10 Best Native Plants for Louisiana

From the Garden District in New Orleans to Baton Rouge Garden Center, Louisiana is famous for amazing green spaces filled with plant varieties. The Pelican State is home to over 2,500 native plants that thrive in the region’s heat, humidity, and abundant rainfall. Discover 10 of the best native plants for Louisiana yards.

Why Should You Plant Natives?

Filling yards and neighborhoods with natives provides many benefits for humans, wildlife, and the environment. Here are some advantages of gardening with natives:

• Native plants grow with less difficulty and are accustomed to the Louisiana climate.
• They attract pollinators like butterflies, beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife to your yard.
• They are eco-friendly and cost-effective since they require fewer pesticides and fertilizers.
• They protect local ecosystems and support biodiversity.

Best Native Plants for Louisiana

Ready for a change of scenery and want to tap into all the perks native plants can offer? Let’s explore some of the different types found in Louisiana, including their sunlight requirements, water needs, soil preferences, and more.

1. American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

A shrub found naturally in the Southeastern United States, American beautyberry has a moderate growth rate and can be planted in fall or spring. While its flowers and medium to dark green foliage are fairly unspectacular, its clusters of glossy, bright purple berries are quite the showstoppers, providing visual interest and food for wildlife like deer and birds. 

American beautyberry can survive for years in the right conditions and are relatively disease- and pest-free. Additionally, it drops seeds that stay dormant, bursting to life after the original plant is gone.

Growth habit: Shrub

USDA hardiness zone: 6-11

Mature size: 3 to 6 feet tall and wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Deciduous

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Moist, well-drained chalk, clay, loam, or sand

Water needs: Low

Potential hazards: None

2. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

Can you think of a more captivating sight in the spring than azaleas in full bloom? These loosely branched, shade-loving plants have elliptical leaves and clusters of bell-shaped or tubular flowers that bring delightful color to any corner of the garden. 

The range of colors includes white, pale pink, and various shades of red and purple. While most azaleas bloom in mid-to-late April, some varieties produce flowers earlier or later. Azaleas can be temperamental and prefer loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. These perennial evergreens can also live up to 50 years.

Growth habit: Shrub

USDA hardiness zone: 3-9

Mature size: 5 to 10 feet tall and wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Evergreen or deciduous

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Moist, well-drained loam or sand

Water needs: Low

Potential hazards: Contains substances that are toxic to humans and animals

3. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

If we’re talking about Louisiana native plants, we can’t leave out the state tree, the bald cypress. This deciduous conifer sheds its needles early in the winter season (hence the name ‘bald’) but grows back in the spring. It features a pyramid-shaped crown which evens out to a columnar shape in adulthood. One of its outstanding characteristics is its color range, which includes tan, cinnamon, and russet red.

The bald cypress is hardy, tough, flood-resistant, and adaptable. It can be found along riverbanks, swamps, lakes, and parks. In soil that is too alkaline, cypress trees can develop chlorosis, which is the yellowing of the leaves. If you notice these symptoms, add peat moss, sulfur, or used coffee grounds to lower the pH of the soil.

Growth habit: Tree

USDA hardiness zone: 5-11

Mature size: 50 to 70 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Deciduous

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Adaptable

Water needs: Low

Potential hazards: None

4. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Easy to care for and pretty, black-eyed Susan has become a staple in Louisiana gardens. This hardy native produces daisy-like, bright yellow petals with dark center disks that rise over rough-textured, broad, green leaves.

It self-seeds, making it perfect for wildflower and pollinator gardens. The best time to plant this native wildflower is in early spring, particularly after the last frost. It will bloom in its first year, but it will usually need two to three years to reach full height.

Growth habit: Wildflower

USDA hardiness zone: 3-9

Mature size: 1 to 4 feet tall and wide 

Duration: Annual, perennial 

Foliage: Deciduous

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil

Water needs: Low

Potential hazards: Low toxicity; sap can irritate the skin

5. Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata)

Normally found in woods, swamps, hedgerows, hammocks, and limestone escarpments throughout the Southeast, crossvine is a woody climbing vine. It produces orange-red, trumpet-shaped flowers that are magnets for pollinators like the ruby-throated hummingbird. 

This perennial can grow impressively tall by attaching itself to trees. Its leaves are bright green during the growing season, turning reddish-purple in winter. Though this plant is immune to pests and generally low-maintenance, the vine can be a nuisance if it spreads too much.

Growth habit: Vine

USDA hardiness zone: 6-9

Mature size: 30 to 50 feet tall and 6 to 9 feet wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Deciduous to semi-evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil

Water needs: Low to moderate

Potential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals

6. Gulf Coast Yucca (Yucca louisianensis)

Gulf Coast yucca is a small shrub common in Louisiana. It thrives in dry, sandy uplands and is distinguished from other yuccas by its downy, central flower stalk. This perennial evergreen produces white flowers that look like tiny bells. It features long, stiff leaves that grow from the base of the plant.

Growth habit: Shrub

USDA hardiness zone: 7-11

Mature size: 2 to 3 feet, up to 9 feet with flower stalk

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Adaptable, prefers sandy soil

Water needs: Low to moderate

Potential hazards: Its sharp leaves can cause irritation and cuts.

7. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

A flowering tree in the rose family, hawthorn is a perfect ornamental plant for smaller settings. It’s sturdy and easy to grow but can be susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. With proper care, though, you can enjoy its striking color all year long.

This perennial plant has simple leaves that are toothed or lobed and white or pink five-petal flowers that bloom in spring. They’re followed by small apple-like pomes ranging in color from red to orange, blue, and black. These fruits are edible and can sometimes be used to treat heart disease, among other conditions.

Plant hawthorn in the spring or early fall when temperatures are mild. Though it can handle some partial shade, you’ll notice a drop in blossoms.

Growth habit: Tree

USDA hardiness zone: 5-9

Mature size: 25 to 30 feet tall

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Deciduous

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade

Soil preferences: Well-drained, moist soil

Water needs: Low

Potential hazards: Non-toxic to humans

8. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

With huge brightly-colored flowers, hibiscus may remind you of a tropical paradise like Hawaii. But these shrubby perennials are also native to hot, humid Louisiana. They make wonderful house plants and can be great additions to a summer garden.

They are easy to grow and pose little to no problems if the right conditions are met. Hibiscus flowers can reach nearly 10 inches in diameter at maturity and range in color from white to red, pink, orange, and yellow. These plants attract butterflies and hummingbirds and can be grown indoors or outdoors.

Growth habit: Shrub 

USDA hardiness zone: 5-9

Mature size: 7 to 10 feet tall and wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Deciduous, evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade 

Soil preferences: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Water needs: High

Potential hazards: Non-toxic to humans and animals, but it can be toxic to cats

9. Louisiana Iris (Iris hexagona)

The Louisiana iris has brightly colored flowers that perfectly complement the plant’s long, slender, green leaves. If you come across one of them, prepare to be amazed. The flowers range in color from red and purple to blue.

Normally found in Southern Louisiana, these perennial plants have flower stems that range from 3 to 7 inches in height. You should plant them in August or September when they’re dormant. They typically bloom in April when temperatures are beginning to warm.

Irises prefer aquatic gardens and moist soils, need at least six hours of direct sun exposure daily, and should be planted in about 3 inches of compost.

Growth habit: Flower

USDA hardiness zone: 4-9

Mature size: 1 to 3 feet tall

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Semi-evergreen

Sunlight needs: Full sun

Soil preferences: Compost-rich, slightly acidic soil

Water needs: Low

Potential hazards: Can irritate when handled without gloves. Ingestion will generally result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.

10. Louisiana Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

Louisiana phlox, also known as woodland phlox or blue phlox, is an excellent choice if you’re looking to add an explosion of color to your native plant garden. Lance-shaped leaves perfectly complement clusters of fragrant blooms that grow out of sticky, hairy stems.

The flowers sport five small, flat petals that vary in their blue tones, from light purple to violet, violet-blue, and light blue. Some varieties have rosy lavender, baby pink, or white flowers. They attract pollinators, including butterflies, skippers, hummingbird moths, and bumblebees.

Plant Louisiana phlox in spring so it will have time to spread and produce flowers that smell amazing and bloom in clusters around April or May. This plant is ideal for gardens with dappled shade, so place it under an overhang, tree, or another shady structure.

Growth habit: Flower

USDA hardiness zone: 3-8

Mature size: 6 to 12 inches tall, 10 to 20 inches wide

Duration: Perennial

Foliage: Semi-evergreen

Sunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade

Soil preferences: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Water needs: Moderate

Potential hazards: Non-toxic to humans and animals

How to Choose Native Plants for Your Louisiana Landscape

With native plants, your fauna will fare much better in the swampy, sweltering Louisiana environment than if you plant high desert or Pacific rainforest plants. But a plant won’t thrive in your landscape just because it’s native. As with all plants, you’ll need to provide optimal growing conditions and give them TLC.

Before planting, you must also know your plant’s hardiness zone. Louisiana’s planting zones are 8a to 10a.

FAQ About Native Louisiana Plants

What are the disadvantages of native plants?

No plant is perfect – and natives are no exception. Here are some of the cons of using native plants:

• With native plants, your garden can look untamed and messy, which is fine if that’s the look you’re going for. However, it’s always best to adhere to HOA regulations that may dictate the look of your landscaping.
• Native gardens aren’t 100% maintenance-free, so you’ll likely need to put some minimal work in.

Does native gardening affect climate change?

Native gardening can positively impact climate change. For one, many native trees, such as oaks and maples, can successfully absorb greenhouse gasses. Secondly, native plants require less watering, so apart from saving time and money, you’re also conserving water.

How can I protect native species?

The conservation of native plants can be done by:

• Planting natives in your garden
• Avoiding pesticides and herbicides
• Controlling invasive non-native species in your yard
• Advocating for stronger laws protecting native plants
• Educating your children about the importance of native plants

Where to Find Native Plants in Louisiana

Choose native plants for your yard as they are adapted to the local climate and need less water and fewer pesticides. They also add natural beauty and diversity to the landscape. Local nurseries are a great place to find the perfect native plants for Louisiana.

You can also ensure that your yard is prepared for hurricane season in Louisiana with hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas. For a lawn that always looks its best, make sure you’re growing one of the best grass types for Louisiana.

Wish you could keep your weekends free of yard work? Hire a local pro to help make your yard look like a million bucks.

Main Image Credit: AngieC / Adobe Stock

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