Louisiana Native Plants

The dainty white flowers of spring are soon followed by bumpy green fruits that mature to pink and then nearly to red. Once fully mature the pods split open to display the bright orange seeds inside giving it the name of Hearts-A-Burstin'. The American Strawberry bush is typically a deciduous to tardily deciduous large shrub (this selection seems to be more consistently evergreen) with green stems and dark to medium green, somewhat glossy foliage that is native to much of the eastern and central US. Excellent fall color in oranges, reds, and yellows. Images of fruit courtesy of Susan Thomas Spell. Item# 10218.

Anna's Choice Yaupon Holly produces loads of golden yellow berries in dense clusters that last well into spring or until the birds decide they are ripe, whichever comes first. Either way we get all fall and winter to enjoy the beauty this durable native evergreen shrub provides. Anna's Choice is a vigorous upright to spreading evergreen shrub that is resistant to deer, salt, and is tolerant of a variety of moisture conditions from periodic droughts to periodic flooding. Item# 10202.

Large clusters of white late spring flowers produce green berries that ripen to a blue-black. The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators and the edible fruits attract a variety of wildlife, especially birds. Arrowwood Viburnum is a vigorous growing, naturally rounded, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with rich green foliage and is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. Fall color includes yellows, orange, reds, and near purple. Arrowwood Viburnum makes an easy hedge, background specimen, or screen. Easy and reliable. Item# 10320.

Large spikes of deep blue, tubular flowers are born in summer, late summer, and sometimes into fall on this clump forming native perennial wildflower. Under natural conditions Azure Blue Sage produces tall arching stems that terminate into large, often branching, spikes of flowers that are quite suited to use by Hummingbirds and butterflies. Great at the back of the garden or in natural settings. Item# 10460.

Round clusters of lavender to white tubular flowers are born in summer on this durable native perennial. Wild Bergamot is a clump forming native perennial with good deer resistance. Excellent for hummingbirds and butterflies. This tough little native is drought tolerant and prefers to be on the dry side of moist and is resistant to drought once well-established. The fragrant foliage has been used in teas, perfumes, potpourri, and more. Item# 10484.

Sturdy spikes of brilliant blue to lavender-blue, two-lipped flowers are borne for an exceptionally long period in late summer and into fall on this hardy, native, clump-forming perennial. Suitable for consistently moist to wet soils. The Blue Cardinal Flower is enjoyed by hummingbirds, butterflies, and an variety of other pollinators as well as making a beautiful cut flower. Images courtesy of North Creek Nurseries. Item# 10159.

Large, 3-4", blue, cornflower-like daisies are born in summer on this durable and reliable US native perennial. Stoke's Aster comes highly recommended and its easy to see why with moderate drought resistance, few pest or disease problems, deer and rabbit resistance and it revels in the heat and sun of our southern summers. Plants readily multiply into dense clumps. Super easy and tough. Item# 1212.

With some of the deepest blue flowers of any Amsonia and a consistently compact habit, Blue Ice has become one of the most popular Bluestar cultivars on the market. The clusters of deep blue, starry flowers open from deep violet buds and will be sure to brighten any spring garden. Yellow fall color adds to its interest. Bluestars are pest, disease, and deer resistant perennials that are considered to be somewhat drought resistant once well-established. Item# 10652.

Flat topped clusters of bluish-purple Ageratum-like flowers are born atop sturdy stems in summer and sometimes into fall. Blue Mistflower is a rhizomatous colonizing native perennial that may be best suited to naturalistic settings or among larger growing plants as a tall groundcover. Excellent for pollinators, particularly native bees. Item# 10458.

Large clusters of lightly fragrant lavender-blue flowers are produced in early spring and are held well above the deep dark green foliage. Blue Moon Phlox was selected for its clusters of large full flowers and vigor. This is an excellent choice for lightly shaded gardens or as a groundcover under deciduous trees. Provide shade during the hottest portion of the day in hot summer climates and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Easy and reliable once established. The flowers provide early spring nectar to butterflies and other pollinators. Item# 11217

Small clusters of 3 petaled purple flowers sit atop smooth sturdy blue green stems on this clump forming native perennial that begins flowering in early spring and may continue well into mid-summer. Ohio Spiderwort provides nectar to long-tongued bees and other pollinators and is an easy to grow clump forming perennial well-suited to naturalistic gardens and wildflower meadows. It is found naturally throughout the central and eastern US and is somewhat drought resistant once well-established. Item# 11186

Clusters of soft lavender pink, nicely fragrant flowers are borne in loose clusters in spring. The rich dark green, narrow foliage is nearly immune to powdery mildew! A vigorous ground-covering perennial that flowers over an extended period and attracts butterflies. Item# 3062.

An improved 'Magnus' type purple coneflower with large outward facing pinkish-purple petals and an orange 'cone' and are borne in summer and often last into fall. The flowers are held on sturdy, 2-3' stems. An outstanding selection of our native Purple Coneflower! A superb butterfly nectar plant. Item# 9696.

Broadleaf Barbara's Buttons produces clusters of white to light lavender flowers atop short stems in mid-spring. A dainty and rhizomatous denizen of open and disturbed areas along stream banks and deciduous forests in the southeastern US. The rosettes rarely seem to exceed a few inches high even when it is in flower and it is not an aggressive spreader making it a welcome addition to woodland and other naturalistic settings. Item# 10767.

A beautiful and durable native perennial that produces 2-6" clusters of orange-yellow, orange, to orange-red flowers. This taprooted clump-forming, perennial may be found in flower from mid-spring to early fall. Butterflyweed is a durable, drought tolerant native that is considered by many to be an important Monarch and Queen butterfly host even though is does not have the milky sap of most milkweeds. Item# 9714.

The rounded white to greenish-white, rounded, flower clusters sit atop thick sturdy stems that emerge from the rosette of soft yucca-like foliage. This is a tough native perennial whose long-lasting summer flowers will attract a myriad of butterflies and other pollinators to your garden.  Item# 9260.

Researchers have found that Native Americans created shoes from fibers of the tough, spiny-edged, yucca-like plant as early as 8,000 years ago.  Evidence was found in a Missouri cave by archaeologists. From Nat'l Geographic, 1999 article.

Lightly honey scented, white to cream, tight ball-like flower clusters are produced on new growth in late spring and summer and attract an array of butterflies, bees, and other garden beneficials. The Buttonbush is a vigorous, medium-sized to large growing, deciduous shrub that does best in consistently moist soils with most of a day of sunlight. A moderate to severe annual pruning of established plants in late winter helps to promote fuller plants and the most flowers. Item# 9247.