Not sure what to plant or where to plant it? See a plant that you like but don’t know what it is? These plant databases and apps can help you select and identify plants that will thrive in your garden. Keep in mind we are in Hardiness Zone 7b. Be sure to look for your soil type, the amount of sun and water an area receives, and always plant for the mature size of the plant. Finally, before you buy check the Tennessee Invasive Plant list.
Plant Databases
- Audubon Native Plant Database Use Audubon’s native plants database to explore the best plants for birds in your area, as well as local resources and links to more information.
- Invasive Plants of Tennessee List Tennessee Invasive Plant Council (TN-IPC) Many invasive plants start out as popular landscaping plants, such as English ivy, nandina shrubs, mimosa trees and butterfly bushes. The list has both established and emerging threats and gives alternative native plants.
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database The most comprehensive database of native plants for North America. Search by scientific or common name or choose a particular family of plants.
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder Look up, view a photo and read about the over 7,500 plants which are growing or have been grown in the Kemper Center display gardens (plus selected additions) by scientific name, common name and/or selected plant characteristics.
- Native Plants for Tennessee Tennessee Smart Yards is excited to provide a comprehensive listing of Tennessee native plants that are available commercially.
- Plants for Tennessee Landscapes- Perennials UT Hort: This publication is a practical, easy to use guide to help you select the best plants for your landscape. It provides information on light and soil needs as well as notes about wildlife and other topics. Best of all, this list was developed by Tennessee horticulturists for Tennessee gardeners! So, you know that these plants have been grown and trialed right here in our state.
- The North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox contains detailed descriptions and photographs of 4,316 plants that grow in and around North Carolina.
- USDA PLANTS Database provides standardized information about the vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, hornworts, and lichens of the U.S. and its territories.
Apps
- iNaturalist An easy to use app that helps you identify the plants and animals around you. iNaturalist is a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.
- Pl@ntNet A citizen science project available as an app that helps you identify plants thanks to your pictures. This project is part of the Floris’Tic initiative.
- Google Lens Search what you see.