Your guide to growing wild—with purpose. Discover locally adapted plants, trusted nurseries, and resources to support pollinators, birds, and biodiversity in the Upper Ohio River Basin.
This page is growing, and will be updated with more information in the upcoming weeks. Make sure you check back!
🪻 Why Native Plants?
- Support pollinators and birds
- Preserve regional biodiversity
- Improve soil and water health
- Require less maintenance once established
📍 Native Plants for Our Region (Upper Ohio River Basin)
A curated list of regionally appropriate natives:
Pollinator Favorites
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
- Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Shade-Loving Natives
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)
- Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
Rain Garden Plants
- Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor)
- Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium spp.)
Grasses & Groundcovers
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
- Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
🛒 Where to Buy Native Plants Locally
A list of nurseries and seed suppliers that specialize in native plants or offer native-friendly sections.
Examples:
- Ernst Conservation Seeds (Meadville, PA)
- Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania (Butler, Pittsburgh, Sarver PA)
- OPN Seed (Hiram, OH)
- Local pop-up native plant sales or swaps (be sure to check out our Upcoming Events!)
❌ Invasives to Avoid in Our Area
- Burning bush → try viburnums
- Japanese barberry → try New Jersey tea
- English ivy → try Virginia creeper
💬 Made it all the way to the bottom and still have questions?
Visit our FAQ or Contact Us — we’re happy to help you get growing.