The One Native Plant Your Yard Needs

Let’s face it — having a 100% eco‑friendly yard may not be for everyone (or allowed by every community ordinance). But you can still help the planet by planting just one native plant in your yard. It won’t take long, and the benefits will delight pollinators, improve soil health, and maybe even win over your neighbors.

We’ve compiled a list featuring a native plant for each state that makes a great garden option. Native plants support the entire food web. They make the soil healthier and provide food and shelter for insects, worms, and small mammals such as rabbits. Those insects, in turn, feed animals including birds and snakes, which then become prey for raptors and other mammals — strengthening local ecosystems and biodiversity. 

Click the video to see and hear pollinators, including a fritillary butterfly, at work on Organic Valley land. Then scroll down to discover your state's plant.

Each plant on our list is native to its region. Choosing true native plants supports pollinators, builds wildlife habitat, reduces maintenance, and helps keep your landscape healthy and sustainable.

Did we miss a wildflower you love? Email us at Rootstock@organicvalley.com, and feel free to share a photo of your garden. We’d love to inspire others to try native gardening.

Alabama: Lemon Beebalm (Monarda citriodora), a fragrant wildflower, adds vibrant purple blooms to Alabama gardens from June through September. This annual attracts bees, butterflies and other essential pollinators — and chefs! Its leaves are used in cooked foods, salads and teas. Beebalm is ideal for wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens and natural landscaping.

Alaska: Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) is a hardy perennial native to Alaska, offering vibrant blooms and nectar for bees. It’s among the first plants to return after wildfires, and its name comes from its ability to reclaim burned ground and stabilize soil. Along with Alaska, it grows across much of the lower U.S. and was instrumental in the recovery following the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in Washington on May 18, 1980. Young fireweed shoots can be harvested for food!

Arizona: Desert milkweed (Asclepias subulata), sometimes known as rush milkweed, is a drought‑tough monarch host native to Arizona, ideal for xeriscapes — water‑wise landscaping that minimizes irrigation. This resilient perennial thrives in arid gardens while supporting monarch caterpillars and queen butterfly caterpillars.

Arkansas: Purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), maypop, is a native perennial vine that blooms mid-summer to early fall, offering intricate lavender-purple flowers. It’s a crucial host for gulf fritillary caterpillars and thrives in diverse soils with full to partial sun. Its striking blooms feed pollinators, and its fruit supports wildlife (and humans, but it is only safe to eat fully ripened fruit).

California: California lilac (Ceanothus spp.) is a water-wise shrub native to the West Coast, prized for its vibrant blue-lilac blooms and drought tolerance. It enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen and provides critical early-season nectar for native bees and butterflies. Many varieties also offer year-round greenery, making them a favorite for sustainable, low-irrigation landscapes. Let’s not forget the smell; California lilac creates a light, sweet fragrance when in full bloom.

Colorado: Rocky Mountain columbine (Aquilegia coerulea), Colorado’s state flower, is an iconic magnet for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, with striking blue-and-white blooms (the same colors featured on the state flag). Thriving in partial shade, it adds beauty and biodiversity to gardens. It is a symbol of resilience and beauty in high-altitude environments.

Connecticut: Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) dazzles with its vivid scarlet blooms and is a standout among native perennials. The intense red color is one of the few hues that hummingbirds can see vividly, which explains their strong attraction. It flourishes in consistently moist soil and prefers partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens or naturalized spaces. This is a great choice for first‑time gardeners because it’s very tolerant and hard to mess up!

Delaware: Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), also called coastal pepperbush, delights with fragrant white blooms in mid-summer and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Thriving in moist, acidic soil and partial shade, it’s perfect for planting near downspouts and in rain gardens. Historically, sailors prized its fragrance, which often carried inland in coastal areas and was called a "sailor’s delight” for its scent that signaled land was near.

