Landscaping for Wildlife With Native Plants - North Carolina State University

2 North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service

North Carolina’s native plants provide well-adapted food and cover forNorth Carolina’s native animals, and a well-planned landscape of

native plants can help you attract a diversity of wildlife to your property. NativeNorth Carolina plants also are well-suited to the state’s soils and climate andrequire relatively little upkeep, once established on an appropriate site.

However, the spread of exotic plants poses a threat to native plants andanimals of North Carolina. This publication describes the problems associatedwith some exotic plants and presents a detailed list of native plants that maybe used in place of these foreign ornamentals to attract wildlife to your property.

North America before Europeansettlement.

• Exotic plants are those not nativeto an area. In North Carolina,exotics usually come from Asiaor western Europe, regions thathave similar climate and envi-

ronmental conditions to those inthis state.

• Some exotics are planted inten-tionally as lawn or garden orna-mentals or as plants to attractwildlife, but other exotic plantswere introduced accidentally.

• Many exotic species becomenaturalized, which means theyare able to survive, spread, andreproduce on their own.

• Approximately 25 percent of theplants growing wild in theUnited States are naturalizedexotics, some of which havebecome invasive, that is, theygrow unabatedly where nativeplants otherwise would occur.

Invasive exotic plants arethose that pose the greatest risk tothe native plants and animals ofNorth Carolina. Competitors,diseases, and insects control aplant’s growth and dispersal in itsnative range. Over thousands ofyears, natural checks and balancesdevelop, which greatly reduce thechance that a single species willincrease in number to completelydominate a plant community.However, when an exotic plant isintroduced to North Carolina, it

Why use native plants?Why use native plants?Why use native plants?Why use native plants?Why use native plants?

Biologists and other scientistsconsider invasion by exotic plantsto be one of the most seriousproblems facing native plant andwildlife populations in the UnitedStates. For example, multiflorarose, bicolor lespedeza, Japanesehoneysuckle, and autumn oliveare examples of exotic plantsintroduced into North Carolina—all for the purpose of promoting“wildlife habitat.” However, eachintroduction has proven detrimen-tal to North Carolina’s nativeplants, pushing them out of theirtraditional habitats; and recentresearch indicates that manyinvasive exotic plants may beharmful to local wildlife as well.

• Native plants generally aredefined as those that occurred in

American goldfinches commonly feed on the seeds of orange coneflower in the falland winter. Photo by Chris Moorman

Exotic invasive plants, including mimosa, kudzu, Queen Anne’s lace, and sericealespedeza, have taken over this vacated suburban lot. Photo by Chris Moorman

Landscaping for Wildlife with Native Plants 3

escapes its natural controls andcan become invasive. The charac-teristics that make many exoticplants attractive as ornamentals(colorful berries, pest resistance,tolerance of harsh conditions) alsoincrease their potential for inva-siveness and make them difficultto contain. Prolific growth by asingle plant species can be harmfulbecause forests with a limitednumber of plant species providevery poor habitat for wildlife.

All exotic plants do not be-come invasive, and most cansafely be planted as ornamentals.However, it takes scientists manyyears or even decades to fullyunderstand an introduced plant’spotential invasiveness. Newinformation is being gatheredcontinually, and you should checkwith your local nature center,botanical garden, conservationorganization, or CooperativeExtension agent about a plant’sinvasiveness before introducing itto your property.

Ironically, exotic plants thatare attractive to birds and otherwildlife often are the most invasivebecause animals serve as greatdispersers of their fruits and seeds.Autumn olive is an exotic plantthat produces fruits favored by

birds, but the plant grows andoften spreads quickly where theseeds are defecated. Native fruit-producing plants may succumb tothe competition from this type ofinvasive exotic, thereby reducingthe diversity of foods available tobirds. In addition, new evidencefrom the midwestern United Statessuggests birds that nest in someexotic shrubs experience poornesting success. Lower nestheight, the absence of sharpthorns on the exotic plants, and abranching pattern that allowspredators easier access to nests

Sawtooth oak, a tree native to Asia,continues to be recommended as awildlife plant, despite the availability ofmany native oak species. Photo courtesy

of Alice B. Russell, NCSU retired

Native plants are attractive additions to any property. Both American beautyberry(left) and strawberrybush (right) produce fruits that are attractive to wildlife andthe human eye. Photos by Chris Moorman

built in exotic plants all couldcontribute to the increased nestpredation. Despite the growingbase of knowledge related to thepotential problems of exotic

plants, species like sawtooth oak(Quercus acutissima) continue tobe recommended as plantings toencourage wildlife. Until adequateinformation on the invasiveness ofsuch plants exists, native alterna-tives should be used.

Reversing the trend

You can help stop the exotic plantinvasion by using and nurturingnative plants around your homeand on your property. Nativeplants generally grow well and

Tiger swallowtails, along with other butterflies and the ruby-throated hummingbird,eat nectar from native azalea blooms. Illustration by Liessa Thomas Bowen

require less care than exoticspecies when grown on the propersoils under the right environmen-tal conditions. Additionally, NorthCarolina’s native wildlife has


Table 1. Plant Species Native to North Carolina* (including soil moisture and light requirements, region of primary occurrence, and benefit to wildlife).

WildlifeLatin Name Common Name** Soil/Light Region Value

Soil moisture: W = wet; M = moist; D = dry.Light requirements: F = full sun; P = partial shade; S = shade.Region: M = mountains; P = piedmont; CP = coastal plain.Wildlife Value: C = winter cover; F = fleshy fruit; S = seed, hard mast, or catkin; H = hummingbird nectar; N = butterfly and other insect nectar; L = butterfly larvae host plant.


Tall trees (more than 30 ft)Acer barbatum Southern Sugar Maple M/F-S P,CP SAcer rubrum Red Maple W-D/F-P M,P,CP SAcer saccharum Sugar Maple M/F-S M SAesculus flava Yellow Buckeye M/P-S M HBetula lenta Sweet Birch M-D/F-S M S,LBetula nigra River Birch W-D/F P,CP S,LCarya glabra Pignut Hickory D/F-S M,P,CP S,LCarya ovata Shagbark Hickory M-D/F-S M,P,CP S,LCarya tomentosa Mockernut Hickory D/F-S M,P,CP S,LCeltis laevigata Sugarberry M/F-S P,CP F,LChamaecyparis thyoides Atlantic Whitecedar W-M/F-P CP C,LDiospyros virginiana Persimmon M-D/F-P M,P,CP FFagus grandifolia American Beech M/P-S M,P,CP SFraxinus americana White Ash M/F-S M,P S,LFraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash W-D/F-P M,P,CP S,LGordonia lasianthus Loblolly Bay W-M/F-P CP CIlex opaca American Holly W-D/F-S M,P,CP C,F,N,LJuniperus virginiana Eastern Redcedar M-D/F-P M,P,CP C,F,LLiquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum W-M/F-P M,P,CP SLiriodendron tulipifera Yellow Poplar M/F-P M,P,CP S,H,N,LMagnolia acuminata Cucumber Tree M/F-P M,P SMagnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia M/P-S P,CP C,SMagnolia virginiana Sweetbay W-M/F-P P,CP S,LNyssa sylvatica Blackgum D/F-P M,P,CP FOxydendrum arboreum Sourwood D/F-S M,P,CP NPersea borbonia Redbay W-M/F-S CP C,F,LPinus echinata Shortleaf Pine D/F-P M,P,CP C,S,LPinus palustris Longleaf Pine D/F P,CP C,SPinus strobus Eastern White Pine D/F M,P C,SPinus taeda Loblolly Pine M-D/F M,P,CP C,S,LPlatanus occidentalis Sycamore M/F-P M,P,CP SPrunus serotina Black Cherry M-D/F M,P,CP F,N,LQuercus alba White Oak M-D/F-P M,P,CP S,LQuercus coccinea Scarlet Oak D/F-P M,P S,LQuercus falcata Southern Red Oak M-D/F-P M,P,CP S,LQuercus michauxii Swamp Chestnut Oak M/F-P P,CP S,LQuercus nigra Water Oak M-D/F-P P,CP S,LQuercus pagoda Cherrybark Oak M/F-P P,CP S,LQuercus phellos Willow Oak W-M/F-P P,CP S,LQuercus rubra Red Oak M/F-P M,P S,LQuercus shumardii Shumard Oak M/F-P P,CP S,LQuercus stellata Post Oak D/F M,P,CP S,LQuercus velutina Black Oak M-D/F-P M,P,CP S,LQuercus virginiana Live Oak D/F CP C,S,LRobinia pseudoacacia Black Locust M-D/F-P M,P S,LSalix nigra Black Willow W-M/F-S M,P,CP LSassafras albidum Sassafras M-D/F-P M,P,CP F,LTaxodium distichum Baldcypress W-M/F-P CP STilia americana Basswood M/F-P M,P,CP S,N,LTsuga canadensis Eastern Hemlock M/P-S M,P C,SUlmus alata Winged Elm M-D/F-P M,P,CP S,LUlmus americana American Elm W-M/F-P M,P,CP S,L

Small trees/shrubs (10-30 ft)Aesculus pavia Red Buckeye M/P CP H,NAesculus sylvatica Painted Buckeye M/P P H

