Tennessee Native Plant Society

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Tennessee Native Plant Society

The Tennessee Native Plant Society is a botanical organization for persons interested in the native flora of Tennessee. www.tnps.org
Email: [email protected]
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Our members meet frequently at various locations all over the
state for field trips. For these trips we rely on local amateurs and
professionals who know the plants in a given area. Members learn of the time and place of these events and other news of the society through our TNPS newsletter. See website for more information: http://www.tnps.org

07/13/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the "TNPS Botanical Tools & Techniques – A Deeper Dive into iNaturalist Capabilities and Uses” Workshop with Eli Harris! If you couldn’t make it, you can still watch the full seminar.

Scan the QR code to catch the recording on YouTube, or visit this link: https://youtu.be/8h5hvtZ-sBM

07/13/2026

Busy bee! This hardworking pollinator is a native leafcutter bee, one of the solitary bees in the family Megachilidae. Rather than living in hives, each female builds her own nest, carefully cutting neat circular pieces from leaves to line and protect her brood chambers. Note the pollen sack on its abdomen rather than the legs.

Thanks to Blake Rowlett, a TNPS member, for contributing this unique photo.

07/13/2026

𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐧𝐢𝐩 (𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐦) is a rare native member of the carrot family found in the southern Appalachian region. This imperiled perennial grows in scattered populations in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, where it is restricted to dry to moist woodland openings over limestone and other calcium-rich soils.

Growing up to about 3 feet tall, cutleaf meadow parsnip is easy to recognize by its finely divided, fern-like leaves and clusters of pale cream to yellow flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. It thrives in small forest openings where sunlight reaches the woodland floor but is often overlooked because of its resemblance to other meadow-parsnips.

Because of its limited range and specialized habitat, cutleaf meadow parsnip is considered imperiled. Canopy closure from fire suppression and forest succession, invasive plants, roadside maintenance, and habitat loss all threaten its survival, making the protection of Tennessee's calcareous woodlands essential for this uncommon native wildflower.

07/12/2026

Here is an interesting opportunity for Friday, July 17th in Murfreesboro. Reservations are required.

07/12/2026

Pollinator at work! Thanks to TNPS member, Blake Rowlett for contributing this beautiful photo.

07/12/2026

𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐩𝐮𝐫 (𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐦) is a striking Tennessee native perennial with tall spikes of blue to blue-purple flowers that bloom from July through September. In Tennessee, it is listed as endangered and is known from only Anderson, Hamilton, Knox, and Roane counties. Plants typically grow 3–6 feet tall, with deeply divided leaves and showy spurred flowers that occasionally appear lavender-pink or white.

This species grows in open woods, wooded slopes, and forest edges, thriving in part sun to full sun with fertile, well-drained soils, especially over limestone or other calcium-rich rock. Its scattered distribution and specialized habitat make it an important species for conservation in Tennessee.

Tall larkspur's nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, making it a valuable native wildflower for natural landscapes. A word of caution: every part of the plant, especially the seeds, is poisonous.

07/12/2026

Purple Giant Hyssop (𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐚), is a tall native perennial in the mint family that grows in rich woodlands and bottomlands. In Tennessee, it is a state-threatened species, known naturally only from Polk and Carter counties, making it one of the state's rarer native wildflowers.

This striking plant forms upright clumps 4–6 feet tall (occasionally taller) with square, often purplish stems and opposite, toothed leaves that may have a pleasant anise fragrance. From July through September, it produces dense spikes of pale purple to purplish-red tubular flowers that attract a variety of pollinators.

Purple giant hyssop thrives in rich, moist soils along woodland edges, floodplains, thickets, and open forests with dappled shade. Its late-season blooms provide an important nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making this uncommon native a valuable part of Tennessee's woodland ecosystems.

07/11/2026

𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐤𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐝 (𝐂𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐦 𝐥𝐚𝐞𝐯𝐞) is a native perennial vine in the milkweed family (Apocynaceae). Common in West and Middle Tennessee, it grows along woodland edges, fencerows, streambanks, and other disturbed sites, climbing by twining around nearby vegetation.

The vine has opposite, heart-shaped leaves and produces clusters of small, fragrant, creamy white flowers from summer into early fall. Long, slender seed pods follow, releasing silky wind-dispersed seeds.

Climbing milkweed is an excellent nectar source and a host plant for monarch butterflies and other insects. However, its vigorous growth can quickly cover shrubs, fences, and crops, making it weedy in gardens and agricultural areas.

07/11/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐜 (𝐑𝐡𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚) is a tough Tennessee native shrub found mainly in Middle and East Tennessee, with a lighter presence in West Tennessee uplands. It thrives on dry slopes, rocky bluffs, open woodlands, and stream banks, making it an excellent choice for erosion control and drought-tolerant landscapes.

Growing 2–6 feet tall, it spreads to form dense colonies that provide excellent wildlife habitat. Small spring flowers are followed by fuzzy red berries on female plants that feed birds, while the blooms attract native bees and butterflies.

In autumn, fragrant sumac puts on a spectacular display of scarlet, orange, and purple foliage. Its aromatic leaves release a spicy-citrus scent when crushed, and although its three-part leaves resemble poison ivy, this attractive native shrub is completely harmless.

07/10/2026

𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 (𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚), also known as false dragonhead, is a Tennessee native perennial in the mint family that brightens moist meadows, streambanks, woodland edges, and open fields from July to September. Its tall square stems are topped with spikes of pink, lavender, or white tubular flowers that can be gently moved to one side and will remain in place, giving the plant its memorable common name.

Growing 3–5 feet tall, obedient plant spreads by underground rhizomes to form colonies. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, fertile soils, though it tolerates clay and seasonal wetness. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to its abundant late-season nectar, making it an excellent choice for supporting pollinators when many other native flowers have finished blooming.

Obedient plant is an excellent addition to rain gardens, naturalized landscapes, and native plant gardens where it has room to spread. Its long-lasting blooms provide vibrant color well into autumn while helping sustain Tennessee's native pollinators and adding beauty to moist native habitats.

Address

TN Native Plant Society P. O. Box 159274
Nashville, TN
37215

Website

http://www.tnps.org/

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