Florida: Firebush (Hamelia patens), also called scarlet bush, bursts with orange-red blooms nearly year-round, drawing hummingbirds and butterflies. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it adds vibrant color and birds enjoy the berries. Leaves can even redden in cooler weather. Traditionally valued in folk medicine for skin and inflammation remedies, it’s ideal for pollinator gardens.

Georgia: Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), also known as butterfly milkweed and orange milkweed, shines with clusters of bright orange blooms that attract, you guessed it, butterflies and other pollinators. Georgia is home to approximately 22 native milkweed species, and many say butterfly weed is the most majestic. They also come in yellowish or red varieties. This drought-tolerant milkweed thrives in full sun. Plant it and watch the butterflies arrive!

Hawaii: ʻIlima (Sida fallax), pronounced ee-LEE-mah, is a versatile native that works as a groundcover or small shrub. Its golden blooms support coastal pollinators and have long been cherished for making traditional Hawaiian leis. Typically, blooms are bright yellow, orange, bronze-red or rusty red, but they can be a rare greenish. It’s great for low-maintenance landscapes. (You could also consider Hawaii’s state flower, Maʻo hau hele. However, because it is an endangered species, you must follow guidelines for where it can be planted.)

Idaho: Lewis flax (Linum lewisii) is a charming perennial with sky-blue blooms from late spring into mid-summer. Drought‑tolerant, deer-resistant and perfect for full sun and well-drained soil, it works well for erosion control and pollinator gardens. Its seeds yield an oil historically used for soothing skin, treating burns, colds and inflammation.

Illinois: Prairie blazing star (Liatris pycnostachya), a striking native perennial, showcases tall spikes of vibrant purple flowers from July through September. Its deep roots make it drought-tolerant and ideal for prairie restoration. It attracts bees, butterflies and provides seeds for goldfinches. It’s a great fit for pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows and natural landscapes.

Indiana: Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea), a hardy native perennial, blooms with vibrant purple flower clusters from June through August. Its deep roots improve soil health and prevent erosion. This nitrogen-fixing plant attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It is also favored by grazing animals — but we’ll keep the cows in the field!

Iowa: Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is a shade-loving native perennial that forms a lush groundcover. Its heart-shaped leaves and hidden spring flowers add charm, while crushed foliage releases a ginger-like scent. Wild ginger suppresses weeds, enriches soil and supports native insects. Pair it with shade-loving companions like bluebells and native ferns for stunning landscapes. Ginger can cause skin irritation, so caution is advised. Coneflowers are a great alternative, celebrated for their brilliant, drooping petals.

Kansas: Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) sometimes called firewheel, bursts with red and yellow blooms that look like summer sunsets. This drought-tolerant wildflower thrives in tough soils, attracts bees and butterflies and even reseeds itself for a carefree display. It’s a pollinator magnet and a symbol of resilience on the prairie.

Kentucky: Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a vibrant native vine that thrives in sun and well-drained soil. Its tubular red flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators, while berries feed birds. Perfect for trellises or fences, this low-maintenance plant supports biodiversity and adds color to Kentucky gardens. Some consider it one of the showiest vining honeysuckles in the country.

Louisiana: Louisiana iris (Iris giganticaerulea) is a native wetland plant that produces blue-violet flowers in spring. It grows well in marshes and along waterways, helping stabilize soil, attracting pollinators and supporting ecosystems. In the 1820s, naturalist John James Audubon featured the “Louisiana flag” iris in his paintings, a legacy that gave the plant its lasting name.

Maine: New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a hardy Maine native that lights up late summer and fall with purple (sometimes pink, blue or white) blooms with golden centers. It provides a critical fall nectar source for monarchs and other pollinators. Cows also love it, making it a beautiful addition to any garden (or farm!). Plant it in full sun and well-drained soil for easy color and ecological benefits. It can be aggressive, so be intentional about where you plant it.