Alnus serrulata Alder W-M/F-P M,P,CP S,LAmelanchier arborea Serviceberry M-D/F-S M,P F,N,LAmelanchier canadensis Juneberry W-D/F-P P,CP F,N,LAmelanchier laevis Allegheny Serviceberry M-D/F-P M F,N,LAralia spinosa Devil’s Walking Stick M/F-P M,P,CP F,NAsimina triloba Pawpaw M/F-S M,P,CP F,LCarpinus caroliniana Ironwood W-M/P-S M,P,CP S,LCastanea pumila Chinquapin D/F-P M,P,CP SCeltis tenuifolia Dwarf Hackberry D/F-P P F,LCercis canadensis Eastern Redbud M-D/F-P M,P S,N,LChionanthus virginicus Fringetree M-D/F-P M,P,CP FCornus amomum Silky Dogwood W-M/P-S M,P,CP F,N,LCornus florida Flowering Dogwood M-D/F-P M,P,CP F,N,LCrataegus spp. Hawthorn M/F-S M,P,CP F,H,N,LCyrilla racemiflora Titi W-M/F-S P,CP C,NHalesia tetraptera Carolina Silverbell M/P-S M,P NHamamelis virginiana Witch-Hazel M/F-S M,P,CP SIlex decidua Possumhaw W-D/F-P P,CP F,N,LIlex verticillata Winterberry W-M/F-S M,P,CP F,N,LIlex vomitoria Yaupon W-D/F-S CP C,F,N,LMorus rubra Red Mulberry M-D/F-S M,P,CP F,LMyrica cerifera Wax Myrtle W-D/F-P P,CP C,F,LOsmanthus americana Wild Olive, Devilwood M-D/F-P CP C,FOstrya virginiana Hophornbeam M-D/F-S M,P F,LPrunus americana Wild Plum M-D/F M,P F,N,LPrunus angustifolia Chickasaw Plum D/F P,CP F,N,LPrunus caroliniana Carolina Laurel Cherry M-D/F-P CP C,F,N,LPrunus pensylvanica Fire Cherry M-D/F M F,N,LRhus copallina Winged Sumac M-D/F-P M,P,CP F,N,LRhus glabra Smooth Sumac M-D/F-P M,P,CP F,N,LSalix caroliniana Carolina Willow W-M/F-S P,CP LSambucus canadensis Elderberry W-M/F-P M,P,CP FSorbus americana Mountain-Ash M/F-P M FSymplocos tinctoria Sweetleaf M-D/F-S M,P,CP S,N,LViburnum prunifolium Black Haw M/F-S M,P,CP F,LViburnum rufidulum Rusty Blackhaw D/F-S P,CP F,L

Small shrubsCallicarpa americana American Beautyberry M-D/F-S P,CP FCalycanthus floridus Sweetshrub M/P-S M,P NCeanothus americanus New Jersey Tea M-D/P-S M,P,CP S,N,LCephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush W-M/F-P M,P,CP S,H,NClethra alnifolia Sweet Pepperbush W/F-S P,CP F,H,NCorylus americana Hazelnut M/F-S M,P SEuonymus americana Strawberrybush M/P-S M,P,CP SGaylussacia dumosa Dwarf Huckleberry M-D/F-P M,P,CP F,N,LGaylussacia frondosa Blue Huckleberry M/F-P P,CP F,N,LHydrangea arborescens Wild Hydrangea M/P-S M,P S,NIlex glabra Inkberry M/F-P P,CP C,F,N,LItea virginica Virginia Willow W-M/P-S M,P,CP S,NKalmia latifolia Mountain Laurel M-D/F-S M,P,CP C,H,NLeucothoe axillaris Doghobble W-M/F-P M,P,CP C,NLindera benzoin Spicebush M-D/F-S M,P,CP F,LLyonia lucida Fetterbush M/P-S P,CP C,NPhoradendron serotinum Mistletoe parasite M,P,CP F,LRhododendron atlanticum Dwarf Azalea W-D/F-P P,CP H,NRhododendron calendulaceum Flame Azalea M-D/P-S M H,N


Table 1. Plant Species Native to North Carolina* (continued).



Soil moisture: W = wet; M = moist; D = dry.Light requirements: F = full sun; P = partial shade; S = shade.Region: M = mountains; P = piedmont; CP = coastal plain.Wildlife Value: C = winter cover; F = fleshy fruit; S = seed, hard mast, or catkin; H = hummingbird nectar; N = butterfly and other insect nectar; L = butterfly larvae host plant.* Use of specific plants by wildlife will vary regionally, and there always are exceptions.

* * For information on which plants may be toxic to humans, visit http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/poison.htm.

