NATIVE PLANTS
Our native plants are those that have co-evolved here over centuries
with local insects, birds, and other animals.
Together, they make the Virginia Piedmont unique.
Because they are fully adapted to our local climate and soils, native plants can thrive in situations where exotic garden plants struggle. Consequently, once established, there should be less need for extra water, chemical applications of fertilizers, or any pesticides, thus protecting water quality by reducing pollutant and nutrient runoff affecting our waterways. Generally, native plants require less maintenance.
Native plants also support biodiversity by providing the food, pollen, and nectar that form the basis of the food web and healthy ecosystems. Select a diversity of native plants to provide a wide variety of benefits. Select plants suited to your existing soil, moisture, sunlight and other site conditions. Plant choice matters!
Download a list of plants native to our Northern Piedmont
(Updated December 2024).
By choosing native plants in your landscape, you are not only helping to feed
the birds, pollinators and other wildlife, you are creating a healthier place
for yourself, your family and your community.
- Choose native plants that are “true” to the species type when possible or available.
- Site the plant in the correct growing conditions.
- Start with a soil test to save yourself time and money.
- Avoid invasive exotics.
- Invasive plants are those that occur in locations beyond their known historical natural ranges, most often brought to new regions by humans through horticultural or accidental introductions.
- Invasive plants display rapid growth and spread, allowing them to establish in large areas outside of their natural native range, often secreting chemicals in the soil that discourages our native vegetation and without competitors or pests that keep them in check “at home”. Their rapid growth allows them to overwhelm and displace existing native plant vegetation, outcompeting our native plants.
Retail Partners in our Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Campaign
(Look for our red Virginia Native stickers on plant pots.)
- Blue Ridge Farmers Co-op (formerly Southern States) at Harris Street and Leake Square
- The Corner Store, Ruckersville
- Eltzroth & Thompson
- Fifth Season
- Ivy Corner
- ProTech Farm and Nursery
Want to learn more about Virginia Piedmont Native Plants?
- Check out the Native Plants resources section
- Download our site-specific plant lists:
- Use the Piedmont Native Plant Database to help choose plants that will thrive in your growing conditions: albemarle.org/nativeplants
- Get a copy of Piedmont Native Plants: A Guide for Landscapes and Gardens available at area retailers or online
- Native Plant Search Tools
- Plant Virginia Natives
- Plant Northern Piedmont Natives
- See our list of nearby Native Plant retailers and sources for native plants. The Virginia Native Plant Society also has a list of nurseries specializing in native plants and organizations that hold native plant sales.
Learn to recognize and control invasive species
with these helpful resources:
Blue Ridge PRISM
Partnership for Regional Invasive
Species Management
List of Invasive Plants
Virginia Department of
Conservation Research
USDA Field Guide
For the Identification of Invasive Plants
of Southern Forests
Invasive Plants
Fact Sheets
Plant Invaders
of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas