Guide to Growing Native Pennsylvania Plants

Native plants of Pennsylvania include any species of plant that was indigenous to the area before European settlers came. Ferns, grasses, flowering perennials, annuals (live one year), biennials (live two years), the woody trees, shrubs, and vines are all Pennsylvania native plants.

When planted in the right environment native plants require minimal care. Aesthetic landscapes can be created by planting a plethora of native Pennsylvania plants that will help preserve the native plants and wildlife. According to the Department of Conservation, there are over 2,100 native plants in Pennsylvania.

Growing Native Plants in Pennsylvania Horticulture Zones 5 and 6

The two horticultural zones in Pennsylvania are USDA Zone 5, which includes northern PA and higher elevations since the average minimum temperature may reach as low as -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. USDA Zone 6 is in southern PA, parts of central PA and lower elevations because the average coldest temperature is 0 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Herbaceous Perennials or Showy Pennsylvania Native Flowers

The Sunflower (helianthus sp.) is a wonderful native plant that birds love. Sunflowers have yellow petals and can grow as high as six feet in zone 6. They require full to partial sunlight, bloom July to September, and should be watered twice per week because they grow best in moist soil.

The wild columbine (aquilegia canadensis) is another common flower indigenous to PA that attracts the beautiful hummingbirds because of the red petals. They only grow as high as three feet in zones 5 and 6. Not much water or sun is needed, so do not plant in full sunlight and keep the soil moist.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a common native plant in Pennsylvania that grows like wildfire in the wilderness and looks beautiful in a meadow. They have yellow and black daisy-like petals. Susans can grow up to three feet in zones 5 and 6 with full to partial sunlight and minimal watering (moist soil) is needed. They have a long bloom time from May to September.

Pennsylvania Native Shrubs

Witch-hazel (hamamelis virginiana) is a wonderful yellow flowering shrub with a pleasant aroma that is used for medicinal purposes. It was my friend after child birth. Witch-hazel blooms late in the season, September to November in zones 5 and 6 and can grow as high as 30 feet. It grows best in moist soil with partial sunlight.

The Winterberry (ilex verticillata) has showy berries in winter and is a native plant in Pennsylvania that has high wildlife value. It does bloom from May to June and can reach ten feet high in zone 6. The Winterberry likes wet soil and full to partial sunlight.

Sources

Landscaping with Native Plants in Pennsylvania, DCNR

The Three T's of Gardening - Zone 6, Ranee Wright, Associated Content