Cirsium horridulum Yellow Thistle M-D/F P,CP S,H,N,LCoreopsis angustifolia Narrow-Leaved Coreopsis M/F-P CP S,NCoreopsis auriculata Eared Coreopsis M/F-P M,P,CP S,NCoreopsis falcata Sickle Tickseed W-M/F-P P,CP S,NCoreopsis lanceolata Lance-Leaved Coreopsis D/F M,P,CP S,NCoreopsis major Greater Tickseed D/F-P M,P S,NCoreopsis verticillata Threadleaf Coreopsis D/F-P M,P,CP S,NDesmodium spp. Beggarlice M-D/F-P M,P,CP S,LEchinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower M-D/F M,P S,NEupatorium coelestinum Mistflower M/F-P M,P,CP S,NEupatorium fistulosum Joe-Pye-Weed M/F M,P,CP S,N,LGeranium maculatum Wild Geranium M-D/F-P M,P S,NHelianthus angustifolius Swamp Sunflower W-M/F-P M,P,CP S,NHelianthus atrorubens Sunflower D/F M,P,CP S,N,LHelianthus divaricatus Woodland Sunflower D/P M,P,CP S,NHeliopsis helianthoides Ox-Eye M-D/F-P M,P,CP S,NHibiscus moscheutos Rose Mallow M/F-P M,P,CP H,NHoustonia caerulea Bluets M-D/F-S M,P,CP NImpatiens capensis Jewelweed W-M/P-S M,P,CP H,NIpomoea coccinea Red Morning Glory D/F M,P,CP S,H,NIris cristata Crested Iris M/P-S M,P HLiatris spicata Blazing Star W-M/F M,P NLobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower W-M/F-S M,P,CP H,NLobelia puberula Blue Lobelia W-D/F-P M,P,CP H,NLobelia siphilitica Great Blue Lobelia W-M/P-S M H,NMitchella repens Partridgeberry M/F-S M,P,CP FMonarda didyma Beebalm M/P-S M H,NMonarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot M-D/F-P M,P,CP H,NMonarda punctata Horsemint D/F-P P,CP H,NOenothera fruticosa Sundrops M-D/F-P M,P,CP S,HPenstemon canescens Hairy Beardtongue M-D/F-P M,P H,N,LPenstemon laevigatus Smooth Beardtongue M/F-S M,P,CP H,N,LPhlox carolina Carolina Phlox W-D/F-P M,P,CP NPhlox divaricata Blue Phlox M/P-S M,P,CP NPhlox paniculata Summer Phlox M/F-P M,P,CP NPhlox pilosa Prairie Phlox D/F-P P,CP NPhlox subulata Moss Pink D/F M,P NPhytolacca americana Pokeweed M-D/F M,P,CP F,SPycnanthemum incanum Hoary Mountainmint M-D/F-P M,P,CP NRudbeckia fulgida Orange Coneflower M/F M,P,CP S,NSalvia lyrata Lyreleaf Sage M-D/F-S M,P,CP H,NSilene virginica Fire Pink M-D/P-S M,P,CP S,H,NSolidago spp. Goldenrod M-D/F-P M,P,CP S,NSpigelia marilandica Indian Pink M/P-S M,P,CP HStokesia laevis Stoke’s Aster M/F-P P,CP NVernonia noveboracensis Ironweed W-M/F-P M,P,CP NVicia caroliniana Wood Vetch D/F-P M,P,CP S,LViola pedata Bird-Foot Violet D/F-P M,P,CP L

GrassesAndropogon glomeratus Brushy Bluestem M/F P,CP C,S,LAndropogon ternarius Splitbeard Bluestem D/F M,P,CP C,S,LAristida stricta Wiregrass D/F-P P,CP C,SArundinaria gigantea Switchcane W-D/F-S M,P,CP C,S,LPanicum virgatum Switchgrass M/F-P M,P,CP C,S,LSorghastrum nutans Indiangrass M-D/F M,P,CP C,S

Rhododendron catawbiense Catawba Rhododendron M/P-S M,P C,H,NRhododendron maximum Rosebay Rhododendron M/P-S M,P C,H,NRhododendron periclimenoides Wild Azalea W-M/F-P M,P,CP H,NRubus spp. Blackberry, Dewberry M-D/F-P M,P,CP C,F,S,NSorbus arbutifolia Red Chokeberry W-M/F-S M,P,CP F,LVaccinium arboreum Sparkleberry D/F-P P,CP C,F,N,LVaccinium corymbosum Highbush Blueberry M/F-P P,CP F,N,LVaccinium stamineum Deerberry D/F-P M,P,CP F,N,LVaccinium vacillans Lowbush Blueberry D/F-P M,P,CP F,N,LViburnum acerifolium Mapleleaf Viburnum M-D/P-S M,P F,LViburnum dentatum Arrowwood M/F-S M,P,CP F,LViburnum nudum Wild Raisin W-M/F-S M,P,CP F,L

VinesAmpelopsis arborea Peppervine W-M/F-P CP FAristolochia macrophylla Dutchman’s Pipe M-D/P-S M LBerchemia scandens Rattanvine, Supplejack W-M/F-P P,CP FBignonia capreolata Crossvine M-D/F-P P,CP HCampsis radicans Trumpet Vine M-D/F-P M,P,CP HDecumaria barbara Climbing Hydrangea M/F-S CP NGelsemium sempervirens Carolina Jessamine M/F-P P,CP C,H,NLonicera sempervirens Coral Honeysuckle M/F-P P,CP HParthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia Creeper M-D/F-S M,P,CP FPassiflora incarnata Passionflower M-D/F-P M,P,CP H,N,LSmilax spp. Greenbrier W-D/F-P M,P,CP C,FToxicodendron radicans Poison Ivy M-D/F-P M,P,CP FVitis spp. Grape W-D/F-P M,P,CP F

