The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a key local resource for learning about and seeing many native plants in real landscapes. The Gardens span 67 acres and feature more than 25 distinct garden areas, including the Kaul Wildflower Garden, which focuses heavily on Alabama native species and natural plant communities. Visiting the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is one of the best ways to see how these plants look at maturity and how they can be combined effectively in home landscapes.
The Sun-Lovers (Full Sun)
Wavyleaf Purple Coneflower
(Echinacea simulata) Excellent for attracting pollinators; long summer bloom.
Largeflower Tickseed
(Coreopsis grandiflora) Offers bright yellow flowers and is highly drought-tolerant once established.
Southern Sugar Maple
(Acer floridanum) A heat-tolerant native tree providing excellent fall color.
Pussytoes
(Antennaria plantaginifolia) For sunny, dry areas, use Pussytoes as a low-growing native groundcover.
The Transitional Gems (Partial Sun/Shade)
Oakleaf Hydrangea
(Hydrangea quercifolia) Alabama’s iconic native shrub that thrives in morning sun and afternoon shade.
Native Yellow Honeysuckle
(Lonicera flava) Fragrant flowers specifically suited to attract hummingbirds.
Virginia Sweetspire
(Itea virginica) Highly adaptable to moist soils with beautiful spring flowers and fall foliage.
The Woodland Wonders (Shade to Dappled Shade)
Green and Gold
(Chrysogonum virginianum): A reliable groundcover for woodland gardens.
Cherokee Sedge
(Carex cherokeensis) An evergreen sedge ideal for replacing lawn under trees or in shady spots.
Moss Phlox
(Phlox subulata) provides early spring color but prefers light shade in hotter climates.