Maryland: Black‑eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) bursts with sunny gold petals all summer, drawing bees and butterflies like a magnet. Tough, cheerful and Maryland’s state flower since 1918, it reflects the state’s historic black‑and‑gold colors. Thriving in full sun and well‑drained soil, it’s an easy, joyful choice for any garden. These plants can become aggressive, especially when there’s little competition, so consider planting a companion species to keep them in balance.

Massachusetts: Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) stands out with spherical, spiky white blooms that add pizzazz to any summer garden, drawing in pollinators. Buttonbush was commercially cultivated as early as 1735 for beekeepers, who relied on it as a rich nectar source and giving rise to the nickname “honey‑bells.” Though naturally at home in wetlands, it will grow well in sunny garden beds if properly cared for.

Michigan: Marsh blazing star (Liatris spicata) sends up tall purple spikes that butterflies swarm. It’s low‑maintenance and totally no‑fuss, thriving in sunny beds with minimal care. Unlike most plants, it blooms uniquely from the top downward. The blooms also make gorgeous cut flowers that last a long time in a vase, adding elegance indoors as well as outdoors.

Minnesota: Prairie smoke (Geum triflorum), sometimes called old man’s whiskers, unfurls soft pink, nodding blooms in spring that mature into wispy, smoke‑like seedheads, which are an early‑season delight for bees. It thrives in sunny, dry to moist soils with little maintenance. Its fern‑like foliage and feathery plumes give garden beds a whimsical look. The seedheads are also a wonderful addition to cut arrangements. Blooms typically arrive in the second or third year after planting. Your patience will be worth it!

Mississippi: Butterfly gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri) is often called "whirling butterflies," as its delicate, lightly scented blooms dance above airy foliage. Its long bloom season provides food for bees and butterflies. Syrphid flies, aka hover flies, also favor it. They are predators of aphids, which transmit plant viruses. The plants’ drought tolerance makes it easy to grow in Mississippi’s sunniest areas. Stokes aster is another excellent choice for growing in the state known as “the birthplace of the blues.”

Missouri: Pitcher sage or blue sage (Salvia azurea var. grandiflora) has soft sky‑blue flowers, which is a rare color among prairie natives. It blooms late in the season and is easy to grow. Its flexible stems evolved to sway with tall grasses, giving gardens graceful movement and durability. Missouri was once roughly one third tallgrass prairie, and blue sage made its home there.

Montana: Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva), Montana’s state flower, is a drought‑tolerant native perennial prized for its striking pink‑to‑white blooms. It supports pollinators and carries deep cultural significance. However, it can be difficult to grow and may be best suited for rock gardens. If this plant isn’t for you, several milkweed species thrive in the Treasure State.

Nebraska: Pasque flower (Pulsatilla patens) is a hardy native perennial that brings early‑spring color to the prairie. Its silky, wind‑swaying petals can appear in white, violet, yellow, blue or red. The flower acts like a tiny solar heater as its cup‑shaped petals and reflective inner surface warm the interior, protecting early insects and helping pollen development.

Nevada: Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa) is one of the showiest Southwestern native shrubs. In spring it starts with white, rose‑like flowers. Those blooms mature into feathery, silky pink plumes. Exceptionally drought‑ready, it thrives in rocky soils, and gardeners often use it for soft texture alongside other xeric natives.

New Hampshire: Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) is a native perennial with vivid blue‑purple blooms that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It goes by numerous names, including wild iris. It may be beautiful, but it can be poisonous, so keep it out of reach of animals. Deer tend to avoid it, and it thrives in wet soils, rain gardens and pond edges. It pairs beautifully with turtlehead, marsh marigold and moisture‑loving sedges.

New Jersey: New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) is a compact native shrub known for its fragrant white flower clusters that attract birds, bees and butterflies. Its leaves were once used as a local tea substitute when imported tea was hard to obtain, giving the plant its name. Hardy and well‑suited to sunny New Jersey gardens, it supports a wide range of pollinators.

