-Type Miz America Okra Clemson Spineless Oregano Compactum Pak Choi (Bok Choy) Joi Choi Parsley Moss Curled Parsley Flat Leaf Italian Patio Fruit Mix Various Pepper, Hot Tobasco Pepper, Hot Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper, Hot Jalapeno Pepper, Hot Habanero Red Pepper, Hot Red Cayenne Long Slim Pepper, Hot Scotch Bonnet Red Pepper, Hot Shishito Pepper, Hot Anaheim Pepper, Hot Serrano Pepper, Hot Padron (Pimiento) Pepper, Hot Ghost Pepper, Mild Poblano Pepper, Mild Pepperoncini Pepper, Sweet Lunchbox Mix Pepper, Sweet California Wonder Pepper, Sweet Orange Bell Pepper, Sweet Purple Beauty Pepper, Sweet Keystone Red Giant Pepper, Sweet Sweet Banana Pepper, Sweet Giant Marconi Peppermint Rhubarb Crimson Red Rosemary Arp Rosemary Hardy Hill Sage Berggarten Sage Garden Grey Sage Tricolor Sage, Pineapple Honey Melon Sage, Pineapple Sage, Purple Salad Burnet Savory, Summer Scented Geranium Variegated Citronella Scented Geranium Fruit Angel Scented Geranium Peppermint Scented Geranium Attar of Roses Spearmint Spinach, Savoy Bloomsdale Stevia Summer Squash Black Zucchini Summer Squash Early Crookneck Sweet Cicely Swiss Chard Bright Lights Thyme Hi-Ho Silver Thyme Rose Petal Thyme, Caraway Thyme, English Thyme, Lemon Tomatillo Super Verde Tomato Rutgers Tomato Pineapple Tomato, Cherry Sweet Million Tomato, Cherry Sungold (F1, indeterminate) Tomato, Cherry Yellow Pear (Heirloom, indeterminate) Tomato, Cherry Dancing with Smurfs (Black Cherry) Tomato, Grape Juliet Tomato, Paste Amish Paste (Heirloom, indeterminate) Tomato, Slicer Better Boy VFN (F1, indeterminate) Tomato, Slicer Boxcar Willie (Heirloom, indeterminate) Tomato, Slicer Mortgage Lifter (Heirloom, indeterminate) Tomato, Slicer Mountain Fresh Tomato, Slicer Brandywine Yellow Tomato, Slicer Celebrity Plus Tomato, Slicer Cherokee Purple (Heirloom, indeterminate) Tomato, Slicer Jubilee Tomato, Slicer Brandywine Red Tomato, Slicer Early Girl Tomato, Slicer German Johnson Pink (Heirloom, indeterminate) Tomato, Slicer Better Bush (determinate) Valerian Common Watermelon Sugar Baby Spring 2025 Vegetables & Herbs Spring 2025 Tomato Timeline 2025 Tomatoes When will your tomatoes be ready this spring? What varieties will you have this season? We plant our tomatoes in three successions to keep new healthy batches rolling through our retail floor. We plant seedlings into 4 inch pots and it takes roughly three weeks for the root systems to be strong enough for transplanting into your garden. We anticipate the first round of tomatoes to be ready starting April 10th, second round May 1st, and a smaller third round available May 22nd.

