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NATIVE INDIANA PLANTS
Is your yard filled with native plants? Get it certified through our unique Wildlife Friendly Certification Program. More details.
NATIVE INDIANA PLANTS are best suited for the soil and weather conditions in our area. As a result, natives require less fertilizer, fewer pesticides, and less water. Native plants are necessary for healthy wildlife populations and help prevent the spread of invasive, exotic species.
On this page, you will find lists of selected native trees, shrubs, vines, and nectar plants appropriate for your Wildlife Habitat. We also list invasive exotic species you should avoid planting or remove from your property whenever possible.
The list of native plant life is Indiana is long. Some plants are very common, while others are endangered. All can be threatened by invasive species if we do not diligently keep their populations under control.
Click on the name of any plant for more details!
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The Red Maple is a beautiful and popular tree native to Indiana. Its colorful Fall foliage display makes it a favorite and a perfect addition to your Wildlife Habitat! |
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| NATIVE TREES |
EVERGREEN: |
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DECIDUOUS: |
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| NATIVE SHRUBS |
| Serviceberry, Amelanchier |
| New Jersey Tea, Ceanothus |
| Spicebush, Lindera benzoin |
| Ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolius |
| Sumac, Rhus |
| Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis |
| Gray Dogwood, Cornus racemosa |
| Silky Dogwood, Cornus amomum |
| Virginia Sweetspire, Itea virginica |
| Winterberry Holly, Ilex verticillata |
| Buttonbush, Cephalanthus |
| Coralberries, Symphoricarpos |
| Viburnums, Viburnum (most spp.) |
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| NATIVE NECTAR PLANTS |
Nearly every blooming tree, shrub, perennial, or annual will provide some nectar for butterflies and other insects. This list includes favorites in many habitats:
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Butterfly larva food sources:
Nectar only meets part of butterflies' food requirements. Many species lay their eggs only on specific plants, and to keep these butterflies in your habitat, one needs to provide larval, or caterpillar, food as well.
Monarchs are common and particularly interesting butterflies. Their migration to Mexico can be followed on Monarch Watch. Attract them to your yard with their specific larval food, any of five kinds of Milkweed: common, showy, swamp, butterfly weed, or annual Blood Flower.
Pesticides ravage butterflies, their eggs, and caterpillars when sprayed on flowers, trees, shrubs, and lawns. Try to accept some damage on your leaves rather than using harmful chemicals.
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A brief word about invasive exotic plants:
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Though sometimes attractive, non-native plants that are introduced into the Hoosier environment pose a threat to established plant life. Some exotics can grow exponentially, crowding out native plant life. This rapid growth in turn disturbs the natural food chain for wildlife in our state.
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Invasive Exotics to avoid: |
| Purple loosestrive, Lithrum |
Honeysuckle species including: |
| Burning Bush, Euonymus |
Japanese, Lonicera japonica |
| Reed Canary Grass, Phalaris |
Amur, L. maackii |
| Highbush Cranberry, Viburmum opulus (don't confuse with native American Cranberrybush, V. trilobum ) |
Tartarian, L. tatarica |
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