New Mexico: Antelope‑horns milkweed (Asclepias asperula), also called spider milkweed, is a hardy desert perennial with intricate globe‑shaped flower clusters that draw bees and butterflies, particularly monarchs. This milkweed is repeatedly recommended as a top pollinator plant in New Mexico. It can cause skin irritation, so be cautious. Exceptionally drought‑tolerant, it thrives in sun and alkaline soils.

New York: Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) is a hardy native perennial with elegant spikes of tubular blooms. Recommended as a pollinator‑friendly choice for New York gardens, this plant thrives in sunny, moist conditions and offers reliable late‑summer color. It grows beautifully in pots for city gardeners and also flourishes in country landscapes, where it can spread more freely. Flowers can be swiveled into new positions where they stay obediently, hence the name. 

North Carolina: American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a native shrub with bright purple berries that are as beautiful as North Carolina! It appreciates partial shade, thrives statewide and is used in pollinator and wildlife gardens. The berries are food for more than 40 bird species. In small amounts, berries are also edible, though bland, for people. Some say beautyberry jelly is delicious. Crushed leaves produce a chemical that can repel mosquitoes and fire ants. 

North Dakota: Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a hardy native perennial with fragrant pink‑purple blooms that draw bees, hummingbirds and monarchs to the Peace Garden State. Showy Milkweed can grow from the vast prairies all the way to the ruggedly impressive Badlands and is widely used in pollinator gardens. Its unopened buds are covered in fine, velvety hairs that help the plant conserve moisture and tolerate sun. 

Ohio: Ohio spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis), also called bluejacket, is a touch-sensitive native perennial with blue‑violet blooms that open each morning and often shrivel at a touch, adding a quirky twist to the garden. Each flower lives just a single morning, making each morning’s flower new. While each bloom is short-lived, it produces many blooms in clusters throughout the summer. Its arching, grass‑like leaves and early nectar support bees and butterflies. Thriving in sun or part shade, it adapts to clay, sand or rocky soils.

Oklahoma: Blue sage (Salvia azurea) is an underused native perennial, despite being gorgeous. Its sky‑blue flowers bloom from late summer into fall, providing a burst of color when many prairie plants are fading. The timing also provides nectar for pollinators during the late season. Also called pitcher or azure sage, it’s perfect for a gardener looking for low-maintenance beauty.

Oregon: Camas (Camassia quamash), commonly called camas lily, is a treasured native bulb that fills spring gardens with tall wands of star‑shaped blue flowers. Historically, camas meadows bloomed so densely they resembled deep‑blue lakes across the landscape. A member of the asparagus family, camas thrives in moist or heavy soils where many bulbs fail. It attracts bumblebees, mason bees and hoverflies, and its clumping bulbs gently naturalize into graceful drifts. 

Pennsylvania: Red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a graceful native perennial with nodding red and yellow spring blooms perfectly timed for returning hummingbirds and other early pollinators. Its long nectar spurs curve like eagle talons — a trait that inspired the genus name Aquilegia, from the Latin aquila (eagle). Thriving in part shade and rocky woodland edges, it self-seeds, forming natural drifts, without taking over aggressively.

Rhode Island: Hairy beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) is a low‑growing native with lavender, trumpet‑shaped blooms in early summer that draws pollinators. It’s also a host plant for the Baltimore checkerspot, a butterfly that’s declining regionally but remains secure in Rhode Island thanks in part to the native host plants like hairy beardtongue. Hummingbirds love it. Its name comes from the flower’s fuzzy, sterile “tongue‑like” stamen — the tiny hairs forming the plant’s “beard.” Thriving in dry to medium, well‑drained soils, it does not spread aggressively.

