What Are Native Plants?

Native Plants 101

Native plants are those that grows wild in areas without being planted.  They are hardy, low maintenance and doesn't need alot of care like weeding or water. TN Nursery is a native plant nursery that specializes in natives like trees, shrubs, perennials, ferns, vines and mosses.

Seeking a reputable “native plant nursery near me”? Located just 10 miles outside McMinnville, TN Nursery specializes in growing native Tennessee plants that naturally thrive across the Midstate. For over 30 years, our family-owned nursery has studied regional ecosystems to offer gardeners the widest selection of native trees, shrubs, perennials, and woodland plants guaranteed to flourish in Middle Tennessee landscapes.

Expansive Offerings of Native Plant Varieties  

Across our 100-acre native plant nursery, we showcase wider native plant diversity than any regional competitor, including:

  • Wild native azaleas, dogwoods, elderberry, ferns, and more are ideal for woodland plantings
  • Native ornamental grasses like switch grass, purple love grass, and muhly grass
  • Native shrubs and bushes like elderberry, sumac, spicebush, and more  
  • Regional wildflowers and perennials that attract native butterflies and hummingbirds
  • Native evergreen trees and shrubs like eastern red cedar, inkberry, and bayberry

Our team continually experiments with growing little-known native gems to determine suitability before adding unique varieties to inventory. Expect fresh finds unavailable elsewhere!

Regional Plants Selected for Local Landscape Success - Native Plant Nursery Near Me

Rather than importing generic plants from afar, the native species at our nursery naturally grow wild locally in Tennessee forests and meadows. Through decades of studying native species and growing conditions, our horticulture experts possess a deep understanding of East and Middle Tennessee native ecosystems. We replicate key regional habitat conditions like:

  • Natural seasonal humidity fluctuations, rainfall patterns, and light exposure
  • The pH balance, mineral content, and microorganisms of Tennessee's varying soil compositions   
  • Temperature variations, weather shifts, and climate zone norms

The result? Native plants possess natural genetic resilience to overcome regional growing challenges in your garden or landscape year after year with minimal upkeep required!

Ethical Growing Practices for Healthy Native Plants - Native Plant Nursery Near Me

At TN Nursery, vibrant plant health guides everything we do. To encourage robust native plants, our practices include:

  • Responsible pest prevention and integrated pest management   
  • Pruning guidelines allowing proper structural development  
  • Handling protecting root zone integrity at all nursery stages
  • Conservative fertilization aligned to the needs of individual species  
  • Winter protection and seasonal preparations before the plant sale

Our focus culminates in native plants that establish faster, require less corrective care, and naturally withstand seasonal shifts once planted in your landscape.

Tap Into TN Nursery's Native Plant Passion and Expertise!

Ready to explore native plant offerings directly from a passionate regional native plant nursery? Contact our experts at TN Nursery to chat with native plants or schedule a private guided nursery tour!

fiddlehead fern

Fiddlehead Fern

Fiddlehead ferns are tightly coiled shoots resembling the scroll of a violin and are often used as a culinary delicacy. Their young, coiled fronds, such as the Ostrich type (Matteuccia struthiopteris), offer several benefits when landscaping projects. These unique and visually appealing plants have been admired for their charming appearance and practical uses in outdoor spaces. Fiddlehead Fern is native to North America, northern Asia, and Europe. In North America, they are most commonly found in Eastern Canada, southern Alaska, and from Maine to Illinois. Matteuccia Struthiopteris gets its name from the crowns it develops in the spring. These crowns or fonds tend to resemble the heads of violins or feathers. The Looks Of Fiddlehead Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) It is famous for its vase shape and tall curled fonds. On average, gardeners can expect them to grow between three and four feet tall and one foot wide. However, once well established, they can grow up to six feet tall and have a width of up to eight feet. They are found naturally in wooded areas that have rivers or streams. It is considered a deciduous perennial that grows upright. They don't develop flowers. Instead, the leaves are bright to medium green. The plant grows its fiddleheads in the spring, and they can reach heights of one and a half feet tall. Where to Plant Fiddlehead Fern in Your Garden They grow well in areas that lack full sun. Gardeners can enjoy planting them in shade gardens, along walls, and around trees and tall shrubs. When they develop their spore-bearing fronds in the summer, gardeners can dry them and use them in flower bouquets or arrangements in vases. Fiddlehead Ferns Can Grow Several Inches A Day It covers frogs and birds, especially robins, wrens, and wood thrushes, which tend to forage in them. These may also attract turtles, butterflies, and bees. Fiddlehead Ferns Companion Plants It grows well next to green ash, Virginia bluebells, wild ginger, swamp buttercup, common elderberry, golden Alexander, and wild blue phlox. It can also be planted under or near the American elm and silver maple tree. It makes beautiful additions to shade gardens and helps fill empty spaces under trees and around shrubs. It also has water features in any area that resemble its natural habitats. Do fiddlehead ferns like sun or shade Fiddlehead ferns require partial to fully shaded areas, a condition that makes them suitable for forested or shaded garden beds.  What are the characteristics of a fiddlehead fern?  These ferns are characterized by coiled fronds that bear some resemblance to scrolls of a musical instrument referred to as fiddle. It has bright green shoots that expand when growing.  How long do fiddleheads take to grow Fiddleheads gradually develop within a week to two from shoots to fronds. Growth is very fast when the climate is wet and warm, and this usually happens during early spring.  What season do fiddlehead ferns grow?  Fiddleheads mainly thrive during the early months of spring. This is when their coiled fronds break through the ground and are harvested before they uncoil fully.  Why are they called fiddlehead ferns The Fiddlehead fern gets its name from its appearance, as the young frond looks like the peg that is wound with a violin. Due to their unique shape and spirals with which they grow, they have been recognized by the name fiddlehead.

Bloodroot Plant - TN Nursery

Bloodroot Plant

Bloodroot has spring blossoms, attracts pollinators, requires little maintenance, and is historically significant, making it a natural beauty in gardens and landscapes. It is a stunning native perennial that offers several benefits when incorporated into landscaping. Its unique characteristics and ecological value make it an attractive addition to gardens and natural areas. It is an herbaceous perennial native to the eastern part of North America. It is the only species in its genus and is part of the poppy family. Often seen brightening up woodlands and on the banks of peaceful streams, it has many nicknames, including bloodwort and red puccoon.  Bloodroot Plant (Sanguinaria canadensis) Is a Medicinal Herb  Bloodroot Plant (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a member of the Poppy Family (Papaveraceae) known for its striking white flowers with a vibrant yellow center. The plant acquired its name from the blood-like reddish-orange sap that exudes from its roots and stems when cut. Many Native American groups use its roots for medicinal purposes and to make dye.  It grows abundantly in the rich woodlands of Florida, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Alabama, and the eastern region. What's interesting about this wildflower plant is that it stays closed and clustered until it gets sunlight. Once it receives sunlight, it flaunts its bold yellow center and lush foliage.  Bloodroot is one of the first plants to bloom from late February to early April. However, its blooming period lasts only about 14 days. So, if you are passionate about gardening, adding one to your landscaping will create a striking sight that is hard to beat.  Features of Bloodroot Plant  Bloodroot plants can grow in full sun, but they best thrive in moist, acidic, well-drained soils in partially to fully shaded gardens where they can receive at least four hours of sunlight. If growing conditions are ideal, the plants will form large colonies.  Bloodroot plants thrive in U.S.D.A. hardiness zones 3 – 8, making them ideal for growing in almost any environment. In the best conditions, it can grow up to 10 inches in height and 8 inches in width.  Bloodroot Plant's Benefits  The plant is ideal for low-maintenance garden settings as it is effortless to grow and demands minimal upkeep. However, you must check and occasionally ensure the soil's moisture is perfect. You also want to make sure the plant grows within the intended. Bloodroot Is A Stemless Wildflower TN Nursery has a bloodroot plant for sale and other plants that grow well, including Virginia Bluebell, Merrybells, and Carex. How Long Do Bloodroots Live  Bloodroot plants are perennials and can live for several decades under favorable conditions. They spread via rhizomes, which helps them live longer in woodland environments.  What is the difference between Wild Ginger And Bloodroot Plants  They are both woodland plants but look different from each other. Bloodroot yields white, daisy-like flowers and has red sap, whereas wild ginger has heart-shaped leaves and brown flowers nearly level to the ground.  Where does the bloodroot plant grow best?  Bloodroot is a plant that grows well in shady or partially shaded locations and in well-draining soil. It originally grows in the woodland or in gardens with similar conditions; for this reason, it is often used to naturalize shaded areas.  What is the best fertilizer for Bloodroot?  Organic manure such as compost or well-rotted leaf mold is the best to grow Bloodroot. The organic fertilizer provides an environment similar to the nutrient-rich forest floor, which helps with the proper growth of the plant.  What Are The Companion Plants For The Bloodroot Plant  Bloodroot may be used successfully in combination with other plants, such as ferns, wild ginger, trilliums, and Jack-in-the-pulpit. All of these plants require the same type of soil and light conditions, so they will all prosper within the woodland garden.

purple love grass

6 Pack - Purple Love Grass

Purple Love Grass is a versatile and visually appealing ornamental plant that has gained popularity in landscaping due to its unique attributes. Native to North America, this perennial is well-suited for various landscape designs and can provide numerous benefits when incorporated into gardens and outdoor spaces. SOLD IN 6-PACK CELL TRAYS Purple love grass is scientifically known as Eragrostis Spectabilis, although garden lovers commonly refer to it as a tumble plant. It is an ornamental plant native to eastern and central North America. This decorative plant is well-known and famous due to its use by Piet Oudolf and the Green Thumb Award it earned in 2013 from the Direct Gardening Association. Purple Love Grass Is an Ornamental Weeping Perennial Grass Eragrostis Spectabilis is loved and used by many professional gardeners. It was listed in Gardens Illustrated as a top 100 plant to have in your garden. It was also extensively used in Chicago's Lurie Garden and New York City's Highline. Purple Love Grass Is Known for Its Color Changes Eragrostis Spectabilis is known and revered for its seasonal color changes. In the spring, the blades have a blue-green hue. In the summer, this ornamental plant grows purple spikelets. When those spikelets mature, they fall off the plant and are blown away, which earned it the nickname tumble. In the fall, gardeners can watch the leaves develop a bronze-red hue. Purple Love Grass Is Stunning Planting In Mass  It can be used in various ways, including as ground cover or an accent. It can also be mass-planted or planted as a group. It typically attains a height and width of two feet. The blades grow up to 10 inches long and have a width of about a quarter inch. It pairs well with white wood aster, purple poppy mallow, Pennsylvania sedge, and spotted beebalm. If you want to make your home more environmentally friendly, planting it may help. Eragrostis Spectabilis can be used to control soil erosion, and it's considered water-wise, which means if you're planting a drought-tolerant yard, you could include tumble plants in your landscaping. It can also be used as a green or living roof. Purple Love Grass is a famous, hardy, and versatile ornamental plant. It makes a beautiful addition to any home garden or landscaping project and may even help lower one's carbon footprint. What are some of the benefits of Purple love grass Due to its fibrous root structure and growth behavior, Purple love grass is ideal for use in preventing soil erosion on steep slopes or in areas that have loose soil. Purple Love Grass offers nectar to bees and butterflies so the flowers are particularly attractive for pollinators and add life to your garden.  How can I propagate the Purple Love Grass?  Purple love grass may be reproduced by division during spring. Just dig out a mature clump, carefully tease out the roots and finally transplant them in good drainage soil.  Is Purple Love Grass high maintenance Purple love grass is low maintenance, but like most plants, it will benefit from some tender loving care. Late in spring, remove all dried leaves to allow new leaves to grow. Water the plant adequately during the growing season and when there is a lack of rain.  What are some Companion plants for purple love grass?  Plant it together with low-growing sedums for the exciting texture difference or with colorful salvias for contrast. Also, purple love grass looks beautiful when combined with yarrow or Russian sage.  Purple Love Grass in landscaping  Plant in succession for a meadow appearance or as a pediment on walkways. Place it with other plants of similar and extreme shapes, or use it as a monolithic center piece.

Jacobs Ladder - TN Nursery

Jacobs Ladder

Jacobs Ladder is a perennial wildflower with pinnate leaves and delicate, bell-shaped, blue to purple flowers arranged along its arching stems, adding grace to shady garden settings. It is a charming and distinctive perennial plant that offers many benefits when incorporated into landscaping designs. With its delicate clusters of bell-shaped flowers and elegant fern-like foliage, it brings a touch of enchantment and versatility to outdoor spaces.   Jacobs Ladder is officially known as Polemonium reptans or simply Polemonium. It's part of the Polemoniaceae or Phlox family and is sometimes called the American Greek valerian, stairway to heaven, sweet root, and abscess root. Many of its names reference the arrangement of the flowers, which can look like stairs or a ladder. The name is also a reference to a biblical story in the book of Genesis where one of the characters, Jacob, has a dream about a stairway to heaven. The Polemonium is a herbaceous perennial that is native to North America. Jacobs Ladder (Polemonium) Has Stunning Blooms  It is known for its bell-shaped blue or purple-colored flowers. The flowers usually grow to a height of about three-fourths of an inch and have five stamens. The plant tends to grow low to the ground, only reaching heights and widths of about one to two feet. This wildflower is known for its compounding leaves, meaning many leaves grow from one stem. Jacobs Ladder Brightness Up Landscapes  It accompanies trees and shrubs and can brighten up woodland and shade gardens, especially in the spring when its flowers bloom. They also perform well in perennial borders where many other plants are taller than the stairway to heaven. Jacobs Ladder Does Great Near Other Plants It can be planted next to different trees, shrubs, and flowers. Some beneficial companion plants include hostas, lady ferns, lungwort, foam flowers, and coral bells. It also thrives next to spring beauties, Virginia water leaves, and oriental poppies. Benefits Pollinators By Planting Jacob's Ladder  Jacobs Ladder makes a great addition to flower and pollinator gardens. The bell-shaped flowers typically attract a wide variety of bees, butterflies, and birds, especially hummingbirds. These wildflowers can add color to many different types of outdoor gardens. Apartment and condo gardeners can enjoy planting it in pots or containers for balcony gardening or as an indoor plant to add color and life to their inside spaces. How much light does Jacob's Ladder need Jacob's Ladder is equally at home in part shade to full shade, and will do well in woodland or shade gardens. But it can survive morning sun if the soil is never dry.  How do you care for a Jacob's Ladder plant?  Jacob's Ladder likes moist, aerated soil and a little occasional irrigation when it is wet. Put mulch on the plant to keep moisture in the soil.  How tall does Jacob's Ladder get The Jacob's Ladder plant is 12-18 inches tall. They are fern-like with bell-shaped flowers, and they are a favorite among gardeners.  What color are the flowers of Jacob's Ladder?  Jacob's Ladder flower blue or violet, and is generally pastel. They also add color in shaded areas and draw in pollinators like bees and butterflies.  Does Jacob's Ladder spread Yes, Jacob's Ladder is clump-like, spreading softly, and so making the garden appear natural as you would like it to.

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