Workers planting seedlings in greenhouse

Plant Raleigh

The City of Raleigh’s guide to native plants


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Perennials, Ferns, Vines, and Groundcovers Grasses, Sedges, and Rushes Shade and Understory Trees Shrubs Invasive Plants

Unless otherwise noted, all plants listed are native to North Carolina. They’re grouped by ecoregion, or the areas where they naturally grow. Because soil, moisture and climate vary across Raleigh, this helps you choose plants that are more likely to thrive in your specific location.

This list features plants well-suited to Raleigh landscapes, from trees and shrubs to perennials and grasses along with a list of invasive species to avoid.

Perennials, Ferns, Vines, and Groundcovers

Scientific NameCommon NamePiedmont (P), Mountain (M), Coastal (C)Exposure NeedsWater NeedsWildlife Value

Perennials

Amsonia tabernaemontanaWideleaf Blue-StarsP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- Occasional wet or drybirds and insects
Anacis tripterisTall CoreopsisP, M, CSunAverage -- drybirds and insects
Anacis verticillataThreadleaf CoreopsisP, CSunAverage -- drybirds and insects
Anemone virginianaTall AnemoneP, MPart to Full ShadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Aquilegia canadensisEastern ColumbineP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Arisaema triphyllumCommon Jack-in-the-PulpitP, M, CPart to Full ShadeAverage -- Wetinsects
Asclepias incarnataWestern Swamp MilkweedP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- Wetinsects
Asclepias tuberosaButterflyweedP, M, CSunAverage -- Dryinsects
Asclepias syriacaCommon MilkweedP, MSunAverage -- Dryinsects
Baptisia albaWhite Wild IndigoP, CSun -- part shadeAverage --Dryinsects
Baptisia autralisTall Blue Wild IndigoMSun -- part shadeAverage -- Dryinsects
Chrysopsis marianaMaryland Golden-AsterP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- Drybirds and insects
Conoclinium coelestinumMistflowerP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- Wetbirds and insects
Echinacea purpureaPurple ConeflowerP, MSun -- part shadeAverage -- Drybirds and insects
Eryngium yuccifoliumRattlesnake-MasterP, M, CSunAverage -- Occasional wet or dryinsects
Eupatorium perfoliatumBonesetP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- Wetinsects
Eupatorium serotinumLate EupatoriumP, M, CSun -- part shadeWet or Dryinsects
Euthamia carolinianaCarolina Grass-Leaf GoldenrodP, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- Wetinsects
Eutrochium dubiumThree-Nerved Joe-Pye-WeedP, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- Wetbirds and insects
Eutrochium fistulosumHollow-Stem Joe-Pye-WeedP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- Wetbirds and insects
Gaillardia aestivalisLanceleaf BlanketflowerCSunAverage -- Drybirds and insects
Geranium maculatumWild GeraniumP, M, CPart shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Helianthus angustifoliusSwamp SunflowerP, M, CSun -- part shadeWet, can tolerate averagebirds and insects
Iris virginicaSouthern Blue FlagP, CSunAverage -- Wetbirds and insects
Kosteletzkya pentacarposSeashore-MallowCSunAverage -- Wetbirds and insects
Liatris pilosaGrass-Leaf Blazing StarP, M, CSunAverage -- Drybirds and insects
Liatris spicataFlorist's GayfeatherP, MSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Liatris squarrosaScaly Blazing StarP, M, CSunAverage -- Drybirds and insects
Lobelia cardinalisCardinal FlowerP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- Moistbirds and insects
Marshallia obovataPiedmont Barbara's ButtonsPSun -- part shadeAverage -- Drybirds and insects
Monarda fistulosaAppalachian BergamotP, MSun -- part shadeAverage -- Moistbirds and insects
Monarda punctataEastern HorsemintP, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Muenchhusia moscheutaEastern Rose-MallowP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- Wetbirds and insects
Oenothera fruticosaNarrowleaf SundropsP, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- drybirds and insects
Parthenium integrifoliumCommon Wild QuinineP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- drybirds and insects
Penstemon laevigatusEastern Smooth BeardtongueP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Penstemon smalliiSmall's BeardtongueP, MSun -- part shadeAverage -- drybirds and insects
Phlox paniculataGarden PhloxP, MSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Physostegia virginianaNorthern Obedient PlantMSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Polygonatum biflorumSmall Solomon's SealP, M, CPart shade -- shadeAverage -- wetbirds and insects, edible roots
Pynanthemum muticumClustered Mountain-MintP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistinsects, edible
Pycnanthemum tenufoliumSlender Mountain-MintP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- Occasional wet or dryinsects, edible
Rhexia virginicaVirginia Meadow-BeautyP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- wetinsects
Rudbeckia fulgidaOrange ConeflowerP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- drybirds and insects
Rudbeckia hirtaWoodland Black-Eyed SusanP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Rudbeckia laciniataCommon Cutleaf ConeflowerP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Sarracenia flavaYellow PitcherplantP, CSun -- part shadeWetinsects
Sarracenia rubraCarolina Sweet PitcherplantP, CSun -- part shadeWetinsects
Scutellaria incanaDowny SkullcapPSun -- part shadeAveragebirds and insects
Scutellaria integrifoliaNarrowleaf SkullcapP, M, CSunWetbirds and insects
Silphium perfoliatumCommon Cup-PlantP, MSun -- part shadeAverage -- Occasional wet or drybirds and insects
Solidago caesiaBlue-Stemmed GoldenrodP, M, CSun -- shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Solidago nemoralisEastern Gray GoldenrodP, M, CSunAverage -- drybirds and insects
Solidago rugosaWrinkle-Leaf GoldenrodP, MSun -- part shadeMoist -- wetbirds and insects
Symphyotrichum grandiflorumBig-Headed AsterP, CSun -- part shadeAverage --Drybirds and insects
Symphyotrichum novae-angliaeNew England AsterP, MSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Symphyotrichum oblongifoliumEastern Aromatic AsterMSunAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Symphyotrichum pilosumFrost AsterP, M, CSunWet or Drybirds and insects
Tradescantia virginianaCommon SpiderwortP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- wetinsects, edible
Veronicastrum virginicumCulver's RootP, MSun -- part shadeAverage -- wetinsects
Vernonia noveboracensisNew York IronweedP, M, CSun -- part shadeMoist -- wetbirds and insects
Zizia aureaCommon Golden-AlexanderP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- dry, moistbirds and insects

Ferns

Adiantum pedatumNorthern MaidenhairP, M, CPart shade -- shadeMoist -- wetGroundcover and bird's nest material
Asplenium platyneuronEbony SpleenwortP, M, CPart shade -- shadeAverage -- dryGroundcover and bird's nest material
Athyrium asplenioidesSouthern Lady FernP, M, CPart shade -- shadeMoist -- wetGroundcover, Frogs, toads, and lizards
Deparia acrostichoidesSilvery SpleenwortP, M, CPart shade -- shadeMoist -- wetGroundcover and bird's nest material
Dryopteris ludovicianaSouthern WoodfernCPart shade -- shadeMoist -- wetGroundcover and bird's nest material
Dryopteris marginalisMarginal WoodfernP, M, CPart shade -- shadeMoist -- wetGroundcover, Frogs, toads, and lizards
Onoclea sensibilisSensitive FernP, M, CPart shade -- shadeMoist -- wetGroundcover, Frogs, toads, and lizards
Osmunda spectabilisAmerican Royal FernP, M, CSun -- part shadeMoist -- wetGroundcover, small mammal shelter
Osmundastrum cinnanoneumCinnamon FernP, M, CPart shade -- shadeMoist -- wetGroundcover, small mammal shelter
Polystichum acrostichoidesChristmas FernP, M, CPart shade -- shadeAverage -- dryGroundcover and bird's nest material
Pteridium pseudocaudatumSouthern BrackenP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- dryGroundcover, small mammal shelter

Vines

Ampelaster carolinianusClimbing AsterCSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Bignonia capreolataCross-VineP, M, CSun -- shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Campsis radicansTrumpet-CreeperP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Centrosema virginianumSpurred Butterfly PeaP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Clitoria marianiaButterfly PeaP, M, CPart shadeAverage -- drybirds and insects
Gelsemium sempervirensCarolina JessamineP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Hydrangea barbaraClimbing HydrangeaP, M, CPart shade -- shadeMoist -- wetinsects
Passiflora incarnataPurple PassionflowerP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- dryinsects, edible fruit
Passiflora luteaYellow PassionflowerP, M, CPart shade — shadeAverage — moistinsects, edible fruit
Lonicera sempervirensCoral HoneysuckleP, M, CSun — part shadeAverage — moistBirds and insects

Groundcovers

Chrysogonum virginianumVirginia Green-And-GoldP, M, CPart shade — shadeAverage — moistinsects
Coreopsis auriculataMouse-Ear CoreopsisP, M, CSun — part shadeAverage — moistinsects
Erythronium umbilicatumDimpled Trout LilyP, M, CShade — part shadeAverage — moistinsects
Heuchera americanaAmerican AlumrootP, M, CPart shade — shadeAverage — moistinsects
Heuchera villosaRock AlumrootP, MPart shade — shadeAverage — moistinsects
Hexastylis virginicaVirginia HeartleafP, MShadeAverage — moistinsects
Iris cristataDwarf Crested IrisP, M, CPart shade — shadeAverage — moistinsects
Mitchella repensPartridge-BerryP, M, CShade — part shadeAverage — moistbirds and insects
Packera anonymaAppalachian RagwortP, M, CSun — part shadeAverage — moistinsects
Packera aureaGolden RagwortP, M, CPart shade — shadeAverage -- wetinsects
Phlox divaricataEastern Blue PhloxP, M, CPart shade — shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Phlox subulataMoss PhloxMSunAverage -- dryinsects
Salvia lyrataLyre-Leaf SageP, M, CSun — part shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Sanguinaria canadensisBloodrootP, M, CShade — part shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Sedum ternatumMountain StonecropP, M, CPart shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Sisyrinchium angustifoliumCommon Blue-Eyed GrassesP, M, CSun — part shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Tiarella cordifoliaPiedmont FoamflowerP, M, CPart shade -- shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Trillium spp.TrilliumsP, M, CShadeAverage -- moistinsects
Vaccinium macrocarponAmerican CranberryCSun — part shadeAverage -- wetinsects, edible fruit
Viola sororiaCommon Blue VioletP, M, CPart shade -- shadeAverage -- moistinsects

Grasses, Sedges, and Rushes

Scientific NameCommon NamePiedmont (P), Mountain (M), or Coastal (C)Exposure NeedsWater NeedsWildlife Value

Grasses

Agrostis perennansAutumn BentgrassP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Anatherum ternariumSplitbeard BluestemP, M, CSunAverage -- drybirds and insects
Anatherum virginicumBroomsedgeP, M, CSunAverage -- drybirds and insects
Andropogon gerardiBig BluestemP, M, CSunAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Arundinaria tectaSwitch CaneP, CPart shade -- shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Chasmanthium latifoliumRiver OatsP, M, CPart shade -- shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Chasmanthium laxumSlender SpikegrassP, M, CPart shade -- shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Dichanthelium scopariumVelvet WitchgrassP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage --moistinsects
Elymus hystrixCommon Bottlebrush GrassP, M, CPart shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Elymus virginicusCommon Eastern Wild-RyeP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Eragrostis elliotiiElliot's LovegrassP, M, CSunAverage -- dryinsects
Eragrostis spectabilisPurple LovegrassP, M, CSunAverage -- dryinsects
Erianthus giganteusSugarcane PlumegrassP, M, CSunAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Muhlenbergia capillarisHair-Awn MuhlyP, M, CSunAverage -- drybirds and insects
Panicum virgatumSwitchgrassP, M, CSunAverage -- moistbirds and insects
Schizachyrium scopariumCommon Little BluestemP, M, CSunAverage --drybirds and insects
Sorghastrum nutansYellow IndiangrassP, M, CSunAverage --moistbirds and insects
Sporobolus heterolepisPrairie DropseedMSunAverage -- dryinsects
Tridens flavusPurpletopP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects

Sedges

Carex annectensYellow-Fruited SedgeP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Carex crinitaLong-Fringed SedgeP, M, CPart shadeAverage -- wetinsects
Carex flaccospermaMeadow SedgeP, M, CPart shade -- shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Carex grayiGray's SedgeP, M, CPart shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Carex intumescensBladder SedgeP, M, CPart shadeAverage -- wetinsects
Carex laxiculmisSpreading SedgeP, M, CPart shade -- shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Carex luridaSallow SedgeP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- wetinsects
Carex radiataEastern Star SedgeP, M, CPart shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Carex roseaRosy SedgeP, M, CPart shade -- shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Carex vulpinoideaFox SedgeP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage --wetinsects
Rhynchospora colorataNarrowleaf Whitetop SedgeCSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontaniSoftstem BulrushP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- wetbirds and insects
Scirpus cyperinusWoolly BullrushP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistbirds and insects

Rushes

Juncus effususCommon RushP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- wetinsects
Juncus tenuisPath RushP, M, CSun -- part shadeAverage -- moistinsects
Luzula acuminataCarolina Wood-RushP, M, CPart shade -- shadeAverage --moistinsects

Shade and Understory Trees

Scientific NameCommon NamePiedmont (P), Mountain (M), Coastal (C)Exposure NeedsWater NeedsWildlife Value

Shade Trees

Aesculus flavaYellow BuckeyeP, MSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Acer floridanumSouthern Sugar MapleP, M, CSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and Insects
Acer leucodermeChalk MapleP, MSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Acer negundoEastern Box ElderP, MSun -- Part ShadeAverage - WetBirds and insects
Acer rubrumEastern Red MapleP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Acer saccharinumSilver MapleP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Acer saccharumSugar MapleP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Acer x freemaniiFreeman's MapleP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Celtis laevigataSugarberryP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - WetBirds and insects
Celtis occidentalisAmerican HackberryP, CSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Fagus grandifoliaAmerican BeechP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and edible nuts
Juniperus virginianaEastern Red CedarP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds, insects and overwinter shelter
Magnolia grandifloraSouthern MagnoliaP, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and overwinter shelter
Nyssa aquaticaWater TupeloCSun -- Part ShadeAverage - WetInsects
Nyssa bifloraSwamp TupeloP, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - WetBirds and insects
Nyssa sylvaticaBlack GumP, M, CSunAverage - WetBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Pinus echinataShortleaf PineP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Pinus palustrisLongleaf PineP, CSunAverageBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Pinus taedaLoblolly PineP, M, CSunAverageBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Pinus virginianaVirginia PineP, M, CSunAverage - DryBirds and insects
Quercus albaWhite OakP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Quercus bicolorSwamp White OakP, M, CSunAverage - WetInsects
Quercus coccineaScarlet OakP, MSun -- Part ShadeAverage - DryBirds, Insects, and edible fruit
Quercus falcataSouthern Red OakP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Quercus lyrataOvercup OakP, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - WetBirds and insects
Quercus marilandicaBlackjack OakP, M, CSunAverageBirds and insects
Quercus michauxiiSwamp Chestnut OakP, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Quercus nigraWater OakP, M, CSunAverage - WetBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Quercus pagodaCherrybark OakP, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Quercus palustrisPin OakP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Quercus phellosWillow OakP, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Quercus rubraRed OakP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Quercus shumardiiShumard OakP, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Quercus stellataPost OakP, M, CSunAverage - DryBirds and insects
Quercus velutinaBlack OakP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Quercus virginianaSouthern Live OakCSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects and edible fruits
Salix nigraBlack WillowP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - WetBirds and insects
Taxodium ascendensPond CypressCSunMoist - WetBirds and shelter
Taxodium distichumBald CypressCSun -- Part ShadeAverage - WetBirds and shelter
Tillia americanaAmerican LindenP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Ulmus americanaAmerican ElmP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - DryBirds, insects and overwinter shelter

Understory Trees

Aesculus paviaRed BuckeyeP, CPart ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Amelanchier arboreaDowny ServiceberryP, MSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Amelanchier canadensisEastern ServiceberryP, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Amelanchier laevisSmooth ServiceberryP, MSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects and edible fruit
Asiminia trilobaCommon PawpawP, M, CSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverage - MoistBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Benthamidia floridaAmerican DogwoodP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Carpinus carolinianaAmerican HornbeamP, M, CPart Shade -- ShadeAverage - WetBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Cercis canadensisEastern RedbudP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and edible flowers
Chionanthus virginicusFringe-TreeP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Cladrastis kentukeaAmerican YellowwoodP, MSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Crataegus crus-galliCockspur HawthornP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Crataegus marshalliiParsley HawthornP, CSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverage - WetBirds and insects
Crataegus phaenopyrumWashington HawthornP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Crataegus viridisGreen HawthornP, M, CSunAverageBirds and insects
Diospyros virginianaAmerican PersimmonP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, edible fruit
Hamamelis virginianaNorthern Witch HazelP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Ilex opacaAmerican HollyP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Ilex vomitoriaYaupon HollyP, CSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Ilex x attenuataTopal HollyP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Magnolia tripetalaUmbrella MagnoliaP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds
Magnolia virginianaSweetbay MagnoliaP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Ostrya virginianaHop-hornbeamP, M, CSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Oxydendrum arboreumSourwoodP, M, CSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Prunus americanaAmerican Wild PlumP, MSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, edible fruit
Prunus angustifoliaChickasaw PlumP, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, edible fruit
Prunus serotinaEastern Wild Black CherryP, M, CSunAverageBirds and insects
Sassafras albidumAmerican SassafrasP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, edible root
Styrax americanusAmerican SnowbellP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects

Shrubs

Scientific NameCommon NamePiedmont (P), Mountain (M), Coastal (C)Exposure NeedsWater NeedsWildlife Value
Aesculus sylvaticaPainted BuckeyeP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Alnus serrulataTag AlderP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeMoist - WetBirds and insects
Aronia arbutifoliaRed ChokeberryP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - WetBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Aronia melanocarpaBlack ChokeberryP, MSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Asimina trilobaCommon PawpawP, M, CSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverage - MoistBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Callicarpa americanaAmerican BeautyberryP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Calycanthus floridusCarolina AllspiceP, M, CSun -- Part Shade -- Shade -- DappledAverageInsects
Ceanothus americanusCommon New Jersey TeaP, M, CPart Shade -- Shade -- DappledAverageBirds and insects
Cephalanthus occidentalisButtonbushP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - WetBirds and insects
Clethra alnifoliaSweet PepperbushP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Dirca palustrisLeatherwoodP, M, CPart Shade -- DappledAverage - MoistBirds
Euonymus americanusHearts A' BustingP, M, CSun -- Part Shade -- DappledAverage - MoistBirds
Fothergilla gardeniiCoastal Witch-alderCSun -- Part Shade -- DappledAverageInsects
Fothergilla major (Fothergilla latifolia)Mountain Witch-AlderP, MSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Hydrangea arborescensSmooth HydrangeaP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Hypericum densiflorumBushy St. John's WortP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageInescts
Ilex deciduaPossumhaw HollyP, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Ilex glabraInkberryP, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Ilex verticillataWinterberry HollyP, M, CSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Ilex vomitoria 'Nana' (or other dwarf)Dwarf Yaupon HollyP, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Itea virginicaVirgina SweetspireP, M, CPart Shade -- DappledAverage - WetBirds and insects
Juniperus virginiana 'Grey Owl'Grey Owl JuniperP, MSunAverageBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Kalmia latifoliaMountain LaurelP, M, CSun -- Part Shade -- DappledAverageBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Leucothoe axilarisCoastal DoghobbleP, CPart Shade -- Shade -- DappledAverage - MoistInsects and Overwinter shelter
Leucothoe fontanesianaMountain DoghobbleP, MPart Shade -- Shade -- DappledAverage - MoistInsects and Overwinter shelter
Lindera benzoinSpice BushP, M, CPart ShadeAverage - WetBirds and Insects
Morella cerifera (and dwarf species)Southern Wax MyrtleP, CSun -- Part Shade -- DappledAverage - MoistBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Physocarpus opulifoliusEastern NinebarkP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Rhododendron arborescensSweet AzaleaP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Rhododendron atlanticumDwarf AzaleaCSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Rhododendron calendulaceumFlame AzaleaP, MSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Rhododendron canescensPiedmont AzaleaP, M, CSun -- Part Shade -- DappledAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Rhododendron catawbienseCatawba RhododendronP, MSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Rhododendron minusGorge RhododendronP, MPart Shade -- ShadeAverage - MoistBirds and insects
Rhododendron periclymenoidesPinxter AzaleaP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeMoist - WetBirds and insects
Rhododendron viscosumSwamp AzaleaP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - WetInsects
Rhus aromaticaFragrant SumacP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds and Insects
Rhus glabraSmooth SumacP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Rhus typhinaStaghorn SumacP, M, CSunAverageBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Rosa carolinaCarolina RoseP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - DryBirds, Insects, edible fruit, overwinter shelter
Rosa palustrisSwamp RoseP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Salix carolinianaCarolina WillowP, CSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverage - MoistBirds, Insects, and overwinter shelter
Salix humilisPrairie WillowP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - DryBirds and Insects
Salix sericeaSilky WillowP, MSun -- Part Shade -- DappledAverage - WetInsects
Sambucus canadensisElderberryP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds, Insects, and edible fruit
Swida amomumSilky DogwoodP, M, CSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeMoistBirds and insects
Swida foeminaSouthern Swamp DogwoodP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - WetBirds and insects
Swida racemosaGray DogwoodP, M, CSun -- Part Shade -- ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Vaccineum arboreumFarkleberryP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and overwinter shelter
Vaccineum corymbosumSmooth Highbush BlueberryP, MSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Vaccineum stamineumDwarf DeerberryP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - DryBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Viburnum acerifoliumMapleleaf ViburnumP, M, CPart Shade -- DappledAverageBirds and insects
Viburnum dentatumArrowood ViburnumP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds and insects
Viburnum nudumPossumhaw ViburnumP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverage - MoistBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Viburnum prunifoliumBlackhaw ViburnumP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Viburnum rafinesqueanumDowny ViburnumPSun -- Part Shade -- DappledAverageBirds, insects, and edible fruit
Xanthorhiza simplicissimaYellowrootP, M, CPart Shade -- DappledAverage - MoistBirds
Yucca filamentosaAdam's NeedleP, M, CSun -- Part ShadeAverageBirds, insects, and edible flowers

Invasive Plants

Raleigh is committed to fostering landscapes that are resilient, adaptable, and diverse. The City promotes the use of native plants while actively discouraging the spread of invasive species. An invasive plant is one that is non-native to a given ecosystem and whose presence causes, or is likely to cause, harm to the environment, economy, or public health. For these reasons, the plants listed below are prohibited from use in required landscaping and are strongly discouraged from being planted anywhere within Raleigh.

Scientific NameCommon Name

Rank 1 – Severe Threat

Ailanthus altissimaTree-of-heaven
Albizia julibrissinMimosa
Alliaria petiolataGarlic Mustard
Alternanthera philoxeroidesAlligator-weed
Ampelopsis glandulosaPorcelain-berry
Celastrus orbiculatusOriental Bittersweet
Dioscorea polystachyaChinese Yam
Elaeagnus umbellataAutumn Olive
Ficaria vernaFig Buttercup
Hedera helixEnglish Ivy
Humulus scandensJapanese Hops
Hydrilla verticillataHydrilla
Lespedeza bicolorBicolor Lespedeza
Lespedeza cuneataSericea Lespedeza
Ligustrum japonicum & cultivarsJapanese Privet
Ligustrum lucidum & cultivarsGlossy Privet
Ligustrum sinense & cultivarsChinese Privet
Lonicera japonicaJapanese Honeysuckle
Microstegium vimineumJapanese Stilt-grass
Miscanthus sinensisChinese Silver Grass
Murdannia keisakMarsh Dewflower
Myriophyllum aquaticumParrot-feather
Paulownia tomentosaPrincess Tree
Persicaria perfoliataMile-a-minute-vine
Phragmites australisCommon Reed
Pueraria montana var. lobataKudzu
Pyrus calleryanaBradford/Callery Pear
Reynoutria japonica var. japonicaJapanese Knotweed
Reynoutria sachalinensisGiant Knotweed
Reynoutria x bohemicaBohemian Knotweed
Rosa multifloraMultiflora Rose
Salvinia molestaGiant Salvinia
Spiraea japonicaJapanese Spiraea
Vitex rotundifoliaRoundleaf Chaste-tree
Wisteria floribundaJapanese Wisteria
Wisteria sinensisChinese Wisteria
Wisteria x formosaHybrid Asian Wisteria
Youngia japonicaAsiatic Hawk's-beard

Rank 2 – Significant Threat

Akebia quinataChocolate-vine
Allium vinealeField Garlic
Arthraxon hispidusBasket Grass
Arum italicumItalian Arum
Berberis thunbergiiJapanese Barberry
Broussonetia papyriferaPaper Mulberry
Buddleja davidiiOrange-eye Butterfly-bush
Causonis japonicaBushkiller
Centaurea stoebe ssp. micranthosSpotted Knapweed
Cirsium arvenseCanada Thistle
Citrus trifoliataTrifoliate Orange
Clematis ternifloraSweet Autumn Clematis
Corydalis incisaPurple Keman
Cytisus scopariusScotch Broom
Egeria densaBrazilian Elodea
Elaeagnus angustifoliaRussian Olive
Elaeagnus pungensThorny-olive
Euonymus alatusBurning Bush
Euonymus fortuneiWintercreeper
Glechoma hederaceaGround-ivy
Imperata cylindrica + varietiesCogongrass
Iris pseudacorusYellow Flag
Ligustrum vulgare & cultivarsCommon Privet
Lonicera fragrantíssimaAmur Honeysuckle
Lonicera maackiiMorrow's Honeysuckle
Lonicera morrowiiStandish's Honeysuckle
Lonicera standishiiPretty Honeysuckle
Lygodium japonicumJapanese Climbing Fern
Lysimachia nummulariaCreeping Jenny/Charlie
Lythrum salicariaPurple Loosestrife
Mahonia bealeiLeatherleaf Mahonia
Morus albaWhite Mulberry
Myriophyllum spicatumEurasian Water-milfoil
Nandina domesticaHeavenly Bamboo
Oshuna crassipesWater Hyacinth
Perilla frutescensBeefsteak-plant
Persicaria longisetaLongbristle Smartweed
Persicaria maculosaLady's-thumb
Phyllostachys aureaGolden Bamboo
Rosa lucieaeMemorial Rose
Rubus phoenicolasiusWineberry
Solanum viarumTropical Soda Apple
Sorghum halapenseJohnson Grass
Stellaria mediaCommon Chickweed
Triadica sebiferaChinese Tallow-tree
Tussilago farfaraColtsfoot
Ulmus parvifloraChinese Elm
Verbascum phlomoidesClasping Mullein
Viburnum dilatatumLinden Arrow-wood
Vinca majorGreater Periwinkle
Vinca minorCommon Periwinkle

Rank 3 – Lesser Threat

Agrostis giganteaBlack Bentgrass
Ajuga reptansBugleweed
Anthoxanthum odoratumSweet Vernal Grass
Artemisia vulgarisCommon Mugwort
Arundo donaxGiant Reed
Bromus catharticus var. catharticusBromegrass
Bromus commutatusMeadow Brome
Bromus japonicusJapanese Brome
Bromus secalinusCheat
Bromus tectorumCheatgrass
Cardiospermum haliacacabumBalloon Vine
Cichorium intybusChickory
Cirsium vulgareBull Thistle
Conium maculatumPoison-hemlock
Cynodon dactylonBermuda Grass
Daucus carotaQueen-Anne's-lace
Dipsacus fullonumWild Teasel
Emblica urinariaChamber-bitter
Eremochloa ophiuriodesCentipede Grass
Fatoua villosaMulberry-weed
Firmiana simplexChinese Parasol-tree
Helleborus speciesLenten-rose
Hibiscus syriacusRose-of-Sharon
Holcus lanatusCommon Velvet Grass
Ilex cornuta + varietiesBurford Holly
Kummerowia stipulaceaKorean Lespedeza
Kummerowia stipulaceaJapanese-clover
Lamium purpureumPurple Dead-nettle
Leucanthemum vulgareOxeye Daisy
Liriope muscariBig Blue Lilyturf
Lolium pratenseMeadow Fescue
Ludwigia hexapetalaCommon Water-primrose
Melia azedarachChinaberry
Melilotus albusWhite Sweetclover
Melilotus officinalisYellow Sweetclover
Mosla diantheraMinature Beefsteakplant
Najas minorSpinyleaf Naiad
Nymphoides peltataYellow Floating Heart
Ornithogalum umbellatumStar-of-Bethlehem
Paspalum dilatatumDallis Grass
Paspalum notatumBahia Grass
Paspalum urvilleiVasey Grass
Pastinaca sativaWild Parsnip
Phleum pratenseTimothy
Poa compressaFlat-stemmed Bluegrass
Poa pratensisKentucky Bluegrass
Poa trivialisRough Bluegrass
Populus albaSilver Poplar
Potentilla indicaIndian Strawberry
Rhamnus catharticaEuropean Buckthorn
Rhodotypos scandensJetbead
Securigera variaCrown-vetch
Senecio vulgarisCommon Groundsel
Setaria faberiNodding Foxtail-grass
Setaria pumilaYellow Foxtail

Contact

 

Lauren Freudenberger
City Horticulturist
Lauren.Freudenberger@raleighnc.gov 

Department:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Related Services:
Gardens and Urban Agriculture

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