Our native plant selection typically averages around 300 varieties and each season we increase the numbers of straight-species natives we sow and sell. We care deeply about growing plants that support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. The majority of the native plants we sell can be found naturally growing in the WNC area, but we also include some that are native to the region. Our natives are grown here at the greenhouse with the exception of some shrubs & trees from local nurseries. NATIVE PLANTS Native plants have evolved to thrive in our specific climate, soils, and temperatures. Our native plant selection typically averages around 300 varieties and each season we increase the numbers of straight-species natives we sow and sell. We care deeply about growing plants that support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. The majority of the native plants we sell can be found naturally growing in the WNC area, but we also include some that are native to the general region. Our natives are grown on site with the exception of some shrubs and trees from local nurseries. Search Natives in our Availability Lists RELATED BLOG POSTS Plants for Attracting Moths, Our Beautiful Unsung Pollinators Jul 18, 2024 A Guide to Native Plants: Straight Species vs. Nativars Aug 13, 2022 Why We Love Native Plants Feb 18, 2022 Overwhelmed? Start with Keystones! Sep 24, 2024 Plants for Attracting Moths, Our Beautiful Unsung Pollinators Jul 18, 2024 1 2 3 4 5 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Gardening for Wildlife with Native Plants NC Natives by Season and Color Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Native Plants Database Native Trees and Shrubs for Your Garden Our Favorite Native Herbaceous Perennials Bee Balm Blue Star Coneflower Dwarf-eared Coreopsis Helenium Indian Pink Penstemon Rudbeckia Solomon's Seal Threadleaf Coreopsis White-Topped Sedge Black Cohosh Cardinal Flower Dwarf Crested Iris Flag Iris Heliopsis Joe Pye Weed Rattlesnake Master Sensitive Fern Stoke's Aster Thrift (moss) Phlox Wild Bergamot Blazing Star Columbine Dwarf Mexican Hat Garden Phlox Heuchera villosa Maximilian Sunflower Royal Fern Short Toothed Mountain Mint Swamp Milkweed Trillium Woodland Phlox Our Favorite Native Herbaceous Pernnials Our Favorite Native Ferns Christmas Fern Ostrich Fern Southern Maidenhair Fern Cinnamon Fern Royal Fern Lady Fern Sensitive Fern Our Favorite Native Ferns Our Favorite Native Vines American Wisteria Crossvine Carolina Jessamine Passion Flower Vine Coral Honeysuckle Trumpet Vine Our Favorite Native Vines Our Favorite Native Ground Covers Allegheny Spurge Ostrich Fern Short Toothed Mountain Mint Woodland Phlox Dwarf-Eared Coreopsis Pennsylvania Sedge Thrift (moss) Phlox Woodland Stonecrop Green and Gold Sensitive Fern Wild Ginger Our Favorite Native Ground Covers Our Favorite Native Grasses Big Bluestem Little Bluestem Pink Muhly Grass Splitbeard Bluestem Blue Grama Grass Northern Sea Oats (River Oats) Prairie Dropseed Indian grass Pennsylvania Sedge Red Switchgrass Our Favorite Native Grasses Our Favorite Native Edibles Blueberry, Lowbush Tiny Blue Blueberry, Lowbush Blueberry, Northern Highbush Sweetheart Blueberry, Northern Highbush Blueberry, Rabbiteye Premier Blueberry, Rabbiteye Hazelnut, American Hazelnut, American Pecan, Hardy Pecan, Hardy Raspberry Fall Gold Raspberry Blueberry, Northern Highbush Duke Blueberry, Northern Highbush Blueberry, Northern Highbush Bluegold Blueberry, Northern Highbush Chokeberry, Black Viking Chokeberry, Black Mulberry, Red Mulberry, Red Persimmon, American Persimmon, American Raspberry Caroline Raspberry Blueberry, Northern Highbush Blueray Blueberry, Northern Highbush Blueberry, Rabbiteye Climax Blueberry, Rabbiteye Elderberry Elderberry Paw Paw Paw Paw Raspberry Heritage Raspberry Raspberry, Black Munger Raspberry, Black Our Favorite Native Edibles Our Favorite Native Trees & Shrubs American Beautyberry American Witch Hazel Black Chokeberry Catawba Rhododendron Doghobble (assorted) Eastern Ninebark Flowering Dogwood Inkberry Holly Northern Red Oak Possumhaw Viburnum Red Maple (assorted) Shadblow Serviceberry Snowberry Summersweet Clethra Sweetbay Magnolia Winterberry American Beech Bald Cypress Blueberry (assorted) Coralberry Downy Serviceberry Eastern Redbud Fothergilla Mountain Laurel Oak (assorted) Pussy Willow Redtwig Dogwood Shrubby St. John's Wort Southern Bush Honeysuckle Swamp Rose Sweetshrub / Carolina Allspice American Holly Bearberry Buttonbush Deciduous Azalea (assorted) Eastern Hemlock Flame Azalea Hardy Pecan New Jersey Tea Oakleaf Hydrangea (assorted) Red Buckeye River Birch Smooth Sumac Spicebush Sweet Gum Virginia Sweetspire Our Favorite Native Trees & Shrubs