Native Plant Sources

ETHICAL native plant sources abound for butterfly gardeners in Western North Carolina. I get most of my plants from the native nurseries near Asheville or through high-quality mail order sources. I do a lot of division of my own plants, too. Always check for the scientific name of the plants when you buy. I prefer straight native species rather than cultivars. I also prefer to plant local ecotypes when possible. One way I do this is by asking my botanist friends if they can collect seeds for me from their property or places where they have permission to collect seeds. Note: it is illegal to collect seeds without a permit on public lands.

I don't buy plants from big box stores and rarely from nurseries not on my lists. The big box stores mostly sell non-natives, and I don't trust that their plants haven't been treated with bee and butterfly-killing chemicals. I also avoid shopping at local nurseries that sells noxious invasives like English Ivy. Poaching of plants and butterflies is a real problem so it's so important to know who you're buying from and get a feel for their values.

Native plant sales offer nice opportunities for native butterfly gardeners. I'll list my favorites further down this page as I get time. Cheers, Heather

Plant sales near Asheville, NC,
with native plant venders

COMING SOON!