Pennsylvania Native Plants for Eastern Gardens

Growing Conditions Across Pennsylvania

The state runs through hardiness zones 5a to 7a, coldest in the northern tier and the Allegheny highlands, mildest in the southeast near Philadelphia. Winters are genuinely cold and summers moderate, with rainfall spread through the year. Soils tend toward acidic and rocky, especially in the ridge and valley country, which suits the oaks, maples and woodland understory that grew here naturally.

Native Trees for Pennsylvania

White oak and red oak anchor the Pennsylvania forest and support hundreds of caterpillar species that feed nesting birds. Sugar maple turns brilliant orange in October and takes cold winters without trouble. Eastern redbud and flowering dogwood bring the understory into bloom in April. American beech holds smooth gray bark that reads beautifully in winter. Serviceberry flowers early and fruits in June. Browse native trees.

Woodland Wildflowers

The spring ephemerals are the signature Pennsylvania planting. Virginia bluebell, trillium, bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches and mayapple all flower in the brief window before the canopy closes, then rest through summer. Christmas fern and wild ginger hold foliage all season beneath them. See shade perennials and ferns.

Sunny Beds and Meadows

Open ground suits coneflower, black-eyed Susan, blazing star, butterfly weed and bee balm, which bloom through summer and feed pollinators continuously. Goldenrod and asters extend the season into October for migrating monarchs. See pollinator plants.

Planting in Pennsylvania

Fall planting works well through most of the state, roughly September into early November. In the northern tier, where winter arrives early and hard, spring planting is often the safer choice. Water deeply through the first season and mulch two to three inches to moderate soil temperature. See our planting instructions.

Pennsylvania Native Plant Questions

What growing zone is Pennsylvania?
Zones 5a through 7a. The northern tier and Alleghenies are coldest; the southeast around Philadelphia is mildest.

What native trees grow best in Pennsylvania?
White oak, red oak, sugar maple and American beech for canopy; redbud, dogwood and serviceberry for the understory.

When is the best time to plant in Pennsylvania?
Fall from September to early November in most of the state. Spring is better in the coldest northern counties.

What grows under trees in Pennsylvania?
Woodland natives: trillium, Virginia bluebell, mayapple, bloodroot, wild ginger and Christmas fern.

Do Pennsylvania natives handle acidic soil?
Yes. Oaks, maples and the woodland understory species are adapted to the state's naturally acidic ground.

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