11 Native Shrubs to Plant in Central North Carolina
A selection of our Treecologists' favorite plants that thrive in planting zones 7b/8a
Our region is blessed with an abundance of native shrubs. Some have showy flowers or fruits, some are edible to humans, and all provide important resources for wildlife, including pollen, nectar, fruits, leaves, and protective cover.
Here are 11 shrubs that are worthy additions to any garden. This isn’t even close to all the great choices we have. Check here for another selection of 10 fabulous shrub choices.
Buttonbush
(Cephalanthus occidentalis)
features distinctive clusters of ball-shaped flowers from June through the rest of summer. It typically grows into an irregular open shrub 8’ wide by 12’ tall but can also develop into a small tree. It requires wet soil and full sun. It holds very high wildlife value as a nectar producer, and its foliage hosts sphinx moths.
Sweet pepper bush
(Clethra alnifolia)
forms mounding clumps that reach heights of 5 to 10’ tall. It produces dense clusters of fragrant terminal spikes in late summer. This beauty generates high-quality nectar and pollen at a time of year when other plants have long finished flowering. It is a terrific choice for shady, wet locations.
Virginia sweetspire
(Itea virginica)
has graceful arching limbs and can grow 8’ tall. Long arching clusters of fragrant white flowers in early summer enhance its elegant form. The leaves turn orange, red, or burgundy in fall and persist well through fall and winter. Insects and hummingbirds seek the nectar, and other birds and small mammals feed on the woody seeds.
Witch-alder
(Fothergilla)
is a compact smaller shrub of 3 to 6’. Creamy bottlebrush flowers appear in late spring, followed by leathery green foliage. In the fall, the leaves turn a combination of yellow, orange, red, and purple. This little gem thrives in full or partial sun and prefers soil that is high in organic matter. Bees love it.
Winterberry
(Ilex verticillata)
is one of our native hollies, reaching heights of 3 to 10’ tall and nearly the same width. It is deciduous, yet showcases heavy clusters of bright red berries that persist through winter. A combination of female and male plants is essential to produce the showy berries. The berries provide excellent winter food for birds.
Elderberry
(Sambucus canadensis)
is a favorite fruit shrub among jam and jelly-makers. It forms suckering clumps of arching stems with pinnately compound leaves that can grow 5 to 12 ft, growing as wide as you allow. Flat or rounded clusters of small, creamy white flowers produced in summer are followed by drooping clusters of edible purple-black drupes. In addition to the fruits being excellent forage for birds and humans, it also provides good nesting opportunities and cover for birds (not humans).
Ninebark
(Physocarpus opulifolius)
features distinctive bright green lobed foliage and rounded clusters of creamy white flowers in May and June. It is named for its rich brown exfoliating bark on dense, erect, or arching stems. The leaves host the caterpillars of various moths, while the flowers attract many pollen-seeking insects.
Pinxter-bloom azalea
(Rhododendron periclymenoides)
is a cherished native deciduous azalea of the South. Reflexed petals in various shades of pink surround long, arching stamens, making it a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds and bees.
Carolina rose
(Rosa carolina)
features shell-pink, saucer-shaped single blooms from May to June, growing on a shrub that ranges from 6” to 5’ tall. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the leaves serve as food for the caterpillars of the giant Polyphemus moth. Red hips ripen in the fall.
Painted buckeye
(Aesculus sylvatica)
is a small deciduous tree or multi-stemmed shrub that can be 10’ tall. Large palmate leaves are followed by showy upright panicles of creamy to pinkish flowers in spring. Hummingbirds and butterflies enjoy the nectar.
Chickasaw plum
(Prunus angustifolia)
is a 15’ tall shrub that remains completely innocuous except for the delicious golden or red edible plums that proliferate in summer. These tasty morsels are about the size of a cherry tomato. In early spring, delicate sprays of dainty white flowers attract pollinating insects. Thickets of this plum provide important cover for birds, and many showy butterflies and moth caterpillars feed on the foliage.
These shrubs have high value because they are native to NC and contribute to the local ecosystem. But that doesn't mean they can be planted anywhere. It's still important to be sure that you are selecting a shrub that will thrive in the location where you plan to grow it.
Carefully assessing the conditions of an area before you plant will give your shrubs a better chance at a long, healthy life. Considering the needs of the plant before you pick up a shovel will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. These suggestions can get you started, but we’re always happy to make recommendations.
If you have any questions about choosing the right shrub or if you are looking for a specific recommendation, send us a message.