Tennessee Native Plants, Grown in Tennessee

Why Tennessee Natives Perform

Tennessee spans hardiness zones 6 through 8 and runs from the Mississippi bottomlands in the west to the Appalachian highlands in the east. Plants native to this range have handled humid summers, variable winters and clay soils for thousands of years. That history shows up as deep root systems, tolerance for wet springs and dry Augusts, and far less need for watering and feeding than plants brought in from elsewhere.

Native Trees for Tennessee Landscapes

Red maple and sugar maple give reliable shade and the fall color the state is known for. White oak and red oak support more caterpillar species than almost any other tree, which is what feeds nesting songbirds in spring. Eastern redbud opens magenta flowers directly on its branches in early spring. White dogwood follows with layered white bracts. Tulip poplar grows fast and tall. Browse native trees.

Native Shrubs and Perennials

Spicebush, arrowwood viburnum, elderberry and chokeberry all flower for pollinators and fruit for birds. Among perennials, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, butterfly weed and blazing star fill a sunny bed from June through October. In shade, trillium, Virginia bluebell, bloodroot and Christmas fern recreate the Appalachian woodland floor. See perennials and ferns.

Planting in Tennessee

Fall is the best planting window across most of the state. Soil stays warm into November while air temperatures drop, so roots grow without the plant having to support leaves at the same time. Spring planting works too, particularly in the higher elevations of East Tennessee.

Most Tennessee soil runs toward clay. Dig wide rather than deep and backfill with the native soil you removed, so roots spread outward instead of circling in a pocket of amended mix. See our planting instructions.

Tennessee Native Plant Questions

What growing zone is Tennessee?
Zones 6 through 8. East Tennessee runs cooler at elevation, West Tennessee warmer.

What is the best native tree for Tennessee?
White oak for wildlife value, red maple for fast reliable shade, and eastern redbud or dogwood for spring flowers.

When should I plant in Tennessee?
Fall, generally October through early December, while soil is still warm. Early spring is the second-best window.

Do native plants need less water?
Once established, yes. Tennessee natives are adapted to the state's rainfall and rarely need watering after the first season.

Which natives grow in clay soil?
Most Tennessee natives handle clay well, including oaks, red maple, redbud, coneflower and black-eyed Susan.

TN Nursery has supplied plants to Arlington National Cemetery and the grounds of the Washington Monument. Every plant is guaranteed to arrive alive.