Native Plants of Rhode Island: Trees, Shrubs, Wildflowers, Grasses, and Ferns

Rhode Island's native flora reflects its New England coastal and woodland ecosystems. Here are key native species by category:

Trees

• Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) – Tall, long-needled conifer; state tree of Maine, common in RI.
• Red Maple (Acer rubrum) – Brilliant red fall foliage; thrives in wetlands.
• Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) – Source of maple syrup; yellow-orange fall color.
• White Oak (Quercus alba) – Majestic, long-lived; lobed leaves, sweet acorns.
• Black Oak (Quercus velutina) – Dark bark, deeply lobed leaves, bitter acorns.

Shrubs

• Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) – Evergreen; showy pink/white blooms in June; state flower of CT/PA.
• Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) – Large evergreen; rose-purple flowers.
• Azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides) – Deciduous; fragrant pink/white spring flowers.
• Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) – Edible berries; red fall foliage.
• Common Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) – Late-fall yellow flowers; medicinal extract.

Wildflowers

• New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) – Purple daisy-like flowers; late summer/fall.
• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) – Bright yellow plumes; important pollinator plant.
• White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata) – Shade-tolerant; white flowers in late summer.
• Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) – Invasive in wetlands; showy magenta spikes.
• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) – Tall, mauve-pink clusters; butterfly magnet.

Grasses

• Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) – Tall, "turkey foot" seed heads; prairie dominant.
• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – Shorter, coppery fall color; drought-tolerant.
• Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) – Golden-bronze plumes; wildlife value.
• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) – Upright, airy panicles; biofuel potential.
• Prairie Cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) – Wetland grass; strong rhizomes for erosion control.

Ferns

• Hay-scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) – Fragrant, lacy fronds; spreads aggressively.
• New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis) – Tapered fronds; moist woods.
• Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum) – Large, triangular fronds; global distribution.
• Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) – Evergreen, leathery; holiday greenery.
• Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) – Tall, stately; wet areas; fertile fronds crown the plant.

These species support local wildlife, stabilize soils, and define Rhode Island's natural heritage. For landscaping, choose nursery-propagated natives—never dig from the wild.