South Carolina: Dune sunflower (Helianthus debilis) is a perennial with cheerful yellow blooms. Who doesn’t love a sunflower? This variety thrives in full sun and is especially well suited to coastal landscapes and dunes. Most native Helianthus species are keystone plants — plants that support a disproportionately large percentage of food webs. There are up to 70 native sunflower species in the U.S. If you prefer to go with another, stick with native sunflowers as ornamental hybrids may produce less usable pollen or nectar for bees. 

South Dakota: Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a hardy native perennial with fragrant, lavender‑purple flower spikes. Many prairie flowers peak briefly, but anise hyssop flowers typically bloom in late summer, making it a reliable food source when other nectar plants taper off. Well-adapted to South Dakota’s cold winters and short growing season, it thrives in full sun to light shade and well‑drained soil. Bonus: Gardeners and pollinators love its minty, anise‑scented leaves. (Yes, bees can smell!)

Tennessee: Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), a sunny yellow wildflower, brings bright, long‑lasting color to Tennessee gardens from late spring through summer. Coreopsis appears in pollinator meadows at interchanges and welcome centers managed under Tennessee’s Pollinator Habitat Program. This hardy perennial is a favorite among vital pollinators because it provides abundant nectar and pollen. Well-suited for borders, meadows and low‑maintenance landscapes, Coreopsis thrives in poor soils and full sun. It can be aggressive, so be sure to keep it in check.

Texas: Gregg’s mistflower (Conoclinium greggii) is a Texas native perennial with soft purple blooms that attract queen and monarch butterflies, especially during fall migration. Rawson’s metalmark caterpillars feed on it, too, offering an important resource for these rare butterflies. Named for explorer Josiah Gregg, it thrives in sun or part shade.

Utah: Sulphur buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum) is a long‑blooming native perennial prized for bright yellow flowers that mature to warm rust tones. It supports bees, butterflies and beneficial insects. Its seeds are a crucial food source for small mammals and birds, including quail and sage-grouse (it is highly unlikely a flock of sage-grouse will show up in your yard). However, quail will visit home gardens in some areas. This is a sign your garden is functioning like a native ecosystem!

Vermont: Culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum) sends up tall spires of white flowers in mid‑summer. It is listed as state‑endangered in Vermont and threatened in Massachusetts and New York. It is the only host plant for the rare Culver’s root borer moth, which has documented occurrences in nearby states. Because of its status, Culver’s root should only be purchased from nursery‑propagated sources, never collected from the wild. It’s a great choice to rewild your yard and help sustain the native species that depend on it.

Virginia: Virginia mountain mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) looks deceptively subtle but is a pollinator powerhouse! Its pale flowers and silvery bracts bloom in mid to late summer and attract an astonishing range of beneficial insects — a sign your backyard is doing real ecological work. Penn State researchers found that mountain mints attracted more pollinators and a greater diversity of insects than any other plant tested. It can spread, so be sure to keep an eye on it.

Washington: Bigleaf lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) is a native perennial with bold spring flower spikes that feed native bees. This legume fixes nitrogen, which enriches poor soils, helps nearby plants and keeps maintenance low. It’s closely related to the federally threatened Kincaid’s lupine that we are proud to say grows on an Organic Valley farm in Washington — proof that lupines can play a restorative and agricultural role! Lupines, in many varieties, are a great choice for home gardens but be sure to use the variety native to your region.

West Virginia: Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) are native spring ephemerals prized for their nodding flowers, which open pink and turn true blue as they mature, signaling pollinators when nectar is available. They emerge early in woodland gardens, then vanish underground by early summer, avoiding heat and competition. Bluebells also spread with help from ants, a quiet but sophisticated strategy that allows them to form long‑lasting colonies.

Wisconsin: Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a tough, long‑blooming native perennial with purple daisy‑like flowers. We saved this pollinator powerhouse for Wisconsin, though it can thrive in many states, because we have an affinity for it. We intentionally planted these beauties outside Organic Valley’s Wisconsin offices to draw pollinators, and they arrived, creating a literal buzz for employees as they enter the office. Chickadees, finches and other flying friends enjoy their seeds; another reminder of the importance of supporting family farms and the ecosystems they benefit.

Wyoming: Scarlet globemallow (Sphaeralcea coccinea) is a tough, drought‑tolerant perennial native to Wyoming’s prairies and foothills. Its vivid orange‑red flowers bloom from late spring into summer, providing nectar and pollen for pollinators. You'll need to start it from seed or source it from a native nursery, but it will be worth it! With deep roots and a low, spreading habit, it thrives in poor, rocky soils, making scarlet globemallow an excellent choice for low‑water gardens and western landscapes. 

Did We Have a Flower Failure? Milkweed Might Be Your Match!

Not a fan of the plant we picked for your state? Consider planting milkweed. There’s a monarch‑loving species of native milkweed in every state. (Use caution if you have sensitive skin — milkweed sap can cause irritation for some people.)

Regional Variation: How to Choose Plants for Your Area

When choosing what to plant in your yard, it’s important to check which hardiness zone you’re in. USDA Plant Zone Hardiness Maps can serve as a guide for regional native plant suitability based on the climate of your area. To be able to thrive, plants need to be in the right temperature, soil moisture, humidity and light conditions. Plant Zones are based on the average lowest temperatures in the area. To find your plant zone, go to the latest USDA Plant Zone Hardiness Map and type your ZIP code in the search box.

You’ll want to make sure to look out for invasive plant look-alikes, as some species have invasive relatives. You’ll also want to consider plant cultivars and ecology impacts. Cultivars are garden-center varieties of plants that are bred for specific traits, such as color or size. While cultivars can be pretty, selective breeding can reduce ecological value because it decreases genetic diversity.

Are Cultivars Bad? Not Necessarily

According to the University of Maryland Extension, not all cultivars are bad for ecology. However, if you select a cultivar to plant, make sure it’s bred for something that is good for the ecosystem, such as being disease-resistant, and not just for aesthetics. States also have multiple ecoregions and regional variations of plants, so make sure to confirm that what you want to plant is suitable for your specific part of the state. You can find more ecoregion planting tips specific to your region from organizations such as the Pollinator Partnership, the National Wildlife Federation and your local university extension. To find out more about your state’s specific ecoregions, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

Best Practices for Planting Native Species in Your Garden

So, how do you make sure you plant native species in your garden? We’ve compiled a list of planting tips to make it easier for you.

Buy from local native plant nurseries or conservation groups

If you’re not sure where to find native plants, look for the helpers in your own community! You can usually find knowledgeable people at your local nursery or conservation groups. Some nurseries even specialize in selling native plants. You can find lists of local conservation groups and other resources on websites such as the North American Native Plant Society and the Bureau of Land Management.

Check your state’s invasive species list 

Take a look at your state’s invasive species list so you know what to avoid while planting. These lists are often published by your state’s Department of Natural Resources. You can also find lists by state on the USDA’s website for the National Invasive Species Information Center.

Avoid plants labeled 'ornamental' without native verification

Ornamental plants may be pretty, but they’re not always good for the local environment. Check to make sure that they are native before planting them. There may be a different variety of the same plant that works better with the local natural environment. If you’re looking for a specific aesthetic, there are also often plants that look similar to invasive ones but are not harmful to the region where you live.

Benefits of Native Plants

Planting native species is not only easy to do, but it’s also rewarding. By simply planting a few native species of plants, you can make a big difference in the environment where you live. Even planting one native plant has lots of benefits. Planting native species can help improve soil, conserve water, protect soil from erosion, create a habitat for local animals and provide food for pollinators. 

Native plant gardening and sustainable garden practices are a big part of what we value here at Organic Valley. Organic Valley farmers are thoughtful in their choices, resulting in climate benefits and nourishing products. With our efforts combined, we can make the earth a more sustainable (and pretty) place to live.