Recommended Hort. - sunny piedmont

A short list of excellent garden plants for a sunny spot in the NC piedmont. These species were included in an NCBG garden exhibit at the USBG in Washington, DC during the summer and fall of 2019.

Scientific/Common Name Family Duration & Habit Flower Color Bloom Time Height Exposure Moisture Germination Code Comments Thumb
Andropogon ternarius
Split-beard Bluestem
Poaceae
Grass Family
Perennial
Grass/Grasslike
Green, Brown Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov 1.5-4 ft. Sun, Part Shade Well-drained 2 This wonderful prairie native boasts great fall color and an attractive late summer bloom. It will thrive in a wide variety of soils as long they are well drained. Try planting it somewhere sandy or rocky. The dried inflorescence can be incorporated into flower arrangements to great effect. Like many native grasses, the seeds of split-beard bluestem are an excellent source of food for birds. The genus Andropogon supports up to 11 species of lepidoptera.
Asclepias tuberosa
Butterfly Milkweed
Apocynaceae
Dogbane Family
Perennial
Herb
Orange May, Jun, Jul, Aug 1-3 ft. Sun, Part Shade Dry, Average, Well-drained 2 Butterfly milkweed is a common roadside wildflower in our area, and like other members of Asclepias genus, is a host to monarch butterfly caterpillars. The distinctive linear leaves and bright orange flowers make butterfly milkweed a standout in summer. Its modest size provides a splash of color without overwhelming small spaces. Drought tolerant and deer resistant, this plants is a “must have” to support Monarch butterflies and up to 12 species of lepidoptera! 1985 N.C. Wildflower of the Year.
Ceanothus americanus
New Jersey Tea
Rhamnaceae
Buckthorn Family
Perennial
Subshrub, Shrub
White Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul 3-4 ft. Sun, Part Shade, Shade Dry, Average, Well-drained 2,3 New Jersey-tea is a low-growing deciduous shrub that produces numerous 1-2 inch long panicles of tiny white flowers in late spring. The nectar of its flowers is attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. This species is found growing on roadside banks and along the edges of woods throughout North Carolina. It grows well in hot, sunny to light shade, well-drained sites, and though tricky to establish, it is very drought tolerant once it is established. Its dried leaves have been used for making tea. 2013 N.C. Wildflower of the Year. This genus supports up to 43 lepidoptera species.
Chasmanthium laxum
Slender Woodoats
Poaceae
Grass Family
Perennial
Grass/Grasslike
Green May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov 2 ft. Sun, Part Shade, Shade Average, Moist 1 Slender woodoats is a SE native grass that produces subtly beautiful upright seed heads. Its tiny seeds are borne in arching panicles. This species is smaller in stature than the better-known river-oats. It is tolerant of low light levels and various soil types. This species is commonly found near bodies of water and grows well in open-canopy forests. Easy to grow in almost any garden, it will reseed unless its seed heads are removed before the seeds drop. The Chasmanthium genus supports up to 7 species of lepidoptera.
Chrysogonum virginianum
Green-and-gold
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
Yellow Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct 2-10 in. Part Shade Moist 2 Green-and-gold makes a nice semi-evergreen groundcover or edging for a path. Good drainage is essential for this southeastern native perennial. If grown on a slope or with a gravel mulch, you may well find seedlings near the parent plant. Green-and-gold is a versatile long-bloomer so you are sure to enjoy it in your garden. Try applying a thin pea-gravelmulch around your plants to encourage them to produce seedlings.
Chrysopsis mariana
Maryland Golden-aster
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
Yellow Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov 1-2 ft. Sun, Part Shade Dry, Average, Well-drained 2 Maryland golden-aster is a Southeastern native perennial that brightens the fall garden. Golden-yellow daisy flowers with yellow centers are borne on loosely branched stems above a rosette of handsome foliage. This species is typically found growing in sandy or clay soils and in pine forests throughout the southeastern United States. It is easy to grow in poorer soils, as long as there is good drainage. Chrysopsis mariana is our 2018 Wildflower of the Year!
Clematis viorna
Northern Leatherflower
Ranunculaceae
Buttercup Family
Perennial
Vine
Red, Lavender, Purple Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct Climbs 8-10 feet or more Sun, Part Shade, Shade Dry, Average 3 then 6 Excellent delicate vine for the garden, use this plant as a climbing accent in shrubs or small trees. The thin twines will not harm your woody plants and the pink to lavender urn-shaped flowers will provide interest. Of course a fence post or trellis will work just as nicely. Anywhere you will be able to enjoy the show. The seed heads are reminiscent of little Truffula tree tufts (remember The Lorax?) and are seen into autumn. An easy vine to grow and tolerant of soil type in a filtered shade location.
Coreopsis major
Greater Tickseed
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
Yellow Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug 2-3 ft. Sun, Part Shade, Shade Dry, Average This yellow-flowered coreopsis is one of the roadside wildflowers that make summer driving a little brighter. It can be found in lean soils at woods’ edge blooming its little yellow heart out. Greater tickseed is tolerant of drought and humidity, but prefers well drained soils. This is a good wildlife plant, its nectar will attract pollinators and its seed will attract birds. One feature that distinguishes this plant from many other garden-worthy coreopsis is that its opposite compound leaves give a graceful whorled impression.
Eryngium yuccifolium
Northern Rattlesnake-master
Apiaceae
Carrot Family
Perennial
Herb
White, Green, Blue May, Jun, Jul, Aug 2-4 ft. Sun Dry, Average 2 Small bluish-white florets are arranged on round heads at the end of its tall stems. The many small flowers are attractive to butterflies and many other pollinators. The specific epithet yuccifolium means “yucca-leaf” describing its leathery basal leaves. Grown for its attractive foliage as well as its interesting flowers. Try planting this with cardinal flower for a striking combination. 2016 N.C. Wildflower of the Year.
Eutrochium fistulosum
Hollow-stem Joe-pye-weed
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
Pink, Purple Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov 5-8 ft. Sun, Part Shade, Shade Average, Moist 2 Hollow-stem joe-pye-weed is a large and dramatic perennial that is sure to be a focal point in the garden. As this plant reaches maturity, it will become more and more robust, reaching heights of up to 8 feet and widths of more than 5 feet across. This plant works well in the back of a perennial border or in more naturalized areas. Joe-pye-weeds are some of the best native perennials for butterfly gardening. In late summer, the mauve-pink flower heads will attract many species with their abundant nectar. 2017 N.C. Wildflower of the Year.
Helianthus angustifolius
Swamp Sunflower
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
Yellow, Purple, Brown Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov 1-6 ft. Sun, Part Shade, Shade Average, Moist 2 Easy to grow and extremely showy, swamp sunflower produces upright stems of buttery yellow flowers with dark centers, each flower 2 to 3 inches across. Plant it where it has room to reach its full-grown stature. Swamp sunflower makes a fine cut flower. Butterflies flock to it as a source of nectar, and birds enjoy eating its seeds. Swamp sunflower is seen growing in savannahs and wet meadows, primarily in the coastal plain and lower Piedmont. The Helianthus genus supports up to 73 lepidoptera species. 2007 N.C. Wildflower of the Year.
Iris cristata
Dwarf Crested Iris
Iridaceae
Iris Family
Perennial
Herb
White, Blue, Purple Mar, Apr, May, Jun 4-6 in. Sun, Part Shade, Shade Dry, Average, Well-drained Ethereal flowers open over a two-week period. Dwarf crested iris is an attractive groundcover spring through fall. In the wild, this perennial is seen on wooded slopes, bluffs and ravines. Its native range includes areas from Maryland south to Georgia. Dwarf crested iris is an excellent choice for the rock garden, the foreground of a perennial border, or the woodland garden. This species is drought-tolerant once it has become established. It prefers slopes with partial sun. The Iris genus supports up to 12 lepidoptera species.
Liatris squarrosa
Scaly Blazing Star
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
Pink, Purple May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep 1-2 1/2 ft. Sun Average Scaly Blazing-star has narrower foliage than other Liatris, as well as shorter flowering stalks. This species is typically upright, robust, and multibranched in habit. A mature plant produces hundreds of flowers. The species name squarrosa refers to the spreading tips of its involucral bracts. It is most commonly seen growing in dry open areas and along roadsides of the piedmont. This southeastern native perennial is a favorite of butterflies who feed upon its nectar.
Oenothera fruticosa
Southern Sundrops
Onagraceae
Evening-primrose Family
Perennial
Herb
Yellow Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep 1-2 ft. Sun, Part Shade, Shade Dry, Average 1, 4 The lemon-yellow flowers of southern sundrops add a cheerful touch to the garden. They make a nice low-growing filler for the sunny perennial border. The attractive foliage is glossy green, often with purplish spots. In the wild, southern sundrops are found growing in dry woods and meadows and along roadsides. Any well-drained soil is fine for growing this cheerful southeastern native perennial. Very drought-tolerant once established. The Oenothera genus supports up to 16 species of lepidoptera. 1989 N.C. Wildflower of the Year.
Parthenium integrifolium
Wild Quinine
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
White May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct 1-3 ft. Sun Well-drained Wild quinine is not often offered for sale, though it is easily grown. This Southeastern native perennial produces upright corymbs of milky white flowers that are a good nectar source for butterflies. Its foliage provides a handsome, rugged contrast to the white flowers. It is tolerant of drought once established. Wild quinine is found growing in open woods and sunny meadows. This species has been used by the Catawba tribe to treat fevers and burns. The genus Parthenium supports up to 15 species of lepidoptera.
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium
Narrow-leaf Mountain-mint
Lamiaceae
Mint Family
Perennial
Herb
White May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep 1-2 1/2 ft. Sun, Part Shade Dry, Average, Moist 1 Narrow-leaf mountain-mint is an easy-to-grow southeastern native perennial with delightfully scented foliage. Just brush your hand lightly across the leaves to release the fresh minty fragrance. Narrow-leaf mountain-mint produces copious amounts of nectar, attracting and feeding many beneficial insects. Its upright stems bearing many small white flowers add an unusual cool touch to the summer garden, and make an excellent filler for flower arrangements.
Sassafras albidum
Sassafras
Lauraceae
Laurel Family
Perennial
Shrub, Tree
Yellow, Green, Brown Feb, Mar, Apr, May to 30 feet Sun, Part Shade, Shade Dry, Average, Well-drained Sassafras is one of the finest ornamental southeastern native trees, with varying four-season interest. It is infrequently offered for sale. Its mitten-shaped leaves show vivid fall colors, ranging from yellow and gold to orange. In the spring, its light yellow flowers are very attractive. Even in winter, the smooth reddish bark adds beauty. Host plant for Spicebush Swallowtails. The Cherokee used the flowers for fertilizer, and also used the plant to add scent to soap.
Schizachyrium scoparium
Little Bluestem
Poaceae
Grass Family
Perennial
Grass/Grasslike
White, Green, Brown Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec 2-3 ft. Sun Dry Little bluestem is a common grass found throughout eastern United States and is an ideal choice for low maintenance landscaping and erosion control. It is best planted in mass or tucked between other native perennials and works in both formal and informal landscapes. Its unique, blue-green foliage will stand out in any setting. Leave it standing in winter and cup back in spring to encourage fresh new growth. This plant thrives in hot dry sites where other plants have a hard time surviving.
Sericocarpus linifolius
Narrow-leaf White-topped Aster
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
White May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct 8-24 in. Sun, Part Shade Dry, Average 2 Common throughout North Carolina, narrow-leaf whitetop aster is found growing in dry open woods and fields in sand, clay and gravel, and in thin soils over granite outcrops. Beginning in early summer this aster produces a branched cluster of bright white flowers. Use this aster to brighten a dry section of the summer landscape and to attract a variety of bees, wasps and other pollinators to your garden.
Silene virginica var. virginica
Fire-pink
Caryophyllaceae
Pink Family
Perennial
Herb
Red Apr, May, Jun, Jul 8-32 in.
Silphium compositum var. compositum
Kidneyleaf Rosinweed
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
Yellow Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct 1 1/2-8 ft. Sun, Part Shade Dry, Average 2
Solidago nemoralis
Eastern Gray Goldenrod
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
Yellow Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct 1 1/2-3 ft. Sun Dry, Average Eastern gray goldenrod is an easy goldenrod to use in a garden. It is compact and reliably upright and won’t spread aggressively throughout your beds. This low maintenance, drought-tolerant plant is a good choice for late season color and is also attractive to native pollinators. The name gray goldenrod comes from the minute pubescence on the stem and leaves that imparts a grayish color which contrasts nicely with the golden fall blooms. The genus Solidago supports up to 112 species of lepidoptera.
Symphyotrichum concolor
Eastern Silvery Aster
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
Blue, Lavender, Purple Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov 1 1/2-4 ft. Sun, Part Shade, Shade Dry, Average 2 This southeastern native aster provides a delightful profusion of lavender-blue flowers in the fall garden. Each plant produces multiple stems, each with dozens of flowers, so the overall effect is very showy. For a colorful garden well past Labor Day, this is a great perennial to include in your garden. This aster blooms profusely when given at least a half-day of sun. Full sun is ideal. Eastern silvery aster is an excellent native plant for butterflies. 1996 N.C. Wildflower of the Year.
Symphyotrichum grandiflorum
Large-flower American-aster
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
Red, Purple Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec 2-3 ft. Sun, Part Shade, Shade Dry, Average, Well-drained 1 This SE native perennial is one of the last asters to bloom in the fall. It bears many flower heads in panicles, with yellow central disc flowers surrounded by lavender-blue rays. Large-flower American-aster is a fine late-season nectar source for butterflies. This perennial can tolerate sunny lean sites once it is established. Large-flower American-aster is found at the edges of woods and in old fields of the piedmont and coastal plain. Its native range is from Virginia to South Carolina.
Symphyotrichum patens
Clasping American-aster
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
Purple, Violet Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov 1-3 ft. Sun Well-drained Locally collected seed was sown and germinated at the Garden in order to offer this native plant for sale. This aster has a sprawling habit as if it is being brought to earth by the weight of its many blooms. Its range is from eastern Kansas and Texas, south to Florida and north to Maine. This aster is yet another great fall blooming plant for the landscape. Found in dry fields, clearings, and woodlands this native can be used in full sun and dry sites in the garden.
Vernonia glauca
Broadleaf Ironweed
Asteraceae
Aster Family
Perennial
Herb
White, Purple Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct 3-5 ft. Sun, Part Shade, Shade Dry, Average 1 Broadleaf ironweed is found mainly in the piedmont region in dry fields, making this plant a great selection for a dry sunny site. Its tall stature is sited well in the back of a perennial border or for naturalizing a field. Purple-topped stems in late summer are butterfly magnets! Broadleaf ironweed will spread by seed. Pinch back the tips in early summer to yield a bushier form less likely to lean.