Yes! There are many native plants that look great year-round—even in cold climates. The specific plants that will thrive in your area depend on your local climate (or planting zone) and growing conditions.
Some examples of native plants that look interesting year-round include:
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Dogwood (Cornus spp.) – This tree or shrub has showy flowers in the spring, colorful foliage in the fall, and bright red or yellow berries in the winter.
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Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) – This shrub has large, showy white flowers in the summer, and its leaves turn a beautiful bronze or red in the fall. The exfoliating bark is also attractive in the winter.
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Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) – This small tree or shrub has white flowers in the spring, delicious berries in the summer, and colorful fall foliage.
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New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) – This perennial has violet-blue flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall, and the dried seed heads often persist through the winter.
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Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) – This small tree or shrub has fragrant yellow, red, or orange flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring.
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Coral Honeysuckle flower nectar is a favorite of hummingbirds in the spring and summer, and the fall berries are loved by finches and thrushes
- Coneflower (or echinacea) is beloved by butterflies and bees while in flower, and then turns into a seed buffet in the fall and winter for cardinals