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Maine Native Plants List: 13 Stunning Plants for Your Landscape

These 13 native Maine plants will not only enhance the natural beauty of your landscape but also play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems.

Written by: Wyatt Shell
Posted: September 16, 2024 | 8 Min Read
a moose standing in a forest

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With its rugged coastline, pristine wilderness, and unique climate, Maine is home to a large array of native plants that have evolved to thrive in its distinctive environment. Maine's native flora is both diverse and well-adapted to the state's landscapes. In this blog post, we'll discover the numerous advantages of incorporating some of these native plants into your Maine garden. Whether your garden is bathed in coastal sunlight, nestled in the cool shade of an old growth forest, or somewhere in between, these 13 native Maine plants will not only enhance the natural beauty of your landscape but also play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems. Before we explore these remarkable plants in detail, let's uncover the importance of native species for your Maine garden and the environment as a whole.

What are Native Plants?

a monarch butterfly feeding from a goldenrod

The species we consider to be native plants of Maine are those that have called the Pine Tree State home for generations. These plant species are the descendants of ancestral plants that thrived in Maine's ecosystems long before the first European settlers arrived on its shores. Over many thousands of years, they have developed unique traits to flourish in Maine's distinct environment and weather patterns, all while providing vital habitats for local wildlife.

Notably, Maine's native plants are not just beneficial to the natural world but also offer remarkable advantages for gardeners and landscapers. They typically exhibit rapid growth, natural drought resistance, low (or no) fertilizer requirements, and less maintenance needs. By carefully choosing plants that are native to Maine, especially those that suit your specific region within Maine, you can elevate the aesthetics and ecological value of your landscaping endeavors.

Why are Native Plants Important?

a wide open expanse of felled trees

There has been an ongoing and incredible loss of animal life worldwide over the past 150 years. This tragic population crass has affected almost every major group of wildlife, including the many bees, butterflies, birds, and other beneficial pollinators that allow our natural world to function. A leading driver of this crash is habitat loss due to land mismanagement: as humans, we've spent far too long removing the native trees and herbaceous perennial plants our native fauna needs and replacing them with non native species that do little or nothing to help.

a hummingbird feeding from a coralbean plant

By contrast, the trees, grasses, flowers, and shrubs native to their areas are especially well-adapted to provide ecosystem services. Native plants provide food and offer shelter and other resources for many pollinators, birds, and other beneficial creatures. Maine's native plants also tend to cycle nutrients into the soil more efficiently, retain more storm water and prevent soil erosion, and require very little maintenance compared to almost any kind of turf grass or cultivated ornamental you might find at a standard commercial nursery. When you choose to buy native plants, you are cultivating

Our Maine Native Plants List

Below, I share just a handful of the many Maine native plants available to you, and split them into three major groups based on sun exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade, and Full Shade. Doing this will hopefully help you get started identifying some of the right plants for your local growing conditions. Each one of the beautiful native plants listed below would make a wonderful addition to any Maine yard and will support many beneficial insects. Most of these species can be found, along with other Maine native plants, in My Home Park's pre-designed gardens for Maine.

Native Plants for Full Sun

New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

new england aster flowers visited by a bumblebee

New England Aster is widely celebrated and easily recognizable for its vibrant purple to pinkish-purple daisy-like flowers that blanket the landscape in late summer and early fall. New England Aster thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for sunny garden beds. When mature, New England Aster can reach heights of 3 to 6 feet, creating an eye-catching focal point in your garden. Beyond its ornamental value, this aster plays a vital ecological role by providing nectar and pollen for late-season pollinators, helping to sustain local biodiversity. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a favorite among gardeners looking for both beauty and ecological benefits. If you're seeking to attract pollinators and infuse your garden with late-season color, New England Aster is a delightful choice.

Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata

pink flowers of swamp milkweed

Swamp Milkweed, also commonly referred to as Red Milkweed, is a wonderful choice for first-time gardeners looking to make a positive impact on their environment. With its striking flat clusters of pink or mauve flowers and long, slender leaves, this native perennial not only adds beauty to your garden but also supports important pollinators like butterflies and bees with its mid summer blooms. Easy to care for and adaptable to various soil types (though favorable to moist soil), Swamp Milkweed is a perfect starting point for those new to gardening, providing a splash of color while contributing to the health of local ecosystems.

As a member of the Asclepias genus of milkweeds, Swamp Milkweed also provides endangered Monarch Butterflies (Danaus plexippus) with a place to lay their eggs. Monarch Butterfly caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweeds, so by cultivating Rose Milkweed in your garden, you'll be creating a stunning landscape while also contributing to the conservation of this fragile species.

Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis

bright red flowers of cardinal flower

Cardinal Flower is a captivating flowering plant renowned for its showy scarlet-red blooms and its role in attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. This perennial wildflower thrives in wet areas, typically along the edges of streams, where its vibrant flowers stand out against its dark green leaves. Growing to heights of 2 to 4 feet, this species brings a powerful vertical accent to pollinator gardens and natural settings alike. Its unique color and shape make it a standout choice for attracting attention and biodiversity. This plant's preference for higher soil moisture and partial to full sun aligns well with various wetland restoration projects and rain gardens.

Showy Goldenrod

Solidago speciosa

bright yellow flowers of showy goldenrod

Showy Goldenrod is a native wildflower celebrated for its brilliant golden-yellow plumes and its ecological significance in gardens and natural landscapes. This perennial beauty blooms from late summer into fall, brightening your yard just when many other plants are fading. Showy Goldenrod thrives in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to a variety of soil types. It typically reaches heights of 2 to 4 feet, making it an excellent choice for mid-border or background planting. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a plethora of pollinators and its robust root system can improve overall soil health. If you're looking for a low-maintenance and drought tolerant option to enhance your garden's beauty, attract pollinators, and contribute to a healthier environment, planting Showy Goldenrod is a rewarding choice.

Native Plants for Part Shade

Early Figwort

Scrophularia lanceolata

drab red flowers of early figwort

A lesser known and rather unique native plant, Early Figwort graces gardens with its slender form and distinct, kettle-like blossoms. This stunning perennial blooms from late spring to early summer, providing a modest splash of color. Local pollinators, including any hummingbirds, will flock to this plant as its red flowers contain a great deal of nectar. Thriving in partial shade to full sun, Early Figwort typically grows to a height of 3 to 5 feet with an upright habit, making it an adaptable addition to gardens of various sizes. With its elegant appearance and huge value to your local ecosystem, Early Figwort is a must-have for those seeking to enhance both the beauty and biodiversity of their garden.

Wild Red Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

eastern columbine flowering in a forest

Wild Red Columbine, also called Eastern Columbine, offers unique red and yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. Growing to a height of 1 to 3 feet, it boasts a graceful growth habit that is just as home in a pollinator garden as in a naturalized area. This highly adaptable plant thrives in partial sun but can enjoy both full shade and full sun as well. It is well-suited for woodland gardens, dappled borders, and other native landscapes with well drained soils.

Virginia Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum virginianum

clusters of white virginia mountain mint flowers

Virginia Mountain Mint is a true pollinator powerhouse plant that will bring a touch of elegance to all home gardens with its dainty, aromatic blossoms and appealing green foliage. Virginia Mountain Mint blooms in clusters of white flowers from mid to late summer and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Virginia Mountain Mint is a clump forming plant that typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet, making it a versatile choice for garden borders and pollinator-friendly landscapes. As a food source for many pollinators, you will get to enjoy watching numerous species of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects visiting your yard from sun up to sun down. As an added bonus, Virginia Mountain Mint's fragrant leaves are edible and can be swapped in to replace non-native Spearmint (Mentha spicata) for the same culinary uses.

Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod

Solidago caesia

blue stemmed goldenrod in a forest in early fall

Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod radiates late-summer beauty with striking yellow plumes and distinctive blue stems. This perennial beauty graces gardens from late summer through fall, adding a vibrant burst of color and providing a vital nectar source for pollinators preparing for the colder months ahead. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod reaches a mature height of 2 to 4 feet, making it a versatile and eye-catching addition to gardens and naturalistic landscapes. Its slender, arching stems bear finely divided clusters of brilliant golden-yellow flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Hairy Beardtongue

Penstemon hirsutus

light purple flowers of hairy beardtongue

Hairy Beardtongue boasts an unassuming charm with its slender, upright stems and delicate, tubular blossoms. This perennial gem blooms in late spring to early summer, providing an early burst of color and serving as a vital pit stop for pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Hairy Beardtongue reaches a modest height of 1 to 3 feet, making it a versatile addition to gardens of varying sizes. Its slender stems bear clusters of unique, pale lavender to deep purple flowers with distinct 'beard-like' hairs inside the blossoms, giving this particular native plant its name.

Tall Bellflower

Campanula americana

blue-purple blooms of tall bellflower in partial shade

Tall Bellflower is a graceful native wildflower known for its slender, towering stems and elegant bell-shaped blossoms. With a preference for dappled sunlight or partial shade, this plant bursts into bloom in mid to late summer, adding a touch of beauty and vital pollinator support during the warmest months. Growing to heights of 2 to 4 feet, its slender stems adorned with charming, pendulous blue or purple flowers stand tall in your garden. Paired with its attractive heart-shaped leaves, Tall Bellflower provides not only a striking focal point but also a source of natural beauty for any shaded or partly shaded garden area.

Sweet Joe Pye Weed

Eutrochium purpureum

light pink sweet joe pye weed flowers

Sweet Joe Pye Weed is a striking native perennial that graces gardens with its tall, commanding presence and clusters of rosy flowers. This stately wildflower blooms from mid to later summer, making it a great addition for late-season color and a magnet for pollinators when other plants have completed their show. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Sweet Joe Pye Weed reaches impressive heights of 4 to 7 feet, adding vertical interest and visual drama to your landscape.

Native Plants for Shade

Dutchman's Breeches

Dicentra cucullaria

a colony of dutchman's breeches flowering in a forest

Dutchman's Breeches is a kind of bleeding heart wildflower which are well-appreciated for their unique and whimsical appearance. This perennial native emerges in early spring with charming, pendulous, bright white flowers that resemble tiny pairs of breeches or pants. Dutchman's Breeches is a delightful addition for those looking to add early-season interest to their woodland or shaded gardens. Thriving in partial to full shade, this wildflower typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches. Its finely-cut, fern-like foliage provides an exquisite backdrop to its showy flowers. It will vanish into dormancy by the time the summer heat arrives, but you can rest assured it will return to bloom the following spring.

Heart-Leaved Aster

Symphyotrichum cordifolium

heart leaved aster in a forest

Heart-Leaved Aster, also called Blue Wood Aster, combines grace with resilience, showcasing its charming daisy-like flowers in late summer and early fall. This delightful wildflower provides a burst of color and a haven for native pollinators during the late growing season, just when many other plants have completed their bloom. Thriving in partial to full shade and quite drought tolerant, Heart-Leaved Asters form a compact yet inviting presence in shade gardens. With a mature height of approximately 1 to 2.5 feet, its slender stems, adorned with delicate lavender or blue blossoms, harmonize beautifully with its heart-shaped, dark green leaves. Heart-Leaved Aster not only offers ornamental value to shady areas but also plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity in shaded or partly shaded garden spaces.

What You Can Do Today

a set of trowels hanging from a structure in a yard

If you live in Maine, My Home Park has a collection of unique pre-designed gardens that bring together diverse sets of New England native plant species produced by expert, organic growers who draw on diversified gene lines. Our collections are designed to bloom from early spring to fall, beautifying your landscape while supporting wildlife. Check out our catalog for Maine or in any of the other states we serve in New England and beyond to buy native plants for your yard today!

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