You can use the Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox to find a plant that meets specific site requirements or that performs a specific function.
Here is an example of how to find a shade tree that is native to North Carolina, appropriate for the Piedmont area, and not weedy.
- Click "Find a Plant" (in the upper left corner - circled in blue below). If you are using the Plant Toolbox on a mobile phone, this icon will expand the menu so you can see them.
- In the left sidebar under Cultural Conditions, select NC Region to open the drop-down menu and select Piedmont.
- In the second box in the left column titled Landscape
- Select Landscape Theme to open the drop-down menu and select Native Garden.
- Under Design Feature select Shade Tree.
- Select Problems to Exclude to open the drop-down menu and select Weedy.
By making these choices (four filters), you are presented with a list of 61 possible options. Click on the name of any plant to see images, descriptions, and data.
To narrow the list, you can specify additional filters such as Cultural Conditions (light, space, hardiness zone, etc.), Landscape Uses (Attracts wildlife, Resistance to Deer, etc.), Whole Plant Traits (Tree, Shrub, etc.), and features of the Flowers and Leaves. Click on the name of any plant to see images, descriptions, and data. You can deselect any filter by clicking on it to uncheck the box.
You can click on the blue “Add” button (circled in red, below) to add a plant to your shopping list.
