Native Plants | Facts and Information |

Native plants

Native plants are defined as plants that were present in North America before the arrival of European colonists. Non-native plants are also called exotic plants, and most of them come from Asia or Western Europe. Exotic plants can be but are not always invasive. The term “invasive” describes an Exotic Plant with no natural predators, competitors, or diseases in its new environment. There is, therefore, nothing to keep it in check, and it quickly takes over the area. Kudzu, the “vine that ate the South,” is an infamous example of an invasive plant. Such plants can become a threat to native species.

Tn Nursery is a native plant nursery in Tennessee. These types of plants are defined as plants present in North America before the arrival of European colonists.

The threat posed by invasive plants is just one reason for planting natives instead. Native plants are also easier to take care of. They are already adapted to the local climate and thus can tolerate almost any extreme weather peculiar to the area. In Tennessee, this often means native plants can withstand cold winters. Native plants are also already adapted to the soil conditions, and they need, therefore, less in the way of fertilizer. They also need less water and pesticides than exotic plants do.

Reduced use of pesticides and fertilizers helps the environment. Fertilizers that get in water trigger the production of nutrients which deplete the oxygen in the water. That, in turn, kills the fish and other creatures living in the water. Pesticides are often poisonous to many other creatures besides the ones they are designed to kill. Decreasing the use of fertilizers and pesticides thus benefits the environment. Since native plants need less fertilizer, planting pesticides also helps the environment. Plants also stabilize the ground and prevent erosion.

Planting a wide array of native plants results in a healthier yard than a lawn with one or two species. Yards with many plant species have fewer problems with diseases or pests; A yard with many different native plant species is likely to attract predators that eat insect pests. A yard with diverse plant species is likely to attract an equally diverse community of animals. That reduces the chances of anyone species completely dominating the yard.

Native plants can attract wildlife, birds, butterflies, and other creatures. The right mix of native plants can provide food and shelter for many animals. That includes nectar for bees, butterflies, and seeds for birds and small mammals like squirrels. Birds migrating during the fall feed on the fruits of the spicebush and flowering dogwood, while birds migrating during the spring eat the insects found on oak trees. Hummingbirds enjoy tubular flowers like the cardinal flower and native honeysuckle, while songbirds relish the fruit from hackberry, mulberry, or black cherry trees.

Restricting oneself to native plants should not be a hardship since Tennessee boasts around 3,000 species of native plants. That diversity is due to the diversity of environments within Tennessee, from mountains to swamps. Tennessee's location means it also has a diverse climate with both northern and southern climate patterns.

Examples of native plants include the following:

The tulip poplar tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) or tulip tree is Tennessee's state tree. It is the tallest hardwood tree in North America and can grow 150 feet high. It can also live for over 200 years. It is a member of the magnolia family.

Magnolias, in general, are hardy trees with impressive leaves and flowers. There are roughly 80 species that are native to southeastern Asia and the eastern US. They can be either shrubs or full-sized trees, and beetles usually pollinate their flowers. Native magnolias include the bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla), which has the most extensive simple leaves and single flowers of any native plant in North America. Its leaves can be nearly four feet long. The cucumber tree or blue magnolia (Magnolia acuminata) owes its common name to its fruit which looks like a tiny cucumber when unripe.

The aptly named winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a shrub

The black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) can be found in all 48 of the contiguous United States. It is a member of the sunflower family, and it is a popular ornamental plant. Butterflies like it and are especially drawn to large groups of black-eyed Susans.

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a perennial flower like shady woodlands. Its red and yellow flowers attract hummingbirds. It is also known as the Eastern red columbine or the Canadian columbine.

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Hepatica - TN Nursery

Hepatica

Hepatica is a charming woodland wildflower with low-growing, lobed leaves and dainty, cup-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white that bloom early in the spring. It is a charming and versatile plant that offers several benefits when landscaping projects. This perennial herb, also known as Liverwort, is native to woodlands and temperate regions and can bring a touch of early spring beauty and ecological value to your garden designs.   Hepatica, also called Anemone americana, round-lobed liverleaf, liverleaf, and liverwort, is a small evergreen perennial with beautiful star-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring. The Native Habitat Of Hepatica (Anemone Americana) It grows in open, shady woodlands in the eastern and central United States. In the wild, liverwort is usually found on ravine bottoms, mossy banks, and rocky wooded slopes near other herbaceous plants. The flowers open wide in the sunshine and close up on overcast days and after sunset. The Appearance Of The Hepatica Liverwort flowers are usually bright blue or lavender and less commonly white or pink. They emerge in mid-April and last through mid-May. Each star-shaped blossom rises 2"–6" from the ground on a hairy stem-like rhizome. The flowers are ½ "-1" wide and typically comprise six to ten oval-shaped sepals. Mature plants can bloom with more than twenty flowers at a time. After the blossoms fade, the plant grows new glossy and glowing green leaves when they unfurl. These leathery, three-lobed, heart-shaped leaves grow to be 2"–3" wide and darken as they mature, and some have reddish-purple undersides. In winter, the foliage can darken and change color. Hepatica Looks Lovely In A Woodland Garden  Hepatica makes a lovely addition to a woodland garden, where it can live for many years if left undisturbed. When planted under shade trees with other native plants, it provides a sweet burst of color. The bright flowers make an excellent companion to other early spring flowers like crocuses, bleeding hearts, Dutchman's breeches, and trilliums. Hepatica Is A Spring Blooming Perennial  Planting liverwort in your garden is a great way to encourage biodiversity. Though the flowers do not produce nectar, they still attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, beetles, and other beneficial insects that help the plant propagate. Ants take seeds back to their nests, eat their nourishing elaiosomes, and leave them in new territory where they can germinate. In early summer, liverwort produces fruits that become a food source for chipmunks and other small mammals. If you want to add a sweet burst of charm to your landscape, planting it near your trees will bring you springtime joy. Where Is The Habitat Of The Hepatica Plant In forest and shade, but most widely across the temperate zones. The plant thrives in moisture.  Characteristics Of The Hepatica plant  Plants from the Hepatica species feature lobed and evergreen reddish or green leaves. They mostly flower purple, blue or white in early spring.  Where Does Hepatica Grow Best  Hepatica needs shaded, cool and semi-shady locations on humus-rich, well-drained soils. They are great for woodland gardens, rock gardens or places that don't get much sunlight.  The Petals Of Hepatica  Petal size: The petals are usually 6 to 9, depending on the variety. It's like these petals are stars.  How long Is The Lifespan Of the Hepatica Plant  You can get them to last decades if you take care of them.

Butterfly Milkweed - TN Nursery

Butterfly Milkweed

Butterfly Milkweed plants are known for vibrant orange flowers, attracting monarchs, and significant ecological benefits, making them a popular choice in landscaping. Beyond its visual appeal, this native North American plant offers numerous advantages to any landscape's overall health and beauty.   Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias Tuberosa) Is a Long Blooming Cycle Perennial The butterfly milkweed instantly captivates with its vibrant hues and delicate beauty. Also known as Asclepias tuberosa, this wildflower can be found in various prairies and grasslands throughout the United States and parts of Florida. Are you ready to transform your garden with this stunning flower, sure to become the crown jewel of your collection? Butterfly Milkweed Is Sure To Dazzle The charm of this plant lies in its dazzling array of bright colors. Fiery oranges are punctuated with bursts of sunny yellows that grow in small groups. The blossoms are supported by hearty green stems and thin, pointed leaves that ensure the flowers themselves take center stage. Though it may be in full bloom during spring and summer, this plant continues to enchant with its enduring beauty well through the fall. Because it is a resilient, robust plant, it makes an excellent choice for both seasoned gardeners expanding their collection and new green thumbs embarking on their horticultural journeys. Create Your Butterfly Garden With Butterfly Milkweed Is it any surprise butterflies are part of this wildflower's name? These plants are rich in nectar, which attracts many butterflies to the landscape. You can create your sanctuary with these adorable flowers that invite dozens of fluttering visitors to your lawn. The true beauty of this plant lies in how it harmonizes with the natural world around it. The fluttering friends it attracts go on to pollinate other flowers and support a healthy, happy ecosystem for everyone to enjoy. No matter where they are planted, these flowers create a ripple effect that nourishes the spirit of their beholder and the more fantastic world around them. Enhance Your Flowerbed With Butterfly Milkweed Plant Butterfly Milkweed alongside the purple coneflower, black-eyed susan, and bee balm to enhance your garden's allure for butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. No matter where it is planted, this beautiful wildflower shimmers like a gem and adds an unmistakable beauty to the landscape. With irresistible colors, unwavering resilience, and a lovely connection to nature, it's no wonder that so many gardeners are instantly charmed by the brilliance of these wildflowers. Where is the best place to plant butterfly milkweed Butterfly milkweed should be grown in full sunlight and in soil that is well-drained. It is an excellent plant for pollinator-friendly landscapes.  Where is butterfly milkweed most commonly found?  Butterfly milkweed is indigenous to the North American region and is primarily associated with fields, roadsides, and open wooded regions. Their occurrence is more frequent in dry to moderately moist soils.  What are the characteristics of the butterfly milkweed plant Butterfly milkweed is a flowering plant that produces orange flowers to attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It has thin, pointed leaves of lanceolate type and develops seed pods, which contain silky loose hairs.  What does butterfly milkweed look like?  Butterfly milkweed consists of clusters of bright orange flowers that are reddish-brown from the top and display glossy green leaves in mid to late summer. The plant brings a nice, vibrant look to gardens and other natural settings.  What is the lifespan of the butterfly milkweed plant Butterfly milkweed has a perennial lifecycle; it can live up to 20 years if conditions are perfect for growth. Once planted, it needs very little attention and flawlessly produces stunning beauty and environmental enrichment year after year for your landscape.

Black Eyed Susan - TN Nursery

Black Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susan has vibrant yellow petals and dark, contrasting centers and is a popular and delightful addition to any landscaping project. This native North American wildflower offers a host of pleasing attributes that make it a sought-after choice for gardens and outdoor spaces. From its adaptability to its visual appeal and ecological benefits, it stands out as a versatile and attractive plant.  Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta) Is A Long-Blooming Perennial  The Black-Eyed Susan or Rudbeckia Hirta is a beautiful and popular flower that blooms each year in North America. With yellow flowers surrounding a dark circular center, this plant serves an aesthetic purpose in any landscape and draws in bees and butterflies. Due to its hardiness and versatility, the plant is suitable for growing in the garden for beginners and professionals.  The Black Eyed Susan is valued for ornamental purposes and its contribution to the maintenance of ecosystems. Moreover, black-eyed susan plants for sale have stunning flowers that can be added to your garden for curb appeal. Features of Black Eyed Susan Plant The Black-Eyed Susan has bright yellow petals with a dark brown or black Eye in the middle, which makes it a vivid plant that would look great in any garden.  This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and many other beneficial insects, so it should be included in any pollinator garden. The black-eyed susan plant is relatively adaptable. It does well in arid conditions and simple soil types, making it a perfect pick for any low-maintenance garden. Black Eyed Susans Are Excellent Pollinator Plants It prefers regions receiving full or partial sun exposure. It has a growth habit of 2 to 3 feet tall with a similar width, enhancing the green appearance of areas where it is grown. This plant does not need much attention once established and usually grows well. It is relatively immune to many garden pests and diseases. Growers of black-eyed susan plants can also contribute to habitat and care for one's patch of land by offering food for pollinators and other more valuable insects. Black Eyed Susan Perennials Returns Every Spring and Summer Season Buy black-eyed susan plants and add these beautiful flowers to your garden, like our other popular ornamental plants, such as echinacea, shasta daisy, or coneflower plants. Where Does Black Eyed Susan Grow Best  Black-eyed Susans do well in regions of full exposure to the sun. Ensure they are exposed to a minimum of six hours of sunshine every day. They like well-draining soils and will grow in a range of soil types.  What Do Black Eyed Susans Symbolize  Black-eyed Susans symbolize encouragement, motivation, and justice. Their bright yellow color with a black center is linked with positivism and strength, perfect when integrated into any garden.  What Is The Best Fertilizer To Grow Black Eyed Susans Black-eyed Susans prefer a slow-release fertilizer, preferably a 10-10-10 N-P-K ration. Use it sparingly as they grow because these plants are not heavy feeders.  How Tall Do Black Eyed Susans Get  They are perennials that range in height between 1 to 3 feet, depending on their type. They provide great accents to borders and garden landscapes.  How Long Does It Take To Grow Black Eyed Susan  Black-eyed Susans can take from 60 to 90 days to bloom after germination from seeds. The plants come back year after year, blooming mid to late summer and continuing well into early fall.

Columbine Plant

Columbine Plant

The Eastern Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a perennial known for its bold red and yellow flowers, which look like hanging lanterns. Its unique shape and vibrant colors make it a favorite of pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies. The plant brings life and beauty to any landscape. If you want to add a splash of color to indoor or outdoor spaces, the Columbine Plant is worth buying. It is relatively small, so you can put it anywhere on your property without crowding other shrubs or trees. It tends to grow in clumps, meaning you can get multiple flowers and stems from a single seed or group of seeds. It will typically grow to about one to three feet in height. The flowers it produces can be almost any color, depending on the exact species that you happen to have. Standard colors include blue, pink, and yellow; in some cases, you may see multiple colors from the same one. Eastern Columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis)  One of the critical benefits of planting this item in your garden is that it can attract deer, rabbits, and other forms of wildlife. However, they tend to be most attractive to deer or rabbits looking for food. Fortunately, they tend to resist these creatures, which means you can enjoy the scenery without worrying about having to relocate or replant your flowers. Columbine Plants Are Great For Pollinators  You will also notice that it is attractive to pollinators such as bees or hummingbirds. Ultimately, you can help other flowers in your yard or nearby areas thrive while having something fascinating to look at when you're outside each day. Columbine Plant Does Well In Cold Weather The growth cycle of it tends to be a relatively short one. Therefore, you will notice the rush of color in your garden and wherever you decide to put it. As they generally do well in cold weather, you can put them out almost whenever you want without ruining them. The Columbine Plant Produces Seeds Quickly A final benefit to buying Columbine Plant is that it creates new seeds quickly on its own. Therefore, you may notice multiple shoots on your property without investing much time and money. How Many Types of Columbine Plants Are There Different species of columbine flowers, different flower sizes and shapes. There are the species Aquilegia vulgaris and Aquilegia caerulea to name but two.  What Is the Care of Columbine Plants in Other Climates?  The Columbine plant also comes in hybrids that grow well in climates of any kind. The first, and perhaps the most crucial, need of Columbines is a little shade during the warmer months and good drainage so roots don't get rotted.  When Should I Plant Columbine Seeds Plant columbine seeds after a frost or late fall. : Spread the seeds on the moist soil, then firmly plant them down; regularly water them until they sprout into seedlings.  How do I propagate the Columbine plant?  They're pretty easy to propagate as, once they open their blooms, they release seeds, which you need to plant in well-drained soil. Please note: Columbine seeds are not very fast germinating so it could take weeks to notice results!  What about the life of a columbine plant Columbine is only able to last for about 2-3 years. But they self-seed and so live on in the garden for many years to come. Deadhead as much as possible for longevity.

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