Native Plant Finder
Find native Iowa plants
There are hundreds to choose from — let us help you find the perfect native plant for your project.
Guides & Resources
Planting guides, tools & plant lists
Free downloadable guides plus curated tools and Iowa State Extension resources for finding the right native plants.
Gardening Guide for Butterflies & Pollinators
Butterfly facts plus native plant selections that feed and shelter Iowa's pollinators throughout the season.
Download PDF ⬇ Planting GuideGardening & Feeding Guide for Supporting Native Birds
A guide to Iowa bird species, their habits, and the native plants that help them thrive year-round.
Read guide → Search ToolAudubon Native Plant Search Tool
Enter your zip code to find native plants for your area and the birds they support.
Open tool → Plant ListPerennials for Moist or Wet Soil
Native perennials that flourish in rain gardens, low spots, and consistently damp ground.
View list → Plant ListMidwestern Grasses for Home Landscaping
Ornamental native grasses and cultivars well suited to home gardens and borders.
View list → Plant ListTurfgrass Alternatives
Low-maintenance ground covers and plantings to replace a traditional lawn.
View list → Plant GuideNative Ferns
Which native ferns work well in the home landscape, and where they grow best.
Read guide → Plant GuideShrubs for Shady Locations
Native shrubs that thrive in the shaded areas of a home landscape.
Read guide → Plant GuideWildflowers for Shady Locations
Woodland wildflowers that bring color to shady spots in the garden.
Read guide → Plant GuidePerennials for Shady Locations
Dependable native perennials for shady sites where many plants struggle.
Read guide →Where to buy
Sourcing native seeds & plants
The University of Northern Iowa's Tallgrass Prairie Center maintains current lists of local nurseries and suppliers for native seeds.
Recommended Reading
The Midwest Native Plant Primer
225 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden
Beautiful photos and plenty of detail about the environments each plant thrives in, plus which wildlife each one supports — an ideal companion for planning a native garden.
View the bookIowa's Natural Heritage
As we reflect on our connections to Iowa's native heritage, nature, and the land, let us also remember that the state of Iowa rests on the territorial lands of the Sioux, Sauk, Meskwaki, and Ioway people.