Tennessee's Best Native Plants

Lombardy Poplar Tree

The Lombardy Poplar is a remarkable choice for anyone seeking a fast-growing tree to transform their outdoor space. Known for its impressive height and slender, columnar form, this deciduous tree is a standout addition to landscapes. With a growth rate of up to six feet per year, the Lombardy Poplar quickly establishes itself, making it perfect for those who want instant impact in their garden. Whether you’re looking to add shade, create a natural privacy screen, or establish an elegant border along a driveway, this tree is an ideal choice.
This poplar is well-suited for larger gardens, estates, or properties where its towering height of up to 110 feet can be fully appreciated. Its narrow shape allows it to fit neatly along fences, property lines, or pathways, offering a striking vertical element to the landscape. Its shimmering leaves, green on top and silver underneath, create a dynamic, rippling effect in the wind, adding movement and visual interest to any garden. In autumn, the Lombardy Poplar offers a stunning display as its foliage turns a brilliant golden yellow, with some trees even deepening to a rich red hue.

If you’re looking to make an impact in your garden or need a tree that grows rapidly, the Lombardy Poplar is a top-tier choice for creating structure, shade, and style in any outdoor space.

Momosa tree

This tree is a distinctive addition to gardens and landscapes. Momosa tree has become a favorite in many parts of the world due to its unique qualities.This tree stands out for its delicate, compound leaves that create a lacy canopy. However, its most striking feature is the fluffy, pink flower clusters that bloom in summer. These blossoms have a pleasant fragrance and can last for several weeks, making the tree a vibrant focal point.
One thing to keep in mind: Mimosas are eager growers and can spread through seeds. Place them where their enthusiasm won't overshadow other plants. They're happiest in full sun with well-draining soil, though they're not picky and will grow in most conditions.

Planting Time	Plant it in Spring or fall season, starting from November through April
Planting Instructions	Plant mimosa in a hole big enough to fit the plant's root system. The key is to plant it at the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot – planting too deep is a common mistake that can harm the tree. Once you've placed your tree, fill the hole with soil mixed with some compost
Mulching	Give your plants a cozy layer of bark, leaves, or straw around their base - it helps keep the ground moist and keeps those pesky weeds away.
Watering	Water every other day, especially during the growimg years, to develop strong root system.
Fertilizing	Give your Creeping Phlox a gentle boost in spring by mixing in a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Just a light feeding when new growth appears will keep your plants healthy and blooming their best - no need to overdo it!

Want to make the most of your Mimosa? Plant spring bulbs or shade-loving perennials underneath – the tree's light canopy allows enough sun through for other plants to thrive while creating a layered, professional-looking garden design.

The American Beech Tree

Looking for a tree that can become a family legacy? The American Beech might be your perfect match. This Tennessee native is nature's answer to living art, with its smooth, elephant-gray bark that almost looks polished. Think of it as your garden's gentle giant – it grows slowly but surely, taking its time to reach heights of 50-80 feet while creating a stunning natural canopy that can span 40-60 feet wide.

In spring and summer, its leaves shimmer like glossy green fans, creating cool, deep shade perfect for those hot Tennessee afternoons. Come fall, it transforms into a copper beacon, with leaves turning golden-bronze and hanging on well into winter, giving your landscape warm color when other trees have gone bare. The smooth bark is so distinctive that it often becomes a family landmark, though parents might want to discourage the age-old tradition of carving initials!

This tree is perfect for larger properties where it has room to spread its impressive canopy. Think of spaces like sprawling backyards, estate gardens, or natural woodland areas. It's particularly well-suited for creating shaded reading nooks or family gathering spaces – imagine setting up a bench or hammock beneath its spreading branches.

The American Beech isn't just beautiful – it's a vital part of our local ecosystem. Its nuts feed wildlife from squirrels to deer, and its dense canopy provides nesting sites for birds. For larger Tennessee properties looking to create a lasting natural legacy, the American Beech offers the perfect combination of beauty, shade, and ecological value.

Creeping Phlox

Looking to add a splash of color that spreads like a living carpet across your garden? Meet Creeping Phlox, a charming ground cover that blankets the earth with waves of colorful blooms. This hardy perennial paints the ground in beautiful shades of pink, violet, blue, or white flowers. Even after the blooms fade, its evergreen foliage keeps your garden looking fresh and tidy all year round.

This plant is ideal for sunny or partially shaded outdoor spaces, where its low-growing habit can enhance garden beds, rock gardens, or pathways. Thanks to its spreading nature, it is particularly effective as a ground cover for slopes, hillsides, or uneven terrain where traditional grass struggles to thrive. With its tightly clustered foliage and dense blooms, Creeping Phlox suppresses weeds and reduces maintenance efforts, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a low-care yet stunning solution for their yard.
This garden workhorse doesn't just look pretty – it's also a natural problem-solver. The way Creeping Phlox grows, sending its roots deep and wide through the soil, makes it perfect for tricky spots where the ground tends to wash away. Plant it on hillsides or along slopes, and its thick mat of leaves and sturdy root network will grip the soil like nature's very own anchor. Plus, those spreading stems act like a living mulch, protecting the ground from harsh sun and rain while keeping weeds at bay. It's like having a landscape helper that works year-round!

Plant Creeping Phlox along borders, as an accent in rock gardens, or as a cascading feature over walls for a visually dynamic effect. It pairs beautifully with taller perennials, adding dimension and texture to your landscape. Whether you want to create a lush, weed-free carpet of color or address erosion issues with style, Creeping Phlox is a reliable and beautiful choice for any outdoor space.