FernsPolystichum acrostichoides Christmas Fern M/P-S M,P,CP C

Herbs and wildflowersApocynum cannabinum Hemp Dogbane M-D/F-P M,P,CP NAquilegia canadensis Columbine M-D/P-S M,P,CP S,H,NArisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-Pulpit W-M/P-S M,P,CP FAristilochia serpentaria Virginia Snakeroot M-D/P-S M,P,CP LAruncus dioicus Goat’s Beard M/P-S M,P LAsclepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed W-M/F-P M,P,CP N,LAsclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed D/F-P M,P,CP N,LAsclepias variegata White Milkweed M-D/F-P M,P,CP N,LAster curtisii Aster M-D/F-P M S,N,LAster divaricatus Heart-Leaved Aster M-D/P-S M,P S,N,LAster novae-angliae New England Aster M-D/F-P M S,N,LAster novi-belgii New York Aster M/F-P CP S,N,LAster pilosus White Heath Aster D/F M,P,CP S,N,LBaptisia australis Blue False Indigo M/F-P M,P N,LBaptisia tinctoria Yellow Wild Indigo D/F-P M,P,CP N,LBidens aristosa Sticktight W-D/F-P P,CP S,NChamaecrista fasciculata Partridge Pea M-D/F M,P,CP S,LChrysogonum virginianum Green and Gold M/S P,CP S,NCimicifuga racemosa Black Cohosh M/S M,P L


in place of autumn olive, orconsider one of our dozens ofnative oaks (Quercus spp.) in placeof sawtooth oak, which has beenintroduced from Asia.

Traditional landscape plantingsdon’t fully mimic the dense foliageand high plant diversity of naturalareas. Therefore, birds and butter-flies are most likely to use nativeplants that grow naturally inunmowed or unmanicured por-tions of your yard or in adjacentnatural areas. Allow native grasses,brambles, and shrubs to grow insmall corners of your yard whereneighbors will be less likely to see

Landscaping with nativeplants

Retain as much native vegetationas possible during land clearingand construction of houses andbuildings. However, areas whereplants were cleared during devel-opment can be landscaped usingnative plants. It’s best to provide adiversity of native plant species onyour property, which in turnensures that fruits and nectar willbe available throughout the year.Each native plant species isadapted to a specific range of soiltypes, light conditions, and mois-

become adapted to using nativeplants over thousands of years.Therefore, native plants meet theneeds, including food and cover,of North Carolina’s native wildlifewithout causing long-term dam-age to local plant communities.

Many native plants produceshowy flowers, abundant fruitsand seeds, and brilliant fall foliage.A diversity of native plants in anurban landscape provides:

• Protective cover for most animals.

• Seeds, nuts, and fruits for squir-rels and other mammals.

• Seeds, fruits, and insects forbirds.

• Nectar for hummingbirds andbutterflies

• Larval host plants for butterflycaterpillars (many caterpillars areadapted to eat the foliage ofspecific plants, called their hostplants).

Table 1 contains examples ofnative trees, shrubs, and herbsbeneficial to wildlife. Use the tableto identify native alternatives tothe exotic plants commonlyrecommended to attract wildlife.For example, consider a viburnum(Viburnum spp.) or holly (Ilex spp.)

the “unsightly” growth. Theseareas provide nest sites, cover, andfood for birds and commonlyharbor host plants for butterflycaterpillars. Minimize the amountof lawn on your property becausethese areas require frequent use ofwater, fertilizer, and pesticides thatcan be harmful to the environ-ment and the very insects youwant to attract. Before makingdrastic changes that might upsetyour neighbors, describe your planto them and explain why youintend to make the changes.

ture regimes. Before planting, haveyour soil analyzed. A small samplefrom your yard can be tested fornutrient content and will allowyou to receive specific recommen-dations for preparing your soilbefore planting. Use the results ofthe soil tests to help determinewhich native plants will grow beston your land. Contact your localCooperative Extension Center forinstructions on this free service.

Here are some importantconcepts to consider when land-scaping your property:

A native Viburnum sp. (above), ratherthan an exotic berry-producer likeautumn olive, should be planted toattract wildlife.

The presence of vines (trumpet vine, left), annuals (jewelweed, right), perennials,and a variety of other flowering plants helps ensure that hummingbirds will haveaccess to nectar from spring to fall. Photos by Chris Moorman


• Before initiating landscapingactivities, create a map of theexisting vegetation on yourproperty. From this base map,identify areas where food andcover are limited and abundant.Then create a projected mapand plan for your final land-scape, making sure to incorpo-rate areas that will provide food,cover, and water.

• Include a diversity of nativeplants in your landscape. Provideplants that produce winter cover(evergreens), seeds, fruits, and

available throughout most of theyear.

• Check to make sure the plantwill fruit. Only the female ofsome plant species (Americanholly, wax myrtle, and easternredcedar) produces fruit. In thiscase, be sure to provide at leastone male plant for pollination.

• Plan viewing areas by mappingwildflower beds and fruit-producing plants in sight of

Eastern redbud (left) is one of the first plants to flower in the spring, and cardinalflower (right) and goldenrod (center) are two excellent late-season nectar sourcesfor butterflies and other insects.Left photo courtesy of Alice B. Russell, NCSU retired; other photos by Chris Moorman

Flowering dogwood is a great wildlifeplant because it produces abundant fruitsnearly every year. Photo by Chris Moorman

nectar attractive to birds, butter-flies, and other wildlife. Also, useplants that are known hosts forthe larvae of butterflies native toyour area.

