25+ Native Ohio Plants To Enrich Your Garden This Year

Ohio boasts a rich tapestry of native flora that not only thrives in its climate but also supports local wildlife.

Incorporating native plants into your Columbus garden is a step toward creating a more sustainable, vibrant, and ecologically balanced outdoor space. This guide introduces 28 native plants perfect for Ohio gardens, offering tips on how to integrate them into your landscape effectively.

American Elm (Ulmus americana)

This majestic tree is known for its elegant vase shape and lush foliage. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant American Elm in open areas to enjoy its grandeur. Note: Opt for disease-resistant varieties to counter Dutch elm disease.

Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum)

Arrowwood is a versatile shrub with glossy leaves and white spring flowers, followed by dark blue berries. It thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts to various soil types. Use it as a hedging plant or a natural privacy screen.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

This striking perennial offers vibrant red flowers that attract hummingbirds. It loves wet conditions, making it perfect for rain gardens or moist borders. Plant in full sun to part shade in rich, wet soil.

Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum)

With its unique cinnamon-colored fronds, this fern adds texture to shady gardens. It prefers moist, acidic soil and partial to full shade. Perfect for woodland gardens or alongside water features.

Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

A graceful evergreen with a conical shape, ideal for privacy screens or as a standalone specimen. It requires well-drained soil, cool, moist conditions, and thrives in full to partial shade.

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

This fast-growing pine is beloved for its soft, feathery needles and can serve as a windbreak or privacy screen. It prefers full sun but is adaptable to a range of soil conditions.

Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)

A small to medium-sized tree with a dense, rounded crown. It’s perfect for tight spaces or as an understory tree. Thrives in partial shade to full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils.

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

An evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers. It requires acidic, well-drained soil and thrives in part shade. Ideal for woodland gardens or as an ornamental focus.

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

A hardy shrub with exfoliating bark and clusters of white or pink flowers. It’s drought-tolerant, thriving in full sun to part shade and various soil types. Use for erosion control or as a natural hedge.

Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)

Known for its fuzzy catkins that signal spring, this shrub loves wet, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It’s great for wet areas of the garden or naturalized plantings.

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Famous for its brilliant fall color, the Red Maple thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, slightly acidic soil. It’s an excellent choice for a shade tree or autumn interest.

Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

With its striking red stems in winter and white flowers in spring, this shrub is a four-season performer. It prefers wet soils and full sun to part shade, making it perfect for rain gardens or naturalized areas.

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

Known for its aromatic properties and distinctive mitten-shaped leaves, Sassafras thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s a fantastic choice for naturalistic plantings or as a shade tree.

Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)

A misunderstood native, goldenrod adds vibrant yellow flowers to late summer and fall gardens. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is perfect for pollinator gardens or meadow plantings.

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)

A unique tree with white summer flowers and brilliant fall foliage. It requires acidic, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Ideal for specimen planting or autumn color.

Spiked Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

A striking perennial with spikes of purple flowers that attract butterflies. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Perfect for borders, cutting gardens, or pollinator gardens.

Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis)

A delicate woodland perennial with heart-shaped flowers. It thrives in rich, moist soil and partial to full shade. Ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders.

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

A must-have for butterfly gardens, this milkweed thrives in wet, well-drained soil and full sun. It’s perfect for rain gardens or naturalized areas.

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Noted for its star-shaped leaves and stunning fall color, Sweetgum prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. Use as a specimen tree or for seasonal interest.

Trillium (Trillium spp.)

A beloved woodland wildflower, Trillium prefers rich, moist soil and full to partial shade. It’s perfect for naturalizing in wooded areas or shady gardens.

Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

With its unique flower shape, Turtlehead thrives in moist soil and part to full shade. It’s ideal for rain gardens or moist, shady borders.

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

This perennial adds a splash of lavender and attracts pollinators. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Use in pollinator gardens, meadows, or as a border plant.

Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)

A deciduous holly with bright red berries in winter. It prefers wet, well-drained soil and full sun to part shade. Ideal for winter interest or as a natural hedge.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Known for its fragrant, yellow fall flowers, Witch Hazel prefers well-drained soil and full sun to part shade. It’s great for naturalized plantings or as a specimen shrub.

Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus flava)

A large tree with showy spring flowers and striking fall foliage. It requires well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Ideal for large landscapes or as a shade tree.

Incorporating native plants into your Columbus garden not only enhances its beauty but also supports local ecosystems. Choose plants that match your garden’s conditions for a vibrant, thriving outdoor space. Happy gardening!