Snow Hill Hydrangea

The Snow Hill Hydrangea is a stunning deciduous shrub known for its snowball-like clusters of pristine white flowers. These blooms, which appear in dense, rounded clusters, create a magical and elegant display from late spring to early fall. Reaching up to five feet in height and width, this compact plant is ideal for adding visual appeal to garden borders, slopes, and foundation plantings. With its lush green foliage that transitions to golden hues in autumn, it provides year-round charm to any landscape.

Snow Hill Hydrangea thrives in partially shaded areas, making it a great choice for shade gardens or spaces with dappled sunlight. It also performs well in rain gardens, thanks to its adaptability to moist, well-drained soil. The consistent white flowers maintain their color throughout the season, though they may transition briefly to pink before turning brown if left to dry in place. These dried blooms add a rustic touch to fall landscapes.
This adaptable shrub serves wonderfully as a centerpiece, a natural privacy screen, or as a component of a pollinator-friendly garden, drawing bees and butterflies with its plentiful blooms. Snow Hill Hydrangea is an easy-care, eye-catching plant that enhances any outdoor setting, ideal for crafting tranquil and beautiful garden spaces.

Whether used to brighten a shaded corner, enhance a rain garden, or create a stunning border, it’s a reliable choice for any landscape. Bring timeless elegance to your outdoor space—add Snow Hill Hydrangea to your garden today!

Topiary Moss

Known for its ability to grow on frames and structures, it transforms ordinary outdoor spaces into captivating environments with its lush, textured greenery. This moss, often made from Taxiphyllum or Sphagnum species, creates intricate shapes and forms that evoke creativity and elegance. From whimsical animal sculptures to geometric designs, Topiary Moss offers endless possibilities for living art that brings charm and sophistication to your garden.

Ideal for shady or partially shaded outdoor spaces, Topiary Moss thrives in moist environments, making it perfect for streambanks, bog gardens, or woodland-inspired areas. It attaches easily to various surfaces, including rocks, logs, and wireframes, allowing for creative placements throughout the garden.

With its vibrant green display and soft texture, this moss is an perfect choice for making exotic garden entrances, lining pathways, or serving as a focal interest in your garden. Its versatility and ability to develop dense cover make it ideal for both minimal decorative accents and detailed artistic installations in your garden.

Beyond its visual appeal, Topiary Moss provides ecological benefits that enhance the environment. It helps purify the air, store carbon, and create habitats for microorganisms, contributing to a healthier and more balanced ecosystem. Its dense growth also aids in noise reduction, making your outdoor space a tranquil retreat.

Whether you're looking to add a touch of whimsy with a topiary sculpture or create a serene, mossy feature, Topiary Moss is a versatile and environmentally friendly addition to your garden. Embrace this living art form and elevate your landscape design with the timeless beauty of Topiary Moss.

Black Cohosh

Looking to add some drama to your shady garden spots? Black Cohosh is nature's answer to lighting up dark corners. This native beauty stands tall and proud, sending up wands of white flowers that seem to glow in the shadows – no wonder some folks call it fairy candle! The plant starts with rich, deep green leaves that fan out like nature's umbrellas, creating a lush base. Then comes the real show: elegant white flower spikes that rise up like sparklers in the night, sometimes reaching impressive heights that make your garden feel like an enchanted forest.
This hardy perennial thrives in woodland settings or shady garden corners where the soil is rich, well-drained, and consistently moist. Its ability to tolerate partial to full shade makes it an ideal addition to shaded borders, under tree canopies, or along naturalized paths. With its tall stature, reaching up to six feet, Black Cohosh works beautifully as a backdrop for shorter perennials like ferns or hostas, adding layers of depth to your outdoor space. In addition, its late spring to early summer blooms bring a delicate, ethereal charm to areas that may lack vibrant color during this period.

Black Cohosh does double duty in your garden – it's both a stunning ornamental and a friend to local wildlife. When its tall, white flower spikes stretch toward the sky, they become nature's dining table for hungry bees and butterflies searching for sweet nectar. Native Americans understood this plant's special qualities long before modern gardens existed, using it for various wellness purposes. Through time, it has earned respect not just for its looks but for its traditional uses in supporting women's health, particularly during life changes.

If you're crafting a serene woodland retreat or seeking a low-maintenance, impactful plant for shaded areas, Black Cohosh is an excellent choice. Add this versatile perennial to your garden for its beauty, ecological value, and heritage. Purchase Black Cohosh from TN Nursery today and discover how this native gem can transform your yard.

Black Raspberry Plant

Decorate your lawn space with our homegrown Black Raspberry plants, nature's perfect blend of beauty and bounty. Often crowned the "king of berries," these remarkable native plants offer what few others can - stunning ornamental value alongside harvests of incredibly sweet, nutrient-rich berries that put store-bought varieties to shame.

Imagine stepping into your backyard on a summer morning to harvest clusters of perfectly ripe, glossy black berries, their intense sweet-tart flavor bursting with antioxidants and natural goodness. These versatile berries transition beautifully from fresh snacking to homemade jams, desserts, and smoothies, giving you endless opportunities to enjoy your garden's rewards.
But Black Raspberries aren't just about their delectable fruits - they're landscape performers too. Growing 3-5 feet tall, these graceful plants create living architecture in your garden, with lush green foliage that transforms into brilliant reds come fall. Their manageable size and natural elegance make them perfect for creating edible hedgerows, defining garden spaces, or adding seasonal interest to mixed borders.