• Select plants that flower and bearfruit or seed at different times ofthe year (see Managing Backyardsand Other Urban Habitats forBirds and Butterflies in YourBackyard), thereby assuringfruits, seeds, and nectar will be

Position shade-loving plants like this flame azalea under tall trees or on the shadyside of your home. Photo by Chris Moorman

windows and paths, but avoidplanting them near reflectiveglass or windows to reduceaccidental window strikes byfeeding birds.

• Consider the moisture and lightrequirements of plants whenincluding them in your plan.Map moisture-loving plants inlow-lying areas, and positionshade-loving plants underneathlarge trees or on the shady sideof your home.

• Mimic “Mother Nature” bycreating gentle curves in yourlandscape. Plant wildflower bedsin irregularly shaped patterns.The beauty of a “natural”landscape rivals that of more


regimented traditional ornamen-tal plantings.

• Cluster similar types of vegeta-tion to allow wildlife easy accessto seasonally abundant foodsources without excessivemovement and increased expo-sure to predators. Clumpingsimilar species and placingshorter herbs and shrubs in frontof taller vegetation improves theappearance of your habitat.

Table 2. Some Sources of Native Plants.

Nursery*/Web Address Address City, State Phone

Boone’s Native Seed Co. P.O. Box 10363 Raleigh, NC 27605

Carolina Greenery 375 Carthage Rd. West End, NC 27376-8731 (910)947-3150

Coastal Plain Conservation 3067 Connors Dr. Edenton, NC 27932 (252)482-5707 Nursery

Cure Nursery 880 Buteo Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312 (919)542-6186http://www.curenursery.com

Dogwoody Nursery and Gardens 1380 Carson Creek Rd. Brevard, NC 28712 (828)884-6205

Elk Mountain Nursery P.O. Box 599 Asheville, NC 28802 (828)683-9330http://www.elk-mountain.com/

Fern Valley Farms 1624 Fern Valley Rd. Yadkinville, NC 27055 (336)463-2412

Gardens of the Blue Ridge P.O. Box 10 Pineola, NC 28662 (828)733-2417

Garret Wildflower Seed Farm 1117 New Castle Ct. Raleigh, NC 27603 (919)662-9751

Hanging Dog Valley Nursery 2600 Boiling Springs Rd. Murphy, NC 28906 (828)837-7921

Huffman’s Native Plants U.S. Hwy 441 P.O. Box 39 Otto, NC 28783 (704)524-7446

Humphries Nursery 4712 Whitfield Rd. Durham, NC 27707 (919)489-5502

Lamtree Farm Rt.1, Box 162 Warrensville, NC 28693 (919)385-6144

Mellow Marsh Farm 205 Anolis Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312 (919)542-3532www.mellowmarshfarm.com

Mich Gardens at Jordan Lake 86 Beaver Creek Rd. Apex, NC 27502 (919)387-0402

Mountain Gardens 3020 White Oak Creek Rd. Burnsville, NC 28714 (828)675-5664gardens.webjump.com

Native Gardens 5737 Fisher Lane Greenback, TN 37742 (865)856-0220http://www.native-gardens.com/

Niche Gardens 1111 Dawson Rd. Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (919)967-0078http://www.nichegardens.com/

N.C. Botanical Garden C.B. 3375, Totten Center Chapel Hill, NC 27599 (919)962-0522http://www.unc.edu/depts/ncbg

Plant Delights Nursery 9241 Sauls Rd. Raleigh, NC 27603 (919)772-4794http://www.plantdel.com/

Singing Springs Nursery 8802 Wilkerson Rd. Cedar Grove, NC 27231-9324 (919)732-9403

Sunlight Gardens 174 Golden Lane Andersonville, TN 37705 (800)272-7396http://www.sunlightgardens.com/

We-Du Nurseries 2055 Polly Spout Rd. Marion, NC 28754 (828)738-8300http://www.we-du.com/

Woodlanders, Inc. 1128 Colleton Ave. Aiken, SC 29801 (803)648-7522http://www.woodlanders.net/

*Several of these nurseries are open to visitors by appointment only.

• Remain patient. It generally takes3 to 5 years before the results oflandscaping efforts pay off andwildlife use of native plantsbecomes obvious. An old adagesays, “The first year a gardensleeps, the second year it creeps,the third year it leaps.”

Where to find native plants

Look for native plants propagatedfrom locally collected seed. Thishelps protect the unique charac-teristics of individual plants of thespecies growing wild in your area

A cluster of orange coneflowers allowsbutterflies and birds access toabundant nectar and seeds withoutexcessive movement or exposure topredators. Photo by Chris Moorman

• Plant low-growing herbs andshrubs under taller shrubs andtrees. This helps to provide thelayering important to birds.Different birds eat and nest onthe ground and in the shrub,midstory, and canopy layers of alandscape.

• Make sure to provide adequategrowing space for landscapeplantings. Avoid planting large-maturing trees and shrubs wherethey will overgrow their spaceand interfere with overheadutilities or crowd homes andother structures. Shrubs andtrees should be at least 6 feetaway from all structures.

