Plants Native to Long Island

When you think about gardening on Long Island, there’s something special about planting native species. These plants aren’t just beautiful; they’re also essential for supporting local wildlife, improving soil health, and preserving the natural environment.

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Native plants have evolved over thousands of years to thrive in Long Island’s unique climate and soils. If you want a vibrant, sustainable landscape, there’s no better place to start than with the plants that call this region home.

Let’s dive into some of the incredible trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, and other plants that are native to Long Island and why they’re worth adding to your garden.

Why Plant Native?

Before we get to the list, let’s talk about why native plants matter. First, they support biodiversity. Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife, from butterflies and bees to birds and small mammals. For example, monarch caterpillars can only eat milkweed plants like butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) or swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). Without these plants, monarchs simply can’t survive.

Butterfly Milkweed - Asclepias tuberosa

Second, native plants are low-maintenance. Because they’re adapted to the local environment, they don’t need a lot of extra water, fertilizer, or pesticides. That means less work for you and a healthier environment for everyone.

And lastly, they’re beautiful! Long Island’s native plants come in every shape, size, and color, so you can create a stunning landscape while staying true to the region’s natural beauty.

Native Trees for Long Island

Trees are the backbone of any landscape. They provide shade, clean the air, and create habitat for countless animals. Here are some native trees that do particularly well on Long Island:

White Oak (Quercus alba)

White Oak - Quercus alba

White oaks are majestic trees that can live for hundreds of years. Their acorns are an important food source for squirrels, deer, and birds. Plus, they’re stunning in fall when their leaves turn shades of red and orange.

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Red Oak - Quercus rubra

Another oak with brilliant fall color, the northern red oak is fast-growing and resilient. Its strong wood has made it a favorite for furniture, but it’s also great for supporting wildlife in your yard.

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Red Maple - Acer rubrum

Known for its bright red flowers in early spring and vibrant foliage in autumn, the red maple is a versatile tree that thrives in both wet and dry soils.

Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida)

Pitch Pine - Pinus rigida

If you live near Long Island’s Pine Barrens, you’ve probably seen pitch pines. They’re tough trees that can survive in sandy, nutrient-poor soils and even recover from wildfires.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

Serviceberry - Amelanchier laevis

This small tree is a spring showstopper with white flowers that attract pollinators. In summer, it produces berries that birds (and humans) love.

Native Shrubs for Long Island

Shrubs add structure and interest to your garden while providing food and shelter for wildlife. Here are some standout native shrubs:

Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)

Vaccinium angustifolium Lowbush Blueberry

If you want a plant that’s both ornamental and edible, look no further. Lowbush blueberry bushes have pretty white flowers in spring, sweet blue berries in summer, and fiery red leaves in fall.

Inkberry (Ilex glabra)

9 Inkberry Shamrock

Inkberry is a type of holly that keeps its glossy green leaves all year. It’s great for hedges and adds winter interest to your landscape.

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Common Buttonbush - Cephalanthus occidentalis

This wetland shrub has unique spherical flowers that are magnets for bees and butterflies. It’s perfect for rain gardens or areas with soggy soil.

Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)

Summersweet - Clethra alnifolia

Summersweet lives up to its name with fragrant white or pink flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. It’s a favorite for hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum)

swamp azalea

This azalea has delicate, sweet-smelling flowers that bloom in early summer. It thrives in damp, shady spots, making it a great choice for woodland gardens.

Native Wildflowers for Long Island

Wildflowers bring pops of color to your garden and are some of the best plants for supporting pollinators. Here are a few favorites:

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly Milkweed - Asclepias tuberosa

With its bright orange flowers, butterfly weed is a showstopper. It’s also a host plant for monarch caterpillars and a nectar source for many other butterflies.

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Swamp Milk Weed

Similar to butterfly weed but with pink flowers, swamp milkweed prefers moist soils and attracts a wide variety of pollinators.

Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens)

Seaside Goldenrod - Solidago sempervirens

This salt-tolerant plant is perfect for coastal gardens. Its golden-yellow flowers bloom in late summer and fall, providing nectar when many other plants have finished blooming.

Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium dubium)

Joe Pie Weed - Eupatorium fistulosum

A tall, striking plant with clusters of pinkish-purple flowers, Joe-Pye weed is a magnet for butterflies and bees. It’s great for the back of a border or a naturalized meadow.

Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

Marsh Blazing Star - Liatris spicata

This vertical flower spike adds drama to any garden. Its purple flowers are especially popular with bees and butterflies.

Native Grasses and Sedges

Grasses and sedges are often overlooked, but they’re crucial for soil health and provide habitat for insects and birds. Here are some native varieties:

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem - Schizachyrium scoparium

This ornamental grass has silvery-blue blades that turn reddish-bronze in fall. It’s drought-tolerant and perfect for sunny, well-drained sites.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass - Panicum virgatum

Switchgrass is a tall, clump-forming grass with airy flower heads. It’s great for erosion control and adds movement to your garden.

American Beach Grass (Ammophila breviligulata)

American Beach Grass - Ammophila breviligulata

Essential for stabilizing dunes, this hardy grass thrives in sandy, salty soils. If you live near the coast, it’s a must-have.

Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

pink muhly grass

When this grass blooms in late summer, it creates a cloud of pinkish-purple flowers that look stunning in mass plantings.

Tussock Sedge (Carex stricta)

Tussock Sedge - Carex stricta

This sedge forms dense clumps that are excellent for wet areas. It’s a great addition to rain gardens or naturalized landscapes.

Tips for Growing Native Plants

  1. Start Small: You don’t have to transform your entire yard overnight. Start with a small bed or border and add more native plants over time.
  2. Think About Sun and Soil: Native plants are adapted to specific conditions. Pay attention to how much sun and moisture your garden gets, and choose plants that match.
  3. Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm the very insects you’re trying to attract. Native plants usually don’t need them, so skip the chemicals whenever possible.
  4. Group Plants Together: To mimic nature, plant in groups rather than spacing individual plants far apart. This also makes it easier for pollinators to find them.
  5. Add Layers: Include trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses to create a layered landscape that supports a wide variety of wildlife.

Creating a Sustainable Landscape

Gardening with native plants is more than a trend; it’s a way to give back to the environment while creating a stunning outdoor space. By choosing plants that are native to Long Island, you’re helping to preserve the region’s natural beauty and ensuring that future generations can enjoy it too.

So the next time you’re at a nursery or planning your garden, think about what’s native. Whether it’s the vibrant flowers of butterfly weed or the stately branches of a white oak, these plants have a lot to offer. And the best part? They’re already right at home.