33 Native U.S. Plants Every Survival Garden Needs

grow a survival of the fittest garden is more than just a vogue ; it ’s a stair towards ego - sufficiency and sustainability . In the United States , we are blessed with a deep variety of native plant that are perfect for such garden .

These plant are not only adapted to thrive in their native environments , but they also offer a plethora of benefits ranging from medicinal property to nutritional value .

Whether you ’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out , incorporating these 35 native U.S. works can help oneself you create a racy , lively , and productive survival garden .

1. American Ginseng

American Ginseng , with its prized ancestor , is a herculean native plant . Revered in traditional medicine , it ’s celebrated for advance Department of Energy and immune function . institute it in shaded surface area with rich , well - enfeeble land . suppose this plant thriving under a canopy of trees , mutely working its magic beneath the earth . It ’s not just a plant ; it ’s a silent therapist , waiting to be discovered . Did you have intercourse ? American Ginseng was so valued in the eighteenth century that it became a major export to China ! Its historic import is as rich as its health benefits .

2. Echinacea

Echinacea , known for its striking purple blossom , is more than a garden beauty . This industrial plant is a staple fibre in herbal therapeutic , often used to battle colds and infections . implant it in sunny slur with well - drained filth for good results . The vibrant blooms attract pollinator , creating a lively scene in your garden . It ’s like have a natural drugstore right outside your door . Beyond its beaut , Echinacea has a legacy rooted in aboriginal American medical specialty , symbolizing healing and resiliency . Imagine the stories these flower petal could share if they could speak !

3. Purple Coneflower

The Purple Coneflower is not only a optical delight but also a fireball in herbal medicine . Its marvelous , elegant stems and vibrant petals are a magnet for bees and butterfly . place in well - drained grease with ample sunshine , this plant flourishes and adds a splash of color to any garden . Beyond aesthetic , the Purple Coneflower is venerate for its immune - boosting properties . It ’s like a guardian of wellness , standing tall and lofty . Did you know ? Its roots were used by Native Americans for their medicinal qualities , establish it a industrial plant steep in story .

4. Wild Bergamot

Wild Bergamot , with its aromatic leaves and vivid bloom , is a sensory delight . Known for its use in tea and remedy , it ’s a plant that offers both flavor and health benefits . Its lavender blooms sway gently in the breeze , a tidy sum that soothes and refreshes . Besides its culinary manipulation , Wild Bergamot was traditionally used to treat coldness and sore throats , produce it a versatile addition to your garden . Its odor may whisk you away to fields of wildflowers , where nature ’s pharmacy is always unresolved .

5. Milkweed

Milkweed is famous for its vital part in the spirit cps of Monarch butterfly . Its milklike sap and vibrant clump of heyday are as fascinating as they are functional . Beyond tolerate wildlife , Milkweed is well-to-do to uprise in sunny areas with well - drained land , get it a nurseryman ’s friend . The industrial plant ’s meaning goes beyond peach ; it ’s a basis in the ecosystem . Imagine being part of the Monarch ’s incredible journey , from egg to butterfly , all supported by this menial works .

6. Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh , with its tower bearing , is a standout in any garden . idolize for its medicinal properties , it ’s commonly used to alleviate menopausal symptoms . Plant it in partial tad with moist soil , where its elegant white spikes can strain for the sky . Beyond its strong-arm beauty , Black Cohosh hold a place in herbal traditions , offering natural backup and consolation . It ’s like have an ancient remedy at your fingertips , ready to share its wisdom and healing touch .

7. Bee Balm

Bee Balm , with its flaming flushed blooms , is a beacon for pollinators , ensuring a lively garden atmosphere . Known for its redolent leaf , it ’s often used in tea and culinary dishes . Plant it in rich , well - drain grime and keep an eye on it become a hub of body process . This plant is n’t just visually appealing ; it ’s a symbolic representation of life force and flavor . Its presence in the garden is like a political party invitation to bee and butterflies , ensuring a busy and vibrant environment .

8. Yarrow

Yarrow , with its delicate clean clusters , is a plant of resilience and healing . Known for its medicinal uses , it ’s often use to cover wounds and boil down inflammation . Its feathery leave of absence and sturdy stems thrive in gay areas , render a soft direct contrast to other garden plants . reckon the stories this ancient plant life could tell , having been used medicinally for centuries . It stands as a will to nature ’s enduring superpower to cure and protect .

9. Elderberry

Elderberry , with its sinister berries and rich account , is a garden hoarded wealth . keep for its immune - boosting properties , it ’s often used in sirup and teas . Plant it in well - drained , fat filth to enjoy its seasonal bounty . Picture yourself harvesting these nutrient - rich berries , a true endowment from the garden . It ’s not just a plant ; it ’s an ally in wellness , offering both mantrap and alimentation .

10. Spicebush

Spicebush , with its spicy olfactory property and brilliant red Chuck Berry , is a sensory joy . Its leaves and berries are often used in tea and culinary creations . prosper in moist , shaded domain , it ’s a various plant that brings both flavour and sweetheart to the garden . Imagine walking through a timberland path , the airwave fill with the spicy aroma of Spicebush . It ’s like nature ’s own spicery rack , quick to tot up a kick to your culinary adventures .

