Native Plant Resources for Each Southeastern State

Native plants are species that have evolved and thrived in a specific region over thousands of years, adapting to the local climate, soil, and ecological relationships. Unlike exotic or non-native plants, which originate from other parts of the world, native plants are part of the natural web of life that supports local wildlife, including birds, insects, and microorganisms. Because of this deep-rooted connection, native plants typically require less water and maintenance, making them ideal for sustainable gardening. They also tend to be more resilient to local pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

Choosing native plants over exotic species plays a critical role in supporting pollinators and biodiversity. According to a study published in Nature Communications, gardens with native plants can support up to four times more native bee species than those dominated by non-natives. Additionally, research from the Xerces Society shows that over 90% of native bee species rely on native plants for pollen and nectar. Exotic ornamentals may look attractive, but many fail to provide the food resources pollinators need to thrive. By filling your garden with native blooms, you're not only growing beautiful flowers — you're creating a refuge for pollinators whose populations are in sharp decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.

Here’s part of a front yard garden I installed back in 2021. West-coast Dune Sunflower (Helianthus debilis subsp. vestitus) is the star of the show with its abundant, happy yellow flowers that bloom year-round and love minimal-to-no irrigation. The species is native to coastal central and southwest Florida.

One of my favorite roles in being a garden consultant is being a coach for Southeastern gardeners in Gardenary’s Kitchen Garden Academy course. This six-week course is jam packed with everything you need to know to create and maintain your own dream kitchen garden. In addition to teaching about annual vegetable plants, I love to use my coaching opportunity to teach students about the importance of incorporating native species into their gardens and connect them with resources to find these special plants.

Students in my group garden in the states of Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, George, and Florida. Because of that, I’ve put together the below native plant resource list for each state:

Mississippi

• The Mississippi Native Plant Society

• Mississippi State University Extension

• Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce

Alabama

• The Alabama Wildflower Society

• Land Trust of North Alabama

• Alabama Wildlife Federation

South Carolina

• The South Carolina Native Plant Society

• Audubon South Carolina

Georgia

• The Georgia Native Plant Society

• UGA Cooperative Extension

Florida

• The Florida Native Plant Society

• Florida Wildflower Foundation

• Find specific native plant recommendations for your property

• Find native nurseries near you: Florida Association of Native Nurseries

Zebra Longwing butterfly on Florida native Firebush (Hamelia patens)