• Consult a local expert or one ofmany guides for recommendedplanting procedures. Because ofNorth Carolina’s hot summers,fall planting works best for mostnative plant species.


and ensures that the plants youuse in your landscaping are bestadapted to the local environment.Avoid planting cultivars of nativeplants when possible. Most ofthese variants may have beenselected for qualities other thantheir value to wildlife, makingthem less desirable as wildlifeplants. Although many conven-tional nurseries do not carry alarge variety of native species,especially noncultivars, the num-ber of reputable nurseries specializ-ing in these plants is on the rise.Be wary of “deals” on nativeplants, especially orchids andtrilliums, which often indicate theplants were collected from wildareas. Collecting plants from thewild contributes to the destructionof their natural habitats and oftenincreases the chance of plantingfailure. Occasionally, local naturecenters and botanical gardensinitiate native plant rescues fromareas soon to be cleared for devel-opment—these can be good andappropriate wild sources. Inaddition, it is possible to collectwild seed and sow or propagate

native plants from the seed. SeePhillips (1985), Bir (1992), andSchopmeyer (1974) for more onpropagating native plants fromseed. Table 2 contains a list ofnative plant suppliers in NorthCarolina. This list is not compre-hensive, and the number ofnurseries that sell native plantsincreases each year. Visit http://www.unc.edu/depts/ncbg/sources.htm or http://www.co.mecklenburg.nc.us/coeng/Recycle/NPVL.htm orconsult with local parks, naturepreserves, garden clubs, botanicalgardens, arboreta, and yourCounty Extension Center for thenames of additional native plantproviders.

Eradication andcontrol of exotics

Herbicides, prescribed fire, selec-tive removal of unwanted plants,and disking (or a combination ofthese activities) can be used toeliminate or control unwantedexotic plants. Because the resultsof these activities vary from

Although many invasive plants like Japanese honeysuckle are here to stay, they canbe controlled locally by using herbicides or removing by hand.Photo by Chris Moorman

Table 3. Known Invasive Plants in NorthCarolina.

Common Name Scientific Name

TreesTree-of-Heaven Ailanthus altissimaMimosa Albizia julibrissinChinaberry Melia azedarachPrincess Tree Paulownia tomentosaChinese Tallow Tree Sapium sebiferum

ShrubsJapanese Barberry Berberis thunbergiiRussian Olive Elaeagnus angustifoliaAutumn Olive Elaeagnus umbellataBicolor Lespedeza Lespedeza bicolorJapanese Privet Ligustrum japonicumChinese Privet Ligustrum sinenseCommon Privet Ligustrum vulgareOregon Grape Mahonia bealeiMultiflora Rose Rosa multiflora

VinesPorcelain-Berry Ampelopsis

brevipedunculataOriental Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatusEnglish Ivy Hedera helixJapanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonicaKudzu Pueraria lobataJapanese Wisteria Wisteria floribundaChinese Wisteria Wisteria sinensis

HerbsCrown Vetch Coronilla variaQueen Anne’s Lace Daucus carotaTall Fescue Fescue elatiorSericea Lespedeza Lespedeza cuneataWhite Sweet Clover Melilotus albaJapanese Grass Microstegium vimineumJohnson Grass Sorghum halepense

You’ll have to compete with Americangoldfinches for coneflower seed if youhope to propagate your own plantsfrom seed.Illustration by Liessa Thomas Bowen


county to county, you may needto experiment before finding themost successful approach for yourproperty. In some cases, a range ofnative plant species already maybe present. In others, a singleexotic plant may dominate a pieceof property, requiring the land-owner take extreme measures toincrease the diversity and abun-dance of native plants.

Known invasive plants inNorth Carolina are listed in Table3. This list is not comprehensive,and most of the plants namedhave already spread throughoutNorth Carolina to the extent theycan never be controlled com-pletely. To prevent the list fromcontinuing to grow, carefullyconsider an exotic plant’s potentialfor invasiveness before introduc-ing it on your property, especiallywhen trying to attract wildlife. Formore information on methods ofcontrol required for exotic plantspecies, contact your local CountyExtension Center. The NorthCarolina Agricultural ChemicalsManual, published by NorthCarolina State University, andControlling Invasive Exotics in YourYard, by the North CarolinaBotanical Garden, are excellentreferences for exotic plant control.

Internet resources

Native Plant Information

North Carolina Wildflower Preser-vation Societyhttp://www.ncwildflower.org/

North Carolina Botanical Gardenhttp://www.unc.edu/depts/ncbg

North Carolina Plant ConservationProgramhttp://www.ncagr.com/plantind/plant/conserv/cons.htm

North Carolina Partners in Flighthttp://www.faculty.ncwc.edu/mbrooks/pif/

North Carolina State UniversityConsumer Horticulturehttp://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/maritime/index.htmhttp://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/native/index-native.html

Mecklenburg County PLANTProgramhttp://ww.co.mecklenburg.nc.us/coeng/Recycle/native.asp

Sally and Andy Wasowski Websitehttp://www.botanicalmissionaries.com

Exotic and Invasive PlantInformation

Southeast Exotic Pest PlantCouncilhttp://www.se-eppc.org

Plant Conservation Alliance—Alien Plant Working Grouphttp://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/

North Carolina Department ofAgriculture and ConsumerServices Plant Protectionhttp://www.agr.state.nc.us/plantind/plant.htm

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servicehttp://invasives.fws.gov

The Nature Conservancyhttp://nature.org/initiatives/invasivespecies/http:tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/

United States Department ofAgriculture PLANTS Databasehttp://plants.usda.gov/

North Carolina AgriculturalChemicals Manualhttp://ipmwww.ncsu.edu/agchem/agchem.html

Backyard and Other Wildlife

North Carolina Extension Wildlife,Fisheries, and Aquaculturehttp://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/wild/

North Carolina Wildlife ResourcesCommissionhttp://www.ncwildlife.org/

Natural Resources ConservationServicehttp://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/

National Wildlife Federationhttp://www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat/


Additional resources

Managing Backyards and OtherUrban Habitats for Birds. 2002.North Carolina CooperativeExtension. AG-636-01.

Butterflies in Your Backyard. 2002.North Carolina CooperativeExtension. AG-636-02.

Barnes, Thomas. 1999. Gardeningfor the Birds. Lexington: TheUniversity Press of Kentucky.

Bir, Richard. 1992. Growing andPropagating Showy Native WoodyPlants. Chapel Hill: The Univer-sity of North Carolina Press.

Bruce, H. 1998. How to GrowWildflowers and Wild Shrubsand Trees in Your Own Garden.New York: The Lyons Press.

Campbell, C. C., W. F. Hutson, A.J. Sharp, and R. W. Hutson.1995. Great Smoky MountainsWildflowers. Northbrook,Illinois: Windy Pines Publish-ing.

Foote, L. E., and S. B. Jones, Jr.1989. Native Shrubs and WoodyVines of the Southeast: Landscap-ing Uses and Identification.Portland, Oregon: Timber Press.

Harper-Lore, B., and M. Wilson(eds.). 2000. Roadside Use ofNative Plants. Washington,D.C.: Island Press.

Justice, W. S., and C. R. Bell. 1968.Wildflowers of North Carolina.Chapel Hill: The University ofNorth Carolina Press.

Martin, Alexander, Herbert Zim,and Arnold Nelson. 1951.American Wildlife and Plants: AGuide to Wildlife Food Habits.New York: Dover PublicationsInc.

Miller, James, and Karl Miller.1999. Forest Plants of the South-east and Their Wildlife Uses.Southern Weed Science Society.www.weedscience.msstate.edu/swss/

Newcomb, L. 1977. Newcomb’sWildflower Guide. New York:Little, Brown and Co.

North Carolina Botanical Garden.2001. Controlling InvasiveExotics in Your Yard. Chapel Hill:North Carolina BotanicalGarden, University of NorthCarolina.

North Carolina Wild FlowerPreservation Society. 2002.North Carolina Native PlantPropagation Handbook. NorthCarolina Wild Flower Preserva-tion Society. http://www.ncwildflower.org/hand-book/handbook.htm

Petrides, G. A. 1988. Peterson FieldGuide to Eastern Trees. NewYork: Houghton Mifflin Co.

Phillips, H. 1985. Growing andPropagating Wildflowers. ChapelHill: The University of NorthCarolina Press.

Radford, A. E., H. E. Ahles, and C.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of theVascular Flora of the Carolinas.Chapel Hill: The University ofNorth Carolina Press.

Ritchie, D. F., and others (eds.).2003. 2003 North CarolinaAgricultural Chemicals Manual.Raleigh: North Carolina StateUniversity.

Schopmeyer, C. S. 1974. Seeds ofWoody Plants in the UnitedStates. U.S. Department ofAgriculture, Agricultural Hand-book No. 450.

Wasowski, Sally, and AndyWasowski. 1994. Gardening withNative Plants of the South.Dallas, Texas: Taylor PublishingCo.

Prepared byChris Moorman, Extension Wildlife Specialist, North Carolina State UniversityMark Johns, Wildlife Biologist, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

Liessa Thomas Bowen, Graduate Research Assistant, North Carolina State University

Contributing authorsRichard Braham, Forester, North Carolina State University

John Connors, Naturalist Center Coordinator, North Carolina Museum of Natural SciencesJesse Perry, Director of Public Programs, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Johnny Randall, Assistant Director, North Carolina Botanical Garden, University of North Carolina-Chapel HillRebecca Vidra, Graduate Research Assistant, North Carolina State University

IllustratorLiessa Thomas Bowen

Cover photo courtesy ofAlice B. Russell

© 2002 North Carolina State University

5,200 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $4,888.00 or $0.94 per copy.

Published byNorth Carolina Cooperative Extension Service

Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunitiesare offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University,North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

12/02—9M—JL/VG AG-636-03

Funding for this publication was provided in part through an Urban and Community Forestry Grantfrom the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources, Department of Environment and Natural Resources,

in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service, Southern Region.

The listing of commercial services in this publication does not imply endorsement byNorth Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, or

North Carolina Cooperative Extension nor discrimination against similar services not mentioned.

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