11. Jerusalem Artichoke

Jerusalem Artichoke , with its helianthus - same heyday , is both a banquet for the heart and the roof of the mouth . experience for its comestible tubers , it ’s a alimentary addition to any garden . Plant it in well - drained soil , where it can reach its full height and develop a bountiful harvest . This plant is more than just a pretty face ; it ’s a source of bread and butter and delight . opine digging up its tubers , a hidden treasure beneath the soil , wait to be discovered and savored .

12. Mayapple

Mayapple , with its unique umbrella - like farewell , is a forest admiration . Its single clean flower and yellow fruit add together to its charm and intrigue . fly high in shaded areas with rich soil , it ’s a flora that surprises with its soft beauty . Beyond aesthetic , Mayapple has a history in traditional medicine , often used for its laxative prop . It ’s like nature ’s gentle nudge , offering rest and stunner in one package .

13. New England Aster

New England Aster , with its vibrant royal blooms , is a beacon for bee and butterfly stroke . Its tardy - season flowers add colouring to the garden when most plants have languish . set it in well - drained soil and delight the show of color and activity . This plant is more than just a splash of colour ; it ’s a all important part of the ecosystem , supporting pollinators before winter arrives . Imagine a garden awake with movement , thanks to this gamy flora .

14. Pawpaw

The Pawpaw Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , with its tropic allurement , produces yield that taste like a portmanteau of banana and mango . Its large leaves and unique fruits make it a standout . Growing in rich , well - drained grime , it offers both beauty and a delicious harvest time . Picture yourself biting into a ripe Pawpaw , its creamy grain and season a delightful surprisal . It ’s not just a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ; it ’s a preference of the tropics right in your backyard .

15. Joe Pye Weed

Joe Pye Weed , with its grandiloquent stature and dusky pinkish blush , is a attraction for pollinator . Often plant in moist meadows , it ’s a plant that commands attention . implant it in well - run out orbit and observe it become a lively hub for butterflies . This plant is more than just a garden filler ; it ’s a show-stopper that brings life and color . Imagine a meadow alive with fluttering wing , all thanks to this towering dish .

16. Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar , with its evergreen plant leafage , is a symbolization of effectiveness and resiliency . Often used for its Grant Wood and aromatic oils , it ’s a tree that bid both knockout and usefulness . Plant it in well - drained ground and relish its year - round of golf greenery and scent . Beyond its hard-nosed manipulation , this tree is a ceaseless mien , offering shelter and a touching of the state of nature . Imagine the stories this ancient tree could tell , stand through the season , steadfast and strong .

17. Sassafras

Sassafras , with its distinctive mitten - shaped leafage , is a tree that captures the imagination . Known for its redolent roots and leaves , it ’s often used to make Camellia sinensis and antecedent beer . Plant it in well - drain soil where it can bask in the sunshine and grow to its full glory . This tree diagram is n’t just aromatic ; it ’s a piece of chronicle , with leaves that have inspired folklore and culinary creations . opine the scent of Sassafras wafting through the air , a whisper of nostalgia and tradition .

18. Wild Strawberry

Wild Strawberry , with its tiny red berries , is a mellisonant delight for both the eyes and the palate . Its modest , spreading wont make it a perfect solid ground masking . Plant it in sunny region with rich soil and relish its odorous , nutritious fruit . This plant is not just a culinary treat ; it ’s a fit of joy , offering footling treasures hidden beneath its leaves . Imagine the kick of finding a advanced berry , ready to be savor , a gift from the earth .

19. Serviceberry

Serviceberry , with its soft white flowers and sweet Berry , is a sight to behold . Often used in jams and dessert , its fruit are a gardener ’s pleasure . engraft it in well - drained soil and watch it transubstantiate with the seasons , offering beauty and bounty . This tree is more than cosmetic ; it ’s a reference of sustenance and joy . Imagine the taste of fresh Charles Edward Berry , a taste of summertime captured in each raciness , all from your garden .

20. Goldenrod

Goldenrod , with its halcyon plumes , is often connect with fall meadow . Its bright blossom are a beacon for pollinator and a symbol of resilience . found it in sunny areas and love its late - blossom sweetheart and ecologic benefits . This plant life is not just a pretty face ; it ’s a life-sustaining part of the ecosystem , supporting pollinator as they prepare for the cold months . Imagine a field awash with golden hues , a solemnisation of nature ’s premium .

21. Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger , with its heart - influence leaves and hidden bloom , is a woodland treasure . Known for its redolent rootstalk , it ’s often used in preparation and herbal redress . Plant it in shady , moist area where it can thrive restfully and bestow pernicious beauty . This plant life is more than meets the eye ; it ’s a fragrant surprise , put up both culinary and medicative benefits . Imagine the scent of ginger waft through a forest path , a scent of solace and heat .

22. Buttonbush

Buttonbush , with its unique global prime , is a conversation fledgeling . Its blooms draw in a variety of pollinators , create a resilient garden scene . set it in moist , sunny area and watch it become a hub of activity and lulu . This plant is more than just ornamental ; it ’s a vital part of wetland ecosystems . Imagine a garden alive with the bombination of bee , all thanks to this challenging plant .

23. Prairie Dropseed

Prairie Dropseed , with its fine - textured foliage and airy flower plume , adds grace to any garden . fuck for its drought allowance , it ’s a bouncy pick for gay areas . implant it in dry , well - debilitate grunge and enjoy its gentle move and subtle beauty . This plant is more than just ornamental ; it ’s a survivor , thriving where others may not . Imagine a prairie landscape , waves of grass carry in the wind , a dance of endurance and elegance .

24. Sunflower

sunflower , with their sunny disposition and loom heights , are a symbol of summer . Known for their edible seeds , they ’re both a ocular and nutritional delight . Plant them in gay , well - drained soil and look out them reach for the sky , bring joy and bounty . These works are not just cheerful ; they ’re a germ of sustenance and sunshine . Imagine a field of golden face , turning towards the sun , a testament to resilience and increment .

25. Columbine

Columbine , with its distinct spur petal , is a garden favorite . Its colorful flower are a magnet for hummingbirds , adding a signature of capriciousness to any infinite . Plant it in well - drained territory and love its playful bearing and vivacious hues . This flora is more than just charming ; it ’s a symbol of joy and lightsomeness . ideate a garden animated with color and movement , all thanks to this delightful flower .

26. Blazing Star

Blazing Star , with its tall spikes of vivacious purple bloom , is a standout in any garden . bang for draw butterflies , it ’s a plant that adds both beauty and life . implant it in gay , well - debilitate soil and savor its prominent presence and bionomic benefit . This plant is more than just an heart - catcher ; it ’s a crucial part of a lively garden , sustain pollinators and adding dramatic play . suppose a garden awake with flit wings , thanks to this fiery asterisk .

27. Lupine

Lupine , with its tall spire of blue and over-embellished flower , is a visual joy . Known for its nitrogen - fixing ability , it ’s a flora that improves soil wellness while adding peach . Plant it in well - drained grunge and relish its vibrant colors and ecological benefit . This plant is more than just pretty ; it ’s a dirt enhancer , offering a fusillade of color and lifetime . suppose a meadow awash with hues of downcast and purple , a testament to beauty and mathematical function .

28. Switchgrass

Switchgrass , with its towering foliage and feathery plumes , is a symbol of the prairies . know for its adaptability and soil preservation welfare , it ’s a flora that abide the trial of time . Plant it in gay areas and enjoy its year - round beauty and environmental contributions . This plant is more than just a grass ; it ’s a reminder of the savage prairies , offering potency and elegance . think a landscape painting swaying with the wind , a terpsichore of resilience and grace .

29. Penstemon

Penstemon , with its trumpet - mold blooms , is a garden delight . Known for attracting hummingbirds , it ’s a plant that add both beaut and turmoil . Plant it in well - drained filth where it can thrive and add coloration to your garden . This industrial plant is more than just ornamental ; it ’s a vital addition that brings movement and marvel . Imagine a garden animated with bombilate activity , thanks to this lively bloom .

30. Blue Flag Iris

Blue Flag Iris , with its prominent blue - purple bloom of youth , is a wetland gem . jazz for its vivacious flower and H2O purification welfare , it ’s a flora that extend beaut and function . Plant it in moist areas and enjoy its elegant bearing and ecological contributions . This plant is more than just a pretty aspect ; it ’s a lively part of wetland wellness and a joy to lay eyes on . Imagine a seascape adorned with vibrant vividness , a will to nature ’s art .

31. Virginia Bluebells

Virginia Bluebells , with their bell - shape blooms , are a woodland enchantment . Known for their former spring flowers , they bring aliveness to shaded areas . Plant them in racy , moist soil and enjoy their momentary mantrap and early color . This plant is more than just a seasonal delight ; it ’s a harbinger of outpouring , offering a burst of color after a long winter . Imagine a woodland carpet in low-spirited , a hope of warm day to come .

32. Cardinal Flower

Cardinal Flower , with its vivid red spikes , is a standout in any garden . Known for attracting hummingbirds , it ’s a plant life that add both color and life . embed it in moist , partly shaded areas and relish its salient comportment and wildlife benefits . This industrial plant is more than just a splash of coloring ; it ’s a vivacious invitation to wildlife , assure a lively and dynamic garden . Imagine a infinite alive with blink of an eye of red and flitting shuttlecock , a will to nature ’s vitality .

33. Wild Indigo

Wild Indigo , with its clump blue flowers , is a prairie precious stone . Known for its dye - making properties , it ’s a plant life that combines looker and utility . found it in well - drain land and enjoy its rich colors and morphologic beauty . This industrial plant is more than just decorative ; it ’s a nod to tradition and artistry . guess the vibrant hue of natural dye , a connection to the past and a celebration of creativity .

American Ginseng