Support Us Button Widget

How to spot native plants in Richmond

Put your plant knowledge to the test with these tips on how to identify what’s growing in Richmond.

IMG_1296 copy

Juniperus virginiana, aka Eastern Redcedar, is native to our region.

Photo by RICtoday

Spring hasn’t quite sprung, but we’re seeing hints of it around Richmond. Here’s a quick guide to spotting which plants are native to Central Virginia.

According to Richmond Master Gardener Don Moore, a native plant is one that has evolved over thousands of years in a specific geographic region alongside other flora and fauna without any human intervention.

These plants form diverse ecosystems, support three times more pollinators, and require far less watering and maintenance than non-native plants, since they’ve evolved to thrive in our environment. Native plants are the backbone of our entire ecosystem — without them, the whole food web is disrupted.

The Master Gardeners have lots of information online on understanding Richmond’s native horticulture — they even have recommended readings on topics like transitioning your lawn into environmentally friendly natives.

white flowers on a thin-branched tree

The dogwood isn’t just Virginia’s state tree — it’s native to the region.

Photo via Agnieszka Kwiecień

The Plant RVA Native Campaign also has a guide to VA Capital Region Natives. Here are some common friendly flora:

  • Perennials | Common Yarrow, Purple False Foxglove, Eastern Red Columbine, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Common Milkweed, Mistflower, Virginia Blue Flag Iris, Coneflowers
  • Ferns | Southern Lady Fern, Royal Fern, Sensitive Fern, Southern Bracken Fern
  • Shrubs | Wild Hydrangea, Witch Hazel, Winterberry, Mountain Laurel
  • Trees | Red Maple, River Birch, Mockernut Hickory, Flowering Dogwood, Eastern Redcedar, Sweetbay Magnolia, Sassafras

If you want to buy native plants to add to your garden, the Virginia Native Plant Society has a list of nurseries which sell primarily native plants and do not sell invasive species. You can also ask the experts at your favorite plant shop to see what’s local.

Do you have questions about adding native plants to your own garden? Drop the Master Gardeners a line.

More from RICtoday
Here are several places to stock up on goods from local artisans and traveling markets.
From private islands to a riverside manor, Richmond is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority is holding a contest through Jan. 10 to reward recyclers who dispose of cardboard boxes properly
The Old Dominion Postcard Club is hosting its 46th annual show at Brightpoint Community College, Nov 15-16.
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Richmond?
Advanced tickets are required to explore the millions of lights throughout the Garden.
Whether you’re looking for your next leisure read, a book for the whole family, or a thrilling fictional novel, we’ve got a list of books written by local authors in the River City.
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
The fund was launched in 2021 with support from the American Rescue Plan Act — now, it continues with diversified funding sources
The “citywide blitz” should be complete this winter and will focus